
Netflix still stands out as one of the premium streaming options available to consumers and 2025 is slated to be a big year for the service with things like Stranger Things season 5 due to arrive. You can get the Netflix Standard with Ads plan for just $7.99 per month, the Standard plan (which is ad-free) for $17.99 per month, or the Premium plan offering 4K + HDR viewing for $24.99 per month. Buy Now at Netflix
When you think of a streaming service, chances are Netflix is the first name that pops into your head. And for good reason! After pioneering DVD-by-mail rentals back in the day, Netflix practically wrote the playbook for the modern streaming video-on-demand world. It's grown into a global entertainment powerhouse, offering a truly massive library of movies, TV series, documentaries, stand-up specials, and more, all ready to watch instantly on nearly any internet-connected device, from smart TVs and game consoles to phones and tablets.
Beyond the licensed favorites you might already know, a huge part of Netflix's draw is its ever-expanding lineup of "Netflix Originals." These are the exclusive, often buzzworthy series and films everyone seems to be talking about – think cultural phenomena like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, or Squid Game.
The platform is also known for its sophisticated recommendation engine; the more you watch, the better it gets at suggesting your next favorite binge, tailoring the experience just for you. Plus, features like downloadable content for offline viewing and dedicated profiles (including for kids) add to the convenience.
Naturally, accessing this mountain of entertainment requires a subscription. Netflix operates on a tiered model, meaning you can choose a plan based on your budget and how you watch – affecting things like video resolution, the number of simultaneous streams allowed, and even whether you see ads. You can also change or cancel your plan anytime online. Ready to dive deeper into the costs and figure out how to get the best value? Let's explore the different Netflix plans and hunt for potential savings.
This Year's Subscription Pricing
Alright, let's talk turkey – or rather, subscription fees. Netflix offers a few different plans, letting you pick the one that best fits your viewing habits and budget. Keep in mind that Netflix adjusted its prices most recently in January 2025, so the costs below reflect the latest rates.
Here’s a quick look at the current monthly subscription options in the US:
Plan |
Monthly Price |
Key Features |
---|---|---|
Standard With Ads |
$7.99 |
Budget-friendly, ad-supported content, HD video, 2 concurrent streams or downloads. |
Standard |
$17.99 |
Ad-free viewing of the full Netflix library, plus one extra member slot. |
Premium |
$24.99 |
Ad-free plan with 4K Ultra HD, 4 concurrent streams, 6 downloads, and two extra members. |
As you can see, the main trade-off for the lowest price is sitting through some ad breaks and potentially missing out on a very small number of titles due to licensing restrictions (Netflix usually marks these with a lock icon). It's also worth noting that the old "Basic" plan is no longer available for new or rejoining members, though existing Basic subscribers might be able to keep it until they change plans.
One relatively new wrinkle is the "extra member" option. If you have the Standard or Premium plan, you can pay an additional monthly fee to add someone who doesn't live in your household to your account. They get their own login, but you foot the bill.
Standard plans allow one extra member slot, while Premium allows up to two. As of early 2025, adding an extra member costs $6.99/month (if they get ads) or $8.99/month (ad-free) for each slot used. Always double-check the official Netflix website for the most current pricing and details, as these things can change!
Pricing in Previous Years
Like many streaming services, Netflix prices haven't stayed static over the years. We've seen several adjustments, with the most recent significant hike hitting subscribers in January 2025. This affected the Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium plans. Keeping track helps savvy streamers budget accordingly!
