Netflix does not sell a lifetime subscription
Netflix stopped offering lifetime subscriptions years ago. Today, Netflix operates on a month-to-month model only — you pay a recurring monthly fee and can cancel anytime. There is no option to pay once and keep the service forever.
The company shifted to this model because streaming rights, content licensing, and server costs are ongoing expenses that change year to year. A lifetime subscription would lock Netflix into a fixed price while their actual costs rise. That is why every major streaming service — Disney+, Hulu, Max, Prime Video — uses the same monthly payment structure.
If you see a website claiming to sell Netflix lifetime access, it is either a scam or referring to a third-party account-sharing service (which violates Netflix's terms and can result in your account being shut down).
Key Takeaways
- Netflix offers four subscription tiers with different monthly prices, ranging from a basic ad-supported plan to a premium plan with 4K video and multiple simultaneous streams.
- Prices vary by country and change periodically; you can see your exact price in your Netflix account settings or on the Netflix website for your region.
- You can pause your subscription for up to ten months without losing your profile, watchlist, or viewing history.
- Netflix does not offer refunds for partial months, but you can cancel immediately and keep access through the end of your current billing cycle.
The four Netflix plans and what they cost
Netflix currently offers four subscription tiers. The exact price of each varies by country and changes over time, so the amounts below are examples only — check Netflix.com in your country for current pricing.
| Plan | Video Quality | Simultaneous Streams | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard with Ads | Up to 1080p | 2 devices | Yes |
| Standard | Up to 1080p | 2 devices | No |
| Premium | Up to 4K | 4 devices | No |
| Basic | Up to 720p | 1 device | No |
The Standard with Ads plan is the cheapest entry point. You see advertisements before and during shows, but the video quality and number of simultaneous streams are the same as the Standard plan. The Standard plan removes ads but keeps you at 1080p resolution and two simultaneous streams. The Premium plan is the most expensive and includes 4K video (if your internet and device support it) and the ability to stream on four devices at once.
The Basic plan is no longer available to new members in most countries, though existing members can keep it. Netflix has been phasing it out because it does not generate enough revenue.
How Netflix price changes work
Netflix raises prices periodically — sometimes every year, sometimes every few years, depending on the region. When a price increase happens, Netflix notifies you by email and in your account settings at least 30 days before the new price takes effect. You can see the exact date the increase applies to you.
If you disagree with the new price, you can cancel before the increase takes effect and keep access through the end of your current billing cycle. You will not be charged the higher amount. If you cancel after the increase date, you have already been charged at the new rate.
Price increases are not uniform across all plans or all regions. Netflix may raise the Premium plan price by $2 while raising Standard by $1, or may not raise prices in some countries at all during a given year. The only way to know your specific price and any upcoming changes is to log into your Netflix account or visit Netflix.com for your country.
Pausing your subscription instead of canceling
If you want to stop paying for Netflix temporarily but do not want to lose your profile, watchlist, and viewing history, you can pause your account instead of canceling. Netflix allows you to pause for up to ten months total. While paused, you are not charged, and your account sits dormant.
To pause, go to your account settings, find the "Pause membership" option, and select how long you want to pause (usually in one-month increments). When you are ready to resume, you log back in and your account reactivates at the current price for your plan. Pausing is useful if you know you will want Netflix again in a few months but do not want to pay in the meantime.
What happens to your account if you cancel
When you cancel Netflix, you keep access through the end of your current billing cycle. If your billing date is the 15th and you cancel on the 5th, you can still watch until the 15th. After that date, your account is deactivated and you cannot log in.
Your profile, watchlist, viewing history, and saved preferences are held for up to ten months. If you resubscribe within that window, everything is restored exactly as you left it. After ten months, Netflix deletes your profile data and you start fresh if you come back.
Netflix does not refund unused portions of your billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you do not get money back for the days remaining. The only way to avoid being charged for the next month is to cancel before your next billing date.
Account sharing and household rules
Netflix now requires that people living outside your household pay for their own subscription. The company uses IP address, device, and account activity to detect when someone is using your account from a different location. If detected, Netflix prompts that person to either create their own account or pay an extra fee to be added as an authorized user on your account.
The extra fee for adding an out-of-household user varies by country and plan. In some regions, it costs $7.99 per month; in others, it is less. This fee is separate from your main subscription and is billed to the primary account holder.
People in your household (same address) can use your account without paying extra, and you can have multiple simultaneous streams depending on your plan. The Premium plan allows four simultaneous streams, which is enough for most households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?
No. Netflix does not refund unused days in your billing cycle. If you cancel on the 10th and your billing date is the 20th, you keep access until the 20th but do not receive a refund for those ten days. To avoid being charged again, cancel before your next billing date.
What is the cheapest way to use Netflix?
The Standard with Ads plan is the lowest-cost option. You see advertisements, but the video quality is the same as the ad-free Standard plan. If you can tolerate ads, this plan costs significantly less than the others.
Do I lose everything if I cancel and come back later?
Your profile and watchlist are saved for up to ten months after cancellation. If you resubscribe within that window, everything is restored. After ten months, Netflix deletes your data and you start with a blank slate.
Will Netflix charge me if I pause my account?
No. While paused, you are not charged at all. You can pause for up to ten months total. When you resume, you are charged at the current price for your plan on the date you reactivate.
Can I switch to a cheaper plan anytime?
Yes. You can change your plan in your account settings at any time. The new plan takes effect immediately, and your next billing charge reflects the new price. There is no penalty for downgrading.