By the end of 2025, Netflix had surpassed 300 million paying subscribers worldwide, with its service available in over 190 countries and regions. Backed by continued investment in original content—spending up to $18 billion annually on high-quality series, films, documentaries, and reality shows—Netflix remains one of the most popular streaming platforms globally, convincing more users to stay subscribed long term.
However, when it comes to actually subscribing to Netflix, many users run into the same problem: the number of plans may be limited, but the real differences are not easy to understand. What exactly separates Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium? How do the Extra Member rules work? And with subscription prices continuing to rise, is Netflix still worth paying for?
To help you avoid unnecessary spending, this guide breaks down Netflix’s 2026 subscription plans, including pricing, feature differences, how the Extra Member system works, and more affordable ways to access Netflix—so you can choose the option that fits your needs and budget with confidence.
How Much Does Netflix Cost? (2026)
Currently, Netflix offers three subscription tiers: Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium. Each plan differs in price and features:
Plan | Price | Ads | Video Quality | Simultaneous Streams |
Standard with Ads | $7.99 / month | Yes | 1080p (Full HD) | 2 |
Standard | $17.99 / month | No | 1080p (Full HD) | 2 |
Premium | $24.99 / month | No | 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR | 4 |
In 2024, Netflix officially discontinued the Basic plan ($11.99/month, 720p, ad-free). As a result, users are now left choosing between a cheaper ad-supported option and more expensive plans that offer a full, ad-free experience—a change that also helps Netflix increase overall revenue.
In addition, Netflix allows Standard and Premium subscribers to add Extra Members for an additional fee, enabling account use across different addresses. Extra Members cost $6.99 per person per month (with ads) or $8.99 per person per month (ad-free).
From a usage perspective, Extra Members receive independent accounts with their own profiles, watch history, and recommendations. The ad-supported Extra Member plan is capped at 1080p, while the ad-free option matches the video quality of the main account’s plan.
With a quick comparison, the differences between the three tiers become quite clear:
- Standard with Ads is best suited for users on a tight budget who don’t mind advertising. At less than half the price of Standard, it delivers the same 1080p resolution and number of simultaneous streams, with the trade-off being ads during playback.
- Standard represents the most balanced choice, ideal for users who want an ad-free experience but don’t need 4K resolution.
- Premium is better suited for families or shared-account scenarios. The higher price primarily pays for 4K + HDR video quality and double the number of simultaneous streams. If you use a 4K TV or often watch with multiple people at the same time, the upgrade is usually worthwhile.
So beyond pricing and resolution, what less obvious differences exist in viewing experience, account sharing, and usage limits across these plans? In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at those details.
Standard with Ads: $7.99 per month
Standard with Ads is Netflix’s most affordable plan, priced at just $7.99 per month. It offers 1080p Full HD video quality, supports two simultaneous streams, and allows content downloads on up to two devices for offline viewing.
The trade-off comes in the form of advertising. Viewers can expect around 4–5 minutes of ads per hour, typically appearing before a program starts and during playback. In addition, due to licensing restrictions, some titles are unavailable on the ad-supported plan.
In terms of account usage, Standard with Ads does not support Extra Members. Account sharing is limited to users within the same household, with a maximum of two people watching at the same time. Under this setup, the effective cost works out to approximately $3.99 per person per month.
For users who can tolerate ads, limited content availability, and restricted sharing, this plan can save around $100 per year compared to the ad-free Standard plan, making it a strong value option for budget-conscious viewers.
Standard: $17.99 per month
The Standard plan costs $17.99 per month and is currently Netflix’s most popular subscription option. It delivers 1080p Full HD video quality, an ad-free viewing experience, and access to Netflix’s full content library, while supporting two simultaneous streams and downloads.
In terms of account expansion, the Standard plan allows users to add up to two Extra Members at an additional cost of $6.99 per person per month (with ads) or $8.99 per person per month (ad-free). Extra Members use independent accounts, can log in from different addresses, and receive the same video and audio quality as the main plan.
