Cheap Netflix: Is The Non-HD Netflix Basic Plan Worth It?

UPDATE (October 2022): As of November 2022, Netflix is updating its Basic plan to offer up to 720p streaming. This change arrives alongside a new, cheaper ad-supported plan. For more information, check out Netflix's updated pricing page here:
help.netflix.com/en/node/24926
With Netflix recently upping the pricing on all its plans, it's worth revisiting that Basic Plan.
I've generally dismissed the Netflix Basic Plan as too low-quality for my tastes. But the recent Netflix price hike has me rethinking how I spend my streaming dollars. And so, for the past few weeks, we've been trying out the non-HD Netflix Basic Plan to see if it's a good fit for us.
In this video, we explore the features, limitations, and our own opinions on the overall video quality (or lack thereof).
And if you're considering similar moves to save a bit of cash each month, we hope you find this video useful.
It's worth remembering, though: non-HD may not be cutting-edge video quality anymore, but what's really important is your tastes and whether or not those financial savings outweigh the drop in quality and other features. That's a personal call, naturally, but we hope we've at least got you thinking about new ways to save some dough each month.
0:00 Intro
0:57 What Is The Netflix Basic Plan?
1:58 Why Would I Downgrade to the Netflix Basic Plan?
3:12 What's It Like to Use Netflix's Basic Plan?
5:41 Sidebar: NVIDIA's Shield TV and AI Upscaling
6:44 When Does the Basic Netflix Plan Make Sense?
7:19 Who Should Avoid the Netflix Basic Plan?
7:50 Wrapping It All Up...
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UPDATE: As of November 2022, Netflix is updating its Basic plan to offer up to 720p streaming. This change arrives alongside a new, cheaper ad-supported plan. For more information, check out Netflix's updated pricing page here: help.netflix.com/en/node/24926

[@richardgusztaw5091]

You should not be charged extra for 4K or 1080 resolutions. This is 2022 and we still have low resolution video! Netflix is way over priced in my opinion.

[@lessismore74]

My thoughts too. Is there any other streamer that makes us pay more just to have 4K? I noticed when we watch on Disney+ or Amazon Prime that the picture quality is just amazing, and cheaper than Netflix.

[@levibuilta8596]

Yeah even hbo Max is cheaper than Netflix now. Netflix shout step up there game by having cheaper plans with 4k viewing.

[@levibuilta8596]

Or have 4k over all with no upgrade BS

[@chadspinalbosd007]

What i just thought ima cancel it as a whole today

[@britbrat1127]

You don’t have to pay to watch 4K on KZbin. Netflix has lost their rabbit azz minds.

[@chadwickmccarty4944]

Netflix should be having 720p for their Basic for today's standard not 480p. I think Netflix does that simply for cutting cost & as a deterrence.

[@McLovin-rp5od]

Fr, like its been so long since we've moved past the 480p quality. 720 should be the lowest standard.

[@elephant1851]

They would never sell the standard plan if they do 720. 720 is the one that is "fine" but 480 looks SO bad on a big tv. On a psychological level going from 480 to 1080 is kinda worth the $5 but 720 to 1080 is not a world of difference and I would keep the $5. 1080 to 2160 is actually a hard sell too. Netflix is also a better company to work for than Disney.

[@BKDDY]

They used to, but then they got greedy and changed everything around and upped the price for 720p

[@CourtTV.]

I came here to see if I was crazy or not. They do that so we will pay more then 9.99

[@user-tt6be2zx3h]

comes November 2022 and your prophecy come true :)

[@Bleys1973]

I honestly feel like Netflix is ripping me off.

[@mickschnabel]

Because THEY ARE! have been for years. Should be one price. Including 4k and multiple screens, like so many other streamers do!!

