How to Save Money on a Netflix Subscription in the UK

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services, but with rising subscription costs, finding ways to save money on your plan is more important than ever. Fortunately, there are several strategies to help you reduce the cost of your Netflix subscription in the UK without sacrificing access to your favourite shows and films.

1. Choose the Right Plan for Your Needs

Netflix offers multiple subscription tiers, and many users may be paying for more than they actually need.

Current UK Netflix Plans:

• Standard with Ads (£4.99/month) – Includes adverts but offers a lower-cost option.
• Basic (£7.99/month) – No ads, but only allows one screen at a time and limited HD quality.
• Standard (£10.99/month) – Two simultaneous streams and full HD quality.
• Premium (£15.99/month) – Four simultaneous streams and Ultra HD (4K) content.

Money-Saving Tip:

• If you don’t need multiple screens or 4K streaming, consider downgrading to a cheaper plan.
• The ad-supported plan is a great way to cut costs if you don’t mind occasional adverts.

2. Share a Netflix Account (Legally)

Netflix has cracked down on password sharing, but it still allows users within the same household to share an account.

How to Save Money:

• Standard Plan (£10.99) – Split between two people = £5.50 each.
• Premium Plan (£15.99) – Split between four people = £4 each.
• Use Netflix’s official ‘Extra Member’ feature to add someone outside your household at a lower cost.

3. Look for Bundled Deals and Offers

Many UK mobile, broadband, and TV providers include Netflix as part of their packages.

Providers Offering Netflix Deals:

• Sky Stream & Sky Glass – Often includes Netflix Basic at no extra cost.
• BT TV & EE Broadband – Some packages include a Netflix subscription.
• Virgin Media – Offers Netflix in some TV bundles.

What to Do:

• Check with your existing broadband or TV provider to see if Netflix is included.
• If switching providers, look for bundle deals that include Netflix to save money.

4. Use Gift Cards and Cashback Sites

Buying Netflix gift cards at a discount can help reduce costs over time.

Where to Buy Discounted Netflix Gift Cards:

• Amazon, Tesco, Asda & Sainsbury’s – Sometimes offer promotions.
• TopCashback & Quidco – Cashback offers on gift card purchases.
• HotUKDeals – Community-driven discounts and promotions.

5. Take Advantage of Free Trials and Offers

Netflix no longer offers free trials in the UK, but there are still ways to get access without paying full price.

Alternative Free Trial Options:

• New Broadband or TV Subscriptions – Some providers offer free months of Netflix.
• Bank Rewards & Credit Card Perks – Some banks provide entertainment cashback.
• Spotify Premium & Other Services – Occasionally include free Netflix months as a perk.

6. Cancel When You’re Not Using It

Netflix subscriptions run on a monthly rolling basis, so you can cancel anytime.

Smart Cancellation Strategy:

• If you’re taking a break from watching, cancel for a month or two.
• Resume your subscription only when you have time to binge-watch your favourite shows.
• Netflix saves your viewing history and preferences for 10 months, so you won’t lose anything by cancelling temporarily.

7. Check for Student Discounts or Special Offers

While Netflix doesn’t currently offer a student discount, there are ways students can save.

How Students Can Save:

• Use shared university accommodations to split costs.
• Look for mobile or broadband plans with Netflix included.
• Consider using a friend’s family plan under Netflix’s extra member feature.

8. Consider Alternative Streaming Services

If Netflix is getting too expensive, compare it with cheaper or free alternatives.

Cheaper Streaming Services:

• Amazon Prime Video (£8.99/month) – Includes fast delivery and extra benefits.
• Disney+ (£7.99/month) – Offers exclusive Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars content.
• BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and All 4 (Free) – Great UK TV options at no cost.

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways to save money on a Netflix subscription in the UK. By choosing the right plan, sharing an account, using gift cards, and taking advantage of bundled deals, you can enjoy all the content you love while keeping costs down.