Subscribers to the popular global streaming service have threatened to cancel their Netflix plans if the recent price hike is not reversed. Customers are mostly venting online, some suggesting that Netflix’s services are not up to par with its luxurious pricing.
Interestingly, many subscribers noted that the subscription price for Netflix plans has increased over the years. However, the quality of service is lagging far behind. For example, Netflix plans 2024 recently went through a major overhaul, leaving many of their subscribers disgruntled. The streaming service cut out the Basic plan, which is one of Netflix’s most-subscribed plans. It turns out that Basic is the cheapest ad-free Netflix plan, so many subscribers tend to go for that.
However, in a recent review of subscription prices, Netflix cut out the Basic plan entirely. In its place, Netflix now offers a “standard service with ads,” obviously loathed in comparison to the Basic plan it usurped. The streaming company revealed earlier this year that it will do away with the Basic plan in 2024, starting with users in the UK and Canada. However, no one knew what would come in its stead until recently.
Netflix Plans Price Hike
Reality started dawning on Netflix subscribers in Canada and the UK in August when the phase-out commenced. They were advised to choose between a Netflix plan rigged with ads and with a cap on contents offered or paying more for ad-free plans. However, the consensus among the majority of the streaming service is to discontinue their subscription.
Users opine that Netflix is out to milk their subscribers wherever regulatory watchdogs permit. For example, users in Nigeria called attention to how Netflix increased prices twice in 2024. However, Netflix has not been silent about price hikes and how they apply to their loyal subscribers. On their official website, the streaming service suggests that the increments are a reflection of plan improvements and new product features. Netflix has also dispelled the assumption that their services lack uniformity in pricing. The post on Netflix’s website partly reads, “The new plan prices apply to everyone once a price update is announced.”
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Are Netflix Plans Cheaper With Ads?
Yes, subscriptions with Netflix ads are cheaper, but users don’t seem to want the ad clause. A 20-year customer of Netflix took to Reddit to share his grievances at the development. The customer said, “I am not going to pay for a service to see ads. Period. And Netflix’s catalog is not worth the 30% price hike. 30%?!” The post set off a series of reactions from other Netflix customers on the platform as if disturbing a hornet nest. Almost in unison, the netizens echoed sentiments that infer that Netflix has stepped out of line with its new plans.
After the streaming service cut Basic out of the UK, Netflix subscribers have only three available plans. The Standard plan, which allows two devices access to ad-free movies, games, and shows, costs £10.99 ($14.41). Premium is similar to the Standard package, the only difference being that it is a Netflix family plan that allows access to four devices and costs £17.99 ($23.59). The Standard with Advert package costs £4.99 ($6.54).
Did Netflix Get Rid of Ads?
How much a month for Netflix? Do you still have to endure annoying ads? Fortune reports that Netflix declared its new pricing in the US during a call to discuss its Q2 earnings. The plan is to rest the $11.99 monthly Basic Netflix plan. It will take either a $15.49 Standard plan or a $22.99 Premium plan to evade ads while streaming your favorite show.
So, Netflix still has ads on its streaming services. However, the amount depends on the subscription plan favored by the user. In the US, the standard with ads comes with a Netflix monthly fee of $6.99.
How to Save On Your Netflix Subscription Cost
Since the announcement of the latest hike in Netflix plan subscriptions, some folks have been coming up with ingenious ways to cut down the pocket bite of the premium streaming service instead of embarking on a fan rage.
Credit Cards that Offer Cashback Rewards: While depending on credit cards for personal expenses is not generally advisable, Netflix subscribers could benefit from cashback rewards on some special credit cards. If you’re disciplined enough not to run into debt, this is a route to cutting the cost of streaming Premium.
Phone Carrier Offer: Some phone service companies have packages that cover the user’s Netflix subscription cost. So, check with your cell phone provider today to see if it offers this perk. Of course, this added benefit may cause the phone subscription plan to cost more than regular plans, but it could help you consolidate costs and save a few dollars.
Pause that Subscription! Yes, you don’t have to rake up unaffordable bills on a streaming service. Interestingly, Netflix offers the ‘pause’ option. So, all you need to do is pause your subscription until some other time when it fits into your budget again.
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