Here’s a year-by-year look at the monthly prices for Netflix plans in the US, highlighting key changes:
Year |
Plan |
Price |
Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2022 |
Basic |
$9.99 |
Price remained steady throughout the year. |
2022 |
Standard |
$15.49 |
Price increased from $13.99 in January. |
2022 |
Premium |
$19.99 |
Price increased from $17.99 in January. |
2022 |
Standard with Ads |
$6.99 |
New, lowest-cost ad-supported plan was introduced in November. |
2023 |
Basic |
$11.99 |
Discontinued the plan for new members but raised the price for current ones. |
2023 |
Premium |
$22.99 |
Price increased from 2022 rate of $19.99 in October. |
2025 |
Standard with Ads |
$7.99 |
Price increased from 2023 rate of $6.99 in January. |
2025 |
Standard |
$17.99 |
Price increased from 2022 price of $15.49 in January. |
2025 |
Premium |
$24.99 |
Price increased from the 2023 price of $22.99 in January. |
Looking back, Netflix's pricing has seen a few notable bumps and strategic shifts over the past few years. Early 2022 brought increases to the Standard and Premium plans, while late 2022 saw the introduction of the budget-friendly "Standard with Ads" tier. Then, in mid-2023, Netflix stopped offering its cheapest ad-free "Basic" plan to new or rejoining members, followed by a price hike for Premium subscribers later that year.
The most recent widespread increase hit in January 2025, affecting all remaining tiers. Netflix typically justifies price hikes by emphasizing the need to invest heavily in creating a wide variety of new, high-quality original shows and movies, as well as developing new product features. The move to phase out the Basic plan effectively steered customers towards either the lower-cost ad-supported option or the more robust (and higher-priced) Standard ad-free plan, simplifying their offerings and potentially boosting revenue from both ads and higher subscription tiers.
Subscription Package Differences
So, what exactly are you getting (or giving up) when you choose one Netflix plan over another? Let's break down the key distinctions.
Advertising
The most obvious difference lies with the Standard With Ads plan. Opting for this lowest-cost tier means you'll encounter commercial interruptions during shows and movies (typically 4-5 minutes per hour). While you get access to most of the Netflix library and all mobile games, a small percentage of movies and TV shows might be unavailable due to licensing deals. In contrast, both the Standard and Premium plans offer an entirely ad-free experience with unrestricted access to the full catalog.
Video Quality and Streaming
Beyond ads, the next major separators are video quality and the number of simultaneous streams. Standard with Ads and the regular Standard plan both top out at Full HD (1080p) resolution and allow streaming on two devices at the same time. This is perfectly fine for most viewers and smaller households.
However, if you've got a 4K TV and want the absolute best picture quality, or if you have a larger family or household where more people might be watching independently, the Premium plan is the way to go. It unlocks 4K Ultra HD resolution (often with HDR support like Dolby Vision) and allows streaming on up to four devices concurrently. Premium also includes Netflix spatial audio for a more immersive sound experience on compatible setups.
Downloads and Sharing
While all plans allow downloading content for offline viewing (great for commutes or travel!), the number of devices you can download to varies: two for both Standard tiers and a generous six for Premium. And as mentioned earlier, the ability to add extra members outside your household is exclusive to the Standard (one slot) and Premium (two slots) plans, albeit for an additional monthly fee per added member. Choosing the right plan comes down to balancing your budget against your needs for ad tolerance, picture quality, number of viewers, download habits, and sharing intentions.
What to Watch on Netflix This Year
Netflix's library is famously vast, which is fantastic but can sometimes lead to the dreaded "endless scroll." Where do you even begin? While personal taste reigns supreme, certain shows and movies consistently rise to the top, generating buzz, critical acclaim, or simply capturing the cultural moment. Whether you're looking for your next big binge or a standout film, Netflix likely has something cooking.
Here are some of the top-tier shows and movies making waves or holding their ground on Netflix right now (availability can fluctuate, but these are recent staples):
- Stranger Things: Hugely popular sci-fi horror series following kids battling supernatural forces in the 1980s.
- Bridgerton: Steamy, high-society romance and drama set in Regency-era London.
- Squid Game: Intense South Korean survival thriller where contestants risk death playing children's games for money.
- Wednesday: Darkly comedic Addams Family spin-off focused on Wednesday's time at Nevermore Academy.
