Netflix is once again making changes to its subscription options in 2023.
The “Basic” subscription option, which has been a staple of the service for years, is no longer available for new and returning users.
It’s just another in a long list of changes from the popular video streaming service in recent months.
After years of avoiding two hot-button streaming issues, Netflix introduced an ad-supported subscription tier and also cracked down on password sharing.
Let’s take a look at how the latest change impacts the subscription options for cord cutters.
Netflix Eliminates ‘Basic’ Subscription for New and Returning Customers
The “Basic” Netflix subscription is a thing of the past. As of July 19, 2023, new and returning customers can no longer sign up for the ad-free plan.
Existing “Basic” customers will be able to continue on that subscription until they cancel or change plans.
At $9.99 per month, the “Basic” package was the cheapest “ad-free” subscription option.
Netflix now offers three subscription tiers: “Standard with Ads” at $6.99 per month, “Standard” at $15.49 and “Premium” for $19.99.
Here’s a breakdown of what you get for each price point:
3 Reasons You Should Ditch the ‘Basic’ Subscription Tier Anyway
If you’re currently signed up for the “Basic” plan for $9.99 per month, you may want to consider if it’s time to make a change to your Netflix subscription.
Though it is the cheapest available ad-free Netflix experience, it does have some limitations that you may want to ditch in the long term.
1. Concurrent Streaming Limitations
First, it only allows one stream per user account. That means only one device in your household can be watching Netflix at a time. That can be pretty limiting for families or multi-person households.
Both the “Standard with ads” and “Standard” packages allow two concurrent streams. Upgrading to “Premium” will allow four streams at once.
2. Streaming Quality Issues
And then there’s the issue of streaming quality on the “Basic” plan. It was advertised as 720p resolution streaming without HD capabilities.
The “Standard with ads” and “Standard” packages boast 1080p HD resolution, while “Premium” takes things to the next level with 4K+HDR.
3. Account Sharing Capabilities
If you need to pay for an “extra member” due to an out-of-household streamer on your account, you’ll need to upgrade to Standard or Premium to do so.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s seemingly constant changes to subscription options in recent months have been a little frustrating for users.
And while the elimination of a subscription tier might seem annoying on the surface, I think Netflix is probably getting things right with this particular move.
The “Basic” package was not the “best” choice for many new and returning subscribers.
Many are best served by the cost savings offered by the “Standard with ads” tier, and those who want to skip commercials will get quite a bit more for their extra investment in the “Standard” subscription.
Are you a “Basic” tier subscriber? We’d love to hear if you’re trying to keep it or will be switching plans. Let us know in the Clark.com community!
