Netflix with ads? While this new offer is something that didn't even make sense before — most Netflix shows were made to be shown ad-free — it's finally arriving today. And there's a big catch, too. Oh, and it's arrived broken on multiple streaming devices.
The ad-supported Netflix, dubbed Netflix Basic with Ads is a new $6.99 / £4.99 / CA $5.99 / AU $6.99 per month tier that debuts today in the US and UK (Nov. 3), along with Australia (Nov. 4), while arriving in several other countries (including Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Spain) in adjacent days.
Netflix broke the news last month on its press site, confirming a September report. Netflix with ads is meant to give folks a new, more affordable way to subscribe to the big red streaming machine.
In recent months, Netflix's subscriber woes have weighed heavily on the big red streaming machine, which we still consider one of the best streaming services. A password-sharing crackdown is coming in early 2023.
Netflix with ads is attempting to be light on ads, with only 4-5 minutes of commercials per hour. One big annoyance for those who jump on this tier is that not all movies and shows will be available at the start. And since ads are served live, there won't be an ability to save titles for online viewing.
Netflix with ads is only be available for those on the Basic tier, which has 720p HD video quality (an upgrade from the 480p SD picture quality).
Netflix with ads supported devices
As of day 1 (Nov. 3) , Netflix with ads is broken on the Apple TV, Chromecasts prior to the Chromecast with Google TV, the Netflix Windows app and Androids and iOS devices running older OS versions. Hopefully, at least the Apple TV and Chromecast support will be fixed soon.
Netflix with ads pricing
| Netflix plan | US price p/m | AU price p/m | Picture quality | Simultaneous streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $6.99 | AU$6.99 | 720p HD | 1 |
| Basic | $9.99 | AU$10.99 | 720p HD | 1 |
| Standard | $15.49 | AU$16.99 | Up to 1080p | Up to 2 streams |
| Premium | $19.99 | AU$22.99 | Up to 4K UHD | Up to 4 streams |
In the background, Netflix is busy with negotiations with other companies over licensed content. The Wall Street Journal reports that "Among the studios with whom Netflix hasn’t yet finalized revised licensing agreements are Walt Disney Co., Comcast Corp.'s NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.."
The shows in question, which seemingly could be at risk include You (NBCU) and Sony's The Crown, Cobra Kai and Breaking Bad. Grey's Anatomy and How To Get Away With Murder, both from Disney, could wind up on Disney Plus if things go sour.
Disney Plus with ads is also coming to the US in December, alongside a $3 per month price-hike for the ad-free tier. The ad-supported tier will stay at $7.99 per month.
Next: Here's 5 Netflix shows you need to watch right now.
