Netflix is urging users of the basic plan to opt for an alternate subscription if they wish to continue utilizing the service seamlessly. The streaming platform has been gradually phasing out the Basic plan.
This modification implies that the Basic plan, which is Netflix’s most economical ad-free choice, is no longer open for new registrations. It seems that Netflix plans to completely discontinue this subscription.
This choice directly impacts existing Netflix clientele presently enrolled in the basic plan. The Basic plan, priced at $9.99 in the United States and some other regions, provides HD content streaming and the capability to download content on one device.
Netflix last adjusted the price of the Basic plan in October 2023.
Netflix is currently requesting customers to “select a new subscription to keep watching.” The corporation acknowledges user loyalty but is moving forward with eliminating the Basic plan nonetheless.
The Options
Users have two primary alternatives:
- Transition to a different Netflix subscription.
- Opt against action and have the subscription automatically terminated.
The available subscriptions include:
| Basic | Standard with Ads | Standard | Premium | |
| Price | $9.99 | $5.99 | $16.99 | $22.99 |
| Resolution | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 4K HDR |
| 3D Audio | No | No | No | Yes |
| Stream on | 1 device | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Download to | 1 device | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Extra Members | No | No | 1 | 2 |
Netflix offers three alternative subscriptions for users to choose from:
- Standard with Ads – priced at $5.99, includes advertisements, Full HD videos, watch and download features on up to 2 devices. Some movies and TV shows may not be available. Previously known as Basic with Ads.
- Standard – priced at $16.49, offers Full HD videos, watch and download capabilities on up to 2 devices, with the option to add 1 extra member.
- Premium – priced at $22.99, provides Ultra HD videos, watch and download access on up to 4 devices, with the option to add 2 extra members and Netflix spatial audio support.
Users who fail to switch to a different subscription before their current subscription term concludes will have their memberships discontinued. The final billing cycle for this initial group of users is June 1, 2024. This means that unless they switch to another subscription, their memberships will be terminated on July 1, 2024.
Closing Statements
Netflix has not disclosed the exact number of users affected by this alteration. The company anticipates that most users will transition to another subscription as all substitutes offer more features than the Basic plan, as per Netflix. Netflix noted that its ad-supported subscription had gained 23 million members as of January 2024.
For users desiring uninterrupted access to Netflix content, this change necessitates deciding between paying more for an ad-free experience or paying less but enduring occasional interruptions due to advertisements.
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