Netflix Raising U.S. Prices Yet Again, Premium Plan Now Costs $23/Month

[sw1tcher]

I wonder how this works with companies giving Netflix as part of their plan? Like how I have Netflix included with my cellular plan. If I didn’t have that, I wouldn’t have Netflix.

Your wireless service provider pays Netflix for the service, usually at a much lower rate. If, for instance, you're getting the Standard U.S. Netflix plan for free through your cell plan (such as T-Mobile), instead of the normal $15.49/mo price, they will pay Netflix a fraction of that. This will lower Netflix's ARM (average revenue per member), but it's no different than how subscribers in other countries pay less than U.S. subscribers for the same service.

 

[sw1tcher]

If you knowingly consume something for free which you would otherwise have had to paid for, it's theft.

No, it's not.

"Consuming" a physical item (e.g. eating a meal) isn't the same as "consuming" digital content (e.g. downloading and watching a movie, downloading music, downloading a PC game). That's why there are different legal terms to describe different things.

 

[Mac_The_Ripper]

If you knowingly consume something for free which you would otherwise have had to paid for, it's theft.

Piracy is what enables the theft.

By this logic, every time I've watched a movie at a friends house (while house sitting) I was stealing. I don't think so.

 

[g8k3pr]

Netflix today said that it is increasing the cost of some of its subscription plans in the United States, the UK, and France. Prices will be going up for the Basic and Premium plans in those three countries.

In the United States, the price of the Basic plan will increase from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, while the price of the Premium plan will increase from $19.99 to $22.99 per month. The ad-supported tier price will remain the same at $6.99 per month, as will the $15.49/month Standard plan.

Netflix no longer offers the Basic plan to new subscribers in the United States, but prices will presumably increase for existing subscribers.

The Premium Netflix plan is the only plan that provides access to 4K video streaming and spatial audio. The $15.49 Standard plan and the ad-supported plan are limited to 1080p.

Netflix announced the price hikes in its earnings call for the third quarter of 2023 [PDF], which took place today. Netflix said that it added 8.8 million new subscribers, up from 2.4 million new subscribers in the year-ago quarter. Revenue came in at $8.54 billion, up from $7.9 billion last year.

Subscriber growth comes after Netflix began cracking down on password sharing between households. Netflix says that cancel reaction to the password sharing limitation "continues to be low," exceeding its expectations.

Article Link: Netflix Raising U.S. Prices Yet Again, Premium Plan Now Costs $23/Month

Just cancelled my premium subscription. It's just plain obnoxious to raise rates another $3 in such a short time since raising rates to $19.99 only a short while ago. I'd been a member for many years. Not anymore. Was not really watching enough for $20 bucks a month anyway. Not worth it IMHO

 

[Mr. Heckles]

I justify sharing because I'm paying for a service that allows multiple streams. That, and Netflix encouraged it ("Love is sharing a password")

So you never had one opinion years ago and then changed your mind? I know I have. I’m not defending these greedy people at all, but that whole “love is sharing a password” has been blown out of proportion.

 

[Ankaa]

Everyone cheered on the writers and actors attempt to get more money. Here are the results!

Probably hahah. Also probably the results of an unsustainable business plan to begin with—licensing all that 3rd party content, producing all that original content, at that initial subscription price. This is the bubble bursting in stages.

"Revenue came in at $8.54 billion, up from $7.9 billion last year."

Yeah. Love me some good ol capitalist excuses and deflection. Way to go.

 

[Abazigal]

No, it's not.

"Consuming" a physical item (e.g. eating a meal) isn't the same as "consuming" digital content (e.g. downloading and watching a movie, downloading music, downloading a PC game). That's why there are different legal terms to describe different things.

It does raise the question - what makes one feel entitled to consuming content that they did not pay for?

It's one thing to go over to a friend's house and watch Netflix together over snacks and beer. It's another to terminate your Netflix subscription, and then go torrent the entire third season of Alice in Borderland when it gets released. Is this not akin to jumping the turnstile just because you are not willing to pay for a subway train ticket?

 

[Victor Mortimer]

People are sleeping on Kanopy. If you have a free library membership that works will them you get up to 10 movies a month some of them being new releases. Much better than other services unless you’re a heavy watcher.

