In a major shake-up in its pricing model, Netflix has quietly discontinued the ad-free Basic plan in the US and UK for new and returning subscribers, following a similar move that happened in Canada a few weeks ago.
If you go to the Netflix sign-up page now, the basic plan is absent from the subscription choices – this was first noticed by Cord Busters. Netflix has confirmed that existing Basic subscribers will not be forced to pay more – they can keep this subscription until they change or cancel their account.
The Basic plan was the cheapest ad-free plan from the streaming giant, priced at $9.99 / £6.99 per month. It didn’t offer simultaneous streams, but you could get HD streaming and downloads to one smartphone or tablet.
The most affordable plan you can get right now is Standard with Ads (originally called Basic with Ads), which costs $6.99 / £4.99 per month. However, you’ll have to settle for a few pre-roll ads and then one or two mid-roll ad breaks. It also has a more limited library, which lacks many popular third-party series.
If you can’t bear the thought of ads then the next plan is Standard, priced at $15.49/£10.99 per month. This offers 1080p streaming and two simultaneous streams. The most expensive plan, Netflix Premium, gives you 4K streaming and four simultaneous streams in exchange for $19.99 / £15.99 per month.
This move follows Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing, which required people who previously used a friend or family member’s account to sign up for a standalone account or be added as an additional member.
Netflix hasn’t yet publicly commented on the removal of the Basic tier, but it will reveal Q2 earnings today, according to Variety – so we may learn more about the decision in the coming hours.
