Here it is, the day Netflix tells us will never come: Netflix with ads is real.
The streamer’s cheaper, ad-supported subscription tier has officially arrived in the US, UK, and Australia, launching in Canada on November 1. Called Netflix Basic with Ads, the new plan costs $6,500. $99 / $4.99 / AU$6.99 per month, and grants access to (almost) all of the platform’s movies and TV shows in exchange for your maximum tolerance up to five minutes of advertising per hour.
We say ‘almost all’ because of Netflix confirmed (opens in a new tab) that “a limited number” of programs are not available on the new ad-supported tier due to licensing restrictions. However, don’t panic: you’ll still have it all the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies at your disposal if you decide to make the switch.
Other warnings include inability Download content for offline viewing and a 720p limit on video quality – but that’s the price you pay for paying a lower price (god, that’s a slur).
Below, we’ll show you how to switch to Netflix Basic with Ads from your existing Netflix plan, or sign up for the streamer’s cheapest tier as a brand new Netflix subscriber. We also share our initial thoughts on the value for money Netflix Basic with Ads brings to the streaming board.
New Subscribers
The steps required to join Netflix Basic with Ads as a new subscriber are the same as those required to set up any other type of Netflix subscription.
If you’ve never had a Netflix account before, visit Netflix.com (opens in a new tab) and register your email, date of birth and gender to form one. You’ll be prompted to create a password and choose a payment method, before being given the option to choose your plan: Basic with Ads, Basic, Standard, or Premium.
Select Basic with Ads and you’re ready to start streaming.
Current Subscribers
If you already have a Netflix account and want to switch to Basic with Ads, the process is just as simple.
First, log into your Netflix account on your laptop or tablet and navigate to your profile. Select Account and scroll down to Plan Details, here you will see the option to Change Plan.
Tap Change Plans and you’ll see a list of available subscription levels – now including Basic with Ads – appear. Select Continue, then confirm your changes.
It’s worth noting that, while changes to higher-tier Netflix plans are effective immediately, changes to lower-priced plans won’t activate until your next billing date. In other words, your account won’t show ads right away if you decide to make the change – you’ll be able to continue enjoying the benefits of the higher rate plan until your next billing date your arrival.
Should you sign up for Basic with Ads?
Needless to say, the value of switching to this lower-priced Netflix plan will depend on your individual circumstances.
Sure, it’s not a particularly appealing proposition knowing that your Netflix movies and TV shows will be interrupted by up to five minutes of commercials per hour if you subscribe – but the reality is still there. This is the cheapest Netflix subscription we’ve ever seen.
For $6.99 / £4.99 / AU$6.99 per month, you can still enjoy your favorite things Strange things, Squid game, Crown, Sex educationand Bridgerton to your heart’s content – you’ll only have to endure seeing a flurry of ads 15 to 30 seconds before and during viewing.
Of course, Netflix’s decision to accept ads was primarily motivated by its desire to improve its bottom line, but the move also offers a better choice for customers who want to pay much less for Netflix with ad-free viewing costs (for comparison, the streamer’s top tier subscription is currently $19.99 / £15.99 / AU$22.99).
It’s important to note that the current Netflix subscription price remains the same – at least for now – the same as the pre-launch price of Basic with Ads. You’re under no obligation to switch to a cheaper, ad-supported Netflix plan if you don’t want to.
Business is business and Netflix will likely raise subscription prices again in 2023, but as things go right now, it’s hard to criticize the company for introducing an affordable Netflix bundle more, will certainly help millions of customers save money without losing access to their favorite shows.
We’ll have a more comprehensive understanding of (and opinions on) Netflix’s new plan once we’ve spent some time experiencing Basic with Ads for ourselves. For now, though, we’re inclined to recommend it to those who want to enjoy – or continue to enjoy – the streamer’s award-winning show for the monthly price of an expensive coffee.