Library card: $0
Kanopy: $0

How many movies do you really have time to watch a month anyway? It's MORE than enough for most of us.

 

[Skyscraperfan]

I hope that I will live another 600 months or longer on this planet. So in my head I multiply the costs of every monthly subscription by 600 and that still does not even include future price increases. $22.99 x 600 is $13,794. That is an incredible amount of money for just a single subscription. I have a lot of ideas how to invest $13,794 better than into Netflix.

 

[0423MAC]

We never learn do we? Netflix doesn't really offer much for me at this point, but heavy TV watchers are now seeing the true cost that was hiding behind these cable packages.

The annoying thing now is that instead of going through a somewhat organized tv guide you now have a wall full of icons on your apple tv/roku to pop in and out of all the time...to scroll through more tiles.

 

[I7guy]

I justify sharing because I'm paying for a service that allows multiple streams. That, and Netflix encouraged it ("Love is sharing a password")

They never encouraged it outside of the household….and times have changed.

 

[Surf Monkey]

No it won’t. UAW is negotiating a big raise and UPS drivers make up to $170K. California min wage for fast food worker is $20/hr.

Money is flowing freely. You should figure out how to catch some.

What an insulting thing to say.

 

[subjonas]

"Revenue came in at $8.54 billion, up from $7.9 billion last year."

Yeah. Love me some good ol capitalist excuses and deflection. Way to go.

Revenue is only one part of the equation. How much did they spend in content and overhead, etc.? Exactly how is all that money being allocated?

 

[VisceralRealist]

"Revenue came in at $8.54 billion, up from $7.9 billion last year."

Yeah. Love me some good ol capitalist excuses and deflection. Way to go.

Like the gas companies making record profits during the "shortages" and raised prices. Always the same story.

By this logic, every time I've watched a movie at a friends house (while house sitting) I was stealing. I don't think so.

For some reason I'm picturing a skit where red-uniform-clad "Netflix cops" go door-to-door and say to any two people streaming their content "same household, bro?" 😆

 

[I7guy]

I hope that I will live another 600 months or longer on this planet. So in my head I multiply the costs of every monthly subscription by 600 and that still does not even include future price increases. $22.99 x 600 is $13,794. That is an incredible amount of money for just a single subscription. I have a lot of ideas how to invest $13,794 better than into Netflix.

The $13,794 is worth it to me to be a part of budget as part of down or relaxation time. Of course how people allocate their budget to R&R is up to them.

 

[npmacuser5]

Cut the cord, they said.
You’ll save money, they said.

The problem, few actually cut the cord. All that was accomplished, changing the technology of the cord. Cord cutting example, turning one’s lights on and off as needed. Simple concept that very few understand. When cord cutting implemented properly, significant savings. Plus, very few to no ads.

 

[Saturn007]

Many of these comments are amusing, chockfull of silly examples!

LOL over the smug, condescending posts that go:

”Haven't been on Netflix for years. There's nothing on it.”

Hmm… how would you know if you haven't used it for years?!

Another type of post that's equally patronizing and ridiculous is the sweeping:

“There's nothing good on Netflix. Don't waste your money on it”

Or, the equally hollow variant,

”The only thing good on Netflix is X. Everything else is *!$&#)@“

Clearly, those commenters have explored all of Netflix's offerings and have such niche or sophisticated tastes, they cannot find anything on it with which to be satisfied. 🙈 ❌

In many cases, the desire and emphasis are on the shiny, new, and unusual. Only if a show has been produced in the last 5 minutes and is a sci-fi blockbuster or a cloak-and-dagger thriller with blood, suspense, guts, and gore, it's a waste of time.

Tip: Netflix is filled with scores of past and current gems, incredible international productions, cross-cultural family, corporate, and legal comedies and dramas that are engaging, edifying, and entertaining. Many are long-running series that provide hours and even weeks of viewing pleasure.

We subscribe to several streaming services, regularly watch things on different ones — we don't binge shows, but savor them — and find ourselves often enjoying series and programs on Netflix. It's well worth it.

Of course, there's nothing on Netflix; no, nothing at all!

