Subscribers to Free’s high-end box now have the choice between Netflix Essential (1 screen, 720p) and Netflix Standard (2 screens, 1080p, with ads). A choice not necessarily easy, before the disappearance of the basic offer?
In Canada, Netflix has killed its Essential offer. Should we conclude that this low cost offer is set to disappear everywhere? The fact that the Essential offer (8.99 euros per month) costs more than the Standard offer with advertising (5.99 euros per month), while it offers a less complete service (one screen instead of two , 720p instead of 1080p…), suggests that its future is threatened.
As noted by Tiino-X83 and Cremechocos on Twitter, new subscribers to the Freebox Delta (49.99 euros per month) now have the choice between the Essential and Standard offers with advertising, at no extra charge. Is this a decision by Free to expand its offer? Or a decision by Netflix to prepare for the end of the Essential package? The next few months should answer this question.
Which Netflix package to choose with the Freebox Delta?
Existing Delta subscribers don’t yet have the option to switch Netflix offers, but new ones can choose between the two cheaper plans. The Standard package with advertising has the advantage of offering two screens in better quality, but it requires watching advertisements and does not offer downloads. Everyone is free to have their preferences. We imagine for example that the person who pays the 4.50 euros supplement for the Standard offer could be tempted by the Standard with advertising to save money, while the single person who watches Netflix on his computer or his TV a little senior has no interest in leaving her Essential offer.
It is also possible to switch to more premium offers, for an additional charge on the box invoice. 4.50 euros for the Standard (2 screens, without ads), 9 euros for the Premium (4 screens, without ads, in 4K).
| Essential | Standard with pub | Standard | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | included | included | + €4.50 | + 9 euros |
| Quality | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 4K+HDR |
| Screens | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Advertising | No | Yes | No | No |
| Downloads | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Why did Free decide to add the Standard offer with advertising in July 2023, when it has been available since November 2022? Two possibilities come to mind:
- Netflix has asked its partners to integrate this offer, in order to gradually prepare for the abandonment of the Essential offer.
- Free had this idea to increase its margin, since we can imagine that a Standard package with advertising costs it less than an Essential package.
If you hate ads, it’s probably best to stick with the Essential plan. Otherwise, the Standard package will allow you to save on the exchange, without having to spend more.
Subscribe to Numerama on Google News to not miss any news!