[@abrahamlopez1388]

My opinion is since they know people share accounts they probably want everybody to share the price so the premium they want 3 or 4 people to split the bill but I still cancel Netflix for 2 or 3 months then I put it back on for the same time then cancel again

[@keijijohnson9754]

@@mickschnabel Even Disney Plus has done that and they’re soon to be there years old!🤦🏾‍♂️

[@tamikam.murray8844]

I just downgraded my plan too. There was no way I was paying over $15.00 for Netflix! My next step is getting rid of it and relying on Cinema HD to watch Netflix shows.

[@RScottDuncan]

Thanks for this informative take. I subscribe to Netflix a couple times a year and binge-watch for a month or two annually. I'd probably keep an annual subscription if they had the option for 1 screen in UHD for less cash. I only need one screen at a time here.

[@stitchergary]

That $2.00 increase to $9.99 was too much for me....Been a customer since receiving DVDs in the mail....Cancelled my service last week... Plenty on Amazon Prime, Roku, & Tubi for me...thanks for the video

[@dakkon74]

As a single person household, I have wondered if the standard plan would work for me. I didn't realize it was slightly better than 480p. I don't notice much difference going to 4k, but I do seem to notice going from 1080 to 720, so I suspect I may have issues with the stadard plan, depending on which room I watch in. Would be nice if netflix bumped up to 720p

[@oneeverytime]

3rd

[@jaimelongo10]

Thank you! Very informative, that youtube resolution comparison was very helpful

[@colleen7549]

Thanks for the price comparison video, you did a great job!

[@MrScrappydue]

Will the $9.99 Netflix work fine with an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet, 8" HD display, 32 GB, latest model (2020 release)? Thank you!

[@bswear77]

If I subscribe to basic and run the feed through my receiver that upscales, will that have an effect on the video?

[@marshadixon2319]

Internet is almost nonexistent where I live so basic plan is fine as it buffers or is blurry sometimes anyway. I don’t need two simultaneous stream either

[@harryballsak1123]

It's 2022 and $10 for a non-HD shouldn't exist. It should be at least 720p. Netflix wonders why people get the 4 login plan then share the passwords. 4 people splitting $20 and getting 4K for $5 each vs paying $10 and getting 480p. Gee wonder why password sharing is an issue. And continually raising the price isn't helping people will just stop subbing until their favorite show is on then binge for a month then unsub

[@MM-fe9mz]

They are now discontinuing Basic in Canada so it will be gone in the US soon. Hate how they are forcing the ads plan by upping it to 1080p. After basic suffered at being practically unwatchable at 480p, it finally got 720p last fall.

[@Fraden7]

Good video !! Nice job as always ….I need the 2 streams so I can’t go lower than standard but if I was a student or only watched stuff on my phone then I would get the basic plan otherwise it’s not worth it I feel especially considering for a dollar less you can get prime video with everything .

[@hazemerald1285]

This review Answers my question! Thanks a lot!

[@joydawn214]

my perspective: I already lowered to tier 1 after their _last_ price hike 🤪 and they are still my most expensive service...? 😯 granted, 2 of those are "on sale" but of the ones I am paying full price for it's $7.50 and $5.50 (again, for bottom tier service) why the hell should I shell out $11 ?? this definitely has me rethinking my subscription ALTOGETHER 🥺

[@robertgraziano]

Why is youtube 4K video much sharper than Netflix?

[@BlairSlavin]

ironically, KZbin keeps knocking your video to me for 360p... But I want to see you at least 720p. Because you don't seem to anything High Def. But I do find it annoying below 720p

[@keithjohnson5398]

I had the basic plan back when it was 7.99 and thought the service was perfect for my needs, watching shows on an old laptop. Worked fine.

[@harryballsak1123]

meanwhile for the same $8 Disney+ is giving you 4K and 4 streams

[@TheBikemaster94]

I used to watch speed TV with the classic muscle cars

[@216edwin]

They still have $6.99 with ad nothing has changed

[@mkuhlman77]

Hmm something to think about. I have basic plan but find myself rarely watching Netflix. I just keep it for wife and daughter but it's rarely duel streamed. We watch local OTA channels at 480p just fine so I assume we wouldn't see a difference other than maybe screen size.

