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No, Netflix isn't merging with Warner Bros. after all. But the long-standing streamer is pretty strong on its own. Are you wondering whether a Netflix subscription is worth it?
You can get your pop culture fix for as little as $7.99 a month if you’re okay with ads. Ad-free options add to the monthly price.
Explore how much Netflix costs, and how it could fit into your entertainment budget.
How much does Netflix cost a month?
Prices for Netflix's three plans range from $7.99 to $24.99 per month. The three subscription plans are Standard with ads, Standard and Premium.
Netflix Standard with ads: $7.99 per month
With the Standard with ads plan, subscribers can access the majority of Netflix’s library, with commercial breaks, in full high-definition, and watch or download on two supported devices at a time.
Supported devices include your smartphone or tablet, smart TV, laptop, or a streaming device such as Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Supported devices include your smartphone or tablet, smart TV, laptop, or a streaming device such as Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Netflix Standard: $17.99 per month
The Standard plan forgoes ads on movies and shows and allows users to watch or download Netflix on two devices at a time.
With the Standard plan, customers are able to share their account with one extra person. For an extra $6.99 per month, they can share a membership that includes ads. For $8.99 per month, they can share an ad-free membership.
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Premium subscribers have unlimited ad-free viewing and can use up to four devices simultaneously, with the capability to download content onto six devices.
Enhanced viewing features, such as 4K Ultra HD resolution and Netflix spatial audio, set Premium subscriptions apart from the other options.
Premium subscribers can add up to two extra members to the account for a monthly cost of $6.99 (for a plan with ads) or $8.99 (without ads) per user.
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Is Netflix worth it?
The cost of Netflix — and just about everything else — has climbed in the past couple years. Here’s how to decide if Netflix is worth your money, whether you’re considering signing up or are a loyal customer.
If you’re a member, how often are you watching Netflix content?
It can be easy to lose track of what you’re watching — or not watching — if you switch between several streaming services.
If you realize you’re not actually watching much Netflix content, cancel, pause or downgrade it if you are on a premium plan. Or, if you have a couple of shows you want to stream (like season 8 of “Formula 1: Drive to Survive”), binge them, then cancel before your billing cycle restarts.
Pro tip: Customers who pay with a credit or debit card can pause service for a month at a time, rather than cancel, for up to three months.
Are your favorite shows and movies available on other streaming services?
These could be providers that you already subscribe to — or that you don’t subscribe to, but are cheaper than Netflix.
The cost of Netflix vs. other streaming services
| Streaming service | Monthly price (with ads) | Monthly price (no ads) |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $7.99 | $17.99 (Standard) $24.99 (Premium) |
| Hulu | $11.99 | $18.99 |
| Peacock | $7.99 (Select) $10.99 (Premium) | $16.99 |
| Disney+ | $11.99 | $18.99 |
| HBO Max | $10.99 (Basic) | $18.49 (Standard) $22.99 (Premium) |
| Apple TV+ | N/A | $12.99 |
Note that a few of these services include added features, or can be bundled with other streaming services for a lower cost.
Is the content you want available through your library?
Many libraries’ digital collections let you stream or borrow shows and movies for free through apps such as Hoopla or Kanopy. Another free option: Sling TV.
How much personal value does Netflix provide?
This factor is harder to measure than the others, but your joy and comfort certainly have value. If only Netflix offers your go-to show for relaxing after a hard day, or the movies that both you and your kid enjoys, that matters.
Think about your level of satisfaction as you budget for streaming services.
How does Netflix fit into your budget?
When deciding whether to add or cancel a streaming subscription, it's smart to reevaluate your budget. For a starting point, consider the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests that up to 50% of your income go toward needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings and debt paydown.
Streaming services fall into that 30% "wants" category. To make room for a service like Netflix, consider cutting other “wants,” like dining out or impulse shopping.
Also look into trimming other subscriptions. Ask yourself: Do I still use this service? Which ones do I value most?
If you’re looking for other costs to cut — whether it’s to make space for Netflix or not — see our guide to saving money.
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