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Remember when Netflix used to send DVDs to your door? Well, those days are long gone, but Netflix is still a major player in the world of streaming. You can now enjoy top-notch content delivered right to your favorite device, but there’s a catch—prices have gone up. The most expensive plan, Netflix Premium, will set you back $23 per month. However, if you’re on a budget, there’s a more affordable option at $7 per month, though you’ll have to sit through some ads to keep costs down. And if you’ve been kicked off your family’s shared account due to the recent crackdown on password sharing, now’s a good time to figure out which plan suits your wallet best.
Netflix currently offers three subscription plans. Deciding which one to go with boils down to how much you’re willing to spend and what features you need. Each tier comes with different perks like streaming quality, the number of screens you can use simultaneously, and whether or not you have to deal with ads.
How much does Netflix cost?
- Standard with Ads: The cheapest plan at $7 per month, this option lets you stream in Full HD (1080p), but you’ll have to watch between four and five 15-30 second ads per hour. You can stream on two screens at once, but you won’t be able to download content for offline viewing, and some shows or movies might not be available.
- Standard: Priced at $15.50, this plan also streams in Full HD (1080p) and allows two simultaneous streams. The bonus? No ads, and you can download content for offline viewing. You can also add one extra member outside your household for an additional $8 per month.
- Premium: At $23 a month, this top-tier plan offers the best of the best: 4K Ultra HD and up to four people can stream at once. It’s perfect if you have a 4K TV and want the highest resolution. Plus, you can add up to two extra members outside your household for $8 each per month.
If you have family members living outside your household—like a kid off at college or a relative using your account—you’ll need to pay $8 per month for each additional user on the Standard or Premium plans.
While Netflix continues to expand its library and enhance its viewing experience, it has discontinued its DVD and Blu-ray rental service. So if you were still holding onto those discs, it’s time to pour one out for the end of an era.
Which Netflix plan is best for you?
If you’re just starting out, the Standard plan is a great middle ground. It offers Full HD and allows you to stream on two devices at the same time. If you’re okay with ads and want a cheaper option, the Standard with Ads plan gives you the same HD quality at a lower price.
However, if you have a 4K TV or multiple people streaming, the Premium plan is the way to go. It’s more expensive, but it unlocks 4K Ultra HD content and allows up to four simultaneous streams—ideal for larger households or serious cinephiles.
How to save money on your Netflix subscription
Looking to save some cash? One way to cut costs is by sharing a Premium account with friends or family. This plan allows you to share the cost while enjoying all the benefits of 4K streaming across four devices. Just be mindful of Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing, which might impact users outside your household.
Another trick to score a deal is to look out for bundles through internet service providers or mobile carriers. For example, T-Mobile has a “Netflix on Us” promotion that offers free or discounted subscriptions to its customers. However, it’s still unclear if this deal will apply to the Standard with Ads plan.
No matter which option you choose, Netflix still offers a variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets, keeping you entertained no matter where you are or what you want to watch.