Netflix with Ads: A Comprehensive Guide to the Budget-Friendly Streaming Option

Netflix, once a staunch opponent of ad-supported streaming, has fully embraced the model, attracting millions of users to its "Standard with Ads" plan and piquing the interest of advertisers. Since its launch a little over two years ago, Netflix has continually enhanced its ad-supported offering, distinguishing it from competitors with added features. While the price has seen a slight increase, it still remains significantly cheaper than Netflix’s premium 4K streaming plan. This article provides a detailed overview of Netflix with Ads, covering its cost, features, limitations, and how it compares to other ad-supported streaming services.

Pricing and Availability

The Netflix Standard with Ads plan currently costs $7.99 per month. This price reflects a $1 increase implemented in January 2025. In comparison, ad-supported tiers from other major streaming services vary in price:

• Hulu (Basic): $9.99/month
• Disney+ (Basic): $9.99/month
• Paramount+ (Essential): $7.99/month
• Peacock (Premium – Ad-Supported): $7.99/month
• Max (Basic with Ads): $9.99/month

Netflix’s cheapest ad-free option, the Standard plan, is priced at $17.99 per month after the discontinuation of its Basic Plan. The price of Standard with Ads is less than half of what you pay for Standard, and a third of what you pay for Premium.

Features and Benefits of Netflix with Ads

Netflix has steadily improved the features offered with its ad-supported plan since its initial launch. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:

• Concurrent Streams: Originally limited to a single stream, the Standard with Ads plan now allows for two simultaneous streams. This lets two people watch at the same time.
• Video Quality: The video quality has been upgraded from the initial 720p to 1080p, matching the resolution of the ad-free Standard plan. Only the Premium plan offers 4K HDR streaming.
• Offline Downloads: Unlike many other ad-supported streaming services, Netflix allows users to download content for offline viewing. This feature was introduced in November 2023 and is a significant advantage for those who want to watch content on the go without using data.
• Download Limits: There is a monthly limit of 15 downloads per device, which resets on the first of each month.
• Device Compatibility: The Standard with Ads plan is compatible with most devices that support ad-free Netflix, including Amazon Fire TV, Android and iOS devices, smart TVs, Mac and Windows computers, and Google TV players. Apple TV streaming devices (Apple TV HD and later) also support the plan following a software update.

Advertisements and Binge-Watching Perks

Subscribers to Netflix Standard with Ads can expect to watch approximately 4 to 5 minutes of commercials per hour. These ads are typically placed at the beginning of videos and during natural breaks within the content. Each ad is either 15 or 30 seconds in length.

Netflix also offers a unique "binge" ad unit, which allows advertisers to sponsor an ad-free episode for viewers who have recently binged several episodes of a show. Viewers must watch a 30- to 60-second "cinematic" ad from the sponsor to unlock the ad-free episode.

Content Availability

While the "vast majority" of TV shows and movies on Netflix are available for "with ads" viewers, a "small number" are missing due to licensing issues. If a title is unavailable on the Standard with Ads plan, it will be indicated by a padlock icon or a "Change plan to watch" banner instead of the "Play" button.

Comparison to Competitors

Netflix’s Standard with Ads plan is part of a growing trend among streaming services to offer more affordable ad-supported options. Compared to its competitors, Netflix’s ad load of 4 to 5 minutes per hour is fairly standard. Max, for instance, averages around four minutes per hour, while Peacock can reach up to five minutes per hour.

The decision to allow offline downloads sets Netflix apart from many competitors. The addition of downloads to the plan allows viewers to watch when they do not have readily available internet service, such as while they are commuting.

Why Netflix Embraced Ad-Supported Streaming

Netflix’s shift to embrace ad-supported streaming represents a significant change in strategy. The company’s initial resistance to ads stemmed from its commitment to providing a premium, uninterrupted viewing experience. However, several factors contributed to the change.

In the first and second quarters of 2022, Netflix experienced a decline in subscribers, marking an end to a decade of uninterrupted growth. This slowdown, coupled with increasing competition from other streaming services, led to a drop in Netflix’s stock price.

Furthermore, Netflix faced challenges in gaining traction in international markets, where it faced competition from cheaper streaming services. The emergence of ad-supported plans from competitors like Max, Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock, and Hulu, which undercut Netflix’s cheapest ad-free plans, added further pressure.

Faced with these challenges, Netflix recognized the need to offer a more affordable option to attract and retain subscribers. The introduction of the Standard with Ads plan has proven successful, with the company reporting approximately 40 million global active monthly users for the tier in May 2024, a significant increase from 5 million users in May 2023. (Netflix has since ceased tallying its monthly user base for the public.)

Conclusion

Netflix Standard with Ads provides a compelling option for viewers seeking a more budget-friendly way to access Netflix’s extensive library of content. With a lower monthly cost, improved video quality, and the added convenience of offline downloads, the ad-supported plan offers a valuable alternative to the more expensive ad-free tiers. While viewers will have to endure a few minutes of commercials per hour, the price savings and additional features make it an attractive choice for many. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix’s Standard with Ads plan is poised to remain a competitive and popular option.