Netflix Subscription Cost Increase: Plans & Getting More Value

Part 1. The Latest Netflix Price Raise

Yes, the Netflix raise prices event happened earlier this year. This increase wasn't limited to one region, affecting subscribers in the US, Canada, the UK, Argentina, Portugal, and potentially other markets.

Current Netflix Plan Prices in the US

Here's a look at the current monthly costs for Netflix plans in the United States:

The cost for adding an Extra Member to Standard or Premium plans also saw adjustments, now typically costing $8.99 per month for ad-free viewing or $6.99 with ads for that extra member slot.

Part 2. Understanding Why Netflix Raises Price

Netflix consistently justifies price increases by stating the need to "invest in programming and deliver more value." This translates to funding big-budget original series and movies, securing rights to popular existing content, and expanding into new areas like live sports (WWE, NFL games) and interactive experiences.

This latest Netflix raising prices move also comes after a period of significant success for the company. Their crackdown on password sharing, which ramped up in 2023, led to substantial subscriber growth and increased revenue. This financial strength likely gives Netflix the confidence to ask subscribers to pay more, betting that their content library and platform are compelling enough to retain users despite the higher cost.

Part 3. Is It Still Worth After Netflix Increases Price?

While Netflix points to content investment, many subscribers express frustration online, particularly on platforms like Reddit. Common themes include:

This creates a core dilemma for subscribers: how do you justify paying increasingly higher fees for potentially temporary access to content?

Part 4. Strategies for Managing Netflix Costs

As Netflix subscription prices continue their upward trend, savvy subscribers are exploring various strategies to manage costs without necessarily giving up access to their favourite entertainment. Instead of simply accepting the new charges, it's wise to proactively evaluate your options.

Review Your Usage

First, take an honest look at your actual Netflix usage. How many hours do you realistically spend watching each month? Do you frequently use features exclusive to the more expensive tiers, such as Ultra HD (4K) streaming offered by the Premium plan? Consider whether your television or viewing devices even support 4K resolution, or if the Full HD offered by the Standard plan is perfectly adequate for your needs. Assessing how many people stream simultaneously in your household is also crucial for selecting the appropriate tier.

Consider the Ad-Supported Plan

Another popular cost-saving measure is considering the Standard with ads plan. While the exact pricing may vary depending on your region, the ad-supported tier typically offers significant monthly savings compared to the ad-free options.

This requires accepting periodic commercial interruptions and acknowledging that a small fraction of the content library might not be available. However, for viewers less sensitive to ads, this presents a viable way to keep accessing the bulk of Netflix's offerings at a lower price point.

Strategic Churning

Some users adopt a tactic known as "strategic churning" or subscription cycling. This involves subscribing to Netflix only for specific periods, perhaps for a month or two when a highly anticipated series or movie season drops, and then cancelling the subscription until the next must-watch release.

While this can save money during the "off" months, it requires careful planning to track release dates and carries the risk of missing out on content discovery or finding that a show you wanted to catch later has been removed from the service.

Maximize the Value You Do Get

Ultimately, beyond just cutting costs, a key strategy is to shift your focus towards maximizing the value you receive for the money you do spend. This means thinking beyond just temporary streaming access and looking for ways to gain more tangible, long-lasting benefits from your Netflix subscription fee.

How can you ensure the investment you make each month provides value that endures? We'll introduce it in the next part.

Part 5. Maximize Your Netflix Value By Downloading Shows Locally

One powerful way to ensure you get lasting value from your Netflix subscription, regardless of price hikes or content removal, is by downloading your favorite shows and movies for permanent offline access. This is where tools like StreamUlt Netflix Video Converter come in.

StreamUlt is designed specifically to help you download Netflix videos directly to your computer. Unlike the temporary downloads within the official Netflix app, content downloaded with StreamUlt is saved as standard video files (like MP4) that you can keep forever and watch anytime, anywhere.

Here's how it helps address the key pain points of rising costs and uncertain value:

Step 1. Install and Launch StreamUlt: Get the software set up on your computer.

Step 2. Log in to Netflix: Access your Netflix account securely within the StreamUlt browser.

Step 3. Find Your Content: Browse or search for the movie or TV series you want to save.

Step 4. Choose Download Settings: Select video quality, audio tracks, and subtitles.

Step 5. Download: Click the download button and let StreamUlt save the content to your hard drive.

Here's the tutorial video:

Using a tool like StreamUlt shifts the dynamic, giving you more control and ensuring the money you spend on Netflix provides value that lasts long after the credits roll.

Part 6. Conclusion

The early 2025 Netflix price increase is a reality, and user concerns about cost versus value are certainly valid. While Netflix continues to invest heavily in content, the decision of whether the subscription is "worth it" becomes more personal with each price hike.

By understanding the current plan prices, evaluating your own viewing habits, and exploring smart strategies, you can navigate these changes. For those looking to truly maximize value and ensure long-term access to their favorite content, considering tools like StreamUlt Netflix Video Converter to download Netflix videos offers a powerful way to take control and build a library that lasts.