Streaming prices are out of control - See what services are charging
We’ve come a long way from the days of visiting Blockbuster Video on a Friday night to find a few movies to pass the weekend. These days, you don’t have to get off the couch to rent the latest Hollywood smash hit.
Now, you just fire up the smart TV and connect to your favorite streaming service to have fantastic content at your fingertips. Giants like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Paramount+ have emerged as dominant players, offering a vast array of movies, TV shows and original content.
But as the competition intensifies and the demand for quality content grows, prices for these streaming services have steadily climbed. Let’s look at the top streaming platforms, why costs are skyrocketing and the prices you can expect to pay.
Why are streaming prices constantly climbing?
The primary driver behind the price hikes for streaming services is the fierce competition among these platforms. Each service vies for a share of consumers’ wallets and screen time, leading to an arms race in producing exclusive content and securing the rights to popular shows and movies.
Also, the cost of producing high-quality original content has significantly increased. Not only does original programming attract new subscribers, but it helps retain existing ones. This constant demand for fresh, engaging content puts pressure on streaming services to invest more in production budgets, driving up subscription fees.
Licensing fees for content from major studios and networks have also risen, especially for in-demand titles and blockbuster movies. To maintain a competitive edge, streaming services must pay a premium to secure exclusive rights to popular content, which is reflected in their subscription prices.
Netflix: The pioneer of streaming
Netflix, the streaming industry’s trailblazer, revolutionized how people stay entertained. With its vast library of movies, TV shows and critically acclaimed originals, it quickly gained millions of subscribers worldwide.
As the market became more crowded, Netflix focused on producing exclusive content, which undoubtedly contributed to the spike in its subscription prices. Here’s what Netflix charges now:
- Standard with ads – $6.99 monthly: It’s ad-supported, with all but a few movies and TV shows available and unlimited mobile games. Watch on two supported devices at a time. Watch in Full HD.
- Standard – $15.49 monthly: Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games. Watch on two supported devices at a time. Watch in Full HD. Download on two supported devices at a time. Option to add one extra member who doesn’t live with you for $7.99 monthly.
- Premium – $19.99 monthly: Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games. Watch on four supported devices at a time. Watch in Ultra HD. Download on six supported devices at a time. Option to add up to two extra members who don’t live with you for $7.99 monthly. Netflix spatial audio.
Hulu: Where TV shows find a home
Streaming services from most to least expensive
Wouldn’t it be great if all your favorite shows and movies were on the same platform? Sadly, all the good stuff is scattered across different apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and HBO Max. If you’re juggling multiple subscriptions, these streaming services can burn a massive hole in your wallet.
YouTube just changed its rules on what curse words are allowed
YouTube is notoriously finicky regarding its policy on what’s allowed on monetized content. One major language-based caveat forbade users from cursing within the first 30 seconds of a monetized video. Until now.
Read on for details on YouTube’s latest cursing policy.
Streaming service comparison: Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Disney+ and more
If you’re ready to drop cable and fully embrace streaming services, look no further. We’re here to help you find the best streaming service for your needs. Whether you’re looking at Netflix, Hulu or HBO Max, you’ve got a lot of research to do.
How to watch Netflix for free
If you’ve already binge-watched as much as you possibly could over the course of the pandemic, you’re probably bored out of your skull. Even though we technically have more content to watch than ever before, the sheer amount of exclusives combined with expensive subscription fees can make it difficult to actually see everything you want.
Get a free year of Apple TV+ if you hurry
With so many great streaming services available, it can be difficult to know which ones to subscribe to. It’s not just Netflix dominating the market anymore. Now you have the likes of Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and even more to choose from — and more seem to be hitting the market all the time.