Netflix is raising prices again in the U.S., with the streamer increasing all three of its main plans starting Thursday, March 26 for new subscribers. Existing members will see the higher prices roll out over the coming weeks, with Netflix saying customers will get an email about a month before the increase hits their bill, depending on their billing cycle.
Netflixâs new prices
Netflixâs updated monthly pricing now breaks down like this:
- Standard with Ads is now $8.99, up from $7.99.
- Standard is now $19.99, up from $17.99.
- Premium is now $26.99, up from $24.99.
That means the ad-supported tier went up by $1, while both ad-free tiers jumped by $2. The biggest headline for a lot of subscribers is Premium now hitting $26.99 per month, pushing Netflix even further into cable-price territory.
Netflix says it is about âmore valueâ
In a statement to Variety, Netflix said it is sticking with the same strategy it always uses when it comes to pricing, arguing that it is adding more value for members and needs the increases to keep investing in programming and the service itself. Variety reported Netflix said it is updating prices âto enable us to reinvest in quality entertainment and improve their experience.â
That is the usual line, but for subscribers, the reality is simple: Netflix now costs more again, and it comes after the company already raised prices last year. Recent plan pages on Netflixâs own help site now reflect the new U.S. prices.
Existing members wonât get hit right away
New subscribers signing up on March 26 will see the new pricing immediately. Existing members will not all be switched over at the same time. Instead, Netflix says the increase will be phased in over the next several weeks, and each customer should receive advance notice by email before the new rate takes effect.
Streaming keeps getting more expensive
Netflix remains one of the biggest names in streaming, but the price hikes are becoming harder to ignore. With Premium now at $26.99 a month, subscribers who want ad-free viewing, Ultra HD, HDR, and support for up to four devices are being asked to pay more than ever.
