Netflix Is Offering Its Cheapest Subscription Yet, But There’s A Major Downside
Is the streaming service still worth the cost even if it's reduced?
The streaming industry is quaking after Netflix announced its newest and cheapest subscription package in company history.
Launching on Nov. 3, customers will have the option to enroll in Netflix’s Basic with Ads plan for just $6.99 per month. That’s a 55% decrease from the streaming giant’s highly coveted Standard plan ($15.49 per month), which supports two watching devices.
The news comes ahead of the winter and holiday season, a time period (read: an influx of family time and staying indoors) where Netflix is surely hoping to grow its subscriber base.
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Between streamer competition and inflation, Netflix has been in hot water for almost the better half of 2022. In August 2022, Forbes reported Netflix “lost more than 1 million subscribers” during the first six months of the year. Netflix also raised its prices by $1 to $2 in January.
While current customers are eager to get a few extra bucks back in their pockets, there is one thing preventing prospective customers from joining the Netflix family. As you may have guessed from its name, the subscription plan will include ads. This is another first for Netflix.
In an Oct. 13 press release, Netflix said viewers can expect four to five minutes of ads per hour. Naturally, these ads will sporadically play before and during the program. As of now, Basic with Ads’ TV and movie library will be limited as Netflix works through licensing restrictions. Sadly, the download function will not be available.
Similar to Netflix’s Basic plan ($9.99 per month), you’ll only be able to stream on one device at a time. Netflix currently offers three subscription tiers — Basic, Standard, and Premium ($19.99 per month) — which remain unaffected.
With the addition of Basic with Ads, there will be one minor but exciting change implemented to the Basic plan. Customers will now be able to watch shows and movies in HD. This goes for Basic with Ads customers, too
Apart from the U.S., Basic with Ads will also launch in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, and the U.K., with no commitments or cancellation fees.
