Why is streaming getting more expensive (and what you can do about it)

Jonathan Victoria • 16 Apr 2026 Features

Streaming should be the better-value option - why is that changing?

Streaming services were once a budget-friendly alternative to traditional TV, but prices have steadily climbed. 

With multiple services available offering a wide range of great content, it’s hard to choose just one, so typically people opt for multiple. In the past, that wasn’t really a major problem.

But now, with prices rising constantly and feeling of almost disdain from the services towards consumers at times, many viewers are questioning the value. 

We decided to take a look at why streaming is getting more expensive, but we also provide tips on how you can keep your costs under control.

The end of “cheap streaming”

When platforms like Netflix first launched, low monthly prices were key to attracting subscribers. For years, streaming felt like a bargain compared to costly TV bundles. But that era is coming to an end.

Most major services are no longer focused purely on growth - they’re now under pressure to turn a profit. They have the large subscriber bases now that are continuing to rise, so they now can turn their efforts into squeezing every bit out of the views.

The means of which they achieve this is by increasing subscription prices, introducing new pricing tiers, and cutting back on generous features such as no ads on every tier level. Some of them even gatekeep content behind certain tiers, meaning you may have to upgrade to watch some of your favourite shows or movies.

However, it’s not just about turning a profit. The cost of creating content has skyrocketed. Big-budget originals, exclusive deals, and global productions don’t come cheap. 

Streaming services are spending billions to compete, and those costs are inevitably passed on to customers. It’s a price we pay to be able to enjoy great original shows and movies from our favourite companies.

Too many platforms, too many subscriptions

One of the biggest drivers of rising costs is simple: there are now too many streaming services.

Instead of one or two subscriptions covering everything, content is spread across multiple platforms - Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, NOW, Apple TV+, and now there’s HBO Max in the UK. 

Popular shows and films are often locked behind exclusive deals, meaning you may need several subscriptions just to watch what you want.

This has led to “subscription stacking,” where households pay for multiple services at once. Individually, each platform might seem affordable, but together, the costs quickly add up, often rivaling or even exceeding traditional TV packages.

Ads, account crackdowns & price hikes

To boost revenue, streaming services are introducing new ways to charge users. They may frame it as extra benefits for higher tier subscriptions, but most viewers see right through them.

Ad-supported tiers are becoming more common, offering a cheaper option but with commercial breaks. While this can lower the monthly cost, it also marks a shift away from the ad-free experience that originally made streaming so appealing.

Password sharing is another major change. Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have started cracking down on shared accounts, with extra fees for users outside your household. What was once a way to split costs is now becoming more restricted.

On top of that, regular price increases have become the norm. Small hikes might not seem significant at first, but over time they add up—especially if you’re subscribed to multiple services.

What you can do to save money

While streaming is getting more expensive, there are still ways to keep costs under control without missing out.

One of the simplest strategies is rotating your subscriptions. Instead of paying for everything at once, sign up for one service, watch what you want, then cancel and switch to another. Most platforms don’t require long-term contracts, making this easy to manage.

You can also look for bundled deals. Some providers offer packages that include streaming services alongside broadband or mobile plans, often at a discounted rate. These bundles can offer better value than paying for each service separately.

Choosing a lower-cost plan is another option. Ad-supported tiers are cheaper, and while they include adverts, they can significantly reduce your monthly spend. Annual plans can also work out cheaper if you know you’ll use a service regularly.

Or if you can, choose to pay annually. It’s one larger cost but it's paid all at once rather than smaller monthly charges that actually add up to more across the year. Most services offer a significant saving for choosing to be billed annually and some even run regular special offers for new users to save even more on their first year, or at least for the first few months.

Finally, it’s worth reviewing your subscriptions regularly. It’s easy to forget about services you no longer use, so a quick audit can help you cut unnecessary costs.

Streaming is still one of the most flexible ways to watch TV, but it’s no longer the budget option it once was. By understanding why prices are rising - and making a few smart choices - you can keep your entertainment costs in check without sacrificing too much of what you love to watch.