The popular streaming platform Netflix has announced that it will be increasing its prices in several countries, aiming to enhance its services following a surge in subscribers. With an additional 19 million subscribers at the end of 2024, Netflix is now rolling out price hikes in countries like the USA, Canada, Argentina, and Portugal. A Netflix spokesperson stated, “We will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix.” In the USA, the basic ad-free subscription is increasing from $15.49 to $17.99 per month (£14.60). Prices for subscriptions with adverts are also going up by a dollar to $7.99.
Although UK prices have not been affected yet, the last price increase occurred in October 2023. When asked about potential price rises in the UK, a Netflix representative mentioned they had no information to share at the moment. Netflix, which now boasts over 300 million subscribers globally, has been expanding its content offerings with the release of hit shows like “Squid Game” and live sports events such as NFL, WWE, and the Paul vs. Tyson fight. Furthermore, Netflix has secured the rights to broadcast the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031.
As of January 2025, Netflix offers various subscription plans in the UK. The most affordable option is a £4.99 per month plan that includes advertisements, streaming on two devices simultaneously, and 1080p HD video quality. However, some titles may be unavailable due to licensing restrictions, and offline downloads are not supported. The standard subscription, priced at £10.99 per month, provides ad-free streaming on two devices in 1080p HD, with the ability to download content on two devices for offline viewing. For £17.99 per month, the premium subscription offers ad-free streaming on up to four devices simultaneously in Ultra HD (4K) and HDR, with select content featuring immersive surround sound and downloads on up to six devices.
Netflix has discontinued its “Basic” plan priced at £6.99 per month, allowing existing subscribers to keep it but requiring new subscribers to choose from the current options. Additionally, Netflix has introduced measures to prevent sharing accounts outside a single household. Subscribers on Standard and Premium plans can add extra members outside their household for an additional £4.99 per person per month.
While the price increase may not have reached the UK yet, Netflix users in other countries are already feeling the impact of the changes. As the company continues to invest in expanding its content library and enhancing its services, subscribers can expect further developments in the future. Stay tuned for updates on how these changes may affect streaming habits and costs for viewers in the UK and beyond.