The streaming market is becoming increasingly competitive and even industry leader Netflix has to be wary of the competition. Nevertheless, the company has now raised prices properly in North America.
From now on, new Netflix customers in the USA and Canada will pay higher subscription prices than before. Existing subscription holders are also affected, but should be informed by email 30 days before the increase.
Netflix prices increase by an average of 11 percent
In the US, Netflix is adjusting the prices of all three subscription options. The basic subscription without HD and only one stream was previously available for $8.99. The “Standard” HD option with two simultaneous streams now costs 15.49US dollars instead of previously 13.99U.S. dollar. The most expensive premium option with 4K support and four streams increases to a whopping 19.99US dollars. The prices have risen by about 11 percent:
| Netflix prices USA | Previous prices | New prices | price difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (SD, 1 screen) | $8.99 | $9.99 | $1 (11.1 percent) |
| Standard (HD, 2 screens) | $13.99 | $15.49 | $1.50 (10.7 percent) |
| Premium (4K, 4 screens) | $17.99 | $19.99 | $2 (11.1 percent) |
In Canada, too, Netflix has increased the prices for the standard and premium subscriptions by the same amounts. There, however, the price for the basic subscription remains untouched:
| Netflix prices canada | Previous prices | New prices | price difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (SD, 1 screen) | $9.99 CAD | $9.99 CAD | – |
| Standard (HD, 2 screens) | $14.99 CAD | $16.49 CAD | $1.50 CAD (10 percent) |
| Premium (4K, 4 screens) | $18.99 CAD | C$20.99 | 2 CAD (10.5 percent) |
Netflix last changed the subscription costs in the US in October 2020, as TECHBOOK reported.
Does Netflix also increase prices in Germany?
Netflix is in a difficult situation. More and more streaming providers such as Disney+, Peacock and Paramount+ are entering the market and some are withdrawing their productions from Netflix. This makes it increasingly difficult to acquire new subscribers. Nevertheless, the provider must continue to produce high-quality content in order not to lose existing customers. After a slump in 2021 — caused in part by halts in production early in the COVID-19 pandemic — Netflix is pouring big bucks into its content in 2022.
TECHBOOK has asked Netflix whether higher prices are also imminent for Europe and Germany in particular. In a press statement, the company assures us that there is no indication that the subscription costs in Germany will be adjusted:
“Price increases are country specific. The increase in the US does not influence or indicate a global price change. We increase prices from time to time to continuously expand and improve the range of series, films and shows, as well as the quality on our service. Our primary goal is to continue to provide great entertainment for our subscribers and ensure they receive ever-increasing value for their membership.”
– a Netflix spokesperson
Even if Netflix subscribers can feel safe for the time being, the past shows that price increases will come to Europe sooner or later. The company last raised the subscription costs in the USA at the end of 2020, and then in Germany in January 2021. At that time, the prices for the standard subscription rose from 11.99 euros to 12.99 euros and for the premium subscription from 15.99 euros to 17.99 euros. The basic subscription has remained unchanged at 7.99 euros since Netflix started in Germany.