If you currently subscribe to Netflix’s Basic plan, you can continue to use it—but if you don’t already have that plan, you can’t sign up for it anymore. In mid to late June, Netflix quietly removed the Basic plan from the list of options for new and returning members. The change went largely unannounced, but Netflix’s help pages now explain the details.
According to the company’s pricing information, “The Basic plan is no longer available for new or rejoining members. If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until you change plans or cancel your account.” In plain terms, anyone who cancels a Basic subscription and later tries to rejoin will not be able to pick that lowest-cost, ad-free tier again.
The Basic plan had been Netflix’s cheapest ad-free option at $9.99 per month. That means a move up to the next ad-free tier—the Standard plan—represents a significant increase in monthly cost. The Standard plan is $16.49 per month, which is $6.50 more than Basic, a roughly 65% increase. For many subscribers, that jump will be the key factor in deciding whether to remain on an existing Basic plan or switch to an ad-supported option.
For new subscribers and anyone rejoining the service, Netflix now offers three plan choices:
- Standard with ads: $5.99 per month
- Standard (ad-free): $16.49 per month, plus $7.99 per month to add an extra member who doesn’t live in your household
- Premium (ad-free): $20.99 per month, plus $7.99 per month for each extra member, up to two additional members
These tiers differ not only in price and ad experience but in device limits and video quality. The former Basic plan allowed streaming and downloads on a single device. The current Standard tiers allow simultaneous usage on up to two devices, and the Premium tier supports up to four devices. Video quality also improves with the higher tiers: Standard offers up to 1080p HD, while Premium adds 4K and HDR playback where available. Note that the “Standard with ads” plan was previously marketed as “Basic with ads” and initially restricted usage to a single device; Netflix also warns that the ad-supported Standard plan “may not be available through all third-party billing parties and packages.”
If you want a side-by-side look at Netflix’s options and comparable services, see our guide to the best streaming services in Canada for pricing, device support, and content considerations.
Netflix alternatives
If you’re weighing your options because of Netflix’s changes, there are several other streaming services available for $10 or less per month, or bundled as part of membership benefits. Depending on what you watch and how much you care about ads, device limits, or 4K streaming, one of these may fit your needs.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime members get Prime Video included as part of their subscription, making it a good value if you already shop with Amazon.ca. If you don’t have Prime, Prime Video is available standalone for about $9.99 per month or roughly $99 per year. The service offers a mix of original series, licensed movies, and rentable purchases, plus frequent promotions tied to Amazon shopping benefits.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ costs $8.99 per month after a free seven-day trial. Its catalogue is smaller than Netflix’s, but it focuses on high-quality originals and award-winning series such as Ted Lasso. If you prioritize original content and polished productions, Apple TV+ can be a compact, cost-effective choice.
CBC Gem Premium
CBC Gem Premium is one of the most affordable paid streaming options for Canadian viewers at $4.99 per month. It offers a mix of Canadian programming and select international titles. If you’re interested in local content, independent productions, or Canadiana-focused series and documentaries, CBC Gem is worth considering.
Tubi TV
Tubi is a free, ad-supported service with a large library—thousands of movies and TV shows—plus live news channels. Like Netflix’s ad-supported tier, it includes commercials, but it can be an attractive option if you want to avoid monthly subscription fees while still accessing a broad selection of titles.
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