Netflix Ends Cheapest Ad-Free Plan for Existing Subscribers

Boom! Just like that, Netflix is shaking things up again. This time, it’s the end of the road for the cheapest ad-free plan for existing subscribers.

Netflix is making more changes to its subscription options, and this means the phase-out of its least-expensive ad-free tier. Social media is buzzing with reports that Netflix is notifying existing subscribers, especially in the UK and Canada, to choose a new subscription plan if they want to keep watching their favorite shows and movies.

The streaming giant had already removed this plan for new and returning members in 2023. Now, however, it’s officially impacting the current subscribers too. Reddit users have shared messages from Netflix, saying, ‘Choose a new plan to keep watching,’ with a deadline looming on July 13.

So, what’s next for those on the $10/month basic plan? Netflix is giving them three options: the $7/month ad-based tier, the $15.50 ad-free option, or the premium $23 ad-free 4K plan.

This move isn’t a surprise, as Netflix announced in January this year that it would eliminate the basic tier for existing subscribers in the second quarter of 2024. It started with the UK and Canada, and now the company is following through.

While this change has already taken effect in the US for new and returning members, existing members in the US are still waiting for their turn. However, the clock seems to be ticking.

Netflix’s strategy aligns with other streaming companies, pushing more subscribers towards its ad-based plan. At $7/month, Netflix has the cheapest ad-based plan among major streaming services. For comparison, Max, Paramount+, and Disney Plus all have their basic ad plans priced at $8/month.

In other news, Netflix is set to host a live hot dog eating contest in September featuring the famous competitors Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi. Excitingly, they’ve also added classic hits like all six seasons of Lost and the Back to the Future trilogy to their library as of July 1. So, there’s plenty of new stuff to check out.

For existing Netflix subscribers, it’s time to pick a new plan or brace for interruptions. Whether you go for ads or splurge for 4K, the ball’s in your court now.