- Yes, prices went up: Netflix just raised rates again across all plans.
- It adds up fast: Multiple services can quietly rival your old cable bill.
- Deals are out there: Free trials, bundles, and promos can cut costs significantly.
- Best move: Rotate services and check what you’re already getting for free.
When you first signed up for streaming services, you probably started small – like a single subscription to Netflix.
Then, you started to add more – figuring that you could send your cable bill back where it came from and save a bunch o' money. Little by little, you started feeling your oats and got more streaming service (we average 4 per household).
That was then. Now, it feels like the opposite is happening and we're starting to feel the pain. Nearly half (47%) of subscribers say they pay too much, and 41% believe the content isn't worth the price — up 5 points from 2024.
Say hello to another wave of price bumps
Netflix has quietly raised its prices again.
Netflix’s latest increase (rolling out now) pushes prices higher across the board:
- Ad-supported plan: now $8.99/month
- Standard (no ads): now $19.99/month
- Premium (4K): now $26.99/month
Gary P Guthrie
This isn't just about Netflix
Where there's smoke, there's fire. Netflix may be the first to raise their rates, but there'll be more because, historically, streaming prices go up every 12–24 months.
And if you’re paying for more than one service, your monthly bill may be creeping up faster than you realize. You're also getting closer to what you were paying for cable. On average, households spend $69 a month.
👉 Translation:
If you’re on a fixed income, streaming needs to be managed — not just subscribed to.
📺 The good news: Deals do exist (if you know where to look)
Consumer tech writer Jared Newman tracks streaming deals weekly — and there are real savings out there right now.
Here are some of the most useful ones 👇
🟦 Streaming Deals (Worth Checking First)
Apple TV+: 30 days free for new or returning subscribers
Starz: $20 for 6 months or $5/month for 3 months
AMC+: 30 days free with code AMC30FT26
🟨 Live TV & Sports Discounts
Sling TV: Prepay deals or half off your first month
Fubo: Up to $25 off first month
MLB.TV: Free for T-Mobile customers (limited-time window)
🟦 Bundles That Actually Save Money
Peacock + Apple TV+: Around $15/month combined
Comcast StreamSaver: Netflix (ads) + Peacock + Apple TV+ for $15/month
🟨 “Hidden” Freebies Many Seniors Miss
Instacart+: Includes Peacock
Kroger Boost: Includes Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+
Cell phone plans: T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T often include Netflix, Hulu, or Apple TV+
How Seniors can save money
🧾 Sidebar: Can You Pause Streaming Services?
What you might expect: A simple “pause for a month” button for any streaming service.
What actually happens: Most services — including Disney+ — don’t offer a true pause option.
What DOES work: 👉 Cancel and restart when you’re ready
- You can cancel anytime
- Your profile and watchlist are usually saved
- You can restart with one click later
💡 The smarter strategy
- Subscribe to one service at a time
- Watch what you want
- Cancel before the next billing cycle
- Switch to another service
👉 Bottom line: There’s no universal pause button — but this approach can cut your streaming bill in half.
Disclaimer: Streaming prices, promotions, and availability change frequently. Always confirm current pricing and eligibility before signing up. Some deals are limited to new or returning subscribers and may require specific plans or conditions.
