Netflix still dominates streaming, but if you’re paying for a plan you don’t need, you’re throwing money away. In 2025, Netflix offers four tiers: Basic, Standard, Premium, and the new Basic with Ads. Each one locks you into different features - resolution, device limits, download options, and price. Knowing what you actually use makes all the difference.
Netflix Basic (No Ads) - $6.99/month
The old Basic plan is gone. Now, the cheapest option is Basic with Ads at $6.99. It’s the only plan that shows commercials. You’ll get 30-second breaks between shows, and a few ads during content - usually around 4 to 6 minutes per hour. It’s not terrible if you’re okay with skipping ads during breaks, but you can’t pause or rewind during an ad.
This plan only lets you stream on one device at a time. No sharing. No family use. You get 480p resolution - standard definition. That’s fine on a phone, but on a 55-inch TV? You’ll notice the blur. Downloads are allowed, but only in SD. If you travel often and rely on offline viewing, you’ll be stuck with low quality.
Who’s this for? Someone who watches alone on a small screen, doesn’t mind ads, and wants the absolute lowest cost. If you’re a student living in a dorm or someone who only uses Netflix on a tablet during commutes, this might work. But if you care about picture quality, skip it.
Netflix Standard - $15.49/month
Standard is the sweet spot for most households. At $15.49, you get two screens streaming at the same time. That means you and your partner can watch different shows without fighting over the remote. It also lets you download content to two devices - one phone, one tablet, or two phones.
Resolution jumps to 1080p Full HD. That’s sharp on any modern TV, laptop, or tablet. You won’t see pixelation or blur. No ads. Ever. Downloads are in HD, so offline viewing looks clean even on bigger screens.
This plan doesn’t include 4K. If you have a 4K TV and you’re used to seeing HDR colors and deeper blacks, you’ll notice the difference. But for most people, 1080p is more than enough. You get access to all Netflix originals, documentaries, and licensed content - same library as Premium.
Who’s this for? Couples, roommates, or families with two main viewers. If you don’t have a 4K TV or don’t care about Dolby Vision, Standard gives you everything you need without paying extra.
Netflix Premium - $22.99/month
Premium is the top tier - and it’s expensive. At $22.99, you get four simultaneous streams. That’s enough for a family of four, or a household where everyone watches at different times. You can also download to four devices, so kids can watch offline on their own tablets while you stream on the TV.
This is the only plan with 4K Ultra HD and HDR support. That includes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for immersive sound. If you have a high-end TV like an LG OLED or Samsung QLED, you’ll see richer colors, brighter highlights, and deeper shadows. Movies like Stranger Things Season 5 or The Crown look stunning here.
Audio quality is also better. With Dolby Atmos, you hear footsteps behind you, rain falling from above, or a car zooming past in surround sound - even with basic soundbars. It’s not just about picture. It’s about the whole experience.
Who’s this for? Families with multiple users, tech enthusiasts with premium TVs, or anyone who watches Netflix like it’s a cinema. If you’re paying for a 4K TV but using a lower tier, you’re wasting your hardware. Premium makes sense here.
Netflix Basic with Ads - The Real Budget Option
Don’t confuse Basic with Ads and the old Basic plan. They’re completely different. Basic with Ads replaced the original $6.99 plan in 2023. It’s the same price, but now you get ads. And you can’t upgrade to HD.
Netflix says users who watch Basic with Ads spend 15% more time on the app because they’re more likely to binge after skipping an ad. That’s why they keep it. But here’s the catch: you can’t skip ads. You have to wait. And you can’t watch live events like Netflix Live on this plan.
It’s also not available in every country. If you’re in Canada, Australia, or the UK, you might not even see this option. In the U.S., it’s the most popular entry point - over 20% of new subscribers start here.
Is it worth it? Only if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the interruptions. If you’re using it to save money, make sure you’re not upgrading later - because you’ll pay more over time.
