Netflix has stirred frustration among subscribers in the UK and Canada by phasing out its most affordable ad-free Basic plan. Reports surfaced on social media and Reddit’s “MildlyInfuriating” subreddit, showing notifications from Netflix urging users to select a new plan by a looming deadline of July 13th. The options presented include a $5.99 monthly Standard plan with ads, a $16.49 monthly Standard plan (presumably ad-free), and a $20.99 monthly Premium plan.
This move has triggered a wave of discontent among subscribers, evident in the comments sections of related social media posts. Many users express disappointment with Netflix’s direction and face a tough decision: either pay more for a different subscription tier or cancel their Netflix membership altogether.
Confirmation of the phase-out comes from various sources, including emails sent to subscribers and updates on Netflix’s Help Center pages for Canada and the UK. These updates explicitly state that the Basic plan, which was previously ad-free, has been discontinued.
The phase-out appears to be rolling out in stages, with different users reporting varying deadlines to switch plans. Some users were given until June, while others have until mid-July, suggesting a gradual implementation across affected regions.
Overall, Netflix’s decision to discontinue its ad-free Basic plan in these regions has generated significant backlash and raised concerns among subscribers about the future cost and value of their Netflix subscriptions.
