Netflix has raised its UK ad-supported plan from £5.99 to £7.99 a month, its second rise this year. Is this what better shows cost now, or streamers cashing in?
That's a 33% jump, as "streamflation" pushes streaming bills close to what cable used to cost, and 41% of households say the content doesn't justify the price. Every Netflix tier went up in the UK this September, and analysts say ad-supported streaming prices have risen far faster than inflation since 2021.
What happened
Netflix raised prices across every UK tier in September 2026: the ad-supported plan went from £5.99 to £7.99 a month, standard from £12.99 to £13.99, and premium from £18.99 to £20.99 — its second hike this year. Research firm Forrester notes ad-free streaming prices have risen 54% since 2021, far outpacing inflation.
Why people disagree
Netflix and its defenders point to a stronger slate of shows and films as the trade-off for higher prices. Critics say streaming has recreated the same bundling and bill-creep people cut cable to escape, and a survey found 41% of households already say the content doesn't justify the cost.
What's still unclear
Whether this is close to the ceiling before real subscriber churn kicks in, or whether people keep paying anyway because switching plans and juggling multiple services is more hassle than it is worth.
Sources
More takes
A judge has paused Trump's 250-foot arch near Arlington Cemetery for 14 days, just after planners approved it. Should a monument like this need Congress's approval?
Hello Kitty maker Sanrio has apologised and dropped its merchandise tie-up with Japanese spy drama Vivant after a backlash in China. Sensible call, or caving to pressure?
