In 2026, ad-supported streaming has become the smart choice for millions. With prices rising across the board, these budget-friendly options let you enjoy your favorite shows without breaking the bank. But not all ad tiers are the same. Netflix, Prime Video, and Max each have unique features that could save you money-or cost you more. Let's break down exactly what you get with each.
Netflix Ad-Supported Tier
Netflix Ad Tier is priced at $7.99 per month in 2026. You'll encounter four to five ads per hour, typically before and after shows rather than during. This tier includes nearly all of Netflix's library, though some recent movies and exclusive content require the ad-free version. For example, Dune: Part Two (2026) and The Iron Claw aren't available on the ad tier. You can download shows for offline viewing, which is great for commuting or travel. Streaming on two devices at once makes it easy for families. Netflix's ad load is the lowest among the three services, making the experience feel less disruptive. It's ideal for those who want a solid balance of cost and features without sacrificing too much.
Prime Video Ad-Supported Tier
Prime Video Ad Tier costs $8.99 per month as a standalone service. Ads play during shows and movies, averaging six to seven per hour. This tier includes the entire Prime Video library-Amazon Originals like The Boys and licensed content from studios like MGM. However, offline downloads aren't supported, which can be a problem if you need to watch without internet. You can only stream on one device at a time, so sharing isn't an option. During live sports events like NFL games, ad breaks can spike to 10 per hour. If you're already an Amazon Prime member, this tier isn't relevant since Prime includes ad-supported video. But if you want just Prime Video without the full membership, it's a good deal. It's perfect for users who don't mind ads during content and want access to a wide variety of shows and movies.
Max Ad-Supported Tier
Max Ad Tier is $9.99 monthly. Ads appear during shows and movies, averaging five to six per hour. This plan gives access to all HBO content, Warner Bros. movies, and Max Originals. For example, House of the Dragon and The Last of Us are fully available. You can download content for offline use and stream on up to three devices. However, new theatrical releases like Joker 2 (2026) might not be available for the first 45 days on the ad tier. Max works well on almost all devices, including Roku, Apple TV, and gaming consoles. If you're a fan of HBO shows or Warner Bros. films, this tier offers the best value for your money.
Comparison Table
| Service | Price | Ads per Hour | Offline Downloads | Simultaneous Streams | Content Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $7.99 | 4-5 | Yes | 2 | Newer movies |
| Prime Video | $8.99 | 6-7 | No | 1 | None |
| Max | $9.99 | 5-6 | Yes | 3 | New theatrical releases |
Choosing the Right Plan
Which ad tier is right for you? If you love HBO shows like House of the Dragon or The Last of Us, Max's tier is unbeatable. Netflix is the best for offline downloads and family use. Prime Video works well if you already use Amazon services and don't need downloads. Remember, ad frequency varies-Netflix keeps ads minimal, while Prime Video has more interruptions. Always check if your favorite shows are available before choosing.
Device compatibility matters too. Netflix works on most smart TVs, including Samsung and LG models. Prime Video is optimized for Fire TV but also supports Android and iOS. Max has the broadest compatibility, including older Roku devices. For parents, Netflix's offline downloads and two-device streams make it perfect for kids' content. Movie buffs will appreciate Max's Warner Bros. library. Prime Video's standalone price is the cheapest, but the lack of downloads and single stream might be a dealbreaker for some.
Ad targeting differs across platforms. Netflix uses contextual ads based on your viewing history, so you might see ads for similar shows. Prime Video's ads are often product placements for Amazon devices like Fire Sticks. Max uses Warner Bros. promotions, like ads for upcoming HBO shows. This means your ad experience varies significantly depending on the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ad-supported tiers have the same content as ad-free plans?
Not exactly. Netflix excludes some newer movies and exclusives from its ad tier. Max delays theatrical releases on the ad tier. Prime Video includes all content but has more ads during shows. Always verify specific titles before subscribing.
Can I skip ads on ad-supported tiers?
No. All ads are mandatory and unskippable on these tiers. Some services like Netflix allow you to skip after 5 seconds on certain ads, but most require watching the full ad. Prime Video and Max have no skip option.
How many ads per hour do these services show?
Netflix averages 4-5 ads per hour, Prime Video 6-7, and Max 5-6. These numbers can vary based on the content and time of day. For example, Prime Video often has more ads during live sports events.
Is there a difference in video quality between ad and ad-free tiers?
Yes. Netflix and Max's ad tiers max out at 1080p HD, while their ad-free plans support 4K. Prime Video's ad tier also limits to 1080p. If you have a 4K TV, the ad-free versions are worth considering for better visuals.
Can I upgrade from ad-supported to ad-free later?
Absolutely. All three services let you switch tiers anytime. Netflix charges $15.49 for ad-free, Prime Video's ad-free is $12.99 standalone or part of Prime, and Max's ad-free is $15.99. Upgrading is simple through your account settings.
Do ad-supported tiers include live TV?
No. All ad-supported tiers are for on-demand content only. Live TV requires separate subscriptions like YouTube TV or Hulu Live.
Can I use ad-supported tiers with a free trial?
Netflix offers a 30-day free trial for ad-supported plans. Prime Video doesn't have a free trial for standalone ad tier. Max has a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.