From a cost-sharing perspective, the main account supports two concurrent viewers. When combined with two Extra Members, the plan can accommodate up to four users in total. Under this setup, the effective monthly cost works out to approximately $7.99–$8.99 per person, depending on whether Extra Members choose the ad-supported or ad-free option. As more users are added, the overall value improves.
Overall, for most users, the Standard plan strikes a well-balanced compromise between price and viewing experience. If you don’t own a 4K TV or don’t have a strong need for ultra-high-resolution streaming, this plan is more than sufficient for everyday use.
Premium: $24.99 per month
The Premium plan costs $24.99 per month and represents Netflix’s top-tier subscription option. It supports 4K Ultra HD streaming with HDR, includes spatial audio (immersive sound), allows up to four devices to stream simultaneously, and enables offline downloads on up to six devices.
In terms of account structure, the Premium plan allows users to add up to two Extra Members for an additional $6.99 per person per month (with ads) or $8.99 per person per month (ad-free). Extra Members can use their accounts from different addresses. The ad-supported Extra Member plan is limited to 1080p, while the ad-free option inherits the same 4K video quality and audio features as the main Premium account.
From a usage-scale perspective, the main account alone supports four simultaneous viewers. When combined with two Extra Members, the plan can cover up to six users in total. Under this configuration, the effective monthly cost works out to approximately $6.49–$7.16 per person, making it cheaper per user than both Standard with Ads and Standard.
That said, 4K streaming is not available by default in all situations. Viewing devices must support 4K output, internet speeds typically need to reach 25 Mbps or higher, and the specific title must be available in 4K format. At present, some Netflix shows and movies are still limited to a maximum resolution of 1080p.
Want to buy Netflix Premium—including 4K, HDR, and multi-device support—at a price close to the ad-supported plan?
When costs are shared among multiple users, the per-person price of Netflix Premium can drop significantly. With GamsGo, you don’t need to find people to split the subscription yourself. Instead, you can join a shared Premium setup for around $6 per month under a managed cost-sharing model. Click the link to learn more about the available options.
Does Netflix Offer an Annual Plan?
Unfortunately, Netflix does not offer a discounted annual subscription at this time. If you want to stay subscribed for a full year through official channels, the only option is to pay the monthly price of your chosen plan multiplied by 12. Based on current pricing, that works out to:
Standard with Ads: $95.88 per year
Standard: $215.88 per year
Premium: $299.88 per year
That said, Netflix does offer a certain degree of flexibility by allowing subscribers to change plans at any time.
For example, if you normally use the Standard plan but want to watch a specific show in 4K, you can temporarily upgrade to Premium. Netflix will prorate the price difference based on the remaining days in your billing cycle. If you upgrade with 15 days left, you’ll only pay the price difference for those 15 days (roughly $3.50).
It’s important to note that downgrading from a higher-tier plan to a lower one does not trigger a refund. Instead, the downgrade takes effect at the start of the next billing cycle.
How Much Does Netflix Extra Member Cost?
Currently, Netflix’s Extra Member pricing is as follows:
Main Plan | Main Plan Price | Extra Members Allowed | Extra Member Price |
Standard | $17.99 / month | 1 | $6.99 / month (with ads)$8.99 / month (ad-free) |
Premium | $24.99 / month | Up to 2 | $6.99 / month (with ads)$8.99 / month (ad-free) |
Netflix allows Standard and Premium subscribers to add Extra Members for users who do not live at the same household address. This system was introduced in 2023, following Netflix’s stricter enforcement of account-sharing rules, as an official paid alternative to informal sharing.
For example, a Premium main account ($24.99/month) with two ad-free Extra Members ($8.99 each) results in a total monthly cost of approximately $42.97. When shared among three users, the per-person cost is about $14.30, which is still lower than subscribing to Premium individually.
