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Netflix is raising its price: Here are 5 cheaper streaming alternatives

By Jess Barnes  |  Last updated Jan 22, 2025 9:48 AM ET
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Netflix shared with investors during its Q4 earnings call Tuesday that the streaming service saw a record increase in subscribers at the end of the year, adding 18.9 million new accounts. The company followed up on that news with an announcement of a price hike for all plans, including the first increase for its ad-supported plan, which will increase from $6.99 to $7.99.

The Netflix Standard plan without ads will jump from $15.49 to $17.99 per month. And the Premium plan will increase from $22.99 to $24.99.

While the new cost of the ad-supported plan puts Netflix at the same level as Peacock and Paramount Plus, many subscribers are questioning if the service is worth the price, especially at $18. If you're curious about pausing your Netflix subscription and trying out another streaming service that comes in under the new cost of the Standard plan, we have a few alternatives that are worth a try. 

Hulu and Disney Plus Bundle

Hulu (with ads) costs $9.99 per month on its own. When you tack on a Disney Plus subscription with the Duo Basic bundle, you'll pay $10.99 per month for a massive content library. The Hulu and Disney Plus Bundle is a great Netflix alternative for families with kids. You'll get access to Hulu's collection of current and past TV shows, movies and originals and exclusive content like "The Bear" for the adults in the family and "The Croods: Family Tree" for the kids. Adding Disney Plus to the mix gives you Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic shows and movies. 

Sign up for Hulu

Max

Max plans start at $9.99 per month and will give you the same on-demand experience as Netflix, with the added benefit of B/R Sports, which streams some live sports. B/R Sports is a Max add-on, but it's included in subscriptions at no additional cost for now. Select NBA, March Madness, MLB, NHL and U.S. Soccer games stream on Max. You'll also get HBO series and movies and content from Discovery brands, including HGTV, the Food Network, TLC, ID, Magnolia, Discovery and more.

Sign up for Max

Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is also $9.99 per month, but you can get an extended free trial with the purchase of some Apple products (something to keep in mind if you're upgrading your phone.) The streaming service has some of the best original content right now. Watch "Severance," "Shrinking" with Jason Segal and Harrison Ford, "The Morning Show" with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon and more with your subscription. If you were sticking with Netflix for binge-worthy shows, this is a great alternative. 

Sign up for Apple TV+

Paramount Plus

You can get a Paramount Plus subscription for just $7.99 per month, but the better deal is upgrading to Paramount Plus with Showtime for $12.99 per month. That plan unlocks access to your local CBS station, perfect for watching the NFL on CBS and some upcoming March Madness games, and an on-demand library of past and current CBS shows like "Survivor" and "Fire Country." If you haven't already seen "Yellowstone," you can watch that on Paramount Plus too, along with Taylor Sheridan's new show "Landman."  With Showtime added, you'll add a lineup of movie titles and Showtime originals like "Dexter: Original Sin" and "The Agency."

Sign up for Paramount Plus

Amazon Prime Video

You can sign up for Prime Video on its own for $8.99 per month but the service is included at no additional cost if you already have an Amazon Prime membership. The service has thousands of show and movie titles, along with some originals like "The Boys" and the "Jack Ryan" series. You can also use Prime Video Channels to sign up for additional services like Paramount Plus or Max and watch them all through the same app. Those subscriptions will cost you extra, but it's a good way to try out the services by adding and canceling whenever you want, all in one hub. 

Sign up for Amazon Prime Video

Jess is a writer, editor, and Cleveland sports fan. She previously worked for TV Guide and Cord Cutters News where she covered all things streaming and sports.