Have you ever opened Netflix, excited for a movie night, only to wonder if you’re paying too much? You’re not alone. With streaming prices creeping up year after year, many people search for the exact Netflix Premium Cost in US 2026. The answer is straightforward: it’s now $24.99 per month.
That price took effect after Netflix’s latest increase in early 2025, and as of January 2026, it remains the current rate for the top-tier plan. But is it worth it? In this guide, we’ll break everything down – from what you actually get for that money to how it compares with other plans and whether you should stick with Premium or switch.
What Makes the Netflix Premium Plan Different?
Netflix offers four main plans in the US, but Premium sits at the top. It’s designed for people who want the absolute best experience – think crystal-clear 4K picture, immersive sound, and the flexibility to watch on multiple screens at once.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Ultra HD (4K) + HDR streaming: Only Premium (and sometimes Standard, depending on the title) supports 4K resolution with HDR and Dolby Vision.
- Spatial audio: Premium includes this newer feature that makes sound feel like it’s coming from all around you – great for action movies or concerts.
- Up to 4 simultaneous streams: Perfect for larger households or families.
- Downloads on up to 6 devices: You can save shows and movies for offline viewing on more phones or tablets.
- Ad-free viewing: No interruptions, ever.
If you have a big family, a 4K TV, or just hate ads, Premium feels like the “complete” Netflix experience.
Current Netflix Pricing Tiers in the US (2026)
As of January 2026, here are the four Netflix plans available in the United States:
- Standard with Ads: $7.99/month HD streaming, 2 simultaneous streams, ads included.
- Standard: $17.99/month Ad-free, Full HD (1080p), 2 simultaneous streams, downloads on 2 devices.
- Premium: $24.99/month Ad-free, 4K + HDR where available, 4 simultaneous streams, downloads on 6 devices, spatial audio.
Netflix discontinued the old Basic plan a while ago, so these are your current options.
The new $7/month Netflix Basic with Ads plan is coming in November
The jump from Standard to Premium is about $7 more per month. For many people, the big question is whether those extra features justify the cost.
A Quick History of Netflix Price Increases
Netflix hasn’t always cost this much. Let’s look back to understand why the Netflix Premium plan price in the US for 2026 landed at $24.99.
- 2019: Premium was $15.99
- 2021: Increased to $17.99
- 2022: Jumped to $19.99
- 2024: Rose to $22.99
- Early 2025: Latest increase to $24.99
That’s roughly a 56% increase over seven years. Netflix says the extra money funds more original shows, movies, and technology improvements. They’ve added huge hits like Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Squid Game, plus live events like sports and comedy specials.
However, some subscribers feel the increases have come too fast, especially after the password-sharing crackdown in 2023.
Chart: A Brief History of Netflix Price Hikes | Statista
Is Netflix Premium Worth It in 2026?
This is the question most people really want answered.
Yes, Premium is worth it if…
- You own a 4K TV and want the best picture quality. Many new TVs support HDR and Dolby Vision, and Netflix has a growing library of 4K titles.
- Multiple people in your household watch at the same time. Four streams mean no more “Who has control of the TV?” arguments.
- You travel or commute and download a lot of content.
- You value spatial audio – it makes compatible shows feel more cinematic.
- You simply hate ads. Even short interruptions can break the mood.
Premium might not be worth it if…
- You watch mostly on a phone, laptop, or older 1080p TV.
- You live alone or with one other person – two streams are usually enough.
- You’re on a tight budget and don’t mind occasional ads (the $7.99 plan saves a lot).
- You already supplement Netflix with other services like Disney+, Hulu, or Prime Video.
For many families, the Netflix family plan price in 2026 ($24.99 for Premium) still makes sense when split among 3–4 people – it drops to about $6–$8 per person.
How to Decide: Netflix Premium vs Standard
Let’s compare the two ad-free plans side-by-side:
| Feature | Standard ($17.99) | Premium ($24.99) |
|---|---|---|
| Ads | No | No |
| Video Quality | Full HD (1080p) | 4K + HDR |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 | 4 |
| Downloads | 2 devices | 6 devices |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes |
If you have a 4K setup and a busy household, go Premium. Otherwise, Standard often feels just as good for $7 less per month.
Tips to Get More Value from Netflix in 2026
Even at $24.99, you can make Premium feel like a better deal. Here are practical ways to stretch your subscription:
- Share responsibly – Netflix allows up to 4 streams and lets you create extra member slots (for an added fee) if someone lives outside your household.
- Use downloads wisely – Download shows before trips to avoid using data.
How to Download Movies and Shows on Netflix to Watch Offline
- Check your TV settings – Make sure HDR and Dolby Vision are enabled to actually see the 4K benefits.
- Watch Netflix originals – They’re exclusive and often filmed in 4K.
- Bundle when possible – Some carriers (like Verizon or T-Mobile) still offer Netflix bundles with phone plans.
- Cancel and restart – Netflix doesn’t punish you for pausing your subscription. Take a break during slow months.
- Switch plans seasonally – Drop to Standard when the kids are at college or during summer when you’re outside more.
Alternatives to Consider
If the Netflix Premium price in 2026 feels too steep, other services offer similar features:
- Disney+ Premium (no ads) – Great for families, includes Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar.
- Max – Strong movie library, same-day theatrical releases sometimes.
- Amazon Prime Video – Included with Prime membership, solid 4K selection.
- Hulu (No Ads) + Disney+ + ESPN+ bundle – Often cheaper overall for live TV and sports fans.
The best streaming services in 2025 | GamesRadar+
Many people now “rotate” services – subscribe to one for a few months, binge, then switch.
FAQ
How much is Netflix Premium per month in the US right now?
As of January 2026, the Netflix Premium plan costs $24.99 per month.
Did Netflix raise prices in 2026?
No new increase has been announced for 2026 so far. The current $24.99 price came from the early 2025 adjustment.
Can I still share my Netflix Premium account?
You can share within your household (up to 4 streams). For people outside your home, Netflix offers paid “extra member” slots.
Is 4K worth the extra cost on Netflix Premium?
Yes, if you have a compatible 4K TV or device and fast internet. Netflix has hundreds of titles in 4K, and the difference is noticeable on larger screens.
What’s the cheapest way to get ad-free Netflix?
The Standard plan at $17.99/month is the cheapest ad-free option. Premium is only needed for 4K and more streams.
Will Netflix prices go up again soon?
Netflix typically raises prices every 1–2 years. No official word yet for 2026 or 2027, but it’s always possible.
How do I change my Netflix plan?
Log in, go to Account > Change Plan, and select your new tier. Changes take effect immediately or at your next billing date.
Is there a yearly Netflix subscription to save money?
No, Netflix only offers monthly billing in the US.
Final Thoughts
The Netflix Premium plan price in the US for 2026 sits at $24.99 per month – higher than ever, but it still delivers the best streaming experience available on the platform. You get stunning 4K visuals, spatial audio, four simultaneous streams, and no ads. For big households with nice TVs, it’s often worth it.
That said, carefully consider your viewing habits. If you don’t need 4K or multiple streams, the Standard plan saves real money without feeling like a huge downgrade.
Ultimately, the “right” plan depends on you. Check your current setup, think about how your family watches, and maybe even try switching plans for a month to see the difference.
Ready to upgrade, downgrade, or just curious? Head to your Netflix account and take a look – you might be surprised how small changes can make your subscription feel perfect again. Happy streaming!
