Netflix UK guide: How much it costs, what to watch and plans
Everything you need to know about Netflix in the UK, from how to sign up, price tiers, and which devices are currently supported.
Netflix has increased prices for some of its subscription plans, after the streaming platform revealed better-than-expected growth in subscriber numbers following its recent clampdown on password sharing. The streaming giant has raised fees in the US, UK and France, with the price of the the basic plan and the premium option increasing.
In the company's third-quarter shareholder letter, Netflix said: "While we mostly paused price increases as we rolled out paid sharing, our overall approach remains the same — a range of prices and plans to meet a wide range of needs, and as we deliver more value to our members, we occasionally ask them to pay a bit more."
The price increase comes after Netflix has seen increased subscriber growth following its crackdown on password sharing between households, which means subscribers now have to pay an extra fee to add additional members to their accounts.
"The cancel reaction continues to be low, exceeding our expectations, and borrower households converting into full paying memberships are demonstrating healthy retention," Netflix said. "As a result, we’re revenue positive in every region when accounting for additional spin-off accounts and extra members, churn, and changes to our plan mix."
With a huge library of content on offer on Netflix, from attention-grabbing films and series like The Power of the Dog, Don’t Look Up, All Quiet on the Western Front, and The Lincoln Lawyer, to the platform's recent major successes such as Beckham and The Deepest Breath, users may be wondering just how to watch all of these, what subscriptions are on offer, and how much they cost.
We've got everything you need to know about Netflix in this guide: from the streaming service’s various price tiers to how to sign up and what you’ll find on the platform.
Jump to:
- Netflix price guide
- Has Netflix UK increased its prices?
- What is Netflix?
- Does Netflix have ads now?
- How to download Netflix shows to watch offline
- How to watch Netflix on a TV
- Can Netflix be used on multiple devices?
- Is Netflix worth it?
- What is good to watch on Netflix in the UK?
Netflix price guide: How much does the service cost in the UK?
Netflix currently has four subscription plans with different prices. Users can choose which contract is right for them, but each one requires a monthly payment.
Netflix last raised its prices in October 2023. Below are the current Netflix UK subscription costs.
- £4.99 per month The cheapest membership is an ad-supported tier that allows subscribers to watch on one device at a time with no downloads available.
- £7.99 per month This membership allows subscribers to watch on one device at a time in standard definition.
- £10.99 per month Standard subscription - Viewers can watch in HD and on two devices at a time.
- £17.99 per month Premium subscription - Viewers can watch in Ultra HD where available, on four devices at a time.
Users can view or change their payment plan in their account settings. Go to 'Change Plan' to find out more.
Sign-up to Netflix through Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream.
Has Netflix UK increased its prices?
Yes, as detailed above, in October 2023, Netflix announced its prices were increasing, despite the success of its recent clampdown on password sharing.
A basic subscription now costs £6.99 instead of £7.99. Meanwhile, the premium subscription increased from £15.99 a month to £17.99 a month.
The ad-supported and standard plans have not been affected by the hike.
This isn't the first price increase implemented by the streaming giant. Back in March 2022, Netflix hiked up its prices for UK subscribers, which rose by £1 a month from £5.99 to £6.99.
Netflix's most popular package, which offers HD viewing, two simultaneous streams and two devices to register for downloads, increased from £9.99 to £10.99.
Meanwhile, the cost of Netflix’s premium plan increased by £2 a month to £15.99.
The price increase came into effect immediately for new subscribers, while existing subscribers got 30 days' notice by email, unless they changed their plan.
In Ireland, the basic plan rose by €1 to €8.99, the standard package increased from €12.99 to €14.99, and the premium subscription rose from €17.99 to €20.99.
Sign-up to Netflix from £4.99 a month
Netflix is also available on Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream.
What is Netflix?
Netflix is a video streaming service. What that basically means is that as long as you have an internet connection, you can watch TV shows and movies without having to download them (though certain Netflix titles are available for download on certain devices, should you wish.)
You don't buy individual series or films on Netflix. Instead, you pay a monthly subscription, which gives you access to everything available on the service.
The advantage is that you can go through the whole Netflix library, watch whatever catches your eye and never see a single advert. The disadvantage is that titles can be taken away, and you don't actually own anything you're watching.
