Choose the Standard with Ads Plan
For most people, the most direct and reliable way to lower your Netflix costs is to switch to the Standard with Ads plan. This ad-supported tier significantly reduces your monthly subscription fee in exchange for a few commercial breaks per hour. The plan includes streaming on up to two devices at once in Full HD (1080p) resolution and allows downloads on up to two devices.
How does the ad-supported plan work?
- Ad frequency: On average, you can expect about four to five minutes of ads per hour.
- Ad placement: Commercials typically appear before and during a show or movie and are not skippable.
- Library restrictions: A small percentage of Netflix's catalog may not be available on the ad-supported tier due to licensing issues. Unavailable titles are marked with a lock icon.
- Downloads: You can download content to two devices at a time, but only up to 15 downloads per device per month.
- Extra members: This plan does not support adding extra members from outside your household.
Explore Telecom Bundles and Promotions
Many telecommunications companies partner with Netflix to offer discounted or even free subscriptions to their customers. This is one of the cheapest ways to access Netflix, especially if you were already considering switching providers.
Potential ways to get free or discounted Netflix
- T-Mobile 'Netflix On Us': Certain Go5G and Magenta mobile phone plans include a Standard with Ads subscription at no extra cost. T-Mobile pays Netflix directly, consolidating your bills.
- Verizon bundles: The mobile carrier offers a Netflix and Max streaming bundle for $10 a month with eligible mobile and home internet plans, a significant discount. Verizon Fios and 5G Home internet customers can also receive a year of Netflix and Max for free with select plans.
- Xfinity bundles: The Comcast-owned service offers the StreamSaver bundle to its internet and TV subscribers, which includes Netflix with ads, Peacock Premium with ads, and Apple TV+ for $15 per month.
Strategize Your Streaming Habits
For the truly budget-conscious, altering your streaming habits can lead to big savings. Instead of a continuous subscription, you can cycle between services. This involves subscribing to Netflix for one month to binge a new season and then canceling the service until new content you want to watch is released. This method requires a little planning but can dramatically reduce your annual streaming costs.
Other strategic saving tips
- Rotate subscriptions: Dedicate one month to binge-watching content on Netflix, then cancel and switch to another service like Hulu or Max the following month.
- Pause your account: If you know you won't be watching for a few weeks, some services like Netflix allow you to pause your subscription temporarily, saving you money during your downtime.
- Utilize free streaming services: In between your paid Netflix months, fill the gap with free, ad-supported services like Tubi, Pluto TV, or The Roku Channel. These offer large libraries of movies and shows at no cost.
- Search for discounted gift cards: While not always available, sites occasionally offer Netflix gift cards at a slight discount, providing a minor but worthwhile saving.
Is an ad-supported plan worth it? A comparison
If you're not getting a free subscription through a telecom provider, the Standard with Ads plan is the cheapest official method to watch Netflix. However, its restrictions are important to understand. The table below compares the key features of the available U.S. Netflix plans.
| Feature | Standard with Ads | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Monthly Price | $7.99 | $17.99 | $24.99 |
| Video Resolution | 1080p (Full HD) | 1080p (Full HD) | 4K Ultra HD |
| Number of Streams | 2 simultaneous | 2 simultaneous | 4 simultaneous |
| Downloads | Included (2 devices) | Included (2 devices) | Included (6 devices) |
| Extra Members | Not available | Up to 1 extra member | Up to 2 extra members |
| Content Access | Limited catalog | Full catalog | Full catalog |
Conclusion: Finding the best value for you
For most users, the Standard with Ads plan is the most straightforward and cheapest way to watch Netflix, offering good quality video for a low price, as detailed on the official Netflix plans and pricing page. However, the absolute lowest price often comes from exclusive bundle deals with mobile or internet providers like T-Mobile or Verizon, which can reduce your Netflix cost to zero. For those willing to be strategic, rotating your subscriptions and leveraging free services can maximize your savings throughout the year. Consider your specific watching habits, current phone or internet provider, and budget to determine the best approach for you.
