Netflix offers four subscription tiers, each with different prices and features
Netflix has four subscription plans in the United States: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Basic with Ads. Each plan costs a different amount per month and lets you watch on a different number of screens at the same time. The plan you choose determines your video quality, whether you can read shows to watch offline, and how many people in your household can stream at once.
The prices and features change occasionally, so the exact cost depends on when you sign up and where you live. What matters most is understanding what each plan actually gives you — the screen count, the picture quality, and the ads — so you can pick the one that fits how you watch.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix's four plans range from Basic with Ads (the cheapest option with commercials) to Premium (the most expensive, with the best picture quality and the most simultaneous screens).
- Standard and Premium plans let multiple people watch at the same time, while Basic plans limit you to one screen.
- Premium is the only plan that offers 4K video quality and the ability to read shows; Standard offers HD; Basic offers standard definition.
- The Basic with Ads plan costs less than Basic without ads because you watch advertisements between shows and movies.
Basic with Ads: The lowest-cost option with commercials
Basic with Ads is Netflix's cheapest plan. You watch shows and movies with advertisements playing before and during content, similar to free streaming services or cable television. You can stream on one screen at a time, and the video quality is standard definition — not as sharp as higher tiers.
This plan works well if you watch casually and do not mind ads, or if you want to try Netflix before spending more. You cannot read shows to watch offline, and you cannot share the account across multiple households — the plan is meant for one person or one household only.
Basic: One screen, no ads, standard definition
Basic without ads costs more than Basic with Ads but less than Standard. You get no advertisements, but you still watch in standard definition and can only stream on one screen at a time. Like the ad-supported plan, you cannot read content or share across multiple homes.
This plan is a middle ground: you pay a bit more to remove ads, but you do not pay for features you may not need, like HD quality or multiple screens. It is useful if you live alone or if only one person in your household watches Netflix at a time.
Standard: HD quality and two simultaneous screens
Standard costs more than Basic and gives you two major upgrades: HD (high-definition) picture quality and the ability to stream on two screens at the same time. This means two people in your household can watch different shows or movies simultaneously without interrupting each other.
You still cannot read shows, and you still watch without ads. Standard is popular for couples or small families where two people might watch at overlapping times. The HD picture quality is noticeably sharper than standard definition, especially on larger screens.
Premium: 4K quality, four screens, and offline downloads
Premium is Netflix's most expensive plan and includes the most features. You get 4K video quality (the sharpest available), the ability to stream on four screens at the same time, and the option to read shows and movies to your phone or tablet to watch later without an internet connection.
Premium is designed for larger households or people who want the best possible picture and maximum flexibility. Four simultaneous streams means four different people can watch different content at the same time. The read feature is especially useful for travel or commutes, since you can watch downloaded content anywhere.
How to compare plans side by side
| Plan | Ads | Video Quality | Simultaneous Screens | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | Yes | Standard Definition | 1 | No |
| Basic | No | Standard Definition | 1 | No |
| Standard | No | HD | 2 | No |
| Premium | No | 4K | 4 | Yes |
The table above shows the core differences. The choice usually comes down to two questions: How many people will watch at the same time, and how much picture quality matters to you. If only one person watches, Basic with Ads or Basic makes sense. If two people watch together regularly, Standard is the typical choice. If you have a larger household or want the sharpest picture and offline downloads, Premium is worth the extra cost.
Switching plans or canceling anytime
You can change your plan at any time through your Netflix account settings. If you upgrade mid-month, Netflix charges you a prorated amount for the remainder of that billing cycle. If you downgrade, the change takes effect at the start of your next billing period.
You can also pause your subscription for up to 10 months without canceling entirely, which means you keep your account and settings but do not get charged. When you are ready to watch again, you restart the subscription. There is no penalty for canceling — you can stop at any time, and you will not be charged for the next month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Netflix account with people outside my household?
Netflix's terms of service say accounts are for one household only. The company has added features to detect account sharing across different locations and may ask you to verify you live in the same home. Sharing with people in other homes can result in account restrictions or termination.
What is the difference between HD and 4K?
HD (1080p) is sharp and looks good on most screens up to about 55 inches. 4K (2160p) is four times sharper and is most noticeable on large TVs or if you sit close to the screen. Not all Netflix content is available in 4K — newer and popular shows are more likely to have it.
Do I need Premium to read shows?
Yes, downloads are only available on the Premium plan. Basic, Standard, and Basic with Ads do not include this feature. Downloaded content expires after a certain period, so you cannot keep it forever.
What happens if two people try to watch on the same account at the same time on a Basic plan?
Netflix will not let the second person start playing. You will get an error message saying the account is in use on another screen. You would need to upgrade to Standard (two screens) or Premium (four screens) to watch simultaneously.
Are there any other Netflix plans I should know about?
Netflix occasionally tests or offers regional plans in other countries, but in the United States these four plans are the standard options. Some mobile-only plans exist in other regions, but they are not available in the US.