Netflix is quickly becoming one of the most costly streaming services available. The basic plan in the United States increased from $9 to $10 on Friday, the standard plan from $13.99 to $15.49, and the premium plan from $18 to $20, a $2 rise. However, Netflix stated that the adjustment is being made to provide more entertainment alternatives.
New subscribers will experience the price increases right away while existing customers will see them “in the following weeks,” according to Netflix. According to Netflix’s Plans and Pricing page, current users will receive an email reminder 30 days before their prices change.
The price hikes put Netflix squarely in competition with HBO Max for the most expensive streaming provider. Netflix and HBO Max each have a $10 basic tier with more limited features. For example, Netflix’s basic subscription only enables one stream at a time, and while it is ad-free, it does not support high-definition streaming. Meanwhile, HBO’s entry-level plan offers HD but also advertisements. It also lacks the ability to watch first-run movies in cinemas and on the streaming service simultaneously.
Both streaming businesses’ regular services provide complete access to HD, ad-free content. However, for $15, HBO Max offers four simultaneous streams with specific ultra HD titles, but Netflix only offers two streams in regular HD. As a result, Netflix subscribers who want to view on four screens at once or access ultra HD video will have to pay $20 for the premium service. As a result, Netflix’s regular plan has surpassed HBO Max as the most costly streaming package with HD on the market.
Netflix has been up against more traditional networks like Paramount, HBO, and NBC Universal and streaming services like Apple, Disney, and Amazon. However, Netflix’s stated viewing statistics have been enormous thus far. The company keeps track of how many hours each title has been watched in the first 28 days of its release. For example, Squid Game’s first season received 1.65 billion hours of viewing time, while Bridgerton’s first season received 625 million hours.