Netflix Standard vs. Premium: What Are the Differences, and Which Plan Should You Choose?

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Marina

Updated on

August 28, 2026

Netflix Standard vs. Premium: What Are the Differences, and Which Plan Should You Choose?

Standard and Premium are the two ad-free Netflix plans. They provide access to the same movies and TV shows, but they don't quite meet the same needs.

Do you need 4K, the ability to stream on multiple devices at the same time, or the ability to download content to multiple devices?

Netflix Standard and Premium at a Glance

Here are the differences between the two subscription plans:

Criterion|Netflix Standard|Netflix Premium
Price|€14.99 per month|€21.99 per month
Advertisement|None|None
Highest Quality | Full HD 1080p | 4K HDR
Simultaneous Readings|2|4
Download Devices|2|6
Spatial Audio|No|Yes, on compatible tracks
Profiles in the Home | Up to 5 | Up to 5
Additional subscribers | 1 optional | Up to 2 optional
Access the catalog|Same catalog|Same catalog

Premium does not, therefore, unlock any additional movies or TV shows. The main difference lies in the picture quality and the number of devices that can use Netflix at the same time.

Full HD or 4K HDR: Is the difference really noticeable?

Netflix Standard streams content in up to Full HD 1080p. This resolution is perfectly adequate on a phone, tablet, laptop, or medium-sized TV.

Premium supports up to 4K with HDR. This results in a more detailed picture, with better contrast and richer colors. The difference is most noticeable on a fairly large 4K TV and when you’re sitting at a reasonable distance from the screen 📺

4K requires compatible hardware

Having a Premium subscription isn't enough to automatically get a 4K image. You must also:

a movie or TV series available in 4K
a compatible TV or monitor
an app or player that supports this definition
a stable connection
playback quality set to Auto or High

Netflix recommends a connection speed of at least 15 Mbit/s to watch a program in 4K. If any part of your setup is not compatible, the program will play at a lower resolution.

On a phone or a small computer, the difference from Full HD may be hard to see. So choosing the Premium plan just for 4K is only worth it if you actually have the right equipment.

Two or Four Screens at Once: What This Means

The Standard plan lets you watch Netflix on two devices at the same time. The Premium plan increases this limit to four simultaneous streams.

This number does not refer to the number of devices on which you can install the app. You can connect Netflix to multiple TVs, smartphones, or tablets. The limit applies only when multiple people start watching a show at the same time.

Profiles are not additional screens

With the Standard and Premium plans, you can create up to five profiles for people living in the same household. Each profile retains its own list, history, recommendations, and settings.

So, with a Standard plan, you can have five profiles, but only two people can watch Netflix at the same time. With a Premium plan, four streams can be played simultaneously.

The four screens included with the Premium plan also do not allow you to freely share login credentials across four households. For someone outside the household, Netflix offers a separate option called " Additional Member."

Downloads are more flexible with Premium

Both subscription plans let you download certain movies and episodes to watch them without an Internet connection. This is handy on the train, on a plane, or when the connection is unstable ✈️

The difference lies in the number of devices allowed:

Standard: Downloads on two compatible devices
Premium: Downloads on six compatible devices

This limit can be an issue in a family where several people want to keep their own apps on their phones or tablets.

However, Premium does not offer 4K downloads. Netflix lets you choose between Standard and High/Optimal quality, with the latter reaching up to 1080p depending on the title and device.

Some programs cannot be downloaded due to broadcasting rights. The length of time a download is available may also vary.

Spatial audio is available exclusively on Netflix Premium

Premium includes spatial audio on compatible programs. This feature is designed to create a wider, more immersive sound experience without necessarily requiring a home theater setup.

It works automatically when a title, your device, and the selected audio track are compatible. You can find the relevant shows by searching for “spatial audio” on Netflix.

It's a nice addition if you have a good TV, soundbar, or compatible headphones. If you mainly listen through the speakers on your phone or computer, that probably isn't a good enough reason to switch plans.

Netflix Standard or Premium: Which plan is right for your needs?

You don't have to sign up for Premium just because it's the most comprehensive plan. It all depends on your screens and the number of people watching Netflix at the same time.

