Netflix has announced another increase in subscription prices, impacting all tiers of its service in Australia. This adjustment comes as streaming platforms face criticism for rising costs and perceived declines in content quality. The latest changes will take effect immediately for new subscribers, while existing members will receive notifications via email regarding the updated pricing.
New Subscription Rates
Effective immediately, the updated prices for Netflix’s subscription plans in Australia are as follows:
– Standard with ads: now $9.99 per month, up from $7.99.
– Standard, ad-free: now $20.99 per month, up from $18.99.
– Premium plan: now $28.99 per month, increasing by $3.
Additionally, adding an extra member to any plan will now incur a fee of $8.99 per month, reflecting a $1 rise. For context, when Netflix launched in Australia, the basic ad-free plan was priced at $8.99, while the premium plan started at $14.99. The premium plan’s current price represents a nearly 100% increase since its introduction.
This latest price hike marks the second adjustment within the last 15 months, with the premium plan witnessing a significant 26% increase since May 2024.
Crackdown on Password Sharing
Alongside the price increases, Netflix has intensified efforts to address password sharing. In May 2023, the company began notifying Australian users who share their accounts with individuals outside their households. These users are encouraged to upgrade their plans to comply with Netflix’s updated policies.
As the streaming landscape evolves, many Australians are expressing dissatisfaction with the increasing subscription costs amid concerns that the quality of content is declining. With several platforms raising their fees, households may find it increasingly challenging to maintain multiple subscriptions.
The changes reflect a broader trend in the industry, as providers adjust their pricing strategies in response to market dynamics and operational costs. This latest move by Netflix adds to the growing debate about the sustainability of streaming services in a competitive environment where consumers have more options than ever before.
