Netflix's current subscription tiers and what's included

Netflix offers four subscription plans in the United States: Standard with ads, Standard, Premium, and Basic. Each plan determines how many people can watch at the same time, the video quality you receive, and whether ads appear during shows and films. The plans range from the lowest-cost option with advertising to the highest-tier plan with the best picture quality.

The Standard with ads plan is the cheapest option and includes ads during content. You can watch on two devices at once, and video plays in HD (1080p). The Standard plan removes ads, still allows two simultaneous streams, and maintains HD quality. The Premium plan costs more but lets four people watch at the same time and offers 4K Ultra HD on supported devices. The Basic plan is being phased out in most regions and allows only one stream at a time in SD (480p) quality.

Prices change periodically and vary by region. As of early 2024, the Standard with ads plan costs less than Standard, which costs less than Premium. You can see current pricing on Netflix's website when you visit to set up an account.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has four plans that differ by price, number of simultaneous viewers, video quality, and whether ads appear.
  • The Standard with ads plan is the lowest cost but includes advertisements; Standard removes ads for a higher price.
  • Premium allows four people to watch at once and offers 4K quality, making it the most expensive option.
  • Prices vary by region and change over time, so check Netflix directly for your current local rates.
  • You can switch between plans at any time, and changes take effect on your next billing date.

How simultaneous streaming works across plans

The number of people who can watch Netflix at the same time depends on which plan you choose. This matters if you share an account with family members or roommates who want to watch different shows or films at the same time.

Standard with ads and Standard both allow two streams at once. If a third person tries to watch while two others are already streaming, Netflix will ask one of them to stop or upgrade. Premium removes this limit and permits four simultaneous streams, which works well for households with multiple viewers. Basic allows only one stream at a time, so only one person can watch regardless of how many have access to the account.

Netflix tracks simultaneous streams by account, not by device. If you share your password with someone outside your household, both of you count toward the stream limit. Netflix has begun enforcing rules about password sharing in some regions, so account holders may need to add extra members or upgrade to accommodate multiple viewers.

Video quality differences between plans

The picture quality you see depends on your plan and your device. Standard with ads and Standard both stream in HD, which is 1080p resolution. This quality works well on phones, tablets, and smaller televisions but may look less sharp on very large screens.

Premium is the only plan that offers 4K Ultra HD (2160p), which provides noticeably sharper images on large or high-end displays. Not all Netflix content is available in 4K — many older shows and films stream only in HD or lower. Your device must also support 4K streaming for you to see the benefit; older televisions and computers may not.

Basic streams in SD (480p), the lowest quality. This resolution is noticeably pixelated on anything larger than a phone screen and is rarely chosen by new subscribers. Netflix is discontinuing Basic in most regions.

Ads on the Standard with ads plan

The Standard with ads plan includes advertisements before and during shows and films. Netflix reports that most viewers see about four to five minutes of ads per hour of content, though this varies. You cannot skip ads, and the same ads may repeat if you watch multiple titles in one session.

Some Netflix content is not available on the ads plan due to licensing restrictions. This means certain shows or films may be unavailable to you if you choose Standard with ads, even though they appear on other plans. Netflix's website shows which titles have this restriction when you browse.

The ads plan does not include a free trial period. If you want to test whether the ads are tolerable before committing, you would need to pay for at least one month.

Switching plans and what happens to your account

You can change your plan at any time through your account settings on Netflix's website or app. The change takes effect on your next billing date, not immediately. If you upgrade to a more expensive plan mid-month, Netflix does not prorate the difference — you pay the full price of the new plan on your next billing date.

Your viewing history, saved shows, and watchlist stay with your account when you switch plans. Downloaded content (if your plan allows downloads) remains available until you delete it or your subscription ends. If you downgrade from Premium to Standard, you will no longer be able to watch with four simultaneous streams, but existing downloads and saved preferences do not disappear.

If you cancel your subscription entirely, Netflix keeps your account information for a period of time. If you resubscribe later, you can recover your profile and viewing history.

How to choose the right plan for your situation

Choose Standard with ads if you watch Netflix regularly but want the lowest cost and do not mind advertisements. This plan works for single viewers or couples who do not watch at the same time.

Choose Standard if you want to remove ads but do not need 4K quality or more than two simultaneous streams. This is the middle-ground option for most households.

Choose Premium if you have a large household where multiple people watch at once, own a large or high-end television where 4K quality matters, or want the full Netflix experience without restrictions. Premium is the most expensive but removes all limitations.

Basic is being phased out and is not recommended for new subscribers. If you currently have Basic, Netflix will eventually ask you to upgrade to another plan.

Regional differences and price changes

Netflix prices and plan availability vary significantly by country. Some regions offer plans that do not exist in the United States, and pricing reflects local economic conditions and currency. If you travel internationally or move to a different country, your plan and price may change.

Netflix raises prices periodically. The company typically announces price increases in advance and gives existing subscribers a notice period before the new rate takes effect. You will receive an email notification before your price changes. At that point, you can choose to stay on your current plan at the new price, switch to a cheaper plan, or cancel.

Promotional pricing or discounts are occasionally offered to new subscribers or during special periods, but these are not may provide and vary by region and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Netflix password with people who don't live with me?

Netflix's terms of service state that accounts are for household use only. The company has begun enforcing this rule in some regions by limiting simultaneous streams from different locations. If you want to share access with people outside your household, Netflix offers an "add member" feature that lets you add extra accounts to your subscription for an additional monthly fee.

Does Netflix offer a free trial?

Netflix no longer offers a free trial period for new subscribers in most regions. Some promotional offers may be available through third parties or during specific periods, but these are not may provide. You must pay for at least one month to test the service.

What happens if I downgrade from Premium to Standard?

Your account and viewing history remain intact. You will no longer be able to watch with four simultaneous streams or access 4K content, but your saved shows and watchlist stay with your account. The downgrade takes effect on your next billing date.

Can I watch Netflix on multiple devices with one account?

Yes, but the number of devices that can stream at the same time depends on your plan. Standard with ads and Standard allow two simultaneous streams, while Premium allows four. You can have the Netflix app on many devices, but only the number permitted by your plan can play content at once.

Is 4K content available on all shows and films?

No. Many older titles and licensed content are available only in HD or lower quality. Netflix's website shows the maximum quality available for each title when you browse. Your device must also support 4K streaming to see 4K content, even if you have the Premium plan.