Netflix users face ultimatum in days as huge change is coming to subscriptions

Netflix is getting rid of a popular subscription plan, we are sorry to say.

Ever since the streaming giant became a 'must-have' on all of our smart TVs, it's something that many of us would find difficult to live without.

If you're old enough, you'll remember heading to DVD, or even VHS, rental stores to pick up whatever they had on offer.

Some Netflix users probably won't remember DVDs. (Getty Stock Image)

But now, the likes of Netflix and Prime Video have made it almost too easy to binge-watch TV shows, almost to the point where there's too much to chose from.

According to Statista, there were 16.7 million Netflix subscriptions in the first quarter of 2024, down from the same period of the previous year.

However, for those who are signed up to Netflix's cheapest ad-free subscription tier, which costs you £6.99 a month, your days are numbered.

This package included ad-free 720p video and a single video stream.

Especially with smaller and older TVs, the 720p definition wouldn't have been much of a notable difference to 1080p.

Though on its website, Netflix warned: "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 your plan is changed or your account is cancelled."

Netflix is getting rid of one of its subscription plans. (Getty Stock Image)

And 31 July will be the last time the £6.99/month option will be available. This means subscribers will either have to upgrade to a pricier plan to avoid ads or go for the cheaper option and sit through ad-filled shows.

Amid the announcement, Netflix has said its 'standard with adverts' plan for £4.99/month has proved to be a big hit.

"The thing we’re really excited about is the engagement,” explained Netflix's president of advertising Amy Reinhard, who spoke at the Variety Entertainment Summit at CES 2024 at Las Vegas’ Aria Resort and Casino earlier this year.

“We’re very fortunate to be able to take a long-term perspective on this.

“Scaling our business is absolutely our biggest priority right now, but we want to make sure we’re doing that in a meaningful way for the members."

UK Netflix streaming plans

Standard with adverts - £4.99/month

• Advert-supported, all but a few movies and TV shows available, unlimited mobile games
• Watch on two supported devices at a time
• Watch in Full HD
• Download on two supported devices at a time

Standard - £10.99/month

• Unlimited advert-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
• Watch on two supported devices at a time
• Watch in Full HD
• Download on two supported devices at a time
• Option to add one extra member who doesn't live with you

Premium - £17.99/month

• Unlimited advert-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
• Watch on four supported devices at a time
• Watch in Ultra HD
• Download on six supported devices at a time
• Option to add up to two extra members who don't live with you
• Netflix spatial audio