Netflix remains the undisputed heavyweight of streaming, with over 300 million subscribers worldwide and an annual content budget exceeding $18 billion. Whether you’re signing up for the first time, trying to figure out which plan makes sense, or wondering how to cancel, this guide covers everything you need to know about Netflix in 2026.
The streaming giant just raised prices again in January 2025, and with its pending $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros., the platform is about to get significantly larger. Here’s the complete breakdown of what a Netflix subscription costs, what you get, and whether it’s worth your money.
Netflix Plans and Pricing 2026
Netflix offers three subscription tiers, each with different features and price points. Here’s what you’re paying for with each Netflix plan:
Extra Member Add-On: Standard subscribers can add one extra member outside their household for $6.99/month. Premium subscribers can add up to two extra members at the same rate. This is Netflix’s answer to the family plan question, though it’s not a traditional Netflix family plan like some competitors offer.
š Netflix Quick Facts
- Subscribers: 300M+ worldwide
- Content Budget: $18B annually
- Founded: 1997 (streaming 2007)
- Countries: 190+
- Free Trial: No longer offered
- Profiles: Up to 5 per account
š Top 5 Netflix Series
- Stranger Things
- Wednesday
- Squid Game
- Bridgerton
- The Witcher
š± Netflix App & Devices
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio
- Streaming: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV
- Gaming: PS4/5, Xbox, Switch
- Mobile: iOS & Android app
Which Netflix Plan Should You Choose?
The right Netflix plan depends on your household size and viewing habits. Here’s how the Netflix subscription cost breaks down for each tier:
š° Standard with Ads
$7.99/mo
Best for budget-conscious viewers who don’t mind 4-5 minutes of ads per hour. Full HD quality, 2 streams.
ā Best value per dollar
ā Standard (Most Popular)
$17.99/mo
Perfect for couples and small families. Ad-free, 2 streams, add 1 extra member.
ā Recommended for most users
š Netflix Premium Plan
$24.99/mo
For Netflix 4K viewing and large households. 4 streams, add 2 extra members, 6 download devices.
ā Best picture quality
How to Sign Up for Netflix
Creating a Netflix account takes about two minutes:
- Go to the Netflix website or download the Netflix app
- Enter your email address and create a password
- Choose your plan (Standard with Ads, Standard, or Premium)
- Add your payment method (credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Netflix gift card)
- Start watching immediately
Payment options: Netflix accepts all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Netflix gift cards. Gift cards are available at retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon in denominations from $25 to $100. They’re a popular option for gifting or for those who prefer not to keep a card on file.
Netflix Bundles: How to Get Netflix at a Discount
While Netflix doesn’t offer direct discounts, several Netflix bundles through carriers and ISPs can significantly reduce your cost:
š± T-Mobile
Go5G Plus & Magenta MAX: Netflix Standard with Ads included free. Go5G Next includes Standard (no ads).
š” Verizon
myPlan: Add Netflix & Max (with ads) bundle for $10/month, saving $8/month vs. subscribing separately.
š Xfinity
StreamSaver: Bundle Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV+ for $15/month with eligible internet plans.
How to Cancel Netflix
Canceling your Netflix subscription is straightforward, with no cancellation fees or contracts:
- Sign in to your Netflix account at netflix.com
- Click your profile icon in the top-right corner
- Select “Account” from the dropdown menu
- Click “Cancel Membership” under Membership & Billing
- Click “Finish Cancellation” to confirm
You’ll retain access until the end of your current billing period. Netflix stores your viewing history and preferences for 10 months after cancellation, so you can pick up where you left off if you resubscribe.
š Internet Speed Requirements
- SD Quality: 3 Mbps minimum
- HD Quality: 5 Mbps minimum
- Netflix 4K: 25 Mbps minimum
š Netflix Customer Service
Netflix Phone Number: (866) 579-7172
Live Chat: help.netflix.com
Important: If you subscribed through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, cancel through that service.
What’s New on Netflix: January 2026
Netflix adds new movies and series every week. Here are the biggest Netflix releases this month:
š¬ Bridgerton Season 4
January 29 | Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) takes center stage in a Cinderella-inspired romance. Volume 2 arrives February 26.
š¬ The Rip
January 16 | Ben Affleck & Matt Damon reunite as Miami cops who find $20M during a drug bust. Also starring Steven Yeun.
š¬ His & Hers
January 8 | Tessa Thompson & Jon Bernthal play estranged spouses investigating a murder in rural Georgia.
š¬ All James Bond Films
January 15 | The complete 007 catalog from Dr. No to No Time to Die arrives via Amazon MGM licensing deal.
š¬ WWE: Unreal S2
January 20 | Behind-the-scenes docu-series featuring Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Cody Rhodes, and Rhea Ripley.
š¬ People We Meet on Vacation
January 9 | Emily Henry rom-com adaptation starring Tom Blyth & Emily Bader as best friends on summer trips.
Watch: Netflix 2026 Preview
š„ Netflix Movies and Series Coming in 2026
- March 6: Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (Cillian Murphy)
- March 10: One Piece Season 2
- Spring: Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2
- Spring: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 (animated)
- TBD: Virgin River Season 7
- TBD: Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
- Dec: Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew (Greta Gerwig)
š® Netflix Games (Free with Subscription)
All Netflix subscriptions include mobile games at no extra cost. Download through the Netflix app on iOS & Android.
- Stranger Things games
- Too Hot to Handle
- Queen’s Gambit Chess
- GTA Trilogy
- 50+ additional titles
Is Netflix Worth It in 2026?
ā Pros
- Largest original content library
- Simultaneous global releases
- Free Netflix games included
- No contracts, cancel anytime
- Warner Bros. content coming Q3 2026
ā Cons
- Netflix prices keep increasing
- Aggressive password sharing crackdown
- No Netflix free trial available
- No yearly subscription discount
- Some shows canceled prematurely
š vs Competitors
- Disney+: $10.99 (ads)
- Max: $10.99 (ads)
- Peacock: $7.99 (ads)
- Hulu: $9.99 (ads)
- Prime Video: $8.99 (ads)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Netflix Offer a Free Trial?
No. Netflix discontinued its Netflix free trial in 2020. However, carrier bundles from T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity effectively provide Netflix at no additional cost with qualifying plans.
Is There a Netflix Student Discount?
Netflix does not offer a student discount. Unlike Spotify, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, there’s no reduced pricing for students. Your best options are the $7.99 ad-supported tier or splitting a Premium plan with roommates using the Extra Member feature.
Can I Buy a Netflix Gift Card?
Yes. Netflix gift cards are available at major retailers including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, and Amazon. Denominations range from $25 to $100. Redeem at netflix.com/redeem.
Can I Share My Netflix Account?
Netflix allows account sharing within your household. To share with someone outside your home, add them as an Extra Member for $6.99/month. This is the closest thing to a Netflix family plan currently available.
Does Netflix Have an Annual Subscription?
No. Netflix only offers monthly subscriptions with no Netflix yearly subscription or annual discount option. This differs from competitors like Disney+ and Max that offer annual savings.
How Many Profiles Can I Create?
All Netflix plans support up to five individual profiles, including one Kids profile with age-appropriate content filters.
Can I Download Netflix Movies and Shows?
Yes. Netflix download is available on the Netflix app for mobile devices and Windows. Standard subscribers can download to two devices; Premium subscribers can download to six devices. The Standard with Ads plan does not support downloads.
This guide is updated monthly with the latest Netflix prices, features, and content additions. Last updated: January 2026.