Buzz
Netflix once stood as a haven free from advertisements, offering uninterrupted streaming for all users. However, the streaming landscape has evolved significantly. Beyond tightening restrictions on account sharing, Netflix has shown interest in introducing ads. Now, this ad-supported tier is almost here, and it might just be worth considering.
What’s included in Netflix’s new “Basic with Ads” subscription?
Netflix recently unveiled specifics about its ad-supported plan in a Thursday press release. Launching on November 3 at 9 a.m. PT, the plan costs $6.99 monthly. For this lower price, subscribers gain access to a broad selection of TV shows and movies in 720p resolution. This is an improvement over the current Basic plan, which limits resolution to 480p. Interestingly, once the ad-supported tier debuts, the Basic plan will also upgrade to 720p at no additional cost.
Due to licensing constraints, a “limited number” of movies and shows won’t be accessible with the Basic with Ads plan. Netflix hasn’t provided a specific list yet, but since the issue is licensing-related, it’s probable that the majority, if not all, of Netflix’s original content will be available. Additionally, Netflix is actively addressing this, so some excluded titles may eventually return.
A significant limitation of this plan is the lack of download functionality. If you frequently rely on downloading Netflix content for flights or poor internet connections, the Basic with Ads plan may not suit your needs.
Netflix’s ads might not be as disruptive as feared
Now, addressing the main concern: the ads. Netflix states that ads will occupy four-to-five minutes per hour of viewing. They’ll play before and during content, which might disrupt the flow. Since Netflix’s original programming wasn’t designed with ads in mind, inserting 15- to 30-second ads between scenes could feel jarring. It’s unclear how these ad breaks will be timed—whether during natural transitions or mid-scene. The true impact will only be clear once the plan launches.
A comparison of Netflix’s subscription plans
Netflix’s subscription tiers have become pricey: The Basic plan costs $9.99 monthly, Standard is $15.49, and Premium is $19.99. While Premium is essential for 4K streaming enthusiasts like myself, it’s a hefty expense if high-resolution video isn’t a priority for you.
If you primarily watch Netflix on a phone or tablet, the drop to 720p resolution might go unnoticed. In fact, many of these devices don’t support 4K streaming on Netflix. While the Standard plan offers 1080p, the $8.50 monthly difference may not justify the upgrade, especially on smaller screens. However, on a 4K TV, the lower resolution of 720p becomes more apparent, so it’s worth considering.
Another consideration is the number of simultaneous streams. Premium allows four devices, Standard permits two, but Basic and Basic with Ads restrict usage to one device at a time. If you share your account, this limitation could be a significant drawback.
However, if you typically use only one device, aren’t overly concerned with top-tier video quality, and don’t mind ad breaks as a chance to grab a snack, Basic with Ads is a solid option. At $6.99, it’s competitively priced: $2 less than HBO Max with ads, $1 cheaper than Hulu’s ad-supported plan, and just $2 more than Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium.
Ads appear to be the future of streaming. Hulu has long offered an ad-supported tier, and now most platforms do the same. Even Apple is reportedly planning to introduce ads to TV+ by next year. These plans are here to stay, and they serve a purpose. You can enjoy the latest Netflix content at a fraction of the cost, even if it means enduring four to five minutes of ads per hour. Plus, it’s the most affordable way to “churn” your Netflix subscription: Subscribe for $7 to watch a specific show, then cancel when you’re done.
If ads become bothersome, you can upgrade to the Basic plan for an additional $3.00 the following month. For an extra screen, spending $5.50 more will get you the Standard plan. And if 4K is a must, the $20 Premium option remains available.
