Netflix increases prices for new customers

Netflix is upping prices for new customers by 50p per month, taking the cost of its standard plan – which enables users to watch TV shows and films on up to two different devices at the same time – from £6.99/month to £7.49/month following a 30-day free trial.

However there is no change in the pricing for its the basic or premium plans costing £5.99/month and £8.99/month respectively.

Existing customers are also unaffected by the move. Their prices will the same for the next year "as a thank you for being a member of Netflix already". See our Watch Movies and TV Online guide for free and cheap ways to watch programmes for free.

This includes those who joined before May 2014 when Netflix upped prices for existing members from £5.99 to £6.99. It's confirmed these customers will still pay £6.99 until 9 May 2016 as promised at the time. See the Want Netflix? Move quickly – it's hiking prices today MSE News story for more information.

Why are prices rising?

Netflix says price rises are mainly being introduced so it can continue adding more TV shows and movies.

In an email sent to customers today, it states: "In order to continue adding more TV programmes and films, including great Netflix series such as House of Cards and Better Call Saul, we are increasing our price for new members from £6.99 to £7.49 for the two screens at a time plan".

I'm an existing customer, what are my options?

New Netflix customers will pay £7.49/month for the standard plan

As part of the standard Netflix plan, which now costs £7.49, customers get the following:

• HD available

• Watch movies on two screens at the same time

• Watch on your laptop, TV, phone and tablet

• Unlimited films and TV programmes

• First month free

However, if you're unhappy with your package you can leave any time penalty free. See our Watch Movies and TV Online guide for free and cheap ways to watch programmes for free.