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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsNetflix’s ad-supported plan is now called Standard with ads. On Netflix’s U.S. plan page, it is listed at $8.99 per month and includes two simultaneous streams, downloads, games, and most of the catalog—but it includes advertising, some titles are locked, and it does not offer 4K. The plan launched in the United States as Basic with Ads on November 3, 2022, at $6.99 a month; the current name and terms have changed since then. Check Netflix’s current plan details before signing up, since price and availability vary by country and billing arrangement.
What Netflix launched—and what the plan is called now
Netflix introduced a lower-priced ad-supported subscription in 2022. The U.S. launch was November 3, under the name Basic with Ads; Netflix announced a $6.99 monthly launch price. The tier is now called Standard with ads, so launch-era coverage may describe features and a price that no longer apply. Netflix’s U.S. launch announcement and its later feature update document the change.
Netflix named Microsoft its advertising technology and sales partner in 2022. That partnership was part of the original launch, not a separate subscription benefit for members. Netflix’s announcement and Microsoft’s announcement describe the arrangement.
Current U.S. price and country availability
Netflix’s U.S. ads-plan page lists Standard with ads at $8.99 per month. Treat that as a U.S. price shown on Netflix’s page, not a worldwide rate or a guarantee of what a partner-billed subscriber will pay. Taxes, local pricing, plan availability and billing arrangements can differ. Netflix lists the plan in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom. See Netflix’s current ads-plan page for country-specific availability, and check your account’s plan and billing details and billing history for your actual charge.
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- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
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- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
What Standard with ads includes
- Two simultaneous streams: Two devices can watch at the same time. That is not a limit of two devices registered to the account; registered-device management is a separate matter. Netflix explains plan and device distinctions in its plan and device guidance.
- Up to 1080p/FHD: Netflix raised the plan from its original 720p launch specification. It is not a 4K/UHD tier. Netflix’s 2023 update describes the move to 1080p and two concurrent streams.
- Downloads and games: The current plan page lists downloads and games. Downloads were not part of the plan at launch; availability can still depend on the title, device and rights. Look for the download control on the title, and consult Netflix’s download and device guidance.
- Most of the Netflix catalog: Most films and shows are included, but not every title is available on this tier. The exceptions are marked with a lock icon; see the next section.
- Kids profiles without ads: Netflix says Kids profiles do not show ads. This does not change ad behavior for other profiles.
What you give up: ads, some titles, 4K and extra members
Some films and shows are locked
A small number of titles are unavailable on the ads plan because of licensing restrictions. Netflix marks them with a lock icon in browsing or search. A title being a Netflix original does not guarantee it is available on every plan or in every country: rights and catalog availability can vary. If a particular documentary or series is the reason you subscribe, search for it and check for the lock before changing plans. Netflix’s plan page describes the restriction.
No 4K/UHD and no extra members
The plan tops out at 1080p, rather than 4K/UHD. Netflix also does not allow an extra member to be added to an ad-supported plan. Its household-sharing rules are separate from the two-stream limit: accounts are intended for people in the same household, while people outside it generally need their own account or an eligible extra-member arrangement. Netflix says extra members cannot be added to ad-supported plans; details are in its account-sharing policy.
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- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
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- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Some devices are not supported
Older TVs and streaming devices may not be able to run the ad-supported experience if their app or operating system cannot be updated sufficiently. VR headsets do not support ad-supported plans. If an unsupported device displays “Your plan does not support streaming on this device,” update its software if possible, try a compatible device, or choose an ad-free plan. Netflix lists affected compatibility issues in its help articles on checking device compatibility and unsupported devices.
How Netflix ads appear
Netflix says ads can appear before and during selected shows and films. For some newly released movies, ads may appear before playback rather than as conventional mid-film breaks. Netflix describes the amount as “a few short ads per hour,” not a fixed number of minutes or a universal ad load. Ads cannot be skipped or fast-forwarded while they are playing.
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- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
On the pause screen, the progress bar can indicate how many ad breaks remain; when a break starts, the number of ads appears in the upper-right corner. Kids profiles do not show ads. The experience varies by title, so Netflix’s current description is more useful than launch-era estimates such as a fixed minutes-per-hour figure. See Netflix’s ads-plan details.
Check whether your device supports the plan
Netflix-compatible does not necessarily mean compatible with its ad-supported experience, particularly for older hardware. The exact labels can differ by device and app version, but Netflix gives this general route:
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- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
- Open Netflix on the device.
- Open the profile or menu area and select Get Help, if available.
- Select Plan Compatibility.
- Review whether the device supports the ad-supported plan.
If that option is unavailable, check Netflix’s compatibility help page. If the device cannot be updated to support the plan, use another compatible device or switch to an ad-free tier; Netflix’s unsupported-device guidance explains the error.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to switch plans or cancel
Change your plan
- Open Netflix’s Change Plan page in a browser and sign in if prompted.
- Select the plan you want.
- Choose Continue, Update, or the equivalent confirmation button.
A move to a higher-priced plan takes effect immediately. A move to a lower-priced plan generally takes effect on the next billing date, so the existing plan’s features can remain active until then. Billing dates or prorated charges may vary. If a mobile, cable or other partner bills you, Netflix may not expose the plan change directly; check Netflix’s plan-change instructions.
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Cancel if the plan is not right
- Go to Manage your membership.
- Select Cancel.
- Select Finish Cancellation and keep the confirmation email.
Signing out or deleting the Netflix app does not cancel membership. If a partner bills you, cancellation generally has to be completed with that provider. Follow Netflix’s cancellation instructions.
Is the ads plan the right choice?
| What matters most | What to know |
|---|---|
| Lowest direct Netflix price | Standard with ads is Netflix’s lower-priced ad-supported option; the U.S. page lists $8.99 per month. Check your account for local or partner pricing. |
| Watching without interruptions | Choose an ad-free plan; this tier has ads before and during selected programming. |
| 4K/UHD picture quality | The ads plan supports up to 1080p, not 4K/UHD. |
| Offline viewing | Downloads are included, but check whether the specific title and device support downloading. |
| Sharing beyond your household | Extra members cannot be added to the ads plan; Netflix’s household rules still apply. |
| Older TV or VR headset | Check compatibility before switching. Some older devices and VR headsets do not support the ad experience. |
| A must-watch title | Search first and avoid titles marked with a lock icon. |
| More than two people watching at once | The plan supports two simultaneous devices; consider whether that is enough for your household. |
It is a reasonable fit if you prioritize a lower monthly Netflix bill, accept ads, watch on compatible devices, and do not need 4K, extra members or every title. It is a poor fit if interruptions, a specific locked program, unsupported hardware or more than two concurrent streams would undermine how you use Netflix.
Quick Recap
Common surprises and how to resolve them
- A title is missing: Look for a lock icon. It usually indicates licensing restrictions on the ads plan, rather than a playback fault.
- Your TV says the plan is unsupported: Update the Netflix app and device software if possible. If the hardware cannot be updated, use a different compatible device or an ad-free plan.
- You cannot see the plan-change option: Partner billing, an account hold or pause, an active Kids profile, or a provider package can affect available options. Check Netflix’s plan-change help.
- Your old plan remains active after downgrading: A lower-priced plan generally starts on the next billing date; the old features can remain until that date.
- You cannot add a parent, roommate or friend: Extra members are not available on the ads plan. Review Netflix’s sharing policy.
- A title has no download button: Plan-level download support does not make every title downloadable. Check the title and device requirements in Netflix’s download guidance.
- You canceled but were charged: Confirm who billed the account. If it was a partner, cancellation may need to be handled through that partner; see Netflix’s cancellation help.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
