Netflix's lowest-cost option is the Standard with ads plan at $6.99 per month

Netflix offers four subscription tiers, and the cheapest one is Standard with ads at $6.99 per month in the United States. This plan lets you watch on two screens at the same time and includes most of Netflix's library, but you will see ads during shows and movies — roughly four to five minutes per hour of content.

If you want to watch without ads, the next step up is the Standard plan at $15.49 per month, which also allows two simultaneous screens but removes all advertising. The other two tiers — Premium at $22.99 per month and Basic at $11.99 per month — offer different combinations of screen count and video quality.

Netflix changes its pricing regularly, and the cost may vary depending on your location and when you signed up. The prices listed here are current as of early 2025 but may shift without notice.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard with ads costs $6.99 per month and includes most Netflix content but shows advertisements during playback.
  • You can watch on two screens at once with the Standard with ads plan, which is the same limit as the ad-free Standard plan.
  • The Basic plan at $11.99 per month is cheaper than Standard without ads but limits you to one screen and lower video quality.
  • Netflix prices change periodically, so the cost you see today may not be the cost next year.

What the Standard with ads plan includes and excludes

The Standard with ads plan gives you access to Netflix's full catalog of shows, movies, and documentaries. You can create a profile, save titles to your list, and resume watching where you left off across devices. The two-screen limit means two people in your household can watch different things at the same time, but a third person cannot start a show until one of the first two stops.

What you do not get: you cannot read titles to watch offline, and you cannot watch in 4K resolution. The video quality maxes out at 1080p (full HD). Ads appear at the start and sometimes during content, and Netflix does not let you skip them.

Some titles are not available on the ads plan — Netflix restricts a small portion of its library to ad-free subscribers only, though the number of restricted titles is small and changes over time.

How the Basic plan compares in price and features

The Basic plan costs $11.99 per month, which is $5 more than Standard with ads each month. For that extra cost, you get no ads and the ability to watch on one screen instead of two. However, Basic is limited to 720p video quality, which is lower than the 1080p you get with Standard with ads.

Basic makes sense only if you live alone or watch alone most of the time and do not mind lower picture quality. If multiple people in your household watch Netflix, or if you care about sharper video, Standard with ads is the better value.

When ads on the cheapest plan might bother you

The Standard with ads plan shows roughly four to five minutes of advertising per hour of content. For a two-hour movie, expect about eight to ten minutes of ads total. For a one-hour TV episode, expect four to five minutes. Ads appear before the show starts and sometimes in the middle, but Netflix does not allow you to skip them.

Some people find the ads tolerable for the price savings; others find them disruptive enough that the ad-free Standard plan at $15.49 becomes worth the extra $8.50 per month. That is a personal choice based on how much you watch and how much ads bother you.

Netflix also uses ads to target content to you — the ads you see may be based on your viewing history and profile information, though you have some control over ad preferences in your account settings.

How to switch plans or downgrade to the cheapest option

If you already have a Netflix account on a higher tier, you can change your plan by going to your Account settings, selecting Membership, and choosing a different plan. The change takes effect when ready, and Netflix will prorate your billing — if you downgrade mid-month, your next bill will reflect the lower price.

If you are signing up for Netflix for the first time, you will see all four plans during setup and can choose Standard with ads right away. You will need a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or gift card) and an email address to create an account.

Netflix does not require a contract, so you can change or cancel your plan at any time. If you cancel, you lose access when ready, though you can restart your account later without penalty.

Whether the cheapest plan is worth it for your household

Standard with ads is the best value if you watch Netflix regularly and do not mind advertisements. At $6.99 per month, it costs less than a single movie ticket and gives you access to thousands of titles. The two-screen limit is enough for most households where people watch at different times.

It is not the best choice if you have three or more people who watch simultaneously, if you want to read shows for travel, or if you want the sharpest possible picture quality. In those cases, you would need to move to a higher tier.

One practical tip: if you share your Netflix account with family members or friends outside your household, Netflix has begun enforcing rules against password sharing. Each plan now includes a specific number of people who can use the account, and adding someone outside your household may require paying an extra fee or upgrading to a higher tier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on my phone with the Standard with ads plan?

Yes. The two-screen limit applies to any device — phone, tablet, TV, or computer. You can watch on your phone and someone else can watch on a TV at the same time, but a third device cannot stream until one of the first two stops.

Do I have to watch ads on every show, or just some?

Most shows and movies on the Standard with ads plan include ads. A small number of titles are not available on this plan at all and require an ad-free subscription. Netflix does not publish a list of restricted titles, so you may not know until you try to play something.

If I downgrade from a higher plan, do I lose my saved shows and profiles?

No. Your profiles, watch history, and saved titles stay with your account no matter which plan you choose. If you upgrade or downgrade, everything remains exactly as you left it.

Is the Standard with ads plan available in every country?

No. The ads plan is available in most countries where Netflix operates, but not all. If you do not see it as an option when you sign up, it may not be offered in your region yet.