Which Netflix subscription is right for you?

Netflix remains most people’s streaming platform of choice, with beloved classic movies and shows like Friends to must-see originals like Squid Game and Wednesday.

Unlike many rivals, Netflix offers numerous plans to suit different budgets and needs. But what is the best plan for you? We compared Netflix Standard with Ads, Netflix Standard and Netflix Premium and categorized them to determine who is best suited for what. You can sign up now on the Netflix website.

Before we break down the three plans, here are a few things to consider when signing up for Netflix. You can now also watch the best TV shows and movies on the platform. We also have a similar guide for the Disney+ tiers and the Spotify Premium subscriptions.

The overview of Netflix subscriptions

The first thing to note is that Netflix no longer offers a 30-day free trial. Instead, there is sometimes a chance of a free upgrade to a higher plan during the first month when you sign up.

So if you’re joining Netflix for the first time and aren’t sure if you want to go for a more expensive plan, sign up for one of the lower plans and get the upgrade without having to pay for an extra 30 days. When your trial period ends, you will have the option to keep your current subscription or upgrade to a higher subscription.

You can only register one payment option in your account, but if you wish, you can share your email address and password with members of your household so they can create their own profile. Make sure the information you share is not sensitive, such as using the same password for your online banking.

Please note that you cannot share a password with anyone who does not live in your household, although they can be added to your account as additional members for an additional fee.

If you want to split the payment for your account, you can let people set up a simple standing order, pay via PayPal and split the cost here, or use something like Monzo. You can create up to five profiles across all plans, but the type of plan you have will affect things like simultaneous streaming.

If cost is your main concern, we’ve also added up what a monthly subscription will cost you per year. However, keep in mind that you can only pay for Netflix monthly – no annual subscriptions are offered. You can cancel a monthly rolling subscription at any time.

Some TV packages such as Virgin And Air Netflix also offers both included and as an add-on in their bundles, so if you plan on using it for your entertainment needs, you can merge this with your TV bill and make it all disappear at once.

Finally, Netflix Basic has now been discontinued – scroll to the end of this article for more information.

Does Netflix come with ads by default for me?

Cost: £4.99/$6.99 per month (adds £59.88 or $83.88 per year)

Best for: Those who want to spend as little as possible and don’t plan on sharing Netflix

Netflix Standard with Ads is the latest tier from the streaming giant. While this is the cheapest tier on the list, there are many limitations to keep in mind.

The number of ads depends on the content you’re watching, but usually there are a few pre-roll ads and then one or two mid-roll ad breaks. The ads themselves can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 75 seconds, although they are not as intrusive as some other ad-supported streaming platforms.

The main drawback to this tier of Netflix is ​​that it’s missing some major third-party shows and movies, including The Office, The Good Place, Arrested Development, and Skyfall. The missing content depends on your region. You can find out more with our practical information about the Netflix tier.

The streaming quality is 1080p and there are no simultaneous streams or downloads available – so we really only recommend this level for individuals.

Is Netflix Standard something for me?

Cost: £10.99/$15.49 per month (adds £131.88 or $185.88 per year)

Best for: People looking for a balance between costs and benefits, small groups

The most popular subscription on Netflix is ​​the all-rounder Standard account. The Standard with Ads plan’s step-ups (besides the distinct lack of ads) include two simultaneous streams, two devices to register for downloads, and a nice boost when it comes to your resolution.

On Netflix Standard you can stream up to 1080p, so your picture quality is pretty good for whatever you’re streaming.

Thanks to double the number of simultaneous streams, this account is suitable for friends who watch Netflix around the same time as you, or for multiple family members who like to tune in from different parts of the house. But again, this plan still doesn’t give you the maximum number of screens you can have.

Consider who you share your plan with and the maximum amount you want to spend each month.

Is Netflix Premium something for me?

Cost: £17.99/$22.99 (adds £215.88 or $275.88 per year)

Best for: Large groups and techies

If cost isn’t an issue – or you share your account with a large number of people – then it’s worth considering Netflix Premium.

If you want to get the most out of your 4K TV or laptop, Netflix’s Premium tier offers Ultra High Definition (UHD), which is 4K streaming. Of course, keep in mind that not every single show and movie on the platform is available in 4K – they’re usually newer releases and they’re labeled as such (read more in our guide to watching Netflix in 4K).

Large groups and large families will also like to take advantage of Netflix Premium, as it includes four simultaneous streams and four devices to store downloads on, making it the easiest account to share with your household if that’s your main purpose.

Of course, if all these streams are happening in one household (and all in 4K), keep in mind that you’ll need a fast broadband connection to avoid buffering issues.

Please note that the price of Netflix Premium increased by $3/£2 per month on October 18.

What happened to Netflix Basic?

Netflix Basic is no longer an option for new and returning customers. Existing members were given the option to switch to the Standard with Ads subscription in June 2024.

Which Netflix subscription is the best?

Honestly, that comes down to you and your viewing habits.

If you plan on doing some occasional streaming here and there and only watching on one device, you can save some money with Standard with Ads. If you’re at the other end of the scale and want the best image quality, plan to stream a lot and share your account with friends, go with Premium. Or choose the best of both worlds when it comes to price and benefits and stick with Standard.

Consider who you want to share the account with, what effect this will have on costs, and what type of devices you’ll be able to view your content on. 4K streaming is pointless if you don’t have a 4K device! And remember: you can always switch between accounts until you find the right one.