Major streaming services like Netflix are significantly raising their subscription rates, and many viewers have reached their breaking point. Former cable users are taking to platforms like Reddit to express their frustration over monthly fees that are beginning to rival traditional cable bills.
"I’m done with the constant price hikes. After years of loyalty, I’m out," one recently canceled Netflix user shared, echoing the sentiments of many who refuse to pay up to $30 a month for premium streaming tiers.
Over the past year, nearly every major platform has increased its prices. According to Kourtnee Jackson, a senior editor at CNET, companies attribute these hikes to the rising costs of technology upgrades and expensive content, including heavy investments in gaming and live sports.
Recent price increases across the industry include:
- Netflix: The Premium tier rose from $24.99 to $26.99 a month. Standard plans increased to $19.99, and the ad-supported tier went up to $8.99.
- HBO Max: The Premium plan increased from $20.99 to $22.99. Standard plans climbed to $18.49, and the Basic with Ads tier rose to $10.99.
- Disney+: Premium ad-free streaming jumped from $15.99 to $18.99, while the ad-supported option increased to $11.99.
- Peacock: Premium Plus saw a steep hike from $13.99 to $16.99, and the entry-level ad-supported plan surged roughly 38% to $10.99.
- Apple TV: The flat monthly fee saw a 30% increase, jumping from $9.99 to $12.99 with no ad-supported alternative.
- Hulu: The ad-supported plan increased to $11.99, though the ad-free tier remained at $18.99.
- Amazon Prime Video: While the base $14.99 Prime membership remained untouched, the cost to remove ads increased from $2.99 to $4.99 a month.
To combat these climbing costs, consumers are changing their viewing habits. Jackson notes that many users are adopting a "rotation method"—subscribing to a service just long enough to watch a specific trending show before canceling again.
Streaming platforms are just in a tough place. They’re trying to grow revenue as the market expects them to and we’re finding that consumer spending has really plateaued
Experts also highly recommend bundling as a way to save money. Entertainment companies are increasingly teaming up to offer multi-platform packages, such as a combined Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle that runs between $20 and $30 a month, depending on ads.
Additionally, wireless carriers are stepping in to offer relief. Providers like Verizon and T-Mobile now frequently include subscriptions to services like Netflix, Apple TV, or Hulu in their monthly phone plans, or offer heavily discounted streaming add-ons to keep customers connected for less.
Experts also highly recommend bundling as a way to save money. Entertainment companies are increasingly teaming up to offer multi-platform packages, such as a combined Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle that runs between $20 and $30 a month, depending on ads.
Additionally, wireless carriers are stepping in to offer relief. Providers like Verizon and T-Mobile now frequently include subscriptions to services like Netflix, Apple TV, or Hulu in their monthly phone plans, or offer heavily discounted streaming add-ons to keep customers connected for less.