Netflix Raises Prices Again, Including First Increase for Ad-Supported Plan

Netflix has announced another round of price hikes for its U.S. subscribers, marking the first-ever increase for its ad-supported tier. The changes come as the streaming giant continues to invest heavily in original content and expand its global offerings.

The ad-supported plan, introduced in 2022 as a more affordable option, will now cost $7.99 per month, up from $6.99. Other subscription tiers have also seen increases: the Basic plan has been raised to $12.99 (from $9.99), while the Standard plan now costs $15.49 (up from $13.99). The Premium plan, which includes 4K content and multiple simultaneous streams, rises to $22.99, up from $19.99.

Netflix justified the hike by emphasizing its commitment to delivering quality programming and improving the platform’s overall experience. However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions from subscribers, with many expressing frustration over the repeated increases in recent years.

The company continues to dominate the streaming market, boasting over 230 million global subscribers as of 2024. Despite the backlash, Netflix remains a leader in producing critically acclaimed series and films, such as Stranger Things, Wednesday, and The Crown.

The price changes will roll out gradually over the coming weeks, with new subscribers being charged the updated rates immediately. Existing users will receive notifications about the price adjustments via email.