Each Extra Member receives:
- A separate account and password
- Their own watch history and recommendation algorithm
- The ability to log in from a different address
However, Extra Members always remain linked to the main account, and all charges are billed to the primary account holder.
It’s also important to note that video quality and viewing experience depend on the main plan:
- If the main account is Standard, Extra Members are capped at 1080p
- If the main account is Premium, ad-supported Extra Members remain limited to 1080p, while ad-free Extra Members can enjoy 4K + HDR, matching the main account
However, for users in larger groups or with tighter budgets, Extra Member isn’t always the most cost-effective option. In the next section, we’ll look at cheaper ways to share Netflix, helping you decide which option suits you best.
The Most Cost-Effective Ways to Subscribe to Netflix in 2026
Netflix’s official sharing policies can help reduce subscription costs to some extent, but they usually require users to organize multiple people on their own. In practice, coordinating shared access can be time-consuming and often leads to extra hassle due to changing participants or disagreements over payments.
For users who prefer a simpler and lower-effort solution, another option is to purchase a suitable Netflix shared plan directly through GamsGo Marketplace. The platform brings together hundreds of verified sellers and offers pre-configured Netflix sharing slots that are ready to use, eliminating the need to find and manage group members yourself.
GamsGo has been operating for over six years and has served millions of users, helping them consistently reduce the cost of digital subscriptions. The platform also provides transaction monitoring and after-sales support, offering assistance and protection in case issues arise or disputes occur with sellers.
Netflix vs Other Streaming Platforms: Price Comparison
To better understand Netflix’s pricing position in the streaming market, it helps to compare its subscription plans with those of other major platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
Platform | Ad-Supported Plan | Mid-Tier Plan | Top-Tier Plan |
Netflix | $7.99 / month | $17.99 / month | $24.99 / month |
Peacock | $7.99 / month (Select, with ads) | $10.99 / month (Premium, with ads) | $16.99 / month |
Paramount+ | $7.99 / month | $12.99 / month | — |
Disney+ | ~$11.99 / month | $13.99 / month | — |
Hulu | $11.99 / month | $18.99 / month | — |
Amazon Prime Video | $8.99 / month | Optional ad-free add-on ($2.99) | — |
HBO Max | $10.99 / month | $18.49 / month | $22.99 / month |
Looking at the broader picture, most major streaming platforms have converged on a similar pricing structure: a lower-priced, ad-supported entry tier, with ad-free versions and additional features used to enhance viewing experience and drive higher revenue.
If you don’t mind ads and simply want access to content at the lowest possible cost, Netflix’s ad-supported plan remains competitive. At $7.99 per month, it matches Peacock Select and Paramount+ Essential, while undercutting Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, making it one of the more affordable entry points for budget-conscious users.
However, once factors like ad-free viewing, video quality, and simultaneous streams come into play, the differences become more pronounced. Netflix’s Standard and Premium plans are noticeably more expensive than most competitors, with pricing that is closest only to HBO Max’s top-tier offering. In other words, Netflix’s higher prices are not simply the result of price increases, but reflect a strategy that positions 4K quality, multi-device streaming, and flexible account usage rules as core value drivers.
By comparison, platforms such as Disney+, Paramount+, and Peacock tend to keep tighter price ranges and place less emphasis on high-end tiers. Netflix and HBO Max, on the other hand, remain among the few services that maintain a clearly defined “premium tier,” making them better suited for users who place a higher priority on viewing quality, advanced features, and multi-user support.
Want to dive deeper? Read our full comparison guides: “Netflix vs Hulu,” “Netflix vs HBO,” and “Netflix vs Amazon Prime Video.”
Is Netflix Worth It?
Over the past few years, Netflix’s subscription prices have continued to rise. Whether it’s still worth paying for ultimately depends on how well it fits your viewing habits and budget. You can evaluate this from several key angles.
How Often Do You Watch Netflix
If Netflix’s exclusive content includes shows or movies you follow long term—and Netflix is something you open almost every day as a primary source of entertainment—then maintaining a long-term subscription can still make sense.