[@MichaelSaves]

Great video and level of detail. I think I could definitely get by with the Basic plan after watching your review.

[@lgmnowkondo938]

it's not a matter of SOME tv's offering upscaling support...they ALL do. These tv's are fixed pixel devices, and as such have to support upscaling. In terms of 1080p on a 4k tv, it should be almost indiscernable from 4k with the caveat that 4k offers HDR and will therefore look different. I'm switching to basic now...but it won't kick in for another month or so...I think. I'll report back with my findings. Also..960x540 will not be 25% as sharp as 1080p...it will be competitive with it, in fact. It doubles nicely into 1080p and therefore should scale very well. But netflix can sometimes send you lower res no matter what you do...I'll be interested to see how it looks.

[@kristijanzikic1970]

Dunno, for me over here it's been standard plan 1080p for 7,99 euros for years now, still without ads or increases in price. Although, as I understand, it is because I'm using it on pc (windows), plans with ads still didn't roll out for windows users. I use my pc for everything so I have no need for smart TV, I'd just hook up regular TV instead of monitor when we're watching something

[@FinneasAF]

Nice info! Thanks!

[@lindak1768]

We have the basic plan. Works for us. We have so many different streaming services it didn’t make since to pay more.

[@jsfeltis12]

Well presented! Thanks!

[@coby_jayy]

I already pay money for my internet access, so I cut out Netflix costs by downloading shows and movies by torrent instead. Of course availability of content depends on how many people are downloading/seeding it, but that isn't a worry if it's a popular show/movie that recently came out.

[@theoblongbox4909]

I have always been on the basic plan and never felt uncomfortable or felt like the video quality was bad. I am not a technology snob by any means. The basic is fine for me. The only issue I see with the details of the plan is for people with spouses or kids because the 1 device at a time aspect would not be manageable with multiple people. It's a great plan for single people like me though. I also don't like that they have raised the price of the basic plan. If it ever goes up to be like $13 - $15 a month, I am definitely cancelling.

[@gwyffygwyffy9717]

Netflix needs a 4K one screen option quick!

[@DeejayBill1948]

I have the standard plan, 2 screens. I also have a Sony 1080p and a LG OLED 4K set as well. I cannot tell the difference in quality between them with the exception of deeper blacks and whiter whites on the OLED. Unless you need 4 streaming screens at once, I don't see the need to upgrade.

[@whatitisnt.]

What about for tablets?

[@DeejayBill1948]

The picture on my iPad and Samsung tablets is excellent at the standard level.

[@Chilli2pt0]

Informative video A+ ❤

[@thebaccathatchews]

What I do is I don't pay for Netflix every month. I get a 20-25 dollar gift card twice a year. It lasts about 6 weeks.

[@martinezmartinez3276]

Like 6 weeks after ? It’s suppose to be due?

[@thebaccathatchews]

@@martinezmartinez3276 When the gift card runs out, the account goes on pause until I put in another gift card months later. I don't get charged any money during that time. It works the same way for Hulu and Apple TV+.

[@michaelbaldwin3003]

You are the fucking GOAT for this!!!

[@nitrobass816]

Great video, worth a like and sub for sure. I will be going with the basic as I watch on my smartphone and am the only one who will use the account.

[@sockhopsinger]

This may be a stupid question, but is there any difference in sound quality or is it all in the video quality?

[@timothyyauch6825]

I dropped to the Basic plan and still got 5.1 surround. My receiver doesn't offer 7.1 so I'm not sure there. I have a NVIDIA Shield and even with the AI Upscaling on my 65" 4K OLED I didn't like the picture quality (even the local stations I get via my roof antenna are broadcast in 1080) so I moved to the Standard plan.

[@dimmak120]

I subscribed while visiting Colombia, I pay under $5 a month and billed $16,900 Colombian pesos per month to this day lol

[@kev3226]

You need a Tv with the best upscaling capabilities for the basic plan.

[@neilcampbell4833]

Basic plan is now hd which is good. SD will be phased out soon thank goodness. I'm not keen on HDR content though.

