Netflix has four subscription tiers, each with different video quality, number of screens, and ad load

Netflix offers four plans: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Basic with Ads. The main differences are the resolution you can watch in (how sharp the picture is), how many people can watch at the same time on your account, and whether ads play during shows and movies. Basic with Ads is the cheapest option but includes commercials. The other three are ad-free.

Prices vary by country and change periodically. In the United States, Basic with Ads costs less than Basic, Standard costs more than Basic, and Premium costs the most. Netflix does not lock you into a contract — you can cancel or switch plans at any time, and changes take effect on your next billing date.

Key Takeaways

  • Basic with Ads is the lowest price but includes advertisements during playback, while the other three plans are ad-free.
  • Basic and Standard allow one or two simultaneous streams; Premium allows four, which matters if multiple people in your household watch at the same time.
  • Premium is the only plan that supports 4K resolution; Standard supports 1080p; Basic supports 720p.
  • You can change plans or cancel anytime without penalty, and the change takes effect on your next billing cycle.

How video quality differs between plans

Video quality on Netflix is measured in resolution — the number of pixels that make up the picture. Higher resolution means a sharper, more detailed image, especially noticeable on larger screens. Basic with Ads and Basic both stream at 720p (HD). Standard streams at 1080p (Full HD), which is noticeably sharper. Premium streams at 4K (Ultra HD), which is the sharpest option but requires a compatible TV and a fast internet connection — Netflix recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K.

On a phone or small tablet, the difference between 720p and 1080p is hard to see. On a 55-inch TV or larger, the jump from 1080p to 4K becomes visible. If you mostly watch on your phone or a small laptop, Standard or Basic may be enough. If you have a large TV and want the best picture, Premium is the only option.

How many people can watch at once

Each plan allows a set number of people to stream simultaneously on the same account. Basic with Ads and Basic allow one stream at a time. Standard allows two streams at the same time. Premium allows four streams at the same time.

If you live alone or only one person watches at a time, this does not matter. If two people in your household want to watch different shows or movies at the same time, you need at least Standard. If three or four people watch simultaneously — for example, one person in the living room, one in a bedroom, one on a tablet — you need Premium. If more than four people in your household want to watch at the same time, you would need multiple accounts.

What ads mean on the Basic with Ads plan

Basic with Ads includes commercials before, during, and after shows and movies. Netflix does not say exactly how many ads you will see, but the experience is similar to watching cable television — ads interrupt the content. Some shows and movies on Netflix are not available on the Basic with Ads plan at all, due to licensing restrictions.

If you find ads annoying or distracting, the other three plans are ad-free. If you watch Netflix occasionally and want to keep costs low, Basic with Ads may be worth the trade-off. If you watch regularly or have a household where multiple people use the account, the interruption adds up.

How to change your plan or cancel

You can change plans through your Netflix account settings on any device — phone, tablet, computer, or TV. Log in, go to Account, and select Plan Details. Choose a new plan and confirm. The change takes effect on your next billing date, not immediately. If you downgrade (move to a cheaper plan), you keep access to your current plan until the billing cycle ends. If you upgrade, you are charged the difference right away and the new plan starts immediately.

To cancel, go to Account, select Membership, and choose Cancel Membership. Netflix will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay. Once you cancel, you lose access to your account at the end of your current billing period. If you cancel and rejoin later, your watchlist and viewing history are still there.

Sharing your account with people outside your household

Netflix's terms of service say your account is for people who live in your household. The company has added tools to detect when someone outside your household is using your account and asks you to verify that person or add them as a paid member. If you share your password with someone who does not live with you, Netflix may ask you to add them to your account as an extra member, which costs extra per month.

The cost of adding an extra member varies by country and plan. It is less than the cost of a full separate account but more than nothing. If you want to share with people outside your home, adding them as extra members is the official route. Sharing a password without doing this risks Netflix restricting your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on multiple devices at the same time with Basic?

No. Basic allows only one stream at a time, so only one person can watch at once, even if they are using different devices. Standard allows two simultaneous streams, and Premium allows four.

Do I need internet to watch Netflix?

You need internet to start watching and to download content. Netflix lets you download shows and movies on the app to watch later without internet, but you must download them first while connected. The number of titles you can download at once varies by plan.

What happens if I downgrade my plan mid-month?

The downgrade takes effect on your next billing date. You keep your current plan and its features until then. You are not charged the difference or refunded — you simply pay the new, lower price starting next month.

Can I use Netflix in multiple countries?

Netflix works in most countries, but your account is tied to the country where you signed up. If you travel, you can watch Netflix as usual. If you move to a different country permanently, you may need to update your payment method and billing address, and the price may change.

Is there a free trial?

Netflix does not currently offer a free trial in most countries. Some regions or promotions may include a trial period, but this is not standard. You can cancel anytime, so you can sign up for one month, watch what you want, and cancel before the next charge.