Netflix costs less if you know where to look

Netflix has four pricing tiers, and the cheapest one costs about half what the most expensive one does. You can also get Netflix free or nearly free through bundle deals, student discounts, or by sharing an account with someone else — though Netflix has started cracking down on password sharing. The route that works depends on what you watch, who you live with, and whether you have other subscriptions already.

The savings add up quickly. Choosing the right plan for your actual viewing habits can cut your monthly bill by $5 to $10, and bundle deals or student discounts can cut it further. This guide walks through each option so you can figure out which one fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix's Basic plan with ads costs less than half the price of Premium, though you cannot download shows or watch on multiple screens at once.
  • Student plans through Unidays or your university may offer Netflix at a discount, sometimes bundled with other services.
  • Mobile-only plans let you watch on one phone or tablet for less money, which works if you do not need a TV connection.
  • Bundle deals through internet providers or phone carriers sometimes include Netflix at a reduced rate or free for a set period.
  • Sharing an account with household members is allowed, but Netflix now charges extra if people outside your home use your password.

Netflix's four pricing tiers and what each one includes

Netflix offers Basic with ads, Basic, Standard, and Premium. Basic with ads is the cheapest option and includes all the same shows and movies as the others, but you see advertisements during playback. You can watch on one screen at a time and cannot download episodes to watch offline. Basic (no ads) costs more but removes the advertisements and still limits you to one screen.

Standard adds the ability to watch on two screens at the same time and download shows to your phone or tablet. Premium is the most expensive and lets you watch on four screens at once, download content, and watch in the highest video quality available. The price difference between Basic with ads and Premium is substantial — often $8 to $10 per month depending on your region.

If you live alone and mostly watch on your phone, Basic with ads or the mobile-only plan may be all you need. If you have a household of people who watch at different times, Standard or Premium makes sense because multiple people can watch simultaneously without interrupting each other.

Student discounts and how to find them

Netflix offers discounted rates through student verification services like Unidays and Student Beans. You need a valid student email address or student ID to sign up. The discount is usually 50 percent off the regular price for a set period — often one year — and then returns to full price unless you renew your student status.

Some universities bundle Netflix into their student services or offer it through their IT department. Check your school's student portal or contact the IT help desk to see if Netflix is already included in your student fees. A few carriers and internet providers also offer student discounts on Netflix bundles, so it is worth asking your provider directly.

The student discount typically applies only to the Basic or Standard plan, not Premium. Once your student status expires, you will need to either pay full price or switch to a cheaper tier. Keep track of when your student verification expires so you are not surprised by a price jump.

Bundle deals through internet and phone providers

Major internet and phone carriers sometimes include Netflix as part of a bundle package. Verizon, T-Mobile, and some cable providers offer Netflix free for a certain number of months or at a reduced monthly rate when you sign up for internet or phone service. The discount or free period usually lasts between three and twelve months, after which you either pay full price or cancel.

These deals change frequently and vary by region and current promotions. Contact your internet or phone provider directly and ask what Netflix offers are available right now. Some providers bundle Netflix with other streaming services like Disney+ or Max, which can save you money if you watch multiple services.

Read the fine print carefully — some bundles lock you into a contract or require you to maintain a certain service level to keep the discount. If you cancel your internet or phone service, the Netflix discount usually ends immediately. Compare the total cost of the bundle against paying for Netflix and your other services separately to make sure you are actually saving money.

Mobile-only plans for watching on phones and tablets

Netflix offers a mobile-only plan that costs less than Basic but only works on phones and tablets. You cannot watch on a TV or computer with this plan. If you commute, travel, or mostly watch on your phone anyway, this is the cheapest way to get Netflix.

The mobile plan includes all the same content as other tiers and works with the Netflix app on iOS and Android. You can download episodes to watch offline, which is useful if you have spotty internet on your commute. The main limitation is screen size and the inability to cast to a TV.

This plan makes sense if you are the only person using the account and you do not have a TV in your home, or if you only watch Netflix away from home. If you ever want to watch on a larger screen, you will need to upgrade to a higher tier, so be honest about your actual viewing habits before you commit to this option.

Account sharing and Netflix's household rules

Netflix allows people in the same household to share one account. Household members can have their own profiles, watch different shows at the same time (depending on your plan), and keep separate watch histories. Netflix defines a household as people who live at the same address and use the same internet connection.

Netflix now charges an extra fee if people outside your household use your password. The company sends a notification to the account owner when it detects sign-ins from a different location and asks whether those people live with you. If they do not, you can add them as a paid extra member or remove their access.

Sharing an account with someone outside your home is no longer a way to split the cost without paying extra. If you want to share with a friend or family member who lives elsewhere, you will need to add them as a paid member or use a separate account. The extra member fee is typically $7 to $8 per month, so splitting a Standard or Premium plan with one other person may still be cheaper than each of you paying for your own Basic plan.

Free trials and promotional offers

Netflix occasionally offers free trial periods to new members, though the length and availability vary. Some regions have longer free trials than others, and Netflix sometimes removes the free trial option entirely. Check Netflix's website directly to see whether a free trial is available in your area right now.

Promotional offers through third parties — like credit card companies, retailers, or streaming bundles — sometimes include Netflix credits or free months. These deals change constantly, so search for "Netflix promo" along with your provider's name to see what is currently running.

Free trials and promos always require a payment method on file, and you will be charged if you do not cancel before the trial ends. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to cancel before the trial period expires if you do not want to continue. Write down the exact cancellation date so you do not forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on multiple screens with the Basic plan?

No. Basic (with or without ads) only allows one screen at a time. Standard allows two screens, and Premium allows four. If multiple people in your household watch at the same time, you need Standard or Premium.

What happens if I share my Netflix password with someone who does not live with me?

Netflix will notify you that your account is being used outside your household and ask whether those people live with you. If they do not, you can add them as a paid extra member or remove their access. Sharing without paying the extra fee may result in your account being locked.

Do student discounts work if I am no longer enrolled?

No. Student discounts require active student status, usually verified through your school email or student ID. Once you graduate or leave school, you will need to pay full price unless you switch to a different discount option.

Is the mobile-only plan worth it if I sometimes watch on my TV?

No. The mobile plan does not work on TVs or computers at all, so if you watch on a TV even occasionally, you need Basic or higher. The savings are only worth it if you genuinely never use a TV.

Can I use a free trial more than once?

Netflix tracks free trials by payment method and account history. Using multiple free trials on the same card or within a short time frame usually results in being ineligible for another trial. Each account is limited to one free trial per household.