[@MrScrappydue]

I ended up getting the Amazon 10 HD Plus about a week ago on sale. Should work

[@lashaa5]

Thanks for the information

[@jeremyfield4148]

So I recently hooked up a SD receiver and SD TV with RCA cables and placed it side by side with a HD receiver and HD tv and watched a show from the 80s and 90s and there was no difference between the quality. It actually was less blurred out on a tube tv than a LCD HD tv. You cannot upscale content without some distortion because the original program was not filmed in the higher resolution. Back in the 2000s when they introduced HD it was not better than SD on the same tv.

[@Kris-rf1mo]

Honestly, I don’t think my internet would support higher resolutions. Lol. Would probably be a lot of buffering. I think I’m just gonna go with the basic plan.

[@amazingeric97]

When I subscribed to Netflix, I also had the one screen SD plan. I believe Netflix needs to consider creating a low priced HD plan with commercials.

[@daveheel]

I heard they were going to do a version with ads like hbo max.

[@bionicwoman9884]

No commercials period for me.

[@TheBikemaster94]

Commercials kill the mood for me , that's what Spotify is currently doing with the free trial. I would buy the Nvidia shield to boost the quality a bit and if I really like a certain movie, I'd order the blu ray 😀. The stuff that's on Netflix is usually very cheap on blu ray

[@ydcagu5769]

Definitely would never pay money for anything with ads only reason I even have KZbin premium is strictly because of no ads , my little nephew watches alot of learning videos and my mom listens to music literally every day at her day job so no ads is really helpful/convenient for them ads are definitely a deal breaker when it comes to anything that is taking from my paycheck. Just my 2 cents :)

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

If your TV has good upscaling then the lower resolutions can look pretty good. If you are not a ultimate resolution person then you will probably be able to get by with Netflix lower resolution package.

[@ADY_SR]

480p is too low for.. even for 13 inch laptop. I have to subscribe to standard to enjoy anything

[@wanderingdaze7018]

Basic looked good a entry vizio 55’’, I finally upgraded my tv for my nex gen console and got a 65’’ m series vizio and Netflix looked horrible, I never knew about these plans until today, I was sick of Netflix this way. I thought I had internet problem but no. Switch to premium plan and my tv look beautiful, no complaints I don’t mind the extra $10 just skip out ouch truck at work one day a month to make up the extra $10 lol

[@letiajohnson29]

Thanks for sharing this! I might have to drop down and see if my family notices 🤣

[@subleek]

Does the standard plan allow for Dolby digital surround sound?

[@CordCuttersNews]

Hi there and thanks for the question! So, as far as I can tell, Netflix supports 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos on a per-title basis, and (if you have the proper hardware setup), you just need to set your audio playback settings to Medium, High, or Auto. The Basic plan I'm on now supports up to Medium, so I assume the Standard plan includes High as an option. So yes, it looks like the Basic and Standard plans support Dolby Digital Surround if a given show or movie offers it. You can find out more here: help.netflix.com/en/node/110881 Hope that helps! - Philip

[@timothyyauch6825]

I dropped to the Basic plan and still got 5.1 surround. My receiver doesn't offer 7.1 so I'm not sure there. I have a NVIDIA Shield and even with the AI Upscaling on my 65" 4K OLED I didn't like the picture quality (even the local stations I get via my roof antenna are broadcast in 1080) so I moved to the Standard plan.

[@jonathanlamas7004]

Can’t believe I have 720P in a 4K TV it should be available regardless of price

[@Aditya_T0mar]

Instead of listening to his discussion, i simply saw his video in 480p and understood the point

[@water2wine1]

It displays a good picture for me

[@filipepereira2688]

I feel completely fine with the 720p. Nothing is lost in the watching experience for most stuff. IMO, the only downside is the number of screens allowed.

[@jeepee2]

Here's a simple solution: put your TV set farther away. You won't notice the lower resolution :).

