Netflix has announced a price increase for its subscription plans in the UK, following similar hikes in the US, Canada, Argentina, and Portugal last month. The adjustment affects all tiers of membership, impacting both new and existing subscribers.
How Much Have Netflix Prices Increased?
The Standard plan without adverts, which remains Netflix’s most popular subscription, has seen the biggest hike—rising by £2 to £12.99 per month. Other tiers have also been affected:
- Standard with Ads – Increased by £1, now costing £5.99 per month.
- Premium Subscription – Increased by £1, now costing £18.99 per month.
- Extra Member Add-Ons – Increased by £1 per user:
- Standard with Ads: £3.99 → £4.99
- Standard without Ads: £4.99 → £5.99
The updated pricing has already been reflected on Netflix’s website, and the changes apply to all users, whether new or existing.
Why is Netflix Raising Prices in UK?
According to Netflix, the price hike is necessary to continue investing in high-quality content and providing better value to subscribers. A company spokesperson stated:
“We will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can reinvest in improving Netflix.”
Netflix has been aggressively expanding its content offerings, particularly in the sports sector, and reported record-breaking global subscriber numbers by the end of 2024.
Subscriber Growth and Market Trends
Despite the increase in costs, Netflix has experienced a surge in subscribers. The platform ended 2024 with over 300 million global users, adding nearly 19 million new subscribers in the last quarter alone. This exceeded expectations, as analysts had predicted only 9.6 million new additions.
A major factor behind this growth was the popularity of the second season of the South Korean hit series Squid Game and Netflix’s increased focus on live sports streaming. The platform broadcasted two NFL games on Christmas Day and a high-profile boxing match between YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.
The Future of Netflix Pricing
Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight noted that these price increases were “widely expected” and suggested that streaming services are following the traditional television industry’s pricing model. However, he warned that there is a limit to how much consumers are willing to tolerate:
“Netflix must tread carefully—there is a ceiling, a point at which consumers will become incredibly frustrated by price hikes.”
Netflix is not alone in raising its prices. Other major streaming platforms such as Disney+, Spotify, and Paramount+ also increased their subscription fees in 2024.
Will Netflix Lose Subscribers?
While some users may cancel their memberships due to rising costs, Netflix’s strict enforcement of its password-sharing policy, introduced in May 2023, has led to an overall increase in paying subscribers. The company’s ability to consistently deliver high-quality original content, expand its sports catalog, and introduce new revenue models such as ad-supported tiers helps retain and attract users.
Final Thoughts
As Netflix continues to dominate the streaming market, these price hikes reflect its ongoing efforts to enhance content and maintain a competitive edge. Whether subscribers will accept the increase or look for alternatives remains to be seen.
If you’re a Netflix subscriber in the UK, let us know your thoughts—will you continue with your plan, switch tiers, or consider canceling?