If you purchase a three-month Netflix Premium plan through GamsGo Marketplace, you can save around 60% compared to the official price, significantly improving the value for users who already plan to use Netflix regularly.
On the other hand, if you’re subscribing only because Netflix has recently released a single show you’re interested in, it’s worth checking whether that content is also available on other platforms with lower prices. If the title is a Netflix exclusive, consider canceling your subscription once the season finishes to avoid unnecessary ongoing expenses.
Additionally, users paying with a credit or debit card can choose to pause their subscription instead of canceling outright. Netflix allows subscriptions to be paused for up to three months, which can be a more flexible option for viewers who watch intermittently rather than consistently.
Your Monthly Spending Pressure
Whether Netflix is worth subscribing to is also closely tied to your overall spending structure. From a personal finance perspective, under the commonly used 50/30/20 budgeting rule, entertainment subscriptions typically fall under “wants” rather than necessities.
If Netflix’s monthly fee represents only a small portion of your budget and doesn’t put pressure on essential expenses or savings, then paying for high-quality entertainment can be a reasonable choice.
How Much Value Does Netflix Bring You
The value of Netflix varies from person to person. If watching Netflix with your family after work is valuable shared time, or if relaxing alone with a beer and good food while enjoying classic movies is how you unwind, then the subscription may well be worth it.
More importantly, Netflix’s content library is expected to expand significantly. In December 2025, Netflix announced plans to acquire Warner Bros., including HBO, HBO Max, and its film and television studios, in a deal valued at $82.7 billion.
As a result, popular titles such as Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Harry Potter, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and the DC Universe are expected to become available on Netflix. The transaction is projected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.
For both current and potential subscribers, this represents positive news: access to a broader range of premium content on a single platform, without the need to switch between multiple streaming services.
Want to know which Netflix titles are actually worth watching?
Check out our curated guides: “18 Best Thrillers on Netflix,” “8 Best Classic Movies on Netflix,” and “20 Best Comedies on Netflix.”
Conclusion
Overall, Netflix is not the cheapest option among major streaming platforms. However, its content scale, original productions, and overall user experience continue to make it one of the most difficult services to replace.
If you’re a frequent viewer, or if multiple family members regularly watch on different devices, Netflix’s ad-free or Premium plans are still worth considering. For users who watch less often or subscribe only for specific shows, a more controlled, on-demand approach—adjusting or pausing subscriptions as needed—tends to be the more rational choice.
For users who have already decided that they can’t really do without Netflix, the key question is no longer whether to keep using the service, but whether it makes sense to pay the full official price long term, or instead access the same high-end viewing experience through more flexible and cost-effective options.
This is why an increasing number of users choose to access Netflix Premium through GamsGo. Purchasing shared Premium slots on the platform can significantly reduce long-term costs without compromising the viewing experience.
If you’d like to learn more about how GamsGo works, you can read “GamsGo Reviews: Is It a Good Plan?” to quickly determine whether it’s the right option for you.
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FAQ
What are the three Netflix plans?
Netflix offers three main plans: Standard with Ads ($7.99/month, 1080p, 2 streams, ads), Standard ($17.99/month, 1080p, 2 streams, no ads, extra member option), and Premium ($24.99/month, 4K UHD, 4 streams, no ads, up to 2 members, Spatial Audio).
What are the current Netflix prices?
Currently, Netflix prices range from $7.99 to $24.99 per month, depending on the plan. There are three options: Standard with Ads at $7.99/month (ads, HD, up to 2 devices), Standard at $17.99/month (no ads, HD, up to 2 devices), and Premium at $24.99/month (no ads, 4K Ultra HD, up to 4 devices).
Is Netflix offering 6 months free?
No — Netflix is not currently offering 6 months free. Promotions like extended free trials vary by region and time, but as of now Netflix does not have an official “6 months free” offer in the US or most major markets. Free trials, if available, are typically limited and shorter.
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