[@gilbertacevedo8489]

I have T-Mobile on them in which they pay my Netflix every month

[@gwmadrigal]

It is really annoying not to have 2 simultaneous connections for me.

[@KevinRT1]

Thank you man! I was about to pay 20$ a month for something that’s the same as a lower quality but now I learned that their the same thank you!

[@kuawnstewart2413]

I feel that the only streamin platform I’ll pay $15 for is HBO max. Only bc they have a MUCH bigger catalog that includes old movies

[@Pip458]

480p is standard 720p is high 1080p is high It's standerd not bad that's why it's called SD

[@chriskuczynskimusic34]

The only reason why I have Netflix in the first place is that T-Mobile gives it to customers for free with your cell phone plan.............its a travesty that they keep jacking up the prices................. if i didn't have T-Mobile I wouldn't even have Netflix.............what's the point of cord-cutting if these services keep raising their prices closer and closer to cable or satellite companies?

[@danielrenemauriciomontielp3688]

Downgrade or leave people its the only way to make them see their mistakes

[@rayk6049]

Netflix finally went to far for me. Service has been cancelled. They’re gonna lose the streaming wars anyway.

[@TexasScout]

As soon as I got the notice of Netflix going up, I cancel

[@ZBC2003]

I watch standard on 4k tv.

[@malikd.mcnish6482]

Excellent review... 5 stars

[@matz0rz4o8]

I cancelled Netflix for now. They don’t offer much. I’m joining the group that hoping they do something about content and pricing

[@vaibhavrajbhushan2924]

I pay 1.5 dollar in india and for 4k only 9 dollars

[@ebonismith25]

I only just downgraded after the price hike from the 4K to regular HD lol.

[@givmetehsucc]

imagine not being able to watch videos in HD for ANY streaming platform, whilst PAYING the company!

[@williammac3735]

I say fight against their corporate greed! Drop them like a rock! And for those of you that say impossible and that are addicted to this service I offer a three night a week class. It's called Netflix anonymous. Each individual discusses how the service has affected him or her and their families. On average individuals are helped anywhere from 3 months to a year and a half. After which shock treatments can be provided with an extra charge, like $19.99.

[@joydawn214]

I bet you are fun at parties 😁😅

[@williammac3735]

@@joydawn214 I guess back in the day. My main point is treatment is out there for those that will pay for a service that is past its prime (not that Prime is the way to go). It's easy to find all the great free services for streaming! High speed internet should be the only expense nowadays.

[@vikingtu]

Nice video! Ps. Some programs appear terrible regardless of which plan I use. Seinfeld looks like crap, for example!

[@bigninja6472]

The sd plan look like shit with a lot of compression artefacts worse than 360p on youtube

[@CEG3RD]

So, not being a sub for a couple years and not the biggest fan of Netflix, however I was tempted to try basic. Immediate reaction: I just threw away 10.00. Don't even try this. Luckily and unlike what their chat guy said you do get Dolby Audio with the basic. That's good, but the picture is pretty terrible and I have a Shield with upscaling. I think it actually looks better on my fireTV Cube, still not good enough if you have any amount of a critical eye. The higher rez shows look a little better, but shows like Seinfeld for example look better on over the air TV in SD and looks just awful on Netflix. I cancelled right away and I likely want even open the app again.

[@leonardkrasner4399]

Netflix is the only streaming service to charge extra for 4K programming. $5.00 or more than all other services

[@skykitchen867]

You tube TV also charges more for 4K and it is ridiculous.

[@jareou]

It is HD, 720 P and just fine

[@grizmiz929]

I use Netflix on my tablet it's £4.99 and £1 tax so £5.99 it's awesome 👌. I also have Disney £7.99 idk what pic quality that is tho tbh

[@Jermeister12]

the OhMy seat 😄😄That 's very funny😄😄

[@KeinNiemand]

480p looks garbage

[@aeppikx]

720p or better say 540p is a no go on my 60inch 4k hdr tv looks like garbage like it is 2001

[@Rodnyet]

I had the non HD and I couldn't take it after one day so I increased to the HD plan.