- The Crown: Award-winning historical drama detailing the reign and family life of Queen Elizabeth II.
- The Diplomat: Sharp political thriller starring Keri Russell as a US ambassador caught in an international crisis.
- You: Psychological thriller about a dangerously charming stalker and serial killer, Joe Goldberg.
- Cobra Kai: Fun sequel series to The Karate Kid films, reigniting old rivalries.
- Outer Banks: Teen action-adventure drama involving treasure hunts, romance, and rivalries on the coast.
- Beef: Critically acclaimed dark comedy series sparked by a road rage incident between two strangers.
Of course, that list barely scratches the surface. Limited series like the chess drama The Queen's Gambit or the poignant Maid offer complete, satisfying stories perfect for a focused binge. And don't forget long-running favorites acquired from other networks, like Breaking Bad and its prequel Better Call Saul, which found massive new audiences thanks to Netflix.
But it's not all serious drama! Netflix offers a strong lineup across genres. You'll find hilarious and heartfelt comedies like Sex Education or Never Have I Ever, mind-bending sci-fi/fantasy like The Witcher or the anthology series Black Mirror, and addictive reality shows like Love is Blind or Queer Eye. Their animation game is strong too, with hits ranging from the critically adored Arcane to family favorites like the Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio.
On the movie front, Netflix blends its own original films with licensed hits. You can catch recent acclaimed originals like the clever action-comedy Hit Man or the Oscar-winning kaiju spectacle Godzilla Minus One. They also frequently snag streaming rights for major theatrical releases, bringing blockbusters like Dune: Part Two or animated triumphs like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse right to your living room. The selection constantly rotates, offering everything from intense action like The Killer to charming family films.
New Releases to Keep in Mind
Looking ahead, Netflix has a packed slate for the rest of 2025. Get ready for the highly anticipated final chapter of Stranger Things (Season 5), expected to land in the latter half of the year around October/November. Another massive hit, Wednesday (Season 2), starring Jenna Ortega, is also eyeing a late 2025 premiere.
Fans can also expect the final season of the intense K-drama Squid Game (Season 3) reportedly arriving around June 27th, and the conclusion of Joe Goldberg's story in You (Season 5) debuting April 24th. Other returning favorites slated for 2025 include Ginny and Georgia (Season 3) in June, The Diplomat (Season 3), The Sandman (Season 2), and The Witcher (Season 4), though specific dates for these are still mostly TBD.
Movie buffs have plenty to mark on their calendars too. The biggest mystery event is likely Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, bringing Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc back for a new case in the fall. Horror and fantasy fans are eagerly awaiting Guillermo del Toro's ambitious take on Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, scheduled for November.
For comedy lovers, Adam Sandler is teeing up for Happy Gilmore 2, hitting the service on July 25th. Action sequel The Old Guard 2, starring Charlize Theron, finally arrives on July 2nd, and the star-studded adaptation of The Woman in Cabin 10, featuring Keira Knightley, is expected this fall.
How to Save the Most on Your Netflix Subscription
Let's face it, while Netflix offers a mountain of entertainment, the monthly cost can add up, especially if you're juggling multiple streaming services. Price hikes have become more common across the streaming landscape, and Netflix is no exception. The good news? There are several ways savvy streamers can trim their Netflix expenses without completely giving up their binge-watching sessions.
Deal-seekers should know, however, that many common saving avenues are not usually available through Netflix. Unlike some subscription services, Netflix doesn't offer a discount for paying annually instead of monthly – you're billed month-to-month regardless. Furthermore, standard discounts like those specifically for military members or students aren't typically offered directly on the Netflix sign-up page.
While occasional promotions might pop up, consistent promo codes are rare, and the once-common free trial period is no longer a standard offering for new subscribers in most regions. So, focusing on plan selection, potential bundles, and careful account management are generally the most reliable ways to control your Netflix spending.