Netflix releases almost all its TV series in one go. That means subscribers can watch whole series or movies at their own pace (or as long as they're able to avoid spoilers): they can pause and come back later, or binge several episodes in one go. Unlike traditional broadcasters, there's no waiting a week for new episodes.
Sign-up to Netflix from £4.99 a month
Netflix is also available on Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream.
Does Netflix have ads now?
Yes, an ad-supported, lower-priced tier became available on 3rd November 2022 in the UK. This tier costs £4.99 and is the only membership option which includes adverts.
Sign-up to Netflix from £4.99 a month
Netflix is also available on Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream.
How to download on Netflix to watch shows offline
Netflix also includes a download feature allowing subscribers to store some – but not all – programmes on their mobile devices and watch offline, ideal for when travelling or when you don't have access to the internet. If the show is available for download it will have an arrow in a circle next to the film title or series episode. Tap this and it will download the episode/film onto your device.
How to sign up to Netflix
To sign up to Netflix you need to visit the website. Subscribers need a valid email address and a credit or debit card. You create an account with your email and choose a password, and after that, you can start watching.
Remember, Netflix also allows users to have up to five different profiles on one Netflix account. So if you're looking into paying for a subscription, it may be worth seeing whether other family members or friends are willing to share the cost.
When you create a profile, your viewing activity is saved and Netflix's recommendations are personalised to you. That means that different profiles will see different Netflix series promoted at the top of the library.
Profiles can also be set up for younger family members with specific parental controls, so if you're concerned about children having access to adult shows, this is the best way to control what they're able to see.
Sign-up to Netflix from £4.99 a month
Netflix is also available on Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream.
How to watch Netflix on a TV
After you've set up an account, you will want to start watching Netflix on your TV. If you have a Smart TV Netflix can be downloaded as an app or may already be on your Smart TV's interface. To check whether your TV or set-top box has Netflix, click here.
You can also sign up for Netflix through Virgin Media Stream, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream. Signing up for Netflix through Virgin Media Stream will cost the same amount as subscribing directly to Netflix (see above).
You can also get Netflix when you buy a Sky Glass TV. It will cost you £14 for the first three months then £40 a month (for 48 months) for your Sky Glass TV and accompanying Netflix subscription.
Sky Stream also offers a Netflix deal giving you a Sky Entertainment package and Netflix for £29 a month on a rolling contract. With this Sky Stream offer you get the first month completely free.
If you don't have a Smart TV think about connecting a streaming stick to your TV, these include the likes of an Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast. You can also watch on your TV by connecting a games console like an XBOX or PS4.
Netflix is also available as an app on smartphones and tablets, so you can screencast to your tele. Or if you're watching on the computer you can use a HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
Sign-up to Netflix from £4.99 a month
Netflix is also available on Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream.
Can Netflix be used on multiple devices?
Yes! Netflix is available on pretty much any screen, tablet, device or games console. To check which devices Netflix can be used on see their guide here.
How many people can watch Netflix at once?
It depends on your subscription. The membership with ads (£4.99) allows one person to watch at a time, as does the lowest-cost membership without ads (£6.99). The standard membership (£10.99) allows two screens to watch at a time and the Premium membership (£15.99) allows four people to watch at once.
Looking for a bargain? Be sure to check out the best PS5 deals and Nintendo Switch offers.
Is Netflix worth it?
Here at the Radio Times, we definitely think so. There are some brilliant film options and great series available on Netflix that can keep both adults and children entertained. With subscriptions starting from just £4.99, it is an affordable streaming service for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
What is good to watch on Netflix in the UK?
Netflix's major selling point is its original TV shows and exclusive series that aren't available anywhere else. It began with shows such as House of Cards but now boasts everything from sci-fi hits like Stranger Things to big-budget shows such as The Crown and intriguing documentaries – including an impressive collection of true crime.
But subscribers don't just have to stick to original material. There's a hefty back catalogue which allow you to watch a variety of both British and US TV shows, featuring everything from BBC David Attenborough's natural history series to recent dramas such as Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty.
The catalogue is constantly refreshed, but that does mean you have to be wary of a show you've been planning to watch dropping off the service.
Sign-up to Netflix from £4.99 a month
Netflix is also available on Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream.
Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide.
Want to see what's on the other streaming sites? Take a look at our best Disney+ shows and best Disney+ movies lists, or take a look at all your options in our best streaming services guide.
