What’s new on Netflix Canada? The cheapest ad-free plan is gone – MoneySense

Netflix usually announces changes to its services months in advance, but sometime in mid- to late June, it removed the basic plan from its roster without notice. Buried deep in its help and support pages, though, there are some details.

According to pricing information on the company’s website, “The Basic plan is no longer available for new or rejoining members. If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until you change plans or cancel your account.”

The basic plan was Netflix’s lowest-cost ad-free option, at $9.99 per month. The price jump to the next ad-free option, the standard plan, is substantial—an additional $6.50 per month, which is 65% higher than the cost of the basic plan. 

If you’re new to the platform or re-subscribing, your plan options are now down to three:

• Standard with ads: $5.99 per month
• Standard: $16.49 per month, plus $7.99 to add an extra member (someone who doesn’t live in your household) 
• Premium: $20.99 per month, plus $7.99 per extra member (up to two)

The platform’s basic plan was limited to watching and downloading on one device, whereas the standard plans available now can be used on two devices, and the premium plan, four devices. (The standard with ads plan was previously called the basic with ads plan, and it was limited to one device. Netflix says the standard with ads plan “may not be available through all third-party billing parties and packages.”) The premium plan includes better video quality—4K and HDR, rather than the 1080p of the standard plans.

For more details on Netflix plans and other platforms, read our guide to the best streaming services in Canada.

Netflix alternatives

If you’re looking for something to watch on your smart TV, computer, tablet or even your phone, you do have alternatives to Netflix that are $10 or less.

Amazon Prime Video

If you’re a regular Amazon.ca shopper (racking up retail points with your credit card), know that your Amazon Prime membership fee includes Amazon Prime Video. Otherwise, it’s $9.99 a month or $99 for the year.