Netflix is to raise the price of its subscriptions in the UK for the first time since 2017, the company has said. Two of its three membership options will go up in price, with the other remaining the same.
The two options affected are the mid-range standard tariff, which will soon cost £9 per month, having previously cost £8 per month. This popular option allows you to stream HD TV and films to two devices at a time.
The premium option, which currently costs £9 per month and allows you to stream ultra HD content to four devices, will increase to £11 per month, while the basic SD-only package will remain at £6 per month. The new prices will be rolled out over the coming weeks for existing customers, but are effective immediately for new members.
Netflix told BBC News the price hike was necessary “to reflect the significant investments we’ve made in new TV shows and films.” The new prices take Netflix’s standard tariff above the £8 per month Amazon charges for Prime Video, while NowTV ranges from £8 to £34 per month, depending on the type of shows you like to watch. Other UK streaming services are funded by advertising or license fees.
Netflix recently overtook Sky TV as the most popular TV service in the UK. However, things could be shaken up in the coming months: the BBC and ITV plan to launch a joint BritBox service in the UK soon, while Amazon Prime will begin showing live Premier League matches from next season. Apple and Disney also have streaming services in the works.
Netflix’s slate of shows to arrive soon includes Black Mirror Season 5 and The Witcher, which recently finished production.