What is Netflix Basic?
Netflix Basic is a subscription plan offered by Netflix that provides users with access to the streaming platform's content library for a lower price than other subscription plans. As of July 19, 2023, the Basic plan has been removed from the US and UK, and is no longer available to new or rejoining members.
Previously, the Basic plan had been priced at $6.99 a month in the US and included ads, marking Netflix's first foray into ad-supported content. The plan provided users with access to Netflix's library of shows and movies, but limited the streaming quality to standard definition and only allowed streaming on one device at a time.
However, as of July 19, 2023, Netflix removed the Basic plan and now only offers ad-free plans or more expensive plans that include multiple streams and higher quality video.
Overall, while Netflix Basic was a cost-effective way to access Netflix's vast content library, it is no longer available as an option for new or rejoining members.
Frequently Asked Questions about netflix basic
A standard plan with ads for $6.99 per month that includes “all but a few movies and TV shows” due to licensing restrictions. Subscribers cannot download shows or movies.
Pricing (US Dollar)
Standard with ads*: $6.99 / month. Standard: $15.49 / month (extra member slots** can be added for $7.99 each / month) Premium: $19.99 / month (extra member slots** can be added for $7.99 each / month)
Netflix is a subscription-based streaming service that allows our members to watch TV shows and movies on an internet-connected device.
Basic With Ads is functionally identical to Netflix's $10 Basic plan. You're capped at a 720p resolution for all of your playback options and are allowed to use only one device on the subscription at a time. (So no, you can't engineer some sort of weird multi-apartment Bridgerton marathon.)
Netflix Basic supports only one stream at a time. Conversely, Netflix Standard and Netflix Standard with Ads allow for two streams simultaneously. Best of all, Netflix Premium supports four streams at a time.
Netflix's cheapest tier, the new Basic-with-Ads, is launching with 720p resolution from the start – so the two Basic tiers (with and without ads) now feature the same video quality resolution.
Netflix pricing in India. * Mobile: Rs 149 per month (Watch on 1 phone or tablet at a time) * Basic: Rs 199 per month (Watch on 1 supported device at a time) * Standard: Rs 499 per month (Watch on 2 supported devices at a time) * Premium: Rs 649 per month (Watch on 4 supported devices at a time)
What's different: Video quality up to 720p/HD (now for both our Basic with Ads and Basic plans); average of 4 to 5 minutes of ads per hour; a limited number of movies and TV shows won't be available due to licensing restrictions, which we're working on; no ability to download titles.
Netflix's product development strategy
Netflix has a Profit and margin-driven strategy to maximize adoption and retention. Netflix is the largest streaming service in the world. Netflix's core offer is a subscription including unlimited access to content. Its product strategy emphasizes margin growth.
Netflix is among the best streaming services; It scores a 4.0, placing it second in our overall rating of the best on-demand streaming services. It's earned this thanks to its large streaming library of both movies and TV shows, as well as its friendly pricing.
If you're on a tight budget or just watch Netflix occasionally, the basic plan (SD/480p) might be fine for you. But if you're like me and spend more time binge-watching shows than sleeping 😴, then the standard or premium plan might be worth the extra bucks.
Netflix Removes “Basic” Ad-Free Plan in U.S. and U.K.
The company had previously removed the tier in Canada. Now the $10 per month plan in the U.S. is gone, as well.
Netflix has removed its $9.99 advertising-free “Basic” plan in the U.S. and U.K., a move that would push new subscribers to sign up for more lucrative subscription options for the streaming giant.
