Netflix's current pricing and what changed

Netflix offers four subscription tiers in the United States, each with different prices and features. The Basic plan is the cheapest option at $6.99 per month, but it only works on one device at a time and shows ads. The Basic with Ads plan costs $6.99 per month and also includes ads. The Standard plan is $15.49 per month and lets two people watch at once without ads. The Premium plan costs $22.99 per month and allows four simultaneous streams and the highest video quality.

Netflix has made changes to how it handles account sharing. If multiple people in different households share one account, Netflix now charges an extra fee — typically $7.99 per month — for each additional household. This means that if you were splitting a family plan with relatives or friends who don't live with you, you will now see a higher bill unless you switch to a cheaper tier or add them as paid extra members.

Key Takeaways

  • The Basic plan with ads costs $6.99 per month and is Netflix's cheapest option, though it includes commercials and only works on one screen at a time.
  • If you share your account with people in other households, Netflix charges $7.99 per month for each additional household unless they have their own account.
  • Switching to a lower tier or removing shared household members can cut your bill when ready without canceling your subscription.
  • Some employers and phone carriers offer Netflix discounts or bundled plans that may cost less than paying Netflix directly.

Switching to a lower-cost plan

The fastest way to lower your Netflix bill is to downgrade to a cheaper plan. Log into your Netflix account on any device, go to Account settings, and select Membership. From there you can see your current plan and the option to change it. Netflix will show you what features you lose — such as ad-free viewing or the ability to watch on multiple screens — before you confirm the change.

The Basic plan with ads is the lowest price Netflix offers. You will see advertisements during shows and movies, and you can only watch on one device at a time. If you live alone or watch alone most of the time, this plan may work for you. If you share your TV with a partner or family members in your home, the Standard plan at $15.49 per month allows two people to watch at the same time without ads, which may be worth the extra cost.

Removing extra household members

If you are paying extra fees for household members who don't live with you, you can remove them from your account. Go to Account settings, select Manage access and devices, and you will see a list of devices and locations where your account is being used. You can sign out devices remotely or remove access for specific households.

When you remove a household, that person will lose access to your account. They can create their own Netflix account or you can add them as a paid extra member for $7.99 per month instead. If they live with you, they do not need a separate account — they can use your login on a device in your home.

Bundled plans and employer discounts

Some phone carriers and internet providers bundle Netflix into their service plans at a lower total cost than paying for both separately. T-Mobile includes Netflix with certain phone plans. Some cable and internet providers offer Netflix as part of a package deal. Check with your current phone or internet company to see if they offer a bundle that includes Netflix.

A small number of employers offer Netflix subscriptions as an employee benefit, either free or at a discount. Ask your human resources department whether your workplace has a partnership with Netflix or any streaming service. This is less common than phone or internet bundles, but it is worth asking about.

Using a shared family plan within your household

If you live with other people, the Standard plan at $15.49 per month is often cheaper than each person paying for their own Basic plan. Two people can watch at the same time, and there are no ads. If you have more people in your home, the Premium plan at $22.99 per month allows four simultaneous streams, which works out to less per person if you divide the cost among household members.

Make sure everyone who uses the account actually lives in your home. Netflix can detect when accounts are being used from different locations over time, and using your account outside your household may result in additional charges or account restrictions.

Timing your subscription to catch promotions

Netflix occasionally offers promotional rates for new or returning customers, though these deals are not always available. If you have canceled your account in the past, you may receive an email offering a discounted rate to come back. These promotions typically last for a set number of months before the price goes back to the regular rate.

There is no way to predict when Netflix will offer a promotion, and they are not may provide. If you see a promotional offer in your email, check the terms to see how long the discount lasts and what the regular price will be after the promotion ends.

Comparing Netflix to other streaming services

Netflix is one of many streaming options available. Other services like Disney+, Hulu, Max, and Paramount+ have their own pricing and content libraries. Some people find they can save money by subscribing to one or two services instead of Netflix, depending on what shows and movies they want to watch.

Before you cancel Netflix, think about what you actually watch. If most of your viewing is Netflix content, downgrading to a cheaper plan makes more sense than switching to a different service. If you find yourself watching more content from another service, you might save money by switching or by pausing your Netflix subscription temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my Netflix subscription instead of canceling it?

Yes. Netflix allows you to pause your account for up to three months without losing your profile, watch list, or settings. Go to Account settings and select Pause membership. This costs nothing and lets you come back later without starting over. After three months, your subscription will automatically resume unless you cancel it.

Will I lose my watch history and saved shows if I downgrade my plan?

No. Your profile, watch history, saved shows, and recommendations stay the same when you change plans. The only things that change are the features available to you, such as whether you see ads or how many screens can play at once.

What happens if I remove someone from my account?

They will when ready lose access to your Netflix account. They can create their own account, use a family member's account if they live in that home, or you can add them as a paid extra member for $7.99 per month. They will not lose their own profile or watch history if they create a new account later.

Does Netflix ever offer student discounts?

Netflix does not currently offer a student discount in the United States. Your best option is the Basic plan with ads at $6.99 per month, or checking whether your school has a partnership with Netflix or another streaming service that offers a discount to students.

Can I use a VPN to access cheaper Netflix prices in other countries?

Netflix's terms of service do not allow this, and the company actively blocks VPN access. Using a VPN to access Netflix in another country may result in your account being suspended or canceled. Your best option for a lower price is to use one of the plans available in your own country.