Pick the Right Plan (Especially with Ads)
The most straightforward way to save is to choose the subscription tier that truly matches your needs and budget. Netflix's Standard with Ads plan is the cheapest way to get access, currently priced at $7.99 per month. If you don't mind watching commercials (usually around 4-5 minutes per hour) and can live without access to a very small slice of the library due to licensing, this plan offers significant savings compared to the ad-free options.
You still get Full HD (1080p) streaming and can watch on two devices simultaneously. Carefully consider if the features of the pricier Standard ($17.99/mo) or Premium ($24.99/mo) plans – like no ads, 4K resolution (Premium only), more simultaneous streams, or more download devices – are worth the extra cost for your viewing habits.
Consider Sharing (Carefully)
Gone are the days of freely sharing your Netflix password far and wide without consequence. Netflix now officially limits account use to a single household. However, they do offer a way to share access with someone outside your home – for a price. If you have the Standard plan, you can add one "extra member" slot, and the Premium plan allows for up to two extra member slots.
Each slot costs an additional $6.99/month (with ads) or $8.99/month (ad-free) on top of your base plan fee. While not free, if you split the total cost (your plan + extra member fee) with that person, it can still work out cheaper than two entirely separate subscriptions. Just be sure you trust the person to pay their share! This feature isn't available on the Standard With Ads plan.
Hop On and Off: Pause or Cancel Strategically
One of the beauties of most streaming services, including Netflix, is the lack of long-term contracts. You can cancel anytime and rejoin whenever you want. Use this to your advantage! If there isn't a specific show you're actively watching or eagerly anticipating in the next month, consider canceling your subscription temporarily.
Keep track of release dates for your favorite series (like Stranger Things or Wednesday) and only reactivate your account when a new season drops or a must-see movie arrives. This "service hopping" strategy can save you money during viewing lulls. While some services offer a "pause" feature, simply canceling and resubscribing later often achieves the same cost-saving goal with Netflix.
Look for Bundles With Other Services
Sometimes, the cheapest way to get Netflix is as part of a package deal offered by another company, typically your mobile phone or internet provider. The most well-known example is T-Mobile's "Netflix On Us" promotion, which includes a Netflix subscription (often the Standard or Standard with Ads plan) with certain qualifying Magenta cell phone plans.
Verizon has also offered bundles that package Netflix and Max (with ads) at a discounted monthly rate for their customers. Comcast Xfinity has also entered the bundling game with its StreamSaver packages, which can combine services like Netflix (Standard with Ads), Apple TV Plus, and Peacock Premium for a discounted price for their internet or TV customers.
These specific offers and their terms can change, and eligibility often depends on the exact plan you have with the provider. It's always best to check directly with your current mobile phone carrier, internet service provider (ISP), or even cable company to see if they have any active bundles or promotions that include Netflix access. You might be surprised to find a deal that lowers your overall entertainment costs.
Use Credit Card Perks
Don't forget to check the benefits offered by your credit cards. Some cards provide enhanced cashback rewards or statement credits specifically for streaming service subscriptions. For instance, the Blue Cash Preferred®️ Card from American Express often advertises a high percentage back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, including Netflix. Using such a card for your recurring Netflix payment can effectively reduce its net cost over time, as long as you remember to pay your credit card balance off in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Watch for Occasional Retail or Tech Purchase Promos
While ongoing promotions are rare, keep your eyes peeled when making major tech purchases. Sometimes, buying a new smart TV, streaming device (like a Roku or Chromecast), or even a gaming console might come bundled with a short-term promotional offer for Netflix, like a free month or a gift card credit. These are typically limited-time offers tied to specific product launches or sales events (like Black Friday), but if you're already in the market for new hardware, it's worth checking if any Netflix perks are included in the deal.
Need to Cancel Your Netflix Subscription?
