The Four Netflix Plans and Their Monthly Cost

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Basic with Ads. Each plan costs a different amount per month and comes with different features — mainly the number of screens you can watch on at the same time and the video quality.

As of 2024, Basic costs $6.99 per month, Basic with Ads costs $6.99 per month, Standard costs $15.49 per month, and Premium costs $22.99 per month. These prices change periodically, so check Netflix's website directly before you sign up to confirm the current cost in your region.

The main trade-off across plans is screen count and picture quality. Basic and Basic with Ads let you watch on one screen at a time in standard definition (SD). Standard lets you watch on two screens at once in high definition (HD). Premium lets you watch on four screens at once in 4K ultra high definition (UHD).

Key Takeaways

  • Basic with Ads and Basic both cost $6.99 per month, but Basic with Ads shows commercials and Basic does not.
  • Standard ($15.49) and Premium ($22.99) let multiple people watch at the same time on different screens, while Basic plans allow only one screen.
  • Premium is the only plan that offers 4K video quality; Standard offers HD; Basic plans offer standard definition.
  • Netflix prices vary by region and change over time, so the amounts listed here may differ from what you see when you visit Netflix.
  • All plans include the same library of shows and movies — the difference is how many screens and what picture quality you get.

Basic with Ads vs. Basic: The Difference

Both Basic with Ads and Basic cost $6.99 per month, so the choice comes down to whether you want to watch ads. Basic with Ads shows commercials before and during shows and movies. Basic shows no ads at all. Both plans let you watch on only one screen at a time and only in standard definition.

Basic with Ads is Netflix's lowest-cost entry point if you do not mind interruptions. Basic is the lowest-cost ad-free option. Neither plan lets you download shows to watch offline, and neither supports 4K or HD video.

Standard Plan: Two Screens and HD Video

Standard costs $15.49 per month and lets you watch on two screens at the same time. If you live with a partner or roommate, you can each watch a different show on different devices without interrupting each other. The video quality is HD (1080p), which looks noticeably sharper than standard definition on most modern TVs.

Standard includes no ads. You can also download episodes and movies to watch offline on one device at a time — useful if you travel or want to watch without using data.

Premium Plan: Four Screens and 4K Video

Premium costs $22.99 per month and is Netflix's highest tier. It lets you watch on four screens at the same time, which works well for a household of three or four people who watch at different times. The video quality is 4K ultra high definition (2160p), the sharpest picture Netflix offers, though you need a 4K TV to see the difference.

Premium includes no ads and lets you download to multiple devices. You can also create a separate profile for each household member, so Netflix learns what each person likes and recommends shows tailored to them.

Sharing Your Account Across Households

Netflix's rules on account sharing changed in late 2023. You can share your account with people who live in your household — anyone at your address. You cannot share your account with people who live elsewhere, even family members.

If someone outside your household wants to use your account, Netflix offers paid sharing. You pay an extra fee (the amount varies by region and plan) to add one person who lives at a different address. That person gets their own login and profile. Standard and Premium plans support paid sharing; Basic plans do not.

Downloading Shows and Movies to Watch Offline

All plans except Basic and Basic with Ads let you download episodes and movies. You download them to a phone or tablet using the Netflix app, then watch them without an internet connection. This works well for travel or when you know you will not have reliable wifi.

Downloaded content stays on your device for a set amount of time — usually 30 days, though some titles have different windows. Once that time passes, you need to download it again or stream it online. You can have downloads on multiple devices, but the number of simultaneous downloads varies by plan.

How to Change or Cancel Your Plan

You can change your plan at any time through your Netflix account settings. Log in, go to your account page, find the plan section, and select a different tier. The change takes effect immediately, and Netflix adjusts your next bill based on the new plan cost.

You can also pause your account for up to 10 months if you want to stop watching temporarily without canceling. When you pause, you do not pay, but your profile and watch history stay saved. To cancel entirely, go to account settings and select the cancel option. Netflix will ask why you are leaving, but you can skip that and cancel without answering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on my TV, phone, and computer at the same time?

Only if you have Standard or Premium. Standard lets you watch on two screens at once; Premium lets you watch on four. Basic and Basic with Ads allow only one screen at a time, no matter what device it is.

Do all four plans have the same movies and shows?

Yes. The library is the same across all plans. The difference is picture quality and how many screens you can use at once, not what content you can watch.

What happens if I exceed my screen limit?

Netflix will not let you start a new stream if you have already reached your plan's limit. You will see a message telling you to stop watching on another device or upgrade your plan. You do not get charged extra — you simply cannot watch until someone stops.

Is there a free trial?

Netflix does not currently offer a free trial in most regions. Some countries or specific promotions may include a trial period, but in the United States you must pay starting with your first month.

Can I use Netflix in other countries?

Yes, but only in the country where you set up your account. If you travel, you can watch your account abroad for a limited time. If you move to a different country permanently, you will need to update your payment method to one from that country.