In 2018, 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, which was costing us £147 per year.  We barely watched live TV anymore at that point, 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. 

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 favourite 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 updating this article, in 2025, Netflix offers three plans in the UK:

• Standard with Adverts – £5.99/month (cheapest Netflix plan UK, but includes ads and some catalogue restrictions)

• Standard (ad-free) – £12.99/month (2 streams)

• Premium – £18.99/month (Ultra HD, 4 streams)

Many subscribers are asking what is the cheapest subscription for Netflix right now. In the UK, that’s the £5.99 Standard with Ads plan.

If you’re wondering “is Netflix worth it UK?”, the answer depends on your household size and viewing habits. Choosing the cheapest Netflix plan UK is often the simplest way to save.

Can you still get free Netflix trials in the UK?

Netflix no longer offers free trials in the UK. The free month that many people used to sign up for ended several years ago. The only way to enjoy Netflix without paying is through a promotion, such as a broadband or mobile deal that includes a limited period of access. After the promotional period, the subscription cost will apply, so it’s worth setting a reminder if you don’t plan to continue.

Netflix and Chill Neon Sign

How to save money on Netflix:

Let's now dive into the different ways you may be able to save money on your Netflix streaming package.

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 £5.99 per month to be able to watch thousands of films and shows on one device.  

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 £18.99, 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.

As of 2025, Netflix UK now charges an ‘extra member’ fee if someone outside your household uses your account. This means sharing is only cheapest when done within your household.

Funny Sarcastic Candle | Netflix, Takeaway & True Love - Soy Wax Gift

Cancel your TV licence and other streaming services

If you mostly watch Netflix and don’t use live TV or BBC iPlayer, then cancelling your TV licence can save you £169.50 per year in the UK. You may also want to review other subscriptions like Disney+, Now TV or Amazon Prime. If Netflix already meets your entertainment needs, trimming back on the rest can be one of the cheapest ways to reduce household streaming costs.

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Netflix 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.

You’ll sometimes see Netflix deals in the UK through broadband and TV providers. For example, Netflix Standard is included with Sky Signature packs, meaning you can pay less overall than buying separately. EE lets you add Netflix to your mobile bill, with the cost matching Netflix direct.

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.  For example, if you use a device like Amazon Firestick to stream Netflix, many reputable VPNs for Fire Stick (such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN) offer dedicated apps, making it easy to set up and access US Netflix directly from your TV.

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.

Using a VPN to watch US Netflix can unlock thousands more shows. It’s a popular Netflix subscription hack, but it may breach terms of service, so weigh the risks carefully.

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!

You can also look for Netflix voucher UK deals on cashback or gift card sites — sometimes with up to 10% off. Use sites like Cardyard, or keep an eye on cashback portals such as TopCashback and Quidco, where discounted or bonus Netflix vouchers appear from time to time.

Cashback on Netflix subscriptions

Netflix itself doesn’t run cashback offers, but there are indirect ways to save. If you buy your subscription through a provider such as Sky, EE or Virgin Media, you may be able to earn cashback on the whole package through sites like TopCashback or Quidco. Some banking apps also give rewards or cashback on regular bills, which can help reduce the cost of streaming services.

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 your 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 and by using your mobile phone, then this can get quite costly with 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 cancelling 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.  

Virgin Media, for example, offer the standard with ads package from Netflix in some of their packages.

Is it cheaper to buy Netflix direct or through a provider?

Netflix costs the same whether you pay for it directly or through a provider such as Sky, Virgin Media or EE. The difference comes when it’s bundled into a package you already have. For example, if your broadband or TV deal includes Netflix, then you’re effectively getting it at a lower overall cost compared to paying separately. Always check the full package price to make sure you’re actually saving.

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.

Netflix and Avoid People T Shirt

Student and low-income discounts

One common question is: “Does Netflix offer a student discount UK?” At present, the answer is no. Netflix UK does not run an official student discount, and there’s no low-income plan either.

That said, students and households on a budget can still save. If you live with family, the Premium plan at £18.99 per month allows four people to stream at once — working out at under £5 per person, similar to the cheapest Netflix account cost.

Netflix & Fall Asleep - Greeting Card

Explore free alternatives to Netflix

There are some free streaming services. While they might not have the vast library of Netflix, they can be good supplements to keep your entertainment costs down.

Explore free streaming alternatives to Netflix UK, including:

• ITVX (formerly ITV Hub) – free TV and films with adverts.

• All 4 – Channel 4’s library of dramas, films, and documentaries.

• Pluto TV – free live channels and on-demand content.

• Amazon Freevee – free movies and series with ads.

These aren’t direct replacements, but they can help reduce how much you rely on Netflix, which may allow you to downgrade your plan and save.

Netflix Logo Lightbox

Use the Netflix app for mobile games

Not many people realise that a Netflix membership now includes access to a growing library of mobile games, with no adverts or in-app purchases. These can be downloaded through the Netflix app at no extra cost. If you normally pay for mobile games, this feature could save you a surprising amount over the year, making your Netflix subscription even better value.

Is Netflix worth the cost in the UK?

Whether Netflix is worth the price depends on how much you watch. For households that regularly enjoy Netflix Originals and box sets that aren’t available elsewhere, the subscription can be good value. If you only dip in occasionally, it might make sense to downgrade to the cheapest plan or cancel for a few months at a time. Combining Netflix with free platforms like ITVX or Amazon Freevee is a good way to reduce your spend without running out of things to watch.

Netflix Logo Shirt T-Shirt

Quick roundup: Cheapest ways to get Netflix in the UK

• Pick the £5.99 Standard with Ads plan if you just want the lowest monthly cost

• Share a Premium plan within your household to cut the cost per person

• Cancel your TV licence and other streaming subscriptions if Netflix alone is enough

• Watch for bundle deals with Sky, Virgin Media or EE that include Netflix

• Buy discounted Netflix gift cards on sites like Cardyard, or through cashback deals

• Ask for Netflix vouchers as birthday or Christmas gifts

• Use a VPN (with caution) to access more content from the US library

• Download shows for offline viewing to save on mobile data costs

• Downgrade or pause your plan during quieter viewing months

• Try Netflix mobile games instead of paying for separate app store purchases

• Supplement Netflix with free services like ITVX, All 4, Pluto TV and Amazon Freevee

Final word on how to save money on your Netflix subscription

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: