Netflix Prices in Australia Continue to Climb, Here’s How Much They Cost Now

Netflix Australia is once again shaking up its subscription plans, and with that comes a steeper price tag for the streaming service that has long dominated the market Down Under. Rising subscription fees, stricter account-sharing policies, and evolving market dynamics have raised the question: is Netflix still the best value for Aussies?

Current Netflix Plans and Pricing in Australia

Netflix’s offerings in Australia have evolved considerably. Back in the day, the platform featured a Basic plan, but that option has now been phased out. Today, subscribers choose between three tiers:

• Standard with Ads: $7.99/month — ad-supported, limited features.
• Basic (grandfathered, no longer available to new users): $10.99/month — single stream, SD quality.
• Standard: $18.99/month — two streams, HD quality.
• Premium: $25.99/month — four streams, Ultra HD, spatial audio, download on 6 devices.

Standard Plan with Ads – AU$7.99 per month

This plan offers HD streaming on two screens with ad interruptions of about 4–5 minutes every hour. While the standard ad plan is designed as an affordable entry point, it also restricts access to a portion of the complete catalogue—details of which remain undisclosed.

• HD streaming on two screens.
• Ad interruptions of 4–5 minutes per hour.
• Limited access to Netflix’s entire catalogue (Netflix doesn’t disclose which titles are missing).

Standard Plan (No Ads) – AU$18.99 per month

Once launched at AU$8.99 in 2015, the ad-free Standard plan has seen significant price inflation. It now offers HD streaming on two screens and offline downloads on up to two devices, making it a solid mid-range option for households seeking an ad-free experience without 4K resolution.

• HD streaming on two screens.
• No ads.
• Offline downloads on two devices.

Premium Plan (4K & HDR) – AU$25.99 per month

For larger households or those who crave the best in picture and sound, the Premium plan allows streaming on up to four screens simultaneously in 4K and HDR. It also comes with perks like spatial audio and enhanced download capabilities across up to six devices.

• 4K and HDR streaming.
• Spatial audio for enhanced sound.
• Watch on up to four screens.
• Download content on up to six devices.

Why Are Prices Going Up?

There are several factors driving price hikes for Netflix Australia subscribers:

• Rising Production Costs: High-budget originals like Stranger Things and The Crown are expensive, and Netflix is investing heavily in international and Australian content.
• Password Sharing Crackdown: New pricing tiers have been introduced to curb account sharing. Subscribers who extend access beyond their household now face an extra AU$7.99 per month per additional member.
• Inflation and Market Dynamics: Post-COVID inflation and shifting market conditions have forced streaming platforms to adjust their pricing models.

“As we add more entertainment value, then, of course, we can go back to our subscribers and ask them to pay a little bit more to keep that virtuous cycle moving,” Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said during the Q1 2024 earnings call. Netflix also advises that any upcoming price changes will be communicated via email one month before the new billing date.

What Do You Get for Your Money?

The differences between Netflix’s plans come down to three key factors:

1. Ad Frequency and Catalogue Access:

The Standard plan with Ads is the most budget-friendly option, but it requires viewers to sit through periodic ad breaks—typically four to five minutes per hour—and may restrict access to parts of the content library, although Netflix hasn’t specified which titles are affected.

2. Streaming Quality and Device Flexibility:

The Standard (No Ads) and ad-supported plans offer 1080p HD streaming on two screens simultaneously, along with the ability to download content on up to two devices. In contrast, the Premium plan elevates the viewing experience with 4K Ultra HD, spatial audio for enhanced sound quality, and the capability to stream on up to four screens simultaneously while allowing downloads on up to six devices.

3. Value vs. Convenience:

The lower-cost, ad-supported plan offers a more affordable entry point at the expense of convenience and full catalogue access. On the other hand, the ad-free Standard and Premium plans provide a seamless viewing experience and superior streaming quality, though they come at a higher price point.

How Does Netflix Compare to Other Streaming Services?

Content remains the crown jewel of Netflix’s offering, boasting a library of 7,321 titles—including 4,428 movies and 2,893 TV shows. In Australia, research by YouGov indicates that 43% of the population has a Netflix account, while Netflix claims that 68% of Aussies have access to its service.

On the global stage, Netflix stands tall with 270 million subscribers, and in 2023 alone, users worldwide collectively watched 183 billion hours of programming. Despite this impressive collection, Prime Video leads with over 9,400 titles overall.

Although Netflix maintains its popularity, its ad-free Standard and Premium plans sit at the upper end of the market:

• Disney+: Approximately AU$13.99 per month – 4K included, no ads.
• Prime Video: Around AU$9.99 per month – with additional perks such as shipping benefits.
• Binge: About AU$18 per month – featuring premium TV content without 4K.
• Stan: Ranging from AU$10 to AU$21 per month, depending on features.

While Netflix remains one of Australia’s most popular streaming platforms, its Standard and Premium plans are among the most expensive.

• Basic streaming plans in Australia average around AU$9.25 per month
• Standard plans typically cost AU$13.99 per month
• Premium plans hover around AU$19.16 per month

While Netflix’s ad-supported plan is competitively priced, its Standard and Premium options still cost more than most competitors.

Does Netflix Offer Free Trials in Australia?

Netflix does not offer free trials in Australia. However, you can cancel your subscription anytime, with access continuing until the end of the billing cycle.

Tips to Save Money on Netflix

For those looking to trim their streaming costs:

• Share a Premium Account: Consider splitting the Premium plan with household members.
• Opt for Ads: The Standard plan with Ads at AU$7.99 per month is the cheapest option if you can tolerate occasional interruptions (we call them bathroom breaks).
• Timing is Everything: Some users cancel and re-subscribe when new seasons or shows drop.
• Bundle Deals: Look out for telco bundles—like those from Optus—that include a Standard Netflix subscription as part of a package deal.

When Will Netflix Prices Rise Again?

If history is anything to go by (and it usually is), further price increases could come as early as late 2025 or 2026. Netflix may also expand its ad-supported offerings alongside other potential shifts—such as the introduction of live content like sports or comedy specials—which could influence future pricing. Subscription fatigue might prompt users to rotate between services, adding yet another layer to the evolving streaming landscape.

Final Thoughts: Is Netflix Worth the Price?

Choosing the right plan depends mainly on your household size, viewing habits, and budget:

• Best for Budget-Conscious Users: Standard Plan with Ads (AU$7.99 per month)
• Best Value for Most Households: Standard Plan (No Ads) at AU$18.99 per month
• Best for 4K Lovers & Big Households: Premium Plan (AU$25.99 per month)

Netflix remains a top-tier streaming service, offering exclusive content and premium features. However, with ongoing price hikes and added fees for password sharing, it’s worth weighing whether you’re getting the best value for your money in an increasingly competitive market.