What You Get With Each Netflix Plan

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Basic with Ads. Each plan differs in monthly cost, video quality, number of screens you can watch on at the same time, and whether ads appear during shows and movies.

The Basic plan is the lowest-cost option and lets you watch on one screen at a time in standard definition (SD). Standard allows two screens at once in high definition (HD). Premium supports four simultaneous screens in 4K ultra high definition. Basic with Ads is the same as Basic but includes advertisements during content.

Netflix prices change periodically and vary by region. You can see current pricing on Netflix's website when you start the signup process. The company also raises prices for existing members from time to time, and you will receive notice before any increase takes effect.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has four plans: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Basic with Ads, each with different screen limits and video quality levels.
  • The number of screens you can use at the same time ranges from one (Basic) to four (Premium).
  • Video quality goes from standard definition on Basic to 4K on Premium, and Basic with Ads offers the same features as Basic but includes commercials.
  • You can change your plan or cancel anytime through your account settings without penalty.
  • Netflix does not lock you into a contract, and you pay month to month.

Screen Count and Video Quality Differences

The main practical difference between plans is how many people in your household can watch at the same time and how sharp the picture will be. Basic and Basic with Ads allow one screen only, so only one person can stream at a time. If a second person tries to watch on another device, Netflix will stop the first stream.

Standard allows two screens simultaneously, which works for a couple or a parent and child watching different content. Premium allows four screens at once, which is useful for larger households where multiple people watch Netflix regularly at the same time.

Video quality also scales with the plan. Basic and Basic with Ads stream in SD, which looks noticeably less sharp on larger televisions. Standard streams in HD (1080p), which is the standard for most modern televisions. Premium streams in 4K (2160p), which requires a 4K television and a fast internet connection (Netflix recommends 25 Mbps or higher for 4K).

How Ads Work on the Basic with Ads Plan

Basic with Ads is the same as Basic in every way except that ads appear during your shows and movies. Netflix shows ads before, during, and after content. The number and length of ads varies, but you cannot skip them.

Some Netflix content is not available on Basic with Ads due to licensing restrictions. Netflix publishes a list of unavailable titles, though this list changes. If you upgrade to a plan without ads, you will regain access to all content.

You can pause your subscription or switch to a different plan at any time. There is no contract, and you will not be charged for the remainder of a month if you cancel mid-cycle on most plans.

How to Change or Cancel Your Plan

You manage your Netflix plan through your account settings on the Netflix website or app. Go to Account, then Membership, and you will see your current plan and the option to change it. Select a new plan and confirm. The change takes effect immediately, and your next billing date stays the same.

If you downgrade from a higher plan to a lower one (for example, from Premium to Standard), the change happens right away. If you upgrade, you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing cycle, then the new plan price on your next regular billing date.

To cancel, go to Account, then Membership, and select Cancel Membership. Netflix will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay. Once you cancel, you lose access to Netflix immediately. You can restart your account anytime by signing back in with the same email and password.

Sharing Your Account and Extra Member Fees

Netflix allows you to share your account with people in your household. However, if people outside your household use your account, Netflix may ask you to verify that they live with you or charge an extra fee for each additional member.

The extra member fee varies by plan and region. On Standard, you can add one extra member outside your household for an additional monthly charge. On Premium, you can add up to two extra members. Basic and Basic with Ads do not allow extra members.

When you add an extra member, they get their own profile and personalized recommendations, but they count toward your screen limit. Netflix sends you a verification code to confirm the extra member's location, and they must use it within a set time frame.

Payment Methods and Billing

Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You can also pay through third-party platforms like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon if you signed up through one of those services. Your billing date is the same day each month that you started your subscription.

If your payment method fails, Netflix will try again a few times before suspending your account. You can update your payment method in Account Settings at any time. Netflix does not charge setup fees or require a minimum commitment.

If you pause your subscription, you will not be charged during the pause period. Most pauses last up to three months. After the pause ends, your subscription resumes automatically on your next billing date unless you cancel instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on multiple devices with one plan?

Yes, but the number of screens you can use at the same time depends on your plan. Basic allows one screen, Standard allows two, and Premium allows four. You can download content to watch offline on any plan, and those downloads do not count toward your screen limit.

What happens if I go over my screen limit?

Netflix will pause playback on one of the screens and show a message that too many people are watching at once. You will need to stop watching on one device before the other can continue. This applies to everyone on your account, including extra members.

Can I upgrade or downgrade my plan anytime?

Yes. Changes take effect immediately, and you will not be charged a cancellation fee. If you upgrade, you pay a prorated amount for the rest of your billing cycle. If you downgrade, the lower price applies on your next billing date.

Do I lose my shows and movies if I cancel?

Yes. Once you cancel, you lose access to Netflix immediately. Your watch history, lists, and profiles are saved for 10 months if you restart your account. After 10 months, they are deleted.

Is there a student discount for Netflix?

Netflix does not currently offer a student discount in the United States. Some regions outside the US may have student pricing. Check Netflix's website for your country to see what options are available.