Netflix is still sticking with its three-tier model in the UK, but prices have crept up again. Here’s what each plan offers right now:
Standard with Ads – £5.99/month
This is the most budget-friendly option, and it gets you Full HD (1080p) streaming on up to two devices at once. You’ll have to sit through around 4 to 5 minutes of ads per hour, and not all content is available due to licensing restrictions. You can download shows on one device, but the trade-off here is obvious: it’s cheap, but comes with caveats.
Standard (No Ads) – £12.99/month
You’re still limited to Full HD and two devices at a time, but you won’t see any ads, and you get access to the full catalogue. You also get the option to download content on two devices. This is the middle ground that works for most people who just want to watch uninterrupted.
Premium – £18.99/month
This one’s aimed at households with multiple users or anyone who wants the best possible quality. It supports Ultra HD (4K) with HDR, lets you stream on four devices simultaneously, and allows downloads on up to six devices. You also get spatial audio support thrown in, which makes a difference if you’re watching on decent headphones or a home theatre setup.
If you want to share your account with someone outside your home, Netflix will charge you an extra £5.99/month per person — but only on the Standard and Premium plans.
What’s New on Netflix in 2025?
Netflix isn’t just banking on old hits anymore. They’ve clearly ramped up spending across a few key areas:
- Live Sports: One of the biggest surprises this year is the addition of live sports. WWE’s Raw is now exclusive to Netflix, and they’ve also landed rights to stream some NFL games, including the Christmas Day matchups. It’s a bold move and one that sets Netflix apart from the usual film-and-series crowd.
- Original Content: They’re still strong here. Adolescence, a British crime drama that dropped in March, took off fast. It’s gritty, well-acted, and honestly one of the best things Netflix UK has put out in a while.
- Mobile Gaming: This one’s a bit under the radar, but Netflix now has a library of mobile games you can access through their app. It’s not a full-blown game streaming platform like Xbox Cloud, but it’s a nice extra, especially if you’re already paying.
Is Netflix Good Value Compared to the Competition?
Let’s be honest — Netflix isn’t cheap anymore, especially if you’re on the Premium plan. Here’s how it stacks up against other big names:
- Disney+: £8.99/month with no ads.
- Amazon Prime Video: £8.99/month, but it’s bundled with Amazon Prime, so you get shopping perks too.
- Apple TV+: £6.99/month.
- NOW TV (Entertainment): £9.99/month.
So yeah, Netflix is the most expensive of the lot if you’re going Premium. But they’re also offering more: bigger-budget originals, live sports, and bonus stuff like mobile games. If you’re actually using those features, it’s easier to justify the cost.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Subscription
Here are a few tips if you’re looking to make your subscription stretch a bit further:
- Bundle it: Some broadband and mobile providers (Sky, EE, Virgin Media) include Netflix in their packages. If you’re already with one of them, it’s worth seeing if you can roll Netflix into the deal and save a bit.
- Pick the right tier: If you’re only watching on one screen and don’t care about 4K, there’s no point in paying for Premium. The Standard plan (with or without ads) will do the job just fine.
- Share wisely: The days of freeloading are gone, but if you genuinely want to split the cost with someone outside your home, the £5.99 extra member fee can still work out cheaper than two full subs.
Verdict
If you’re someone who only dips in and out of shows occasionally, there are cheaper options out there. But if you’re regularly watching, and especially if you’re interested in live sports or want top-tier video and audio quality, Netflix is still hard to beat.
It’s not the bargain it once was, but in terms of breadth, content quality, and bonus features, it’s still delivering — provided you’re actually using what you’re paying for.
