Netflix has discontinued its $10 Basic subscription tier — the ad-free, most economical plan — in the US and the UK. The corporation has revised its Plans and Pricing page to indicate that the Basic tier is no longer available for new and returning members in these two regions. Nevertheless, existing subscribers can maintain their plan as is (with a $10 monthly fee) until they decide to terminate or alter their membership. The streaming behemoth first discontinued the tier in Canada, often the first region to undergo modifications to the service. This was also among the initial nations where Netflix instigated a crackdown on password-sharing, a policy subsequently implemented globally.
As highlighted by Cord Busters, Netflix has been gradually nudging its customers towards the Standard Ad-Supported plan and had made the Basic plan almost unnoticeable during the registration process. Now, the Basic plan is officially unavailable as a subscription option in certain areas. Without it, new and returning members in the US and UK will need to spend a minimum of $15.49 and £11 per month, respectively, to enjoy ad-free streaming. The Standard plan offers streaming on two devices simultaneously in Full HD, allows content downloading for offline viewing on two devices, and permits the addition of an extra member who does not share the same household for an additional charge.
However, the Basic plan was an ideal choice for individuals content with HD streaming on a single device, preferring to download content on one mobile device or tablet, and not requiring the addition of an extra account member. For new subscribers not willing to pay an additional $5 for a Standard plan, their alternative is the Standard Ad-Supported tier that costs $7 per month in the US and £5 in the UK. This option supports Full HD streaming and viewing on two devices simultaneously like the ad-free Standard plan, but lacks offline viewing and the ability to add a member. Subscribers can anticipate an average of 4 minutes of unskippable advertisements per hour, each ranging from 15 to 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Netflix Basic Plan Discontinuation
Has Netflix removed its $10 Basic tier in the US and the UK?
Yes, Netflix has discontinued its $10 Basic subscription tier in the US and the UK. This was the most economical ad-free plan offered by the streaming service.
Will current subscribers on the Basic tier be affected by this change?
Existing subscribers of the Basic tier will not be immediately affected. They can continue to use their plan and pay $10 per month until they choose to cancel or change their subscription.
What is the cheapest ad-free plan available now on Netflix for new or returning members in the US and UK?
Without the Basic tier, new and returning members in the US and UK will have to opt for the Standard plan which costs at least $15.49 and £11 per month, respectively. This plan allows ad-free streaming on two devices simultaneously, content downloading for offline viewing on two devices, and the addition of an extra member for an additional fee.
What options are available for those not willing to pay for the Standard plan?
For new members who don’t want to pay for a Standard plan, they can opt for the Standard Ad-Supported tier that costs $7 per month in the US and £5 in the UK. However, this plan does support Full HD streaming on two devices simultaneously but lacks offline viewing and the ability to add an extra member. This plan also includes unskippable advertisements.
Where was the Basic tier first eliminated by Netflix?
Netflix first eliminated the Basic tier in Canada. The country is typically the first to experience changes in Netflix’s services.
More about Netflix Basic Plan Discontinuation
- Netflix Official Plans and Pricing
- Cord Busters’ Analysis on Netflix Plan Changes
- Netflix’s Official Announcement on Password Sharing
- Overview of Netflix Subscription Plans
4 comments
As someone who’s been with Netflix since the DVD days, I’m disappointed. Seems they just don’t care about us budget conscious folks anymore. smh…
ads…ADS? Netflix, u used to be cool. What happened!
Guess its time to give other streaming platforms a chance. Hulu, Prime, here I come!
Seriously, Netflix? First the password crackdown and now this. It’s getting harder n harder to justify keeping my subscription…