Why Is Netflix So Expensive? And How Smart Families Cut Costs by 80%

Can You Really Save Hundreds on Netflix Without Losing Your Favorite Shows?

Netflix costs keep climbing. But smart viewers know tricks to slash their bills. These methods work in 2025 and can save you serious money.

Share Premium Plans With Your Household

Premium Netflix costs $25 monthly in the US. It allows four screens at once. Living with family or roommates? Split that cost four ways. You pay just $6.25 each month instead of the full amount.

Netflix requires all account users to live in the same house. This rule makes sharing work perfectly for families and housemates. Everyone gets the same access. Everyone pays much less.

Pro tip: Cancel Netflix during slow months. No contracts bind you. Reactivate when new shows arrive. This saves money in months you barely watch.

Switch to a Cheaper Plan

Netflix offers three main plans:

• Standard with Ads: $7.99 monthly
• Standard (No Ads): $17.99 monthly
• Premium: $24.99 monthly

The ad-supported plan cuts your bill in half. You get Full HD streaming on two screens. A few ads play, but most people don’t mind them during dinner or after work.

Premium users often pay for features they never use. Do you really need 4K streaming? Do you watch on four screens at once? Downgrading to Standard saves $7 monthly. Moving to the ad plan saves $10 monthly. That’s over $100 yearly with minimal sacrifice.

How to change your plan:

1. Go to Netflix account settings
2. Select “Change plan” under Quick Links
3. Choose your preferred tier
4. Confirm the change

Changes take effect on your next billing date.

Buy Discounted Gift Cards

Netflix gift cards work like prepaid credits. Buy them below face value to pay less for the same access.

Where to find discounts:

• CardBear: Usually 6% off
• Raise: Up to 10% off
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales

These savings add up fast. Use discounted cards all year to earn a free month or more of streaming.

How to redeem:

1. Log into your Netflix account
2. Go to Payment info
3. Enter code under “Redeem gift or promo code“
4. Balance adds instantly

Gift cards never expire. Stock up during sales for ongoing savings.

Warning: Only buy from trusted sellers with good reviews. Deals that seem too good often involve stolen or invalid codes.

Check Your Phone and Internet Bundles

Major providers include Netflix in their service packages. This can eliminate your standalone subscription cost entirely.

T-Mobile Netflix On Us

Customers on eligible Go5G or Magenta plans get Netflix Standard with Ads free. You can upgrade to higher tiers by paying the difference.

Verizon

Some mobile and home internet plans include Netflix Standard with Ads plus Max for about $10 monthly.

Comcast

StreamSaver package bundles Netflix with Peacock Premium and Apple TV Plus for around $15 monthly (available to Xfinity internet customers).

Check if your current provider offers Netflix bundles. Switching providers might save money if you need their services anyway.

Use VPNs for Regional Pricing (Risky But Effective)

Netflix prices vary dramatically between countries. Premium costs $25 in the US but only $5 in Pakistan or Nigeria. Same content, huge price difference.

How it works:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service (like NordVPN)
2. Connect to a server in a cheaper country
3. Sign up for Netflix while connected
4. Pay local prices instead of US rates

Important warnings:

• This violates Netflix’s terms of service
• Netflix might suspend your account if caught
• No legal action expected, but access could be lost
• VPN costs a few dollars monthly

Account Sharing Services (High Risk)

Platforms like Together Price and Spliiit connect strangers to split Premium plan costs. Each person pays a fraction of the $25 monthly fee.

Major risks:

• Netflix limits sharing to same household
• Account access could disappear anytime
• No guarantee of continued service
• Account owners can cancel without warning

This option saves money but offers the least reliability. Consider it only if other methods don’t work for your situation.

Smart Money Moves That Actually Work

The safest savings come from legitimate methods:

1. Share with household members – Most reliable option
2. Downgrade your plan – Instant savings with minimal impact
3. Buy discounted gift cards – Guaranteed savings from trusted sources
4. Check carrier bundles – Often eliminates subscription costs completely

Avoid risky shortcuts. Netflix keeps tightening rules around account sharing and VPN use. Stick with proven methods that won’t jeopardize your access.

Your streaming budget doesn’t have to break the bank. Pick the methods that fit your situation. Small changes add up to big savings over time.