Around six years ago I wrote a blog post about how we managed to save £315 per year on our TV and broadband in the space of five minutes.  One of the ways was by cancelling our TV licence that was costing us £147 per year.  We barely watched live TV anymore and never used BBC iPlayer. 

We decided we could do without normal TV and any BBC catch up services and save ourselves this money each year, especially as we had already signed up to Netflix and couldn’t justify the cost of both. 

So, Netflix won. In that time, however, the cost of Netflix has continued to rise.  And perhaps you are considering whether you can justify the cost of Netflix or how you can save money on your account.

I love reading Netflix hacks online to get more out of my subscription and today I’m going to share with you the ways you can get Netflix cheaper, as well as a clever way to access the US Netflix library. 

How to save money on Netflix:

Netflix has become a household name, offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content.

However, the cost of a subscription can quickly add up. With the platform introducing new plans and features, it can be overwhelming to find the cheapest way to enjoy your favorite shows. This guide breaks down the options, providing tips and tricks to help you minimise your Netflix spending without sacrificing quality.

Firstly, how much does Netflix cost in the UK?

At the time of writing, Netflix offers three plans in the UK:

1. Standard with Ads: This is the cheapest option at £4.99 per month. However, it includes ads and has limited content.
2. Standard: Ad-free, allows two simultaneous streams, and offers HD quality. It costs £10.99 per month.
3. Premium: Ad-free, allows four simultaneous streams, offers Ultra HD, and includes some content in Dolby Vision and HDR. It costs £17.99 per month.

Share a subscription

The best way to reduce your Netflix subscription fees once you’ve signed up is to share the subscription between 2-4 people.  At the time of writing, the most expensive package is £17.99, so you can split this between four people, share the login details and be able to watch on one screen each. 

While sharing your Netflix account with friends or family is a popular way to save money, it's important to be aware that it might violate Netflix's terms of service. The platform has taken steps to crack down on password sharing and has introduced measures to prevent unauthorised access. It's essential to consider the potential risks and consequences before sharing your account.

Special offers

Keep an eye out for promotional offers or discounts that Netflix occasionally offers to new subscribers or returning users. Sometimes, you might find introductory offers that reduce the cost for the first few months.

Choose the cheapest package

If it’s just you watching and you have no one else to share the subscription with, then simply choose the cheapest basic package to save money on Netflix.  At only £4.99 per month to be able to watch thousands of films and shows on one device.  I’ve seen rumours online that suggest Netflix might be introducing a cheaper mobile-only plan, but until then choose the basic package to keep costs down.

Use a VPN to access US Netflix

It’s possible to unblock Netflix with a VPN so you can watch all the shows that are available in the US library too.  There are almost twice as many shows in the US Netflix library, so you can almost double your content.  

While using a VPN can unlock a wider range of content on Netflix, it's essential to do so responsibly and legally. Some countries have strict regulations regarding VPN use, and streaming content from regions you don't reside in might violate terms of service. It's crucial to research your local laws and Netflix's specific terms before using a VPN.

Always ensure you're using a reputable VPN service that prioritises user privacy and security.

When choosing a VPN, you can get discount of up to 95% via cashback if you shop via TopCashback for a VPN provider.

Buy discounted Netflix gift cards

Check out online discounted gift card websites and marketplaces such as eBay to buy other people’s unwanted Netflix gift cards.  When you add a gift card to your Netflix account they will use your available gift card balance first, before taking any payments from your bank account.  You can also save a search on eBay for Netflix gift cards so you don’t miss out.  Just after Christmas is a great time to check if people are listing unwanted vouchers they got as a present. This is one of the best Netflix hacks to save money, providing you can find the gift vouchers for sale!

Ask for Netflix gift vouchers as gifts

As well as searching for discounted Netflix gift cards, you can also ask friends and family for Netflix gift cards for your own Christmas and birthday presents.   It’s much better to get something you can use and want for you birthday, plus this will save you some money too as you’ll not have to pay your subscription fees yourself for a couple of months or so.

Download your fave shows to watch offline

If you love to watch shows whilst travelling, using your mobile phone, then this can get quite costly using mobile data or having to pay for WiFi in certain places.  Instead, download your favourite shows to watch offline.  Simply store them on your device and watch them without any internet connection wherever you are!

Downgrade your plan

If you find yourself watching less during certain months, consider downgrading your plan to a cheaper tier as this is usually the easiest, cheapest way to get Netflix. You can always upgrade again when your viewing habits increase. This can help you save money without completely canceling your subscription.

Look for bundle deals with other subscriptions

Sometimes Netflix is bundled with other subscriptions like mobile plans, broadband packages, or even premium services like Spotify or Sky. These bundles can offer significant savings compared to paying for each service separately.  For example, EE have previously offered basic Netflix packages with their subscriptions.

Use ad blockers (with caution)

While ad blockers can improve your streaming experience by removing annoying advertisements, it's essential to use them cautiously. Some ad blockers might interfere with the platform's functionality or violate their terms of service. If you decide to use an ad blocker, make sure it's reputable and doesn't compromise your online security.

Explore alternative streaming services

If you're looking to cut costs, exploring alternative streaming services could be a viable option. There are numerous platforms available, each offering a unique selection of content. Comparing prices and features can help you find a service that aligns with your viewing preferences and budget.

Remember to check for any ongoing promotions or discounts offered by these alternative platforms.

Explore free alternatives to Netflix

There are some free streaming services like All 4, or ITV Hub in the UK, which offer a decent range of shows and movies. While they might not have the vast library of Netflix, they can be good supplements to keep your entertainment costs down.

Final word

There are so many ways to save money on Netflix, from sharing account login details with friends to using a VPN to get more shows.  Netflix can be a surprisingly cheap way to watch all your favourite shows!

If you need more money to pay for your Netflix account, check out these free money offers for more cash in your pocket: