Netflix review

Netflix is the easiest subscription to recommend to a mixed household, because its three plans are simple and the entry price is low. Standard with ads costs $8.99 a month in the US and covers games and most movies and shows, with a lock icon on titles that are not available. It streams on 2 devices at a time in 1080p and allows downloads on 2 devices. Standard removes ads for $19.99 and lets you add 1 extra member who lives elsewhere. Premium, at $26.99, raises the limit to 4 streams, adds 4K with HDR and spatial audio, and allows downloads on 6 devices. Netflix bills monthly only and does not sell annual plans, so there is no way to lock in a lower yearly rate. The account is meant for one household, and sharing outside it costs $7.99 to $9.99 per extra member each month. The jump from the ad plan to the ad-free plan is large, so many families will be happy on the cheaper tier.

Who it is for

Households that want one subscription with something for everyone and a cheap ad-supported entry plan.

Price

Standard with ads $8.99 per month; Standard $19.99; Premium $26.99.

Standard with ads : $8.99 / month
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 8, 2026.

Key features

• Standard with ads plan at $8.99 a month with most movies and shows
• Watch on 2 devices at a time in 1080p on Standard plans
• Premium plan streams on 4 devices in 4K Ultra HD with HDR and spatial audio
• Downloads on 2 devices (Standard) or 6 devices (Premium)
• Extra member slots for people outside your household

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cheapest major ad-supported plan on this list, tied with Prime Video
• Strength: Games are included in every plan
• Strength: Clear plan rules for streams, downloads and resolution
• Weakness: Some titles are locked on the ad plan
• Weakness: No annual billing, so no yearly discount
• Weakness: 4K needs the $26.99 Premium plan

Key facts

• Cheapest plan: $8.99 per month with ads
• Ad-free plan: $19.99 per month
• 4K plan: $26.99 per month
• Streams at once: 2 or 4 by plan
• Annual billing: Not offered

Where it ranks

Netflix is No. 1 in our Best Video Streaming Services verdict.