Netflix Standard Plan: Why It's Not Worth Your Money

When it comes to streaming services, Netflix has a long-standing reputation as the leader of the pack. From award-winning originals to a vast library of movies and shows, it's the go-to platform for millions. But here’s the kicker—Netflix’s Standard plan may not be the best value for your hard-earned cash. In fact, it could easily be described as one of the stupidest plans out there. Why? It offers little in return for the price you're paying, and there are much better options available, depending on your viewing habits and the type of device you own. Let’s break it down.

What Does the Netflix Standard Plan Offer?

You might be thinking, "Isn’t the Standard plan the middle ground between Basic and Premium?" Sure, it is. But sometimes, the middle ground isn’t where you want to be, especially when it comes to what you’re getting for your money.

• 1080p Resolution and 2-device Login: The Netflix Standard plan offers streaming in 1080p HD, which sounds great, right? Well, not quite. While Full HD was a luxury a decade ago, today, with 4K TVs becoming mainstream, 1080p seems a bit outdated, especially when compared to Netflix's Premium plan, which offers Ultra HD (4K) and HDR. Plus, you only get to stream on two devices simultaneously—limiting, especially for families.
• Password Sharing is Gone: Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing has made the Standard plan even less appealing. Previously, this plan was ideal for splitting between friends or family, but with restrictions on sharing accounts outside your household, the two-device benefit feels like a half-baked consolation prize.
• Priced Awkwardly Between Basic and Premium: At a glance, it might seem like a reasonable step up from the Basic plan, but when you break it down, the Standard plan lacks the features that make it worth the extra cost. The jump from 720p to 1080p isn’t all that groundbreaking, and you’re not getting the high-end perks that the Premium plan offers.
• No Dolby Atmos or HDR Support: This is where the Standard plan really falters. While Premium subscribers enjoy cinematic sound through Dolby Atmos and the visual punch of HDR, Standard users are left in the dust. For those who care about audio-visual quality, these features make a huge difference, and their absence in the Standard plan is a big miss.

Why the Standard Plan Falls Short for Premium TV Users

If you’re streaming on a high-end TV—think Sony, Samsung, or LG—you’re probably already getting a better picture than what the Standard plan promises, even on a lower resolution plan. How? It’s all about upscaling.

• How Premium TVs Upscale Content: High-end TVs are built with advanced processors that can take lower-resolution content, like 720p, and upscale it to near-4K quality. This makes the leap from Netflix's Basic plan (720p) to the Standard plan (1080p) almost redundant for users of these TVs.
• 720p Upscaled to 4K is Surprisingly Good: You’d be amazed how good a 720p stream can look on a premium TV once it’s upscaled. The sharpness, color, and clarity can come shockingly close to the experience of a full 4K stream. So, why pay extra for 1080p on Netflix’s Standard plan when your TV does the heavy lifting anyway?
• No Dolby Atmos or HDR—A Dealbreaker for TV Enthusiasts: Here’s another reason the Standard plan is a letdown: no Dolby Atmos or HDR support. If you’ve got a TV capable of handling Dolby Vision or HDR10, you’re simply not making the most of your hardware with Netflix’s Standard offering. And let's not even talk about the immersive audio experience that comes with Dolby Atmos—something completely absent from the Standard plan.
• The Cost-Quality Mismatch: For what Netflix charges for the Standard plan, you’re essentially paying more for minimal improvement in video quality without getting the audio enhancements that could really elevate your viewing experience. The jump in cost to Premium for true 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos is well worth it if you're using a high-end TV.

Better Alternatives: Basic vs. Premium Plans

Let’s face it: if you’re considering the Netflix Standard plan, you’re either looking for better picture quality than the Basic plan or trying to avoid the high cost of the Premium plan. But here’s the thing—there are better ways to spend your money.

• The Basic Plan: Great Value for Most Users: The Basic plan offers streaming in 720p and allows viewing on just one device at a time. For casual viewers or those on a budget, this plan provides solid value. If you own a premium TV, the built-in upscaling feature often makes the difference in resolution between Basic (720p) and Standard (1080p) negligible. Why spend more when your TV is doing the heavy lifting?
• The Premium Plan: The Best Bang for Your Buck: The Premium plan is where you get true value. With streaming in 4K, HDR support, Dolby Atmos for immersive sound, and the ability to stream on four devices, this plan is perfect for families or anyone who wants the best Netflix experience possible. If you’re watching on a premium TV, this is the only plan that maximizes your hardware’s potential.
• Why the Standard Plan Misses the Mark: For most users, the Standard plan falls awkwardly between the two. You’re not getting the best picture or sound, yet you’re paying more than you would for the Basic plan, which offers almost the same value on a good TV. And if you’re after high-end features, the Premium plan delivers them all, making it a far better investment.
• Who Should Opt for What?
• Basic Plan Users: Ideal for single users with mid-range or high-end TVs where upscaling can compensate for lower resolution. Also great for budget-conscious viewers.
• Standard Plan Users: Honestly, it’s hard to recommend this plan. It’s best for those who don’t care about 4K but want to stream on two devices. But really, it's a tough sell.
• Premium Plan Users: This is the plan for families, tech enthusiasts, or anyone with a 4K TV who wants the best video and audio experience. The cost is justified by the features.

Conclusion: Skip the Standard, Choose Smart

In the world of streaming, the Netflix Standard plan stands out for all the wrong reasons. It’s priced in a way that feels like a compromise—offering little in terms of video or audio enhancements while lacking the flexibility and value of either the Basic or Premium plans. If you’re using a premium TV, the Standard plan doesn’t make sense because your device can already enhance lower-quality streams. And without Dolby Atmos or HDR, you’re really missing out on what makes Netflix shine as a content provider.

If you're on the fence, I’d say save your money and either go with the Basic plan or splurge on the Premium one. In the end, the Standard plan feels like paying extra for a middle-of-the-road experience that neither thrills nor excites—and who wants that? Choose wisely, and make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.