Out of all the streaming platforms that continue to pop up regularly, Netflix still exceeds them all. As one of the original streaming platforms, it's home to endless movies, shows, documentaries, and exclusive content.
Honestly, if you're not a Netflix subscriber yet, it would be a surprise. However, a few people are still considering signing up now, whereas many others are looking to change their subscription plans.
Whether you want to upgrade your current Netflix plan or you'd like to join for the first time, you need to know which subscription is right for you.
What You Need to Know About Netflix and Its Available Plans
Firstly, if you're a newcomer to Netflix, you'll need to know that you can share your account with your family and friends; as long as you live in the same house.
Secondly, and most importantly, Netflix has removed the Basic plan in the US and UK for new or rejoining members. The Basic plan used to only cost $9.99/month with standard HD and no ads during viewing.
However, Netflix states that if you're signed up for the Basic plan, you can remain on the plan unless you want to upgrade or cancel your subscription.
The platform doesn't allow you to pay for an annual subscription. However, it is possible to change your Netflix streaming plan or cancel it at any time. Also, there are no silly cancelation fees or contracts that you need to sign.
The plans available on Netflix range from the cheap Standards with ads plan with good video quality to the Premium plan with fancy 4K content for those with a finer taste. Keep in mind that besides the ad-supported plan, you'll always have access to the entire library of movies and TV shows.
The Netflix Standard With Ads Plan—Best for Thrifty Ad Lovers
Because Netflix dropped its Basic ad-free plan, the cheapest Netflix plan is Standard with ads. It is only $6.99/month, and you can watch on two devices, which is a steal compared to the other plans.
With about five minutes of ads per hour, the plan isn't nearly as bad as some other streaming services with ad-supported plans.
Possibly the best part about this plan is its video quality. So while you have to deal with watching a few ads, you get the joy of watching your favorite shows and movies in full HD (1080p).
On the other hand, this plan has a couple of serious downsides besides the ad breaks. At the time of writing, not all movies and TV shows are available on this plan, including Breaking Bad, Cobra Kai, and Grey's Anatomy. Furthermore, you won't have the option to download anything for offline viewing, which is what the Basic plan used to offer in its subscription.
Remember that if you're an existing member, you can still remain on the Basic plan, but if you're brand new or rejoining Netflix, this is your cheapest choice. So it is possible to upgrade your plan, but unfortunately, if you downgrade to this option, you'll have to get used to watching ads.
The Netflix Standard Plan—Best for Small Groups
As the most popular plan available on Netflix, you'll receive a few more perks than the Standard with ads plan. Some of the step-ups include—besides the fact that you don't have to deal with ads—the ability to stream on two devices simultaneously, along with a resolution and video quality boost.
Priced at only $15.49/month, you'll be able to watch your favorite TV shows and movies in full HD, which is 1080p resolution.
These days, full HD is standard, so the quality of the picture will be fairly better. Keep in mind that if you want to view anything in HD, you'll need a decently fast internet connection. Go to Netflix's Help Center to find the platform's internet speed recommendations.
Since this plan means you can have two simultaneous streams, it's well-suited for one or two friends or family members living together. They can watch something different while you catch up on the latest Netflix documentary.
Please note that when you're using the Standard plan, you can add an extra member for $7.99/month who doesn't live in your household. However, since Netflix has become super strict about account sharing, you only have the option to add one extra member.
The Standard plan is great, but it all depends on what you want. Consider who you will share your plan with and how much you want to spend each month.
Netflix's Premium Plan—Best for Fancy Families
When you're not worried about cost, or you're sharing your account with a large number of people, then the Premium plan is something you should consider.
At $19.99/month, the Premium plan is the most expensive of the three plans, and it's a few steps ahead of the others. This plan will provide you with the best video quality in Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4K, which is great if you already own a 4K TV.
Obviously, not every TV show or movie is available in 4K, but most of the newer content these days is. If you wish to find 4K content on Netflix, simply type "4K" into the search bar, and you'll be able to see what Netflix has to offer.
If watching content in 4K is all you want from this subscription, remember that you'll need a few things: A 4K TV, a streaming device that allows for 4K content, and an internet speed of 25Mbps or higher. Otherwise, don't waste your time signing up for the Premium plan.
Besides the 4K streaming, the next best feature is how many people can watch Netflix at one time. With the Premium plan, you can stream on four screens simultaneously and download on six devices.
What's more, if you're using the Premium plan, you can add up to two extra members who don't live with you for $7.99/month per member. This is perfect for large families living together or multiple students sharing a house.
Another impressive feature of the Premium plan is Netflix's spatial audio. Spatial audio support is essentially 360-degree sound that makes you feel completely immersed in what you're watching.
Spatial audio isn't available for everything on Netflix, so how do you watch Netflix shows and movies with spatial audio? All you have to do is search for the phrase "spatial audio," and you can find as many as 700 titles to watch.
So, Which Netflix Plan Is Best for You?
The answer to this question is down to you and what you're looking for. If you live alone, and you just want to use Netflix to watch an odd movie or TV show now and then and you don't mind sitting through a few ad breaks, then the Standard with ads plan is a sensible, cost-effective choice.
However, if you're the complete opposite and want high-quality 4K content that you can stream simultaneously with all your friends and family, sign up for the Premium plan.
On the other hand, a great all-rounder is the Standard plan, which is low-cost and provides decent video quality and simultaneous streaming on two devices.
Consider This Before You Subscribe to Netflix
You need to consider your budget, who you want to share the account with, what video quality you're looking for, and if you mind ad breaks before you decide to shell out your hard-earned cash.
Remember not to throw your money away for the Premium plan if you don't have a 4K device, and don't be swayed by the cheapest plan if you can't handle ad breaks.