Netflix Is Dumping Its Cheapest Ad-Free Plan For Existing Subscribers

Netflix is implementing further changes to its subscription options, and this includes the phasing out of the least-expensive ad-free tier. People on social media are reporting that, at least in the UK and Canada, Netflix has begun to ask existing subscribers to the change plans to keep their subscription. Netflix originally dumped the plan for new and returning members in 2023, and now existing subscribers are affected as well.

On Reddit, someone reported receiving a message stating that the last day to watch Netflix on their existing plan is July 13. "Choose a new plan to keep watching," the message said (via The Verge).

Members on the existing $10/month basic plan are being directed to choose from the $7/month ad-based tier, the $15.50 ad-free option, or the $23 ad-free 4K plan.

None of this is surprising, as Netflix announced in January this year that it would remove the basic tier for existing subscribers in the second quarter of 2024, beginning with the UK and Canadian markets. Now, Netflix is following through.

In 2023, Netflix removed the basic plan in the US for new and returning members. However, the company has not yet revealed when the basic plan for existing members in the US will be phased out.

Netflix, like other streaming companies, is continuing to drive people to its ad-based plan. At $7/month Netflix currently has the cheapest ad plan for any major streaming provider. For comparison, the cheapest ad-based plans for Max, Paramount+, and Disney Plus are $8/month.

In other Netflix news, the company is hosting a live hot dog eating contest in September, featuring none other than the two titans of the sport, Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi. And if you're looking for something new to watch, Netflix added all six seasons of Lost and the Back to the Future trilogy on July 1. Check out the gallery below to see all of the new shows and movies on Netflix for July 2024.