Netflix Subscription Update: What the Phasing Out of its Basic, Ad-Free Plan Means
For now, only some subscribers will be affected.
- Though Kourtnee hasn't won any journalism awards yet, she's been a Netflix streaming subscriber since 2012 and knows the magic of its hidden codes.
Netflix is planning to sunset its cheapest basic ad-free option for some customers. The streaming giant announced the news in a letter to shareholders on Tuesday, saying it will begin with the UK and Canada in the second quarter. Subsequently, Netflix will eliminate the basic subscription in select regions where the ad-based version is available.
The streamer dropped its Basic ad-free plan for new subscribers in the US and UK in July 2023 and followed up with a price increase for those who were grandfathered into the subscription last October. The price was bumped up to $12 per month for existing customers in the US, with increases in the UK and France as well.
With the new change this year, US subscribers -- if affected -- will have three plans to choose from: Basic with Ads ($7 per month), ad-free Standard ($15.50 a month) or Premium ($23 per month). If you want to share your account with someone outside your household, there's an optional extra member fee of $8 per month. Netflix's ad-based plan is one of its most popular -- and cheaper than rivals Disney Plus and Hulu -- but we'll note not every title is available to stream on the plan. You must upgrade to access certain TV shows and blockbuster movies.
During Netflix's earnings call on Tuesday, co-CEO Greg Peters highlighted the value of the ad-supported subscription versus the basic plan, pointing out that the $7 option offers two streams, better video quality and downloads.
The streaming service cited its entertainment value and highlighted its expanding video games lineup and live sports programming. After testing the live streaming waters with a comedy special and golf tournament, Netflix is diving deeper into live sports. It will stream a tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz this March, and the media giant just inked a deal with the WWE.
Starting January 2025, wrestling fans in the US, UK, Canada and Latin America can watch live Monday Night Raw matches on the platform, with additional regions to come. Netflix will also be the destination for international subscribers who want to watch Smackdown, WrestleMania and other popular WWE shows.
Be sure to check out our coverage on Netflix's games and what ad-based subscriptions offer across the streaming universe.