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 the price of subscriptions in the UK after implementing a similar hike in the US.
The streamer announced that it would be increasing prices on its US subscription plans in January after adding nearly 19 million subscribers at the end of last year.
Netflix attributed the jump in subscribers, which brings the company's global subscription base to over 300 million, to the likes of the Mike Tyson and Jake Paul boxing match in November, which drew 108 million viewers worldwide, as well as the success of Squid Game season 2, which drew 68 million views in its first week.
"As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix," the company said in a letter to investors.
With the streamer boasting a huge library of content, from attention-grabbing films and series like Baby Reindeer, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Emilia Pérez and Black Mirror, to the platform's recent major successes such as XO, Kitty season 2 and Squid Game season 2, fans in the UK will likely be wondering how they going to be affected.
Read on for everything you need to know about UK Netflix prices.
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 has quietly updating its UK pricing.
Below are the current Netflix UK subscription costs.
- £5.99 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.
- £12.99 per month Standard subscription - Viewers can watch in HD and on two devices at a time.
- £18.99 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.
Is Netflix UK increasing its prices?
Netflix announced in January that it will raises prices across a number of countries – starting with the USA, Canada, Argentina and Portugal – but it did not confirm whether prices would increase in the UK.
However, on Friday 7th February, the streamer increased UK prices on its website, with customers on the Standard plan now having to pay an extra £2 a month.
The most expensive tier, Premium, has seen a price increase of £1, while the ad plan has also gone up by £1 per month.
It isn't the first Netflix price hike in the UK. When the streamer increased prices in the US back in October 2023 after revealing better-than-expected growth in subscriber numbers following its clampdown on password sharing, it also increased costs for some plans in the UK.
A previous price increase implemented by the streaming giant back in March 2022, saw prices for UK subscribers also increase by £1 or £2.
Sign-up to Netflix from £5.99 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 £5.99 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 currently costs £5.99 and is the only membership option which includes adverts.
Sign-up to Netflix from £5.99 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 £5.99 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 Flex, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream. Signing up for Netflix through Virgin Flex will cost the same amount as subscribing directly to Netflix (see above).
You can also get Netflix when you buy a Sky Glass TV. At the time of writing, prices start at £27 a month for 24 months of your Sky Glass TV and accompanying Netflix subscription.
Sky also offers a deal giving you an Essential TV package including Netflix for £15 a month for 24 months.
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 £5.99 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 (£5.99) allows one person to watch at a time. The Standard membership (£12.99) allows two screens to watch at a time and the Premium membership (£18.99) 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 £5.99, 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.
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.
