Netflix has three main subscription tiers, each with different video quality, number of simultaneous streams, and price

Netflix offers three subscription plans in the United States: Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium. The Standard with ads plan is the lowest-cost option and includes commercials during playback. The Standard plan removes ads but limits you to one screen at a time. The Premium plan allows four simultaneous streams and the highest video quality available. Each plan costs a different amount per month, and Netflix changes these prices periodically — there is no fixed price that stays the same year to year.

When you sign up, you choose one plan and pay that monthly rate until you change it or cancel. Netflix does not lock you into a contract; you can switch plans or stop paying at any time. The plan you choose determines what you can watch and how you watch it, not what content is available to you — all three plans access the same library of shows and films.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix's three plans differ in price, ad presence, simultaneous streams allowed, and video quality, but all three access the same content library.
  • The Standard with ads plan costs less than Standard, which costs less than Premium, though exact prices vary by region and change over time.
  • You can watch on only one screen at a time with Standard, but Premium allows four screens to play at once from the same account.
  • You can change your plan or cancel your subscription at any time without penalty or advance notice required.

Standard with Ads: Lowest monthly cost with commercials

The Standard with ads plan is Netflix's entry-level option. You pay a lower monthly fee than the other two plans, but Netflix plays advertisements during shows and films. The ads appear before, during, and sometimes after content, similar to broadcast television. You can watch on one screen at a time, meaning only one person on your account can stream at once.

Video quality on this plan maxes out at 1080p (Full HD), which is clear on most televisions and computers but not the highest resolution Netflix offers. If you have a 4K television, this plan will not display content in 4K. The trade-off is straightforward: you pay less money in exchange for watching ads and accepting lower video quality and fewer simultaneous streams.

Standard: No ads, one screen at a time

The Standard plan removes advertisements entirely. You watch uninterrupted, with no commercials before, during, or after content. Like the ads plan, you can stream on only one screen at a time, so two people on the same account cannot watch different shows simultaneously.

Video quality is also capped at 1080p on this plan. The main difference between Standard and Standard with ads is the absence of commercials and the higher monthly cost. If you live with others and want to watch at the same time, or if you want 4K quality, you need the Premium plan instead.

Premium: Four simultaneous streams and 4K video

The Premium plan is Netflix's highest tier. It removes all ads, allows four people to stream at the same time from one account, and supports 4K video quality (also called Ultra HD). If you have a 4K television and a fast internet connection, Premium is the only plan that will display content in 4K resolution.

Four simultaneous streams means four different people can watch four different shows or films at the same time using the same login credentials. This plan costs more per month than Standard or Standard with ads, but it is the only option if you need multiple people watching at once or if you want the highest video quality available.

How to change or cancel your plan

You can change your plan at any time by logging into your Netflix account, going to your account settings, and selecting a different subscription tier. The change takes effect when ready or at your next billing date, depending on when in your billing cycle you make the change. Netflix will charge you the new plan's price on your next billing date.

To cancel your subscription, you go to the same account settings menu and select the option to cancel membership. Netflix will stop charging you after your current billing period ends, and you lose access to the service on that date. You can restart your subscription later by logging back in and choosing a plan again — Netflix does not delete your profile or viewing history permanently when you cancel.

Pricing and how it changes

Netflix does not publish a single fixed price for each plan. Prices vary by country and region, and Netflix raises prices periodically — sometimes every year or two, sometimes less frequently. The company announces price changes to existing members before they take effect, usually giving at least 30 days' notice.

When a price increase happens, your subscription automatically moves to the new price on your next billing date. You can avoid the increase by downgrading to a cheaper plan, canceling, or switching to a competitor's service. Checking Netflix's website or your account settings shows you the current price for each plan in your region.

Sharing your account across households

Netflix's terms of service state that your account is for your household only. In practice, Netflix has introduced a feature that lets you add extra members to your Premium or Standard plan for an additional monthly fee. These extra members have their own login, profile, and personalized recommendations, but they are linked to your main account and you pay for them through your Netflix bill.

If people outside your household use your login credentials without paying as an extra member, Netflix may restrict or terminate your account. The company has been enforcing this policy more strictly over time. If you want to share your account with people in other homes, adding them as paid extra members is the method Netflix supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on my phone, tablet, and TV at the same time?

Only if you have the Premium plan, which allows four simultaneous streams. Standard and Standard with ads plans allow one stream at a time, regardless of what device you use. The device type does not matter — it is the number of active streams that counts.

What happens to my profile and watch history if I cancel?

Netflix keeps your profile and watch history for a limited time after you cancel. If you restart your subscription within a few months, your profile and history are usually still there. After a longer period, Netflix may delete this information, but restarting your account is straightforward — you just log back in and choose a plan.

Do I need a credit card to start a Netflix subscription?

Netflix requires a payment method to set up any subscription plan. This is typically a credit card, debit card, or linked bank account. Some regions also accept other payment methods like gift cards or mobile billing, but a card or bank account is the standard requirement.

Can I use the same Netflix account on multiple devices?

Yes, you can log into your Netflix account on many devices — phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. However, the number of devices that can play content at the same time depends on your plan. Standard with ads and Standard allow one stream at a time; Premium allows four simultaneous streams across any devices.

What is the difference between 1080p and 4K video quality?

1080p (Full HD) has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels and looks clear on most televisions and computer monitors. 4K (Ultra HD) has a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels and is noticeably sharper on large 4K televisions. You need a 4K TV and the Premium plan to watch Netflix in 4K; Standard plans max out at 1080p.