Netflix may have over 58 million subscribers in the U.S., but that isn’t stopping the popular video streaming service from raising prices once again. This time, the price hikes are the largest since Netflix started its streaming service 12 years ago. Netflix had its last price jump in October 2017.
We can’t say we are surprised by the new price hike. Even with Netflix’s massive popularity, the service has to raise prices in part to pay for all of its original programming, from shows like Stranger Things, Black Mirror, Ozark, and others. It’s estimated Netflix paid as much as $13 billion for original content in 2018.
Netflix is also preparing for a lot more competition in the streaming space. It already has major rivals to deal with like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, and in 2019 we can expect to see Apple launch its own original streaming service. Disney will also launch its highly anticipated streaming service, Disney+, this year. Other entertainment companies also have their own streaming plans, including WarnerMedia, and most recently NBCUniversal, which just announced its own service for launch in 2020.
So how much does Netflix now cost, and what are your membership options in 2019? Let’s jump right in.
Basic
Price: $9/month
What you get: With a Basic Netflix plan, you really do just get the basics. It’s perfect for a casual media consumer who lives alone though. The $9 price tag gets you access to the streaming service on one screen, in regular definition — no HD.
Standard
Price: $13/month
What you get: A Standard Netflix plan is perfect for couples who might want to be watching TV simultaneously in different rooms. You get access to the streaming service on up to two screens, and in HD, if you choose.
Premium
Price: $16/month
What you get: Premium Netflix gets you everything available with a Standard Netflix plan, but you can stream on up to four screens simultaneously, and also have the option of watching your favorite shows and movies in HD or even 4K. Perfect for a family or serious cinephile wanting the very best image quality.
DVD
Price: $4.99-$14.99/month
What you get: Yes, Netflix still mails out DVD rentals, if you want such a service — though only in the U.S. Believe it or not, you might want it! Unlike the streaming site, Netflix’s rental service isn’t as hampered by rights and agreements with its disk offerings. You get a lot of choices, including some rare and hard-to-find titles that aren’t available to stream. The base rate of $4.99 gets you one disk at a time, with a maximum of two disks per month. You create a list of films you want to see, in whatever order you choose, and Netflix mails the first available title on your list, along with return postage. You can hold onto the one title for a day or six months or indefinitely, but you won’t get another disk until you return it. If you want to get Blu-rays, or have the option of two disks at a time or unlimited monthly rentals, you might pay as much as $14.99 per month.
If I already have Netflix will I have to pay the new price?
The price hikes are effective immediately for all new Netflix subscribers. If you are already an active member, you don’t have to pay more right now but unfortunately your old price isn’t locked in. The price hike will roll out to all customers, old and new, over the next three months.
