Netflix Increases Subscription Costs Again
The cost of Netflix subscriptions is climbing once more across the United States and a few surrounding countries. This price adjustment comes on the heels of a significant surge in subscriber numbers, with 18.9 million new users joining during the fourth quarter of 2024.
This latest pricing adjustment marks Netflix’s second increase since October 2023, and it follows multiple hikes that have occurred since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pricing Changes: What to Expect
Under the new structure, Netflix’s most affordable ad-supported option will now be priced at $7.99 monthly, an increase from $6.99—matching its initial launch price back when streaming services first emerged. Meanwhile, subscribers opting for the Standard plan without advertisements will see their costs rise from $15.49 to $17.99 each month.
The Premium subscription tier, which accommodates up to four screens streaming content in 4K resolution simultaneously, will also experience a hike of $2 per month, bringing its total cost to $24.99.
In its recent quarterly earnings conference call, Netflix stated: “To maintain our commitment to enhancing programming quality and providing added value for our users, we may occasionally ask our audience for slight increases in fees which enable us to reinvest into further service enhancements.”
Regional Impacts and Adjustments
The price increases are not limited to just the US; Canadian users along with customers in Portugal and Argentina will also face higher subscription costs starting at their next billing cycle.
Record Subscriber Growth Amid Price Hikes
A notable update related to user options includes allowing subscribers on ad-supported plans to invite additional members from outside their household—a feature previously restricted only to those on Standard or higher tiers without advertisements.
Password Sharing Restrictions Intensified
This year has witnessed stricter measures concerning password sharing as well; users who have relied on accounts belonging to friends or family are now obligated under new policies implemented by Netflix beginning in early 2024.
A Comparative Perspective: Apple TV+
In comparison with these frequent adjustments by Netflix, Apple TV+ has opted for minimal adjustments over recent years—only two increases since launch—with its most recent hike occurring in October 2023 as well when monthly rates were raised from $6.99 up to $9.99.