Netflix subscription prices in the United States

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the US, each with different features and monthly costs. The Basic plan costs $6.99 per month and includes standard definition video on one screen at a time. The Standard plan costs $15.49 per month and allows two screens to watch simultaneously in high definition. The Premium plan costs $22.99 per month and supports four screens at once in 4K ultra high definition. Netflix also offers an ad-supported plan at $6.99 per month, which includes ads during playback but otherwise works like the Basic tier.

These prices are current as of 2024, but Netflix adjusts them periodically. The company typically announces price changes in advance and gives existing subscribers a notice period before the new rate takes effect. If your subscription price increases, Netflix will email you before the change happens.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has four plans ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month, with differences in video quality and how many screens can watch at the same time.
  • The ad-supported plan and Basic plan both cost $6.99 monthly but differ in whether you see advertisements during shows and movies.
  • The Standard plan at $15.49 per month is the middle option, allowing two simultaneous streams in HD quality.
  • Price increases happen occasionally, and Netflix notifies you by email before charging the new amount to your payment method.

What each plan includes

The ad-supported plan ($6.99/month) shows ads before and during content, similar to traditional television. You get access to the full Netflix library, but some titles may not be available on this tier. You can watch on one screen at a time in standard definition.

The Basic plan ($6.99/month) has no ads and also streams one screen at a time in standard definition. The main difference from the ad-supported plan is the absence of advertisements, though you still cannot watch on multiple devices simultaneously.

The Standard plan ($15.49/month) removes the one-screen limit and lets two people watch different shows at the same time. Video quality jumps to high definition (1080p), which looks noticeably sharper on larger screens. This is the most popular plan for households with more than one regular viewer.

The Premium plan ($22.99/month) supports four simultaneous streams and offers 4K resolution on compatible devices and content. If you have a large family or multiple people watching at different times, this plan prevents conflicts over who gets to watch when.

How simultaneous streams work

The number of screens allowed at once is a hard limit built into each plan. If you have a Standard plan and two people are already watching, a third person cannot start a show until one of them stops. Netflix will show a message saying the account is in use on too many devices.

Simultaneous streams count each active screen separately, regardless of whether people are watching the same show or different ones. A household with two adults and two children on a Standard plan (two screens) would need to coordinate viewing times, whereas the Premium plan (four screens) would let all four watch independently.

Netflix does not charge extra fees for adding household members or sharing your account. However, the company has introduced paid sharing in some regions, which allows account holders to add people outside their household for an additional monthly fee. This feature is not yet available everywhere and pricing varies by location.

Video quality differences between plans

Standard definition (SD) on the Basic and ad-supported plans displays at 480p resolution. This is acceptable for phones and tablets but looks blurry on a television or computer monitor larger than 24 inches. Most people notice the difference when ready when comparing SD to higher resolutions on the same screen.

High definition (HD) on the Standard plan displays at 1080p, which is sharp enough for most viewers on screens up to 55 inches. This is the resolution most streaming services default to and what most home internet speeds support without buffering.

4K ultra high definition on the Premium plan displays at 2160p and requires a compatible television, streaming device, and content title. Not all Netflix shows and movies are available in 4K — mostly newer releases and popular series. You also need a fast internet connection (Netflix recommends 25 Mbps or higher) to stream 4K without interruption.

How to change your plan

You can change your Netflix plan at any time through your account settings. Log in to Netflix on a web browser, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Account," then find "Membership" or "Plan details." Click "Change plan" and select the tier you want. The change takes effect when ready, and Netflix adjusts your next billing date proportionally if you upgrade or downgrade mid-cycle.

If you downgrade to a lower tier, you keep access to your account and viewing history, but features like simultaneous streams or video quality may be restricted right away. If you upgrade, you gain the new features when ready without waiting for your next billing date.

Payment methods and billing

Netflix charges your payment method on the same day each month. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Some regions also accept other payment methods like Google Play or Apple subscriptions if you signed up through those platforms.

Netflix does not offer refunds for partial months or unused time. If you cancel your subscription, you keep access until the end of your current billing cycle, then your account closes. You can restart your subscription at any time, and Netflix preserves your profile, watchlist, and viewing history for up to 10 months after cancellation.

Regional pricing and availability

Netflix prices vary significantly by country. The costs listed here explore only to the United States. If you travel internationally or move to another country, your subscription price may change to match that region's rates. Netflix determines your location based on your IP address and payment method.

Some countries have different plan names or features. For example, some regions offer a mobile-only plan at a lower price, while others have different ad-supported pricing. If you are unsure what plans are available in your location, check your account settings or contact Netflix support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Netflix account with people outside my household?

Netflix's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use within a single household. However, the company has introduced paid sharing in some regions, which lets you add people outside your home for an additional monthly fee. Availability and pricing vary by location. Check your account settings to see if this option is available to you.

What happens if I go over my plan's screen limit?

Netflix will not let you start a new show or movie if you have already reached your plan's simultaneous stream limit. You will see a message saying the account is in use on too many devices. One of the active viewers must stop watching before someone else can start.

Do I need a faster internet connection for 4K?

Yes. Netflix recommends at least 25 Mbps read speed for 4K streaming. Most home internet plans support this, but older connections or networks with many devices may struggle. You can test your speed at speedtest.net. If your connection is slower, Netflix will automatically stream in a lower quality to prevent buffering.

Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?

Netflix does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel your subscription and restart it later without losing your profile or watchlist. Your account information stays saved for up to 10 months after cancellation, so restarting is quick and straightforward.

Does Netflix charge different prices for annual versus monthly billing?

Netflix only offers month-to-month billing in the United States. You cannot prepay for a year or get a discount for longer commitments. You are charged the same monthly rate regardless of how long you plan to keep the subscription.