Comparison Table: Netflix Tiers in 2025
| Feature | Basic with Ads | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $6.99/month | $15.49/month | $22.99/month |
| Simultaneous Streams | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Resolution | 480p (SD) | 1080p (HD) | 4K Ultra HD + HDR |
| Ads | Yes | No | No |
| Downloads | 1 device | 2 devices | 4 devices |
| Dolby Atmos | No | No | Yes |
| Dolby Vision | No | No | Yes |
What You’re Really Paying For
Netflix doesn’t charge more because it costs them more to stream 4K. It’s about control. They know you’ll upgrade if you get hooked. And they’re right. People who start with Basic with Ads often switch to Standard within six months - especially after watching a show they want to binge without interruptions.
The real value isn’t in the resolution. It’s in the freedom. Two screens? That’s peace in a household. Four downloads? That’s a vacation without Wi-Fi. Dolby Atmos? That’s the difference between hearing a movie and feeling it.
Here’s a rule: if you’re the only one watching, and you don’t have a 4K TV, Standard is overkill. Basic with Ads saves you $8.50 a month. That’s $102 a year. If you use that money for a coffee subscription or a monthly book club, it’s worth it.
But if you have kids, a partner, or a home theater setup - Premium isn’t a luxury. It’s the only way to get the full experience. And if you’re already paying $100+ a month for cable, Netflix Premium is cheaper than most packages.
Hidden Costs and Traps
Netflix doesn’t advertise this, but you can’t cancel and re-subscribe to get a lower price. Once you’re on Premium, you’re locked in unless you switch accounts. Some people create a second profile under a different email to downgrade - but that’s against their terms.
Also, the price isn’t fixed. Netflix raises rates every year. In 2024, they increased Standard by $1.50. Premium went up $2. Premium could hit $25 by late 2026. If you’re on Basic with Ads now, you might get bumped up to Standard next year unless you manually downgrade.
And don’t forget: Netflix doesn’t let you share passwords anymore. If you’re sharing with siblings or friends, you’ll get a prompt asking you to pay for an extra profile. That’s $7.99 extra per person. It adds up fast.
What to Choose in 2025
Ask yourself three questions:
- How many people watch Netflix at the same time?
- Do you care if your shows look like they’re from 2010?
- Can you live with ads, or do they ruin your vibe?
If you answered “one person,” “no,” and “yes” - go with Basic with Ads.
If you answered “two people,” “yes,” and “no” - Standard is perfect.
If you answered “three or more,” “yes,” and “no” - Premium is your only real option.
There’s no shame in picking the cheapest plan. But don’t pick the wrong one because you didn’t check. Netflix’s tiers aren’t about quality - they’re about your habits. Match the plan to your life, not the hype.
Is Netflix Basic with Ads really worth it?
Yes, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind ads. You get the same shows as Premium, just with 30-second commercial breaks. The catch? You can’t skip them, and you’re stuck with 480p resolution. If you watch mostly on your phone and don’t care about HD, it’s a smart save. But if you hate interruptions, you’ll regret it.
Can I watch 4K on Netflix Standard?
No. Only Premium includes 4K Ultra HD and HDR. Standard caps out at 1080p. If you have a 4K TV and want to see the full detail - like the texture of fabric in The Crown or the explosion effects in Extraction 2 - you need Premium. Standard looks great on most screens, but you’re missing out on the highest quality Netflix offers.
Does Netflix still allow password sharing?
No. Netflix stopped letting users share passwords outside their household in 2023. If someone outside your home logs in, you’ll get a notification asking you to pay for an extra profile. Each additional profile costs $7.99/month. This policy is now enforced globally, and there’s no way around it without violating the terms.
Will Netflix prices go up again in 2026?
Almost certainly. Netflix has raised prices every year since 2020. In 2025, they increased Standard by $1.50 and Premium by $2. Based on their history, expect another $1-$2 increase by late 2026. If you’re on a lower tier, you might be auto-upgraded unless you manually stay on your current plan.
Is Premium worth it for just one person?
Only if you have a 4K TV and care about picture and sound quality. For one person with a regular HD TV, Premium is overkill. You’ll pay $7.50 more per month than Standard for features you won’t use. But if you have a high-end home theater, Dolby Atmos, and want the best possible experience, then yes - Premium is worth it. It’s not about how many people watch - it’s about how you watch.