[@RIPPER334]

I downgraded to the I don't pay for Netflix anymore plan... Nothing worth watching, and they still thought raising the price was a good idea... Nah. After 7 years of paying monthly... I don't miss them at all.

[@alricaneshama]

480p on my laptop looks like garbage. Everything has a glare, there's a blur then a shadow of everything. Plus, when you move there's a very noticeable glitch. Your face stays an extra 2 seconds before it catches up to the rest of you It looks like CRAP! Back when it was 7.99 i was PERFECT! They NEED to bump the basic to 720p

[@joshh3552]

This is really Embarrassing for Netflix's ... they really are abusing this 4k hdr shit, really 480 quality i mean that was back in the 90s the old tvs we had back then!!! Come on Netflix do the right thing and make this better for your customers i my HBO bill is cheaper then this.... Unbelievable

[@MrBfg586]

SD 480p? Nope not doing it

[@wxman2003]

I could never handle 540p streaming. Looks horrible on a 4K tv. It's nothing more than crappy DVD quality. 4K HDR/DV is impressive. Worth the $20 a month.

[@Darkstar2630]

DVD quality is 480p

[@wxman2003]

@@Darkstar2630 540p streaming looks even worse than 480p on disc due to the very low bitrate. Anything sub 1080p streaming looks like rubbish on a 4K tv. Why buy a 4K tv if you are going to stream rubbish low bitrate content?

[@chrisv2061]

Updated Plans: Basic with ads 720 - $6.99 Basic 720 - $9.99 Standard 1080 - $15.49 Premium 4k+HDR - $19.99

[@pitaachipp]

They don’t even have the $9.99 a month anymore 😫

[@dawnyarno4642]

You are awesome👍 👍👍!

[@marc8919]

No thanks, if money was that tight, I'd rather just get the premium version once every 4 or 5 months.

[@dionthompson387]

Too much talking not enough showing to help persons, to decide! AND side note: Netflix has done us a dirty deal!!! in latin America they start the price at $3. for basic... why not keep this same rate across countries as it would be fair to each country and currency!

[@reisison8899]

I live alone, and don't really need more than the basic plan, but that 480p is the only thing holding me down, anyone in my position, is it worth it? EDIT: I watch most of the time on a laptop

[@JamMaul]

Nobody watch Netflix as much once you're caught up on all the shows!!!!! Netflix should be 3.99. For 720.p. 6.99 for standard 1080

[@christinewhite9962]

Why not have both 😊

[@basedchad3864]

It's far from fine, for that price it should at least be 720p. This is a ripoff. Before it was 720p.

[@cf9978]

720 p??? What a joke 😮

[@jeremydrew1227]

$20 a month is insane for Netflix! That's about the price of a 4k disc. I'd rather buy one a month and be able to keep them with out monthly fees. Netflix has a garbage selection and is a joke. I canceled when it went to$19.99

[@cfboldman]

Its an insult to offer a non HD streaming plan, you cant even buy non HD televisions anymore HD is the new standard, hulu, disney and hbo all offer plans with HD for 9.99 or less netflix is too arrogant

[@naomim5015]

Premium is now $22.99

[@jimwjohnq.public]

Netflix is going up. Everything is going up. Amazon Prime is going up to $139 from $119. A dollar here a dollar there adds up. I imagine the the rest of the streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, etc will go up. I find myself watching the free streamers like Tubi, Crackle, etc. I can deal with the ad breaks.

[@musabharib945]

hes waring glasses its blurry anyway

[@meikoluvv]

Chill

[@musabharib945]

@@meikoluvv no

[@kirantripathi3180]

In India Netflix basic plan is for only 2$

[@keijijohnson9754]

I’m guessing it’s due to it being one of those countries where Netflix has one of the plans where you could only use it on mobile phones.

[@kirantripathi3180]

@@keijijohnson9754 yes for laptop and phone its 5$ and for all devices its 9$