Netflix's current pricing and plan tiers

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States, each with different features and monthly costs. As of 2024, the Standard with ads plan costs $6.99 per month, Standard costs $15.49 per month, Premium costs $22.99 per month, and the basic tier has been discontinued. The price you pay depends on which plan you choose and whether you want ads interrupting your viewing.

The Standard with ads plan lets you watch on one device at a time and includes ads during most content. Standard allows two simultaneous streams and no ads. Premium allows four simultaneous streams, no ads, and access to the highest video quality available. Each tier includes the full Netflix library — the difference is how many people can watch at once and whether you see commercials.

Netflix has raised prices multiple times over the past few years. The company typically announces increases a few weeks before they take effect, and existing members usually get a grace period before the new price applies to their account. Price changes vary by region, so what you pay may differ from what someone in another state pays.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has four active plans ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month, with the main differences being simultaneous streams allowed and whether ads appear.
  • The Standard with ads plan is the cheapest option but limits you to one device at a time and includes commercials.
  • Premium costs the most but allows four people to watch simultaneously and removes all ads.
  • Netflix prices have increased several times and may continue to change, with existing customers usually notified weeks in advance.

What each plan includes and who it's for

The Standard with ads plan works best for a single person or someone who watches alone most of the time. You cannot watch on multiple devices simultaneously, so if someone else in your household starts a show, your stream stops. The ads appear before and during most titles, though some content is ad-free. This plan costs the least and is Netflix's entry point for new members.

Standard is the middle option and the most common choice for households with two people. You get two simultaneous streams, which means two people can watch different shows at the same time on different devices. There are no ads. This plan works for couples, roommates, or a parent and child who watch at different times.

Premium is designed for larger households or families. Four people can stream at once, so a family of four can each watch something different. You also get access to 4K video quality if your device and internet connection support it, and you can download titles to watch offline on up to four devices. Premium costs significantly more but is the only plan that truly supports a full family without conflicts over who gets to watch.

How Netflix handles shared accounts and extra members

Netflix has cracked down on password sharing over the past two years. If you share your account password with people outside your household, Netflix may ask you to add them as paid extra members or remove them from your account. The cost of adding an extra member varies by your plan and region but typically ranges from $7.99 to $8.99 per month.

Extra members get their own profile, login, and personalized recommendations, but they do not increase the number of simultaneous streams. If you have a Standard plan with two streams and add an extra member, you still only have two streams total — not three. The extra member feature is meant to formalize sharing rather than expand capacity.

Netflix defines a household as people living in the same home who share internet. If you travel frequently or live part-time in multiple places, Netflix's enforcement has been inconsistent, but the company reserves the right to block access if it detects use outside your primary residence.

Comparing Netflix to other streaming services

Netflix's pricing sits in the middle range of major streaming platforms. Disney+ costs $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 without, Hulu starts at $7.99 with ads, and Max (formerly HBO Max) costs $9.99 with ads or $19.99 without. Amazon Prime Video is $14.99 per month but includes other Prime benefits beyond streaming. Each service has a different library, so the choice often comes down to which shows and movies matter to you.

Many people subscribe to multiple services rather than choosing just one. The total cost of two or three streaming subscriptions can still be less than cable television, but it adds up quickly if you subscribe to five or more. Some households rotate subscriptions, canceling and restarting them based on what they want to watch in a given month.

How to check your current plan and billing date

You can see which plan you are on and when you will be charged by logging into your Netflix account and going to Account Settings. Look for the "Membership and Billing" or "Plan Details" section, which shows your current plan name, the date your next payment is due, and your payment method. This is also where you can change plans or cancel your subscription.

If you want to switch to a different plan, Netflix usually applies the change immediately. If you upgrade to a more expensive plan mid-month, Netflix prorates the difference and charges you the additional amount right away. If you downgrade, the new price takes effect on your next billing date.

Netflix does not offer a free trial for new members in most regions anymore, though some promotions appear occasionally. If you are considering subscribing, you can ask a friend or family member if you can test their account first to see if the service is worth the cost to you.

What happens if Netflix raises prices again

Netflix has signaled that prices may increase further, though the company has not announced specific plans. When price increases happen, Netflix typically notifies existing members by email and in-app message at least three weeks before the change takes effect. You have the option to accept the new price, switch to a cheaper plan, or cancel before the increase applies.

If you receive a price increase notice, you can downgrade to a lower tier to keep your cost the same. For example, if Standard increases and you want to pay less, you can switch to Standard with ads. You can also cancel and restart your subscription later if you want to take a break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on more than one device with Standard?

Yes, but only two devices can stream at the same time. You can watch on a phone, tablet, laptop, and TV — just not all four simultaneously. If a third device tries to start playing, Netflix will pause one of the other streams.

Does Netflix offer a student discount?

Netflix does not currently offer a student discount in the United States. Some regions have promotional pricing for students, but this changes frequently. Check your Netflix account settings or contact Netflix support to see if any discounts are available in your area.

What is the difference between Standard and Premium besides price?

Premium allows four simultaneous streams instead of two, supports 4K video quality, and lets you download to four devices. Standard has no ads and works for two people watching at once, but maxes out at 1080p video quality and one download device.

If I cancel Netflix, do I lose my profile and watch history?

Netflix keeps your profile and watch history for a limited time after cancellation, usually around 10 months. If you resubscribe within that window, your recommendations and viewing history return. After that period, your data is deleted.

Can I use a gift card to pay for Netflix?

Yes, Netflix gift cards are available at most retailers and online. You can redeem them in your account settings under Payment Methods. The gift card amount is applied to your account and used toward your monthly subscription until it runs out.