Whether you're looking to trim your budget, explore other streaming options, or just take a break, canceling your Netflix subscription is thankfully a pretty straightforward process. Unlike some services that make you jump through hoops, Netflix lets you end your membership easily online without needing to call anyone. Just remember, simply signing out of your account or deleting the app from your devices won't actually stop the charges – you need to go through the official cancellation steps.
Here’s the most common way to cancel your Netflix account:
- Go to the Cancellation Page: The quickest way is to head directly to netflix.com/cancelplan in your web browser.
- Sign In: If you're not already logged in, you'll need to enter the email address and password associated with your Netflix account.
- Locate the Cancellation Button: Once logged in (or if you went via your Account page > Membership and Billing), you should see a prominent button labeled "Cancel Membership". Click on it.
- Confirm Your Decision: Netflix will likely present you with options to possibly downgrade your plan or pause your membership instead. To proceed with canceling, look for and click the button that says "Finish Cancellation".
- Check for Confirmation: You should receive an email from Netflix confirming that your cancellation request has been processed. Keep this email for your records.
If you pay for Netflix through a third party – like Apple (iTunes), Google Play, or bundled with your mobile/internet plan (like T-Mobile or Verizon) – you'll likely need to cancel the subscription through that specific service's account management or billing section, not directly on the Netflix website. Check your billing statements if you're unsure how you're being charged.
Once you've successfully canceled, don't worry about losing access immediately. You'll still be able to watch Netflix until the end of your current billing period. So, if your billing date is the 15th and you cancel on the 5th, you get to keep watching until the 15th. Netflix also saves your viewing activity for about 10 months, so if you decide to rejoin later using the same account, your recommendations and watch history should still be there.
If you're just looking for a short break rather than a permanent split, Netflix sometimes offers a "Pause for 1 month" option during the cancellation process. This puts your account on hold temporarily without erasing your history, automatically resuming (and charging) after the pause period. Just make sure that's what you want before selecting it!
Netflix FAQs and Fine Print
Got lingering questions or wondering about the rules of the road? Netflix, like any service, has its specific terms and policies. While much of it is standard stuff, knowing a few key details can help you manage your account and avoid surprises.
When you sign up for Netflix, you agree to their Terms of Use. It's always a good idea to give them a skim, but here are some highlights most users should be aware of.
- Your subscription is billed monthly on the date you originally signed up, and it automatically renews each month unless you actively cancel it. Remember, just signing out or deleting the app won't stop the charges! The good news is you can cancel anytime without penalty, and you'll retain access until the end of your current paid billing cycle.
- Netflix specifies that an account is intended for use by people who live together in a single household. Sharing your login with people outside your household isn't permitted under the standard terms. The only officially sanctioned way to share with someone who doesn't live with you is by purchasing an "extra member" slot (available on Standard and Premium plans for an additional monthly fee), which gives them their own separate login linked to your billing.
- Also, keep in mind the service is for personal, non-commercial use only. Content availability can vary based on your location and may change over time as licensing deals evolve. Finally, depending on where you live, applicable taxes may be added to your monthly subscription price.
Overall, Netflix remains a dominant force in streaming for a reason. Its massive and constantly refreshed library offers an unparalleled variety of movies, TV series, documentaries, and stand-up specials, catering to nearly every taste. The sheer volume and cultural impact of its original programming (Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Squid Game, The Crown, and countless others) are major draws, providing exclusive content you simply can't find elsewhere. Add to that a user-friendly interface, excellent recommendation algorithms, and availability on virtually every connected device, and it's easy to see the appeal.
While direct discounts from Netflix itself (like annual plans, student rates, or frequent promo codes) are generally not available, value can still be found. Choosing the right plan for your needs – especially the budget-friendly Standard with Ads option – is key. Furthermore, exploring bundles offered through partners like T-Mobile or Verizon can sometimes unlock significant savings if you're already a customer or considering switching providers.
For sheer volume and buzzworthy exclusives, Netflix is often worth the price of admission.