What Netflix subscription plans cost and what you get with each
Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States, each with different video quality, number of screens you can watch on at once, and price. The Basic plan is the lowest cost option and lets you watch on one screen at a time in standard definition. The Standard plan costs more and allows two screens at once in high definition. The Premium plan is the most expensive and allows four screens at once in 4K ultra high definition. Netflix also offers a Basic with Ads plan that costs less than Basic but includes advertisements during shows and movies.
Prices vary by region and change over time. In the United States, as of now, Basic with Ads starts at a lower monthly cost, Basic runs around $11.99 per month, Standard is around $15.49 per month, and Premium is around $22.99 per month. Netflix does not lock you into contracts — you can cancel anytime without penalty. The company occasionally raises prices, so check Netflix's website directly for current rates before you sign up.
Each plan includes the same library of shows and movies. The difference is purely about how many people can watch at the same time and the picture quality. If you live alone or watch alone most of the time, Basic or Basic with Ads may be enough. If multiple people in your household watch at the same time, you need Standard or Premium.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix has four plans: Basic with Ads (lowest cost), Basic, Standard, and Premium, with prices ranging from roughly $6 to $23 per month depending on your region.
- The main differences between plans are the number of screens you can use at once (one, two, or four) and video quality (standard definition, high definition, or 4K).
- You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty or early termination fee.
- Netflix occasionally raises prices, so the amounts you see today may change in the future.
- All plans give you access to the same content — the library of shows and movies does not change by plan level.
How to choose between plans based on your household
Start by thinking about how many people will watch Netflix at the same time in your home. If only one person watches, or if everyone watches one at a time, Basic or Basic with Ads works fine. If two people often watch simultaneously — for example, you and a partner, or you and a child — Standard is the right choice because it allows two screens at once.
If three or more people in your household watch at the same time regularly, Premium is necessary because it allows four screens at once. Keep in mind that "at the same time" means literally during the same moment — if one person finishes a show and another starts one five minutes later, that is not simultaneous use.
The other factor is picture quality. If you watch on a phone or tablet, you probably will not notice the difference between standard and high definition. If you watch on a large TV, high definition (Standard plan) or 4K (Premium plan) will look noticeably sharper. Basic with Ads and Basic both use standard definition, so if picture quality matters to you, Standard or Premium is worth the extra cost.
What the ads plan includes and how it works
The Basic with Ads plan costs less than the other plans because Netflix shows advertisements during your shows and movies. You will see ads before the content starts, during the show or movie, and sometimes after it ends. The ads are typically 15 to 30 seconds long. Netflix does not let you skip ads on this plan.
A few Netflix shows and movies are not available on the Basic with Ads plan — Netflix has licensing agreements with studios that prevent some content from being shown with ads. When you search for a title on Basic with Ads, Netflix will tell you if it is unavailable on your plan. This affects a small portion of the library, not the majority.
If you find the ads annoying or want to avoid them, you can upgrade to any of the other three plans at any time. Netflix will prorate your payment — if you upgrade mid-month, you will pay the difference for the remaining days, and your new billing date will be set from there.
How to sign up for Netflix and manage your plan
To start, go to Netflix.com and click the button to create an account. You will enter an email address and create a password. Netflix will then ask you to choose a plan. Once you pick a plan, you enter a payment method — Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and some other payment options depending on your country.
After you complete payment, your account is active when ready and you can start watching. Netflix will charge your payment method on the same day each month. You can change your plan anytime by going to your Account settings on Netflix, finding the Membership section, and selecting a different plan. The change takes effect right away.
To cancel, go to Account settings, find Membership, and select Cancel Membership. Netflix will ask you to confirm and may offer you a discount to stay. If you cancel, your access ends at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access when ready. You can restart your account anytime by signing back in with the same email and password.
Shared accounts and household profiles
Netflix allows you to create multiple profiles within one account. Each profile has its own watch history, recommendations, and saved list. This is useful if multiple people in your household watch Netflix — everyone can have their own profile so recommendations are personalized and watch history does not get mixed up.
Netflix has rules about account sharing. You are meant to share your account only with people who live in your household. If people outside your home use your account regularly, Netflix may ask you to verify that they live with you or to add them as a separate paid member. Netflix has been enforcing this more strictly in recent years.
If someone outside your household wants to use your Netflix account, you can add them as a paid member on your account. This costs extra per month but gives them their own login and profile. Alternatively, they can create their own separate Netflix account.
Pausing and restarting your subscription
If you want to stop paying for Netflix temporarily but do not want to cancel completely, you can pause your membership. When you pause, your account and all your profiles stay saved, but Netflix stops charging you. You can pause for up to three months at a time.
To pause, go to Account settings, find Membership, and select Pause Membership. Netflix will ask you how long you want to pause — you choose the date when you want your subscription to restart. On that date, Netflix will charge you again and your account will be active.
Pausing is different from canceling. When you pause, your watch history and saved shows are still there when you restart. When you cancel, Netflix may delete your profile data after a certain period of time, though you can always create a new profile if you restart later.
Bundling Netflix with other services
Some internet and phone providers bundle Netflix with their service at a discounted rate. For example, certain mobile carriers and internet companies offer Netflix subscriptions as part of a package deal. If you already pay for internet or phone service, check with your provider to see if they offer a Netflix bundle.
Bundles typically give you a discount on Netflix compared to paying separately, but the savings vary. Some bundles include the Basic with Ads plan, while others include Standard or Premium. Read the fine print to see which Netflix plan is included and whether the bundle price is truly cheaper than paying for both services separately.
If you use a bundle, you still log into Netflix the same way and have the same features. The only difference is that your Netflix subscription is billed through your provider instead of directly to Netflix. If you cancel the bundle, you lose Netflix access unless you switch to a direct Netflix subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Netflix password with someone who does not live with me?
Netflix's terms say you should only share your account with people in your household. If someone outside your home uses your account regularly, Netflix may ask you to verify they live with you or to add them as a paid member. Netflix has been stricter about this in recent years.
What happens if I go over the number of screens allowed on my plan?
Netflix will not let you start a new stream if you have already reached the limit for your plan. You will see an error message saying you have reached the maximum number of screens. Someone on your account will need to stop watching so you can start.
Can I change my plan mid-month?
Yes. When you upgrade or downgrade, Netflix prorates the charge. If you upgrade, you pay the difference for the remaining days of your billing cycle. If you downgrade, the lower price takes effect on your next billing date.
Do I lose my watch history if I cancel and restart later?
Netflix may delete your profile data after a period of time if your account is inactive. If you restart within a few months, your history is usually still there. If you wait longer, it may be gone. When you restart, you can always create a new profile.
Is there a student discount for Netflix?
Netflix does not currently offer a student discount in the United States. Some regions outside the U.S. may have student pricing, so check Netflix's website for your country. You can look for bundle deals through your school's internet provider or mobile carrier instead.