Netflix subscription costs vary by plan and region

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Basic with Ads. Each tier costs a different amount and includes different features — mainly the number of screens you can watch on simultaneously and video quality. Prices change periodically and differ by country, so the amount you pay depends on where you live and which plan you choose.

As of now, Netflix does not publish a single price list on its website that shows all tiers at once. To see current pricing for your region, you need to visit Netflix.com directly or open the Netflix app and look at the plan selection screen. This is the most reliable way to find what each plan costs where you are.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has four subscription tiers in the US, each with different monthly costs and different numbers of simultaneous screens allowed.
  • Prices vary by country and change over time, so you must check Netflix's website or app to see what you would pay in your location.
  • The Basic with Ads plan is the lowest-cost option but includes advertisements; the other three plans are ad-free.
  • Netflix charges monthly and does not lock you into a contract, so you can cancel or change your plan at any time.
  • Some plans allow you to add an extra member outside your household for an additional monthly fee.

How the four plans differ

The Basic with Ads plan is the cheapest option. It lets you watch on one screen at a time in standard definition (SD), and you will see ads during shows and films. You cannot download content to watch offline.

The Basic plan removes ads and lets you watch in HD (higher quality than SD), but still only on one screen at a time. You also cannot download content.

The Standard plan lets you watch on two screens at the same time and in HD quality. You can download some titles to watch offline. There are no ads.

The Premium plan is the most expensive. It allows four simultaneous screens, 4K video quality (the highest available), and offline downloads. There are no ads.

What happens when you share your account

Netflix's terms say a subscription is for one household. If people in different households share a login, Netflix may ask you to verify that you are the account holder or may restrict access.

To add someone outside your household legally, you can pay an extra monthly fee to add an extra member to your account. This person gets their own profile and login but pays through your Netflix account. Not all plans allow this — check Netflix's website to see which plans in your region support extra members and what the additional cost is.

How billing works

Netflix charges your payment method once per month on the same date each month. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or other methods depending on your region. If a payment fails, Netflix will try again a few times before suspending your account.

You can change your plan or cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings. Changes take effect at the start of your next billing cycle, not immediately. If you cancel, you keep access until the end of the month you paid for.

Netflix does not offer refunds for partial months. If you cancel mid-month, you lose access when that month ends, even though you paid for the full month.

Price increases and how to find out about them

Netflix raises prices periodically. When it does, existing customers usually get a notice by email and in-app before the increase takes effect. The notice tells you the new price and when it will start.

You have the option to cancel before the increase takes effect if you do not want to pay the new price. Some customers downgrade to a cheaper plan instead. These changes happen in your account settings.

Comparing Netflix to other streaming services

Many other streaming services — Disney+, Hulu, Max, Paramount+, and others — also charge monthly subscriptions. Each has its own pricing, number of simultaneous screens, and content library. Netflix's price is not the lowest available, but it is not the highest either. The best choice depends on which shows and films matter to you and how many people in your household want to watch at the same time.

Some people use a combination of services, rotating which ones they subscribe to each month. Others share costs by adding extra members to one account. There is no single "best" option — it depends on your budget and what you want to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your plan. Basic and Basic with Ads allow one screen at a time. Standard allows two simultaneous screens. Premium allows four. If someone tries to watch on a fifth screen (on Premium), Netflix will ask one of the active watchers to stop.

What if I want to cancel my subscription?

You can cancel through your account settings on Netflix.com or in the app. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing month. You keep access until then, even after you cancel. Netflix does not charge a cancellation fee.

Does Netflix offer a free trial?

Netflix does not currently offer a free trial in most regions. Some regions or promotional periods may have different offers, so check Netflix.com in your country to see what is available where you are.

Can I change my plan after I subscribe?

Yes. You can upgrade to a more expensive plan or downgrade to a cheaper one at any time through your account settings. The change takes effect on your next billing date. You pay the new price starting with your next monthly charge.

What if my payment method is declined?

Netflix will try to charge your payment method again over several days. If all attempts fail, your account will be suspended until you update your payment information. You can add a new card or payment method in your account settings to restore access.