Netflix has four subscription tiers in the United States, each with different video quality, number of simultaneous streams, and price

Netflix charges a monthly fee for access to its streaming library. The four plans are Standard with ads, Standard, Premium, and Basic. Standard with ads is the cheapest option and includes commercials during playback. Standard, Premium, and Basic are ad-free, but they differ in how many people can watch at the same time and the maximum video quality your screen can display.

Prices change periodically and vary by country. In the United States, Standard with ads typically costs less than $10 per month, while Premium — the highest tier — costs more. Netflix bills you monthly on the same date each month, and you can cancel anytime without penalty. Your access stops at the end of your current billing period.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix offers four subscription tiers: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Standard with ads, each with different simultaneous viewing limits and video quality.
  • You can change your plan at any time, and the new price takes effect on your next billing date.
  • Netflix requires a payment method on file and will charge you automatically each month unless you cancel.
  • Canceling your subscription stops your access at the end of your current billing cycle, and you can restart it later without losing your profile or watch history.

What each Netflix plan includes

The Basic plan allows one person to watch at a time in standard definition (SD) video quality. This is the lowest-priced ad-free option but is the most restrictive if multiple people in your household want to watch simultaneously.

The Standard plan allows two people to watch at the same time in high definition (HD). This is the middle option for households with a couple or small family who don't all watch together constantly.

The Premium plan allows four people to watch at the same time in 4K ultra high definition (UHD). This is the best choice for larger households or families where multiple people often stream different content at once.

The Standard with ads plan allows two simultaneous streams in HD, the same as Standard, but includes advertisements during content. Netflix inserts ads at the beginning, middle, and end of shows and movies. You cannot skip these ads, and the number and length vary by title.

How to set up a Netflix account

Go to netflix.com and click the sign-up button. Enter your email address and create a password. Netflix will ask you to choose a plan and enter a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. After your payment information is confirmed, you can immediately start watching.

Netflix creates a profile for you automatically, but you can add additional profiles for other household members. Each profile has its own watch history, recommendations, and saved list. This lets different people in your home maintain separate viewing experiences without their choices affecting each other's recommendations.

How to change or cancel your plan

Log into your Netflix account and go to Account settings. Under "Membership," you can select a different plan or cancel your subscription. If you change plans, the new price takes effect on your next billing date, not immediately. If you cancel, your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you won't be charged again, but you can still watch until that date passes.

If you cancel and later want to restart, you can sign back in with the same email and password. Your profiles, watch history, and saved titles remain in your account. Netflix does not delete your account data when you cancel; it simply pauses your subscription.

Payment and billing details

Netflix charges your payment method on the same date each month. For example, if you sign up on the 15th, you'll be charged on the 15th of every month. Your billing statement will show "Netflix" as the merchant. If your payment method fails, Netflix will retry it a few times over several days before suspending your account.

You can update your payment method anytime in Account settings. Netflix does not store your full credit card number; it uses a secure payment processor. If you want to use a different card, simply add it and remove the old one from your account.

Sharing your account with others

Netflix's terms of service state that your account is for your household only. Sharing passwords with people outside your home technically violates the terms, though Netflix has not aggressively enforced this rule. However, Netflix has introduced a feature that allows you to add extra members to your account for an additional monthly fee in some regions. This is the official way to share your subscription with people who don't live with you.

If you add an extra member, they get their own profile and login credentials, and they count toward your simultaneous stream limit. The extra member fee varies by plan and region. Check your Account settings to see if this option is available in your area.

What happens if you exceed your simultaneous stream limit

If too many people try to watch at once, Netflix will show an error message saying your limit has been reached. The person trying to start a new stream cannot watch until someone else stops. This is not a penalty — it's simply how the service enforces the limits of each plan. Pausing a show or movie counts as still using a stream; you must stop playback entirely to free up a slot.

If you frequently hit this limit, upgrading to a higher plan with more simultaneous streams is the solution. Premium allows four streams at once, which covers most households.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my Netflix subscription instead of canceling?

Netflix does not offer a formal pause feature. You must cancel to stop being charged. However, you can restart your subscription anytime by logging back in, and your account data remains intact. There is no penalty for canceling and restarting later.

Does Netflix offer a free trial?

Netflix no longer offers a free trial period in most countries. You must enter a payment method and be charged starting with your first month. Some promotions or bundled offers with other services may include trial periods, but these vary by region and change over time.

Can I use my Netflix account on multiple devices?

Yes, you can log into Netflix on many devices — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices. However, the number of devices you can watch on simultaneously depends on your plan. Basic allows one stream, Standard allows two, and Premium allows four, regardless of how many devices your account is logged into.

What if I'm charged after I canceled?

If you're charged after canceling, contact Netflix support through your account. Explain when you canceled and request a refund. Netflix typically processes refunds within a few business days if the charge was made in error or after your cancellation date.

Can I change my plan mid-month?

Yes. When you change plans, the new price takes effect on your next billing date. Netflix does not prorate charges or refund the difference if you upgrade or downgrade mid-cycle. The change simply applies to your next monthly charge.