UK Netflix users can slash streaming bills by making a simple change

After months of rumours and endless speculation, there’s finally a new and cheaper way to watch shows, movies and documentaries on Netflix. The streaming firm has now officially launched its new subscription tier which offers customers the chance to view content for just £4.99 per month. That’s a whopping £11 per month cheaper than tuning in via the most expensive Premium tier.

Netflix has confirmed that this budget plan, called Basics with ads, is available to both new and existing customers with those already using the service simply needing to switch plans to take advantage of the lower price.

Now, you might be wondering why and how Netflix is cutting the cost of streaming. Firstly, the firm has had a difficult year with millions of people turning off this service due to the current cost of living crisis.

That has forced Netflix to rethink its pricing strategy and launch something new in a bid to attract new subscribers and keep existing members from tapping the unsubscribe button.

The new £4.99 option is certainly cheap but it does come with a number of catches. The biggest change is that users will have to watch adverts during their boxset binges.

Netflix says that those signing up for the Basic plan can expect to see an average of about four minutes of adverts each hour – it’s not great but is less than channels such as ITV which show around seven minutes per hour.

Along with those sponsored messages, there will be slightly less to watch via this option. Netflix has confirmed that some TV shows and movies will not be available because of licensing restrictions. These titles will have a lock icon when you search or browse the home screen. Finally, the Basics with ads plan doesn’t allow users to download any content to watch when not connected to the internet.

Confirming the launch, Netflix said: “Netflix Basic with ads is an ad-supported subscription plan that allows you to enjoy movies and TV shows at a lower price. With this plan, you can enjoy Netflix in HD video quality (up to 720p) on one supported phone, tablet, computer, or TV at a time. You also have access to Netflix games without any ads.”

If you don’t mind watching some adverts during your binges then this plan is available right now.

Here are all the plans available from Netflix and what they offer:

Basic with adverts • £4.99 per month
INCLUDES: HD content, watch on 1 device

Basic • £6.99 per month
INCLUDES: HD content, watch on 1 device, advert free, unlimited access, downloads available

Standard • £10.99 per month
INCLUDES: Full HD content, watch on 2 devices, advert free, unlimited access, downloads available

Premium • £15.99 per month
INCLUDES: Full Ultra HD 4K content, watch on 4 devices, advert free, unlimited access, downloads available