Discord Nitro vs. Nitro Basic: Which Plan Is Best for Your Server?

Choosing between Discord Nitro and Nitro Basic can be confusing. Both subscriptions offer premium features, but they cater to different types of users. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll break down exactly what you get with each plan so you can make an informed decision.

Quick Comparison Table

What Is Discord Nitro Basic?

Discord Nitro Basic is the entry-level premium subscription introduced in 2022. At $2.99/month, it's designed for users who want essential premium features without the full price tag.

Nitro Basic Features:

• Custom emoji everywhere - Use your server's custom emojis in any server or DM
• Animated avatar and banner - Express yourself with animated profile customization
• Custom video backgrounds - Replace your webcam background in video calls
• 50MB file uploads - Share larger files (up from 25MB for free users)
• Nitro badge - Show off your supporter status on your profile
• Custom stickers - Access to Discord's premium sticker library
• 2 Super Reactions per week - Limited access to animated reactions

Who Should Get Nitro Basic?

Nitro Basic is perfect for:

• Casual Discord users who want emoji freedom
• Users on a budget who want some premium features
• People who don't stream or need server boosts
• Mobile-focused users who want better uploads

What Is Discord Nitro?

Discord Nitro is the full premium experience at $9.99/month. It includes everything in Nitro Basic plus significant additional features that power users and server owners love.

Full Nitro Features:

Everything in Nitro Basic, plus:

• 500MB file uploads - Share large video files and high-resolution images
• 4K 60fps video streaming - Crystal-clear screen sharing and Go Live
• 2 free server boosts - Worth $9.98/month on their own
• 30% discount on additional boosts - Save money when boosting multiple servers
• Full profile customization - Animated banners, about me sections, and themes
• Unlimited Super Reactions - Use special animated reactions without limits
• Longer messages - Write up to 4,000 characters per message
• Custom app icons - Change how Discord looks on your phone

Who Should Get Discord Nitro?

Full Nitro is ideal for:

• Server owners who want free boosts
• Streamers and content creators
• Power users who share large files frequently
• Community moderators and admins
• Anyone who boosts servers regularly

The Value Calculation

Let's break down the actual value of each plan:

Nitro Basic Value

• $2.99/month for quality-of-life improvements
• Best for users who just want emojis and basic perks
• No streaming or boost benefits

Full Nitro Value

• $9.99/month
• 2 free boosts = $9.98 value alone
• If you'd boost a server anyway, Nitro essentially pays for itself

The math is simple: If you plan to boost any server, Discord Nitro is almost free since the included boosts are worth the subscription cost.

Nitro for Server Owners

If you own or moderate a Discord server, full Nitro is the clear winner. Here's why:

1. Your 2 free boosts help your server - Contribute to your server's level without extra cost
2. 30% boost discount - If you need more boosts, you save money
3. Better streaming quality - Host high-quality watch parties and events
4. Larger uploads - Share server resources and files easily

Nitro Basic Limitations

Before choosing Nitro Basic, understand what you're missing:

• No server boosts - You'll need to pay separately if you want to boost
• No HD streaming - Limited to standard quality screen sharing
• Smaller uploads - 50MB vs 500MB can matter for video files
• Limited Super Reactions - Only 2 per week vs unlimited

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Nitro Basic ($2.99/month) if:

• You only want custom emojis everywhere
• You don't own servers or need to boost
• You rarely stream or share large files
• Budget is your primary concern

Choose Discord Nitro ($9.99/month) if:

• You want to boost any server
• You stream gameplay or content
• You share files larger than 50MB
• You want the complete premium experience

Getting the Best Value

Here are some tips to maximize your subscription:

1. Pay annually - Save ~16% compared to monthly billing
2. Use your free boosts - Don't let them go to waste
3. Stack with boost services - Use your 30% discount on top of affordable services
4. Gift subs when on sale - Discord frequently discounts Nitro gifts

Alternative: Buying Nitro from Third Parties

Instead of subscribing directly, many users purchase Nitro subscriptions from services like TheBoostingService at discounted rates. This can save you significant money while getting the same features.

Conclusion

Both Nitro Basic and full Nitro have their place. Nitro Basic offers essential perks at a low price, while full Nitro provides the complete experience with server boosts included.

For most active Discord users, especially server owners, full Nitro is the better value because the included boosts alone justify the cost.

Looking for affordable Nitro subscriptions? Browse our Nitro deals for the best prices with instant delivery.