Situation | Best Option | Why
One or two people are watching Netflix|Standard|Two simultaneous streams are enough
Do you mainly watch on your phone or computer?|Standard|Full HD is usually sufficient
You have a large 4K HDR TV | Premium | The best picture quality becomes apparent
Three or four people are watching at the same time|Premium|Four simultaneous streams are available
Multiple devices can be used for downloads|Premium|Six devices can store programs
Want to add someone who doesn't live in your household? | Standard or Premium | One person with Standard, up to two with Premium
You are using Spatial Audio|Premium|This feature is not included in the Standard plan

Select "Standard" if you don't need 4K

The Standard plan is a good fit when Netflix is mainly watched by one or two people. Its Full HD quality remains crisp on most screens, and the plan includes the same ad-free library as the Premium plan.

It's also sufficient if two devices for downloads are enough for you and if you only have one guest from outside the household to invite.

Choose Premium for 4K and simultaneous use

Premium becomes even more appealing with a 4K HDR TV, three or four simultaneous streams, or multiple devices used offline.

This is also the plan you need to add two additional subscribers. However, upgrading to Premium should be based on these specific use cases: on a small screen and with only one stream at a time, its main benefits will be hardly noticeable.

Can you share a Standard or Premium Netflix subscription with Spliiit ?

Yes, as long as you use Netflix's " Additional Member " option.

The number of seats depends on the package:

Standard allows you to add an additional subscriber
With Premium, you can add up to two

The account holder purchases the option from their Netflix account. They can then list the corresponding seat on the marketplace at Spliiit.

The person who joins the sharing arrangement receives a Netflix invitation. They create their own account, password, and profile.

Netflix also requires that the additional subscriber be in the same country as the account holder.

How does the division work?

The process consists of a few steps:

The account holder verifies that they have the Standard or Premium plan
He purchases an Additional Member option in his Netflix account
He is offering the available spot on Spliiit
The co-subscriber joins the plan and provides their email address
The account holder sends the invitation from Netflix
The co-subscriber accepts the invitation and sets up their access

Spliiit allows the two people to split the cost. The account remains set up and managed within Netflix using the invitation provided for the additional subscriber 🤝

The guide on how co-subscriptions work at Spliiit also explains the difference between a public offer and a private share.

How do I upgrade from Netflix Standard to Premium?

You can change your plan in your account settings:

Sign in to Netflix using a web browser
Open the "Account" section
Select "Change Plan"
Choose Standard or Premium
Check the new amount, then confirm

Upgrading to a more expensive plan generally takes effect immediately. Downgrading to a less expensive plan takes effect on the next billing date.

If your Netflix subscription is included in a package offered by a service provider or another partner, the options for making changes may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix Standard and Premium

Do the Standard and Premium plans provide access to the same movies and TV shows?

Yes. The Premium plan does not unlock a specific catalog. Both plans provide access to the same ad-free content. The Premium plan primarily improves video quality and increases certain usage limits.

Can you watch Netflix in 4K with the Standard plan?

No. The Standard plan is limited to Full HD 1080p. You need the Premium plan to access 4K HDR, when it's available for the title and compatible with your device.

Does Netflix Premium still stream in 4K?

No. The quality depends on the program, the device, the settings, and the Internet connection. A movie that’s only available in HD won’t play in 4K with Premium.

Do four Premium screens allow the account to be shared among four households?

No. The four simultaneous streams apply to account usage within the Netflix household. To add someone outside the household, you must use the "Additional Subscriber" option.

How many additional subscribers can we add?

The Standard plan allows you to add one. The Premium plan allows you to add up to two. These options are billed in addition to the main subscription.

Does an additional subscriber have their own login credentials?

Yes. He has his own account, password, and profile. He can watch Netflix on only one device at a time.

How many profiles can you create?

The main account can include up to five profiles for household members. An additional subscriber has a single profile on their own account.

Is Netflix Premium worth it on a phone?

The difference in picture quality will often be minimal on a small screen. However, the Premium plan can still be useful if you need multiple simultaneous streams, six download devices, or two additional subscribers.