/s

P.S. Kudos to those who pointed out how many folks at MR have repeatedly and categorically declared the demise of Netflix — whether due to past increases in subscription prices or the crackdown on password sharing, yet it hasn't happened. One big reason is that subscribers find plenty to watch on it!

 

[missingar]

Many of these comments are amusing, chockfull of silly examples!

LOL over the smug, condescending posts that go:

”Haven't been on Netflix for years. There's nothing on it.”

Hmm… how would you know if you haven't used it for years?!

Another type of post that's equally patronizing and ridiculous is the sweeping:

“There's nothing good on Netflix. Don't waste your money on it”

Or, the equally hollow variant,

”The only thing good on Netflix is X. Everything else is *!$&#)@“

Clearly, those commenters have explored all of Netflix's offerings and have such niche or sophisticated tastes, they cannot find anything on it with which to be satisfied. 🙈 ❌

In many cases, the desire and emphasis are on the shiny, new, and unusual. Only if a show has been produced in the last 5 minutes and is a sci-fi blockbuster or a cloak-and-dagger thriller with blood, suspense, guts, and gore, it's a waste of time.

Tip: Netflix is filled with scores of past and current gems, incredible international productions, cross-cultural family, corporate, and legal comedies and dramas that are engaging, edifying, and entertaining. Many are long-running series that provide hours and even weeks of viewing pleasure.

We subscribe to several streaming services, regularly watch things on different ones — we don't binge shows, but savor them — and find ourselves often enjoying series and programs on Netflix. It's well worth it.

Of course, there's nothing on Netflix; no, nothing at all!

/s

P.S. Kudos to those who pointed out how many folks at MR have repeatedly and categorically declared the demise of Netflix — whether due to past increases in subscription prices or the crackdown on password sharing, yet it hasn't happened. One big reason is that subscribers find plenty to watch on it!

With all due respect, what is the takeaway from this post? It almost comes off like you're trying to 'own' the naysayers who think netflix isn't worth the money by expressing your willingness to pay whatever price they increase to because the subscription cost hasn't exceeded the value you find in the service. Which is fine but if you're wanting the rest of us to applaud your willingness to pay even more for a service we already don't find value in, I can assure you the effort is wasted. Keep paying whatever Netflix charges you if you love it that much. Hell, pay them more. Send money directly to the CEO as a goodwill message of thanks. Who cares?

 

[IIGS User]

Never going back to cable. Not giving my money to ESPN by force. Not doing it.

I did away with Netflix a while ago. I did Paramount+ because they have a majority of stuff I want to watch. Star Trek was a big plus for me, and they have a decent catalog of classic movies to watch.

I get Hulu through my Verizon Wireless bundle, along with iTunes. I have those and Amazon Prime. Do the major networks with an OTA antenna.

Which the networks have nothing but reality shows and game shows on right now.

I support the actor's and the writer's unions in their strike (the writer's strike settled, I know). Sure, some actors make a ton of money, but most of them are ham and eggers scratching out a living doing bit parts. The writers had to get out in front of IA and get their residuals from the streamers. People don't work for free.

I also support the UAW in their strike. They deserve a decent wage and good retirement. As do we all.

I work for the government in a first responder/public safety capacity so I am not permitted to strike. We just finished collective bargaining and we did well. I also get a pension and my health insurance when I go (I have my time in and could leave, but I'm choosing to stay for now).

My wife and I had this discussion a few months ago, and I support the writers and the actors, the UAW and the teachers right to go on strike. I don't believe you dhould go on strike if you serve in a public safety (Police, fire, corrections, EMS, ETC) capacity. Too much is at stake if you're not working, and that's what I signed up for. I'm not a scab, but I would have a hard time honoring a police or fire picket line.

Our contract has a no strike/evergreen clause so even if our contract expired, we still wouldn't be able to strike. I support that.

In general, I support unionized labor and the right of workers to strike for what they think they deserve. It worked for the writers, and UPS this year. It appears to be working for UAW, at least for now. Organized labor made the middle class in the US possible. Helped my father make a living wage and raise 2 children as a Stevedore with less than a HS diploma. It's the only thing that got me a fair wage out of my employer (finally).

