Netflix is shaking up its subscription options by completely phasing out its most affordable ad-free plan. The company revealed this update in a letter to shareholders on Tuesday, stating that it will start with the UK and Canada in the second quarter. Afterward, Netflix will discontinue the basic subscription in eligible regions where the ad-based version is available. The streaming service had already stopped offering the Basic ad-free plan for new subscribers in the US and UK in July 2023. It also raised the price for existing customers last October, bringing it up to $12 per month in the US and with similar increases in the UK and France. With this year’s changes, US subscribers will have three plan choices: Basic with Ads ($7 per month), ad-free Standard ($15.50 a month), or Premium ($23 per month). Additionally, if you want to share your account with someone outside your household, there’s an extra member fee of $8 per month. Netflix’s ad-based plan is quite popular and comes with a lower price tag compared to its competitors Disney Plus and Hulu. However, not every title is available to stream on this plan, requiring an upgrade to access certain TV shows and blockbuster movies.During Netflix’s earnings call on Tuesday, co-CEO Greg Peters emphasized the benefits of the ad-supported subscription over the basic plan, noting that the $7 option offers two streams, better video quality and downloads.The streaming service highlighted its entertainment value and also mentioned its expanding video games lineup and live sports offerings. After testing the live streaming waters with a comedy special and a golf tournament, Netflix is diving deeper into live sports. It will broadcast a tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz this March, and it recently struck a deal with the WWE.Starting January 2025, wrestling fans in the US, UK, Canada, and Latin America can watch live Monday Night Raw matches on the platform, with plans to expand to additional regions. Netflix will also be the go-to platform for international viewers wanting to watch Smackdown, WrestleMania, and other popular WWE shows.Make sure to explore our coverage on Netflix’s game offerings and the advantages of ad-based subscriptions across the streaming landscape.
