What Netflix costs right now, and what you get at each price

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States, each with different video quality, number of simultaneous streams, and ad load. 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 ad-free plan has been discontinued. These prices change periodically and vary by country.

The Standard with ads plan streams in 1080p resolution on one device at a time and includes ads. Standard streams in 1080p on two devices simultaneously with no ads. Premium streams in 4K on four devices at once with no ads. Netflix does not offer a trial period anymore, so you pay the full monthly rate starting with your first month.

Netflix bills monthly on a recurring basis. You can cancel anytime without penalty, and your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle. If you downgrade to a cheaper plan mid-cycle, the change takes effect on your next billing date.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix's cheapest option is the Standard with ads plan at $6.99 per month, which includes ads but streams in full HD on one device.
  • Netflix does not currently offer promotional discounts, free trials, or bundle deals directly through its website.
  • Some wireless carriers and internet providers bundle Netflix subscriptions with their services at a reduced rate or included in a package.
  • Sharing a Premium account with others in your household can lower the per-person cost, though Netflix has restrictions on password sharing outside your home.
  • Netflix occasionally offers discounted rates to new subscribers in specific countries or regions, but this is not standard in the United States.

Carrier and internet provider bundles

Several major wireless carriers and internet providers include Netflix subscriptions as part of their service packages. T-Mobile includes Netflix Standard with ads at no extra cost for certain plan tiers. Verizon Fios internet customers can add Netflix to their bill at a discounted rate. Comcast Xfinity internet and TV customers may bundle Netflix into their package. The exact offer, discount amount, and which Netflix tier is included depends on your carrier, your current plan, and your region.

To learn about your carrier or internet provider offers a Netflix bundle, contact them directly or check your account online. Ask whether the Netflix subscription is included free, discounted, or bundled into a higher-tier package. Some offers require you to be a new customer or to upgrade to a specific plan level. If you already have Netflix, switching to a bundled plan may allow you to cancel your standalone subscription and pay through your carrier instead.

Sharing a Premium account within your household

Netflix Premium allows four simultaneous streams, which means up to four people can watch at the same time on different devices. If you live with family members or roommates, splitting a Premium subscription ($22.99 per month) among four people brings the per-person cost to roughly $5.75 per month. This is cheaper than the Standard with ads plan and gives everyone ad-free viewing and 4K quality.

Netflix has implemented restrictions on password sharing outside your household. If you share your login with someone who does not live at your address, Netflix may ask you to verify your account or may prevent that person from using the account. Netflix defines a household as people living in the same home and using the same internet connection. If someone outside your household wants to continue using your account, they may need to set up their own subscription or be added as an authorized user on your account (which Netflix calls a "member" or "sub-account").

Student discounts and special offers

Netflix does not offer a dedicated student discount program in the United States. However, some universities and colleges partner with Netflix to offer discounted subscriptions to enrolled students through their student benefits portal or email system. Check with your school's student services office or benefits website to see if Netflix is included.

Netflix occasionally runs limited-time offers in specific regions or for specific customer segments, but these are not advertised widely and are not available nationwide. If you are a new subscriber in certain countries outside the United States, you may see a promotional rate for the first few months. In the U.S., Netflix typically does not offer introductory discounts to new customers.

How to lower your Netflix costs without a discount

The most direct way to pay less is to choose the Standard with ads plan ($6.99 per month) instead of an ad-free tier. The trade-off is that you will see ads before and during content, and you are limited to one simultaneous stream and 1080p resolution. For most casual viewers on a single device, this plan covers what they watch.

Another option is to pause your subscription during months you do not plan to watch. Netflix allows you to suspend your account for up to three months without canceling it. When you pause, you are not charged, and your profile, watchlist, and viewing history remain saved. You can resume at any time and pick up where you left off. This works well if you binge-watch for a few months and then take a break.

If you share a Premium account, you can also add a paid extra member outside your household for $7.99 per month. This allows someone outside your home to use the account without sharing your password, and it frees up one of your four simultaneous streams for your household.

What to watch for when comparing Netflix to other streaming services

Netflix is one of many streaming services, and the total cost of subscriptions can add up quickly if you use multiple platforms. If you are trying to reduce spending, consider whether you actually watch content on every service you pay for. Some people rotate subscriptions month to month, subscribing to one service for a few months, pausing it, and then subscribing to another.

Some streaming services offer their own discounts or bundles. Disney+ offers a bundle with Hulu and ESPN+. Max (formerly HBO Max) occasionally runs promotional rates. Apple TV+ sometimes includes free trials with Apple device purchases. Amazon Prime Video is often bundled with Amazon Prime membership. Comparing the annual cost of each service you use, rather than looking at monthly price alone, can help you decide which ones are worth keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Netflix ever have sales or promotional codes?

Netflix does not distribute promotional codes or run sales on its subscription plans in the United States. The only discounts available are through carrier bundles (like T-Mobile or Verizon), university partnerships, or occasional regional offers outside the U.S. If you see a promotional code advertised online, verify it directly with Netflix before entering payment information.

Can I get Netflix free through a family member's account?

Yes, if you live in the same household and use the same internet connection, you can use a shared account. If you live elsewhere, the account holder can add you as a paid extra member for $7.99 per month, or you can set up your own subscription. Netflix blocks access for people outside the household who use a shared password.

What happens if I downgrade from Premium to Standard with ads?

Your plan changes on your next billing date. You will no longer be charged the Premium rate, and your new rate will be $6.99 per month. Your profile and watchlist stay the same, but you will see ads and be limited to one simultaneous stream and 1080p resolution going forward.

Is it cheaper to pay annually instead of monthly?

Netflix does not offer annual billing in the United States. You can only pay month to month. Some other streaming services offer annual plans at a discount, but Netflix requires a monthly subscription.

Can I use my Netflix subscription in another country?

Netflix works in most countries, but your account is tied to the country where you created it. If you travel, you can watch Netflix using your login. If you move to a different country permanently, you may need to update your payment method and billing address, and the available content and pricing may change based on your new location.