Off on a tangent. I saw someone blame Netflix price hike on the actors strike and it led me here....

 

[Lakersfan74]

How much were people paying for Netflix and Redbox back in the day per month?

$23 a month with 4K content doesn’t seem too bad

 

[compwiz1202]

Makes me appreciate Apple TV+ more. It has only original (all meat, no fillings), it is free with hardware purchase and even subs fee is less than 10 bucks.

And I think everytime we expire, I can find a free promo somewhere for a few months

 

[sw1tcher]

It does raise the question - what makes one feel entitled to consuming content that they did not pay for?

It's one thing to go over to a friend's house and watch Netflix together over snacks and beer. It's another to terminate your Netflix subscription, and then go torrent the entire third season of Alice in Borderland when it gets released. Is this not akin to jumping the turnstile just because you are not willing to pay for a subway train ticket?

🤷‍♂️ You're asking the wrong person. I'm not the one who's pirating.

 

[cocky jeremy]

RIP. It's an ass service anyway. I keep mine for two reasons. One, it's free. T-Mobile covers it. Two, stand up comedy specials from Bill Burr, Jim Jeffries, and Dave Chapelle.

 

[compwiz1202]

With all due respect, what is the takeaway from this post? It almost comes off like you're trying to 'own' the naysayers who think netflix isn't worth the money by expressing your willingness to pay whatever price they increase to because the subscription cost hasn't exceeded the value you find in the service. Which is fine but if you're wanting the rest of us to applaud your willingness to pay even more for a service we already don't find value in, I can assure you the effort is wasted. Keep paying whatever Netflix charges you if you love it that much. Hell, pay them more. Send money directly to the CEO as a goodwill message of thanks. Who cares?

Exactly this is part of the reason they keep raising them. I'm always on the said of people who can afford something but withhold their money because something is not worth it

 

[Mac_The_Ripper]

Never going back to cable. Not giving my money to ESPN by force. Not doing it.

I did away with Netflix a while ago. I did Paramount+ because they have a majority of stuff I want to watch. Star Trek was a big plus for me, and they have a decent catalog of classic movies to watch.

I get Hulu through my Verizon Wireless bundle, along with iTunes. I have those and Amazon Prime. Do the major networks with an OTA antenna.

Which the networks have nothing but reality shows and game shows on right now.

I support the actor's and the writer's unions in their strike (the writer's strike settled, I know). Sure, some actors make a ton of money, but most of them are ham and eggers scratching out a living doing bit parts. The writers had to get out in front of IA and get their residuals from the streamers. People don't work for free.

I also support the UAW in their strike. They deserve a decent wage and good retirement. As do we all.

I work for the government in a first responder/public safety capacity so I am not permitted to strike. We just finished collective bargaining and we did well. I also get a pension and my health insurance when I go (I have my time in and could leave, but I'm choosing to stay for now).

My wife and I had this discussion a few months ago, and I support the writers and the actors, the UAW and the teachers right to go on strike. I don't believe you dhould go on strike if you serve in a public safety (Police, fire, corrections, EMS, ETC) capacity. Too much is at stake if you're not working, and that's what I signed up for. I'm not a scab, but I would have a hard time honoring a police or fire picket line.

Our contract has a no strike/evergreen clause so even if our contract expired, we still wouldn't be able to strike. I support that.

In general, I support unionized labor and the right of workers to strike for what they think they deserve. It worked for the writers, and UPS this year. It appears to be working for UAW, at least for now. Organized labor made the middle class in the US possible. Helped my father make a living wage and raise 2 children as a Stevedore with less than a HS diploma. It's the only thing that got me a fair wage out of my employer (finally).

Off on a tangent. I saw someone blame Netflix price hike on the actors strike and it led me here....

The UAW has asked for an immediate 20 percent raise and yearly gradual increases totaling an hourly pay increase of 46 percent, the restoration of traditional pension payment plans and retiree health care, a 32 hour work week but get paid for 40 hours, job protections, and a beneficial transition to electric vehicles.

You honestly support this? These are the most absurd demands I've ever seen. I mean hey why stop there? I would love to work 20 hours a week (or less even) and get paid for 40, but that's not reality.