Is Netflix's new 'Basic with Ads plan' actually costing you more through the ads you consume?

In November, Netflix launched a more affordable plan in their subscription options. Due to licensing limitations, the Basic with Ads plan, which costs $6.99 a month, has a smaller selection of content and includes 15 to 30-second ads before and during episodes and movies, according to Vulture.

The new plan comes as a response to a decline in users amidst new streaming and subscription services aside from Netflix, according to the New York Times.

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Hidden Cost of Netflix's 'Basic With Ads Plan'

With the debut of a new $6.99 ad-supported membership plan in November, Netflix has significantly changed how its membership plans are structured.

The Standard plan, which costs $15.49 per month, is currently the most popular membership tier but way more expensive than the 'Basic with Ads' plan.

While choosing the new Netflix package will save you money, Express UK reports that a study from Honcho finds that you will spend hours more watching a show with the ad-supported plan, which will take up more of your free time.

"The research found that on average, consumers spend 461.06 hours annually watching their favourite films and shows on Netflix. However, with the 'Basic with Ads' plan, the consumer could spend an additional 38.42 hours watching Netflix per year due to the adverts." According to a study from Honcho.

On average, the 15 to 30 seconds of advertisements will run for four to five minutes per hour. Additionally, the cheapest plan will reduce video quality to 720p from the full 1080p and will only feature select series and films available to viewers compared to the more expensive plans.

How Long Does it Take to Watch Popular Netflix Series With Ads?

To help viewers comprehend the amount of time that is being spent on ads, the study gave an example through the Netflix series Lucifer.

"All six seasons of the popular series would average a viewer 73.81 hours to watch in its entirety. With ads, viewers would have to spend 79.16 hours to finish the series, totalling an extra 6.15 hours of adverts." The study explained.

Additionally, other popular shows were given as an example when binged with ads:

• 13 Reasons Why (3.95 hours of Ads)
  • Watch time without ads: 47.38 hours
  • Watch time with ads: 51.33 hours
• Ozark (3.69 hours of Ads)
  • Watch time, no ads: 44.21 hours
  • Watch time with ads: 47.9 hours
• Money Heist (3.26 hours of Ads)
  • Watch time, no ads: 39.18 hours
  • Watch time with ads: 42.44 hours
• Stranger Things (2.92 hours)
  • Watch time, no ads: 35.05 hours
  • Watch time with ads: 37.97 hours

However, if taking up more time to watch your favorite Netflix series for a cheaper rate still sounds appealing, then perhaps this new plan may be more suitable for your needs.

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Written by: Andi C.