Netflix and several other streaming platforms are increasing their subscription prices, leading to frustration among viewers. Many cord-cutters have taken to Reddit to express their dissatisfaction, especially with Netflix’s new rate of $26.99 per month for its ad-free service, while HBO Max’s premium cost now starts at $22.99.
“I’ve had it with these ongoing price increases. After years of loyalty, I can’t take it anymore,” one Netflix user shared on Reddit. This sentiment resonates with others who are also opting to cancel their subscriptions.
One Redditor even shared a screenshot showing their cancellation. Another user criticized the rising costs, saying, “How can I justify $30 each month?” referencing Netflix’s premium plan.
These complaints come amidst a trend where major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max have all incrementally raised their prices over the last year, moving closer to or surpassing the costs associated with traditional cable services.
Just last month, Netflix increased its premium subscription from $24.99 to $26.99. The standard plan now sits at $19.99, up from $17.99, and even the ad-supported option rose from $7.99 to $8.99.
HBO Max also adjusted its pricing, raising its premium plan from $20.99 to $22.99 in October. The standard tier climbed from $16.99 to $18.49, and the basic ad-supported subscription increased from $9.99 to $10.99.
Disney+ has similarly raised its prices, with its ad-free tier now at $18.99, compared to $15.99 previously, and the ad-supported plan increased from $9.99 to $11.99.
According to Courtney Jackson, a senior editor, nearly every significant streaming service has increased prices this past year. She mentions that the platforms need to cover rising costs due to investments in live sports, new features, and expensive content.
Jackson suggests that consumers might manage the higher costs by subscribing temporarily and returning when new shows debut, essentially rotating their subscriptions to save money.
Peacock, last summer, made a notable price hike, with its Premium Plus service jumping from $13.99 to $16.99, and the ad-supported plan rising from $7.99 to $10.99, which is an increase of about 38% for new users.
Apple TV also raised its subscription from $9.99 to $12.99, reflecting around a 30% increase as it lacks lower-cost, ad-supported options.
Following Netflix’s price increases, another Reddit user expressed outrage, commenting that they seem to expect users to accept these hikes without question. Some users stated they are quitting multiple services all at once.
In contrast, Amazon Prime Video recently kept its base membership at $14.99 monthly, but raised the cost of an ad-free add-on from $2.99 to $4.99, forcing users to pay more to eliminate ads.
Amazon did not provide any comments on the price adjustments. Attempts to gather comments from other streaming services were also unsuccessful.
Jackson further advised consumers to explore bundling options, as these can often save money. Bundles are tempting right now, combining multiple services for less than subscribing to each individually. For instance, Disney and its partners offer packages that bundle Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for around $20 to $30 per month.
Additionally, some mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon include subscriptions to services like Netflix and Hulu in their packages, with Verizon offering a discount on a bundle that includes both Netflix and HBO Max for about $10 a month.
