What Netflix costs depends on which plan you choose
Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States, each with different monthly prices and features. The Basic plan is the least expensive option. Standard adds more simultaneous streams and higher video quality. Premium is the highest tier with the most streams and the best picture quality. A fourth option, Basic with Ads, costs less than Basic but includes advertisements during shows and movies.
Prices change periodically and vary by country, so the exact amount you pay depends on when you sign up and where you live. The information here reflects current U.S. pricing, but you should check Netflix directly before subscribing to confirm the current rates.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix has four plan tiers in the U.S., ranging from a lower-cost ad-supported option to a premium tier with the most simultaneous streams.
- Each plan limits how many people can watch at the same time, which matters if multiple household members use the account.
- Video quality differs by plan — Basic with Ads and Basic show standard definition, while Standard and Premium offer higher resolutions.
- Netflix prices have increased multiple times in recent years and may change again, so confirm the current cost before you commit.
Basic with Ads — the lowest monthly cost
The Basic with Ads plan is Netflix's cheapest option. It costs less per month than any other tier because you watch advertisements during your shows and movies. The trade-off is straightforward: lower price in exchange for commercial breaks.
This plan streams in standard definition (SD), which means the picture quality is lower than higher tiers. You can watch on one device at a time, so only one person in your household can use the account simultaneously. If two people try to watch different shows at the same moment, one will be blocked.
Basic with Ads works well if you are the only person using the account, do not mind ads, and are willing to accept lower video quality to save money each month.
Basic plan — standard definition without ads
The Basic plan removes advertisements but keeps the same video quality and device limits as Basic with Ads. You still watch in standard definition and can stream on only one device at a time. The monthly cost is higher than Basic with Ads but lower than Standard.
This plan suits a single person or someone in a household where only one person watches Netflix at a time. If you live alone and want to avoid ads without paying for features you do not need, Basic is often the right choice.
Standard plan — multiple streams and better picture quality
The Standard plan costs more than Basic but gives you two key upgrades. You can watch on two devices simultaneously, so two people can stream different content at the same time. The video quality jumps to high definition (HD), which produces a noticeably sharper picture on most screens.
Standard is popular in households with two people who watch at different times or occasionally at the same time. The HD quality makes a real difference on larger screens, and the second simultaneous stream prevents conflicts over who gets to watch.
Premium plan — maximum streams and 4K quality
Premium is Netflix's most expensive tier and offers the most features. You can stream on four devices at the same time, so up to four people can watch different shows simultaneously. The video quality reaches 4K Ultra HD on compatible devices and screens, which provides the sharpest, most detailed picture Netflix offers.
Premium makes sense for larger households where multiple people watch regularly, or for someone with a high-end television who wants the best possible picture quality. The four simultaneous streams mean family members rarely have to wait their turn.
How to compare plans side by side
| Plan | Video Quality | Simultaneous Streams | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | Standard Definition (SD) | 1 | Yes |
| Basic | Standard Definition (SD) | 1 | No |
| Standard | High Definition (HD) | 2 | No |
| Premium | 4K Ultra HD | 4 | No |
The table above shows how each plan differs. The main trade-offs are price versus picture quality and the number of people who can watch at once. There is no "best" plan — the right choice depends on your household size, how much you watch, and what picture quality matters to you.
Things that affect what you actually pay
Netflix prices in the United States have increased several times over the past few years. The company has raised prices on most tiers at least once since 2020. Future price increases are possible, so the amounts you see today may not be what you pay a year from now.
If you live outside the United States, Netflix prices are different. Each country has its own pricing structure based on local currency and market conditions. Someone in Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia will pay a different amount than someone in the U.S., even for the same plan tier.
Some people get Netflix through a bundle with other services — for example, as part of a wireless phone plan or a streaming package. These bundled prices may differ from Netflix's standalone rates. Check the terms of any bundle to understand what you are paying and whether you can cancel independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change plans after I subscribe?
Yes. You can switch between plans at any time through your account settings. The change usually takes effect when ready or at your next billing date, depending on when you make the switch. You will not be charged twice or penalized for changing plans.
Do I have to pay for a full year upfront?
No. Netflix charges you monthly, not annually. Your payment method is charged once per month on the same date each month. You can cancel anytime without a contract or early termination fee.
What happens if I share my password with someone outside my household?
Netflix has policies against password sharing with people who do not live in your home. The company uses IP addresses and device information to detect sharing across different locations. If detected, Netflix may require a separate account or charge an extra fee for additional household members, though policies vary by region.
Is there a free trial before I pay?
Netflix does not currently offer a free trial period in most countries. You will be charged for your chosen plan starting on the day you sign up. Some promotions or special offers may be available at certain times, so check Netflix directly when you are ready to subscribe.
Do all devices support 4K quality on the Premium plan?
No. Your device, internet connection, and the content itself must all support 4K for you to see that quality. Older televisions, phones, and tablets may not display 4K even if you have the Premium plan. Netflix's website lists which devices support 4K streaming.