Netflix's current pricing and plan structure

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Basic with Ads. Each tier costs a different amount per month and comes with different features — mainly the number of screens you can watch on simultaneously and video quality. The prices Netflix charges change periodically, and the company has raised prices multiple times over the past few years.

As of early 2024, Basic costs $6.99 per month, Basic with Ads costs $6.99 per month, Standard costs $15.49 per month, and Premium costs $22.99 per month. These are the prices for new subscribers in the United States. If you already subscribe, your price may differ depending on when you signed up and whether Netflix has grandfathered your older plan. Netflix does not always notify subscribers before a price increase takes effect, so checking your billing statement is the most reliable way to know what you actually pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has four plans with different monthly costs, ranging from $6.99 to $22.99, and the price you see depends on whether you are a new or existing subscriber.
  • Basic with Ads is the cheapest option but includes advertisements during playback, while the three ad-free tiers differ mainly in how many screens can watch at the same time.
  • Premium allows four simultaneous streams and Ultra HD video, while Standard allows two streams at HD quality, and Basic allows one stream at standard definition.
  • Netflix prices vary by country, and the company periodically raises prices without advance notice to existing subscribers.

What each plan includes and how they differ

The main differences between plans are the number of screens that can stream at once, the video quality, and whether ads appear during shows and movies. Basic with Ads and Basic both allow one screen at a time, but Basic with Ads includes advertisements and costs the same as Basic. Standard allows two screens simultaneously and streams in HD (1080p) quality. Premium allows four screens at once and streams in Ultra HD (4K) when available.

If you live with other people and want to watch different shows at the same time, you need at least Standard. If only one person uses the account, Basic is sufficient. Premium makes sense if you have a large household, own a 4K television, or want the highest video quality available. Basic with Ads is the lowest price point but interrupts viewing with commercials — Netflix does not publish how many ads appear per hour, and the number may vary by title.

How Netflix's price compares to other streaming services

Netflix Premium ($22.99 per month) costs more than Disney+ ($7.99 for ad-supported, $13.99 for ad-free), more than Hulu ($7.99 for ad-supported, $14.99 for ad-free), and roughly the same as Max ($9.99 for ad-supported, $19.99 for ad-free). Paramount+ costs $5.99 for ad-supported and $11.99 for ad-free. Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month. These prices change frequently and vary by region.

Netflix's Standard plan ($15.49) falls between the mid-tier options of other services. The cost difference matters most if you subscribe to multiple services — paying for Netflix Premium plus Max plus Disney+ adds up quickly. Some people subscribe to one service at a time and rotate through them, while others keep multiple subscriptions active year-round. The choice depends on which shows and movies matter to you and how much you watch.

Whether Netflix charges per user or per household

Netflix charges per account, not per person. One subscription covers everyone in your household who uses that account, up to the simultaneous stream limit of your plan. If you share a password with someone outside your household, Netflix's terms of service say you are not allowed to do that, though enforcement has been inconsistent.

Netflix has tested and rolled out paid sharing in some regions, which would let account holders add people outside the household for an extra monthly fee. As of early 2024, this feature is not widely available in the United States, but it may expand. Check your account settings or Netflix's website to see whether this option is available in your area.

How to see what you are currently paying

Your Netflix bill appears on your credit card or debit card statement under the name Netflix or NETFLIX.COM. The charge happens on the same day each month — usually the day you signed up. If you want to see your plan details and exact monthly cost, log into your Netflix account, go to Account settings, and select Membership. This page shows your current plan, your billing date, and the price you pay.

If you see a price different from the ones listed above, you may have an older plan that Netflix is no longer offering to new subscribers, or you may have been grandfathered into a lower price. Netflix sometimes allows existing subscribers to keep their old price when they raise prices for new customers, but this is not may provide. If your price increases, you will see the new amount on your next billing statement.

What happens if Netflix raises its prices

Netflix has raised prices multiple times in recent years. When the company increases prices, it typically notifies existing subscribers by email a month or so before the change takes effect. However, the notification can be straightforward to miss, and the price change appears on your next billing date. You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty — Netflix does not charge an early termination fee.

If you do not want to pay the new price, you can downgrade to a cheaper plan, switch to Basic with Ads, or cancel entirely. Netflix does not offer discounts or promotional pricing to existing subscribers who want to stay, though it occasionally offers free trial periods to new subscribers or people who have cancelled before.

Regional pricing and how it affects what you pay

Netflix prices differ by country because of taxes, currency exchange rates, and local market conditions. A Netflix subscription in Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia costs a different amount than in the United States, even for the same plan tier. If you travel internationally or move to another country, your price may change when Netflix detects your new location.

Some countries have lower prices than the United States because Netflix adjusts pricing based on average income and purchasing power in each region. Other countries have higher prices. If you are planning to move or travel long-term, check Netflix's pricing page for your destination country to see what you would pay there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my plan anytime?

Yes. Log into your account, go to Membership, and select Change Plan. The new plan takes effect when ready, and your next bill reflects the new price. You can upgrade or downgrade as often as you want.

Does Netflix offer student discounts?

Netflix does not currently offer student discounts in the United States. Some other countries may have different pricing or promotions, so check Netflix's website for your region.

What if I share my password with someone outside my household?

Netflix's terms say account sharing outside your household is not allowed. The company has tested paid sharing in some regions, which would let you add extra members for a fee, but this is not yet widely available in the United States. If you do share your password, Netflix may eventually ask you to verify your location or restrict access.

Is there a way to get Netflix cheaper?

Basic with Ads is the lowest-cost option at $6.99 per month. Some phone carriers and internet providers bundle Netflix subscriptions with their plans, which may offer a discount compared to paying Netflix directly. Check with your provider to see whether this is available to you.

Do I have to pay for a full year upfront?

No. Netflix charges month to month. You pay for one month at a time on your billing date, and you can cancel anytime without a contract or early termination fee.