Netflix hikes prices of top-end subscriptions

The cost of its 'basic' plan will remain the same at £5.99/mth, but users will have to pay more for Netflix's 'standard' or 'premium' memberships.

• Standard membership is going up by 50p/mth. This option allows users to watch in HD and on two screens simultaneously, and is rising from £7.49/mth to £7.99/mth.

• Premium membership is going up by £1/mth. This option allows users to watch in HD and Ultra HD and on four different screens simultaneously, and is rising from £8.99/mth to £9.99/mth.

The price change will apply immediately for anyone taking out a new subscription, but current Netflix subscribers will be given 30 days' notice. The date you'll be notified depends on your billing cycle, but current users will start being notified from Thursday 19 October.

The date that current subscribers will be notified depends on their billing cycle, but notification will begin from Thursday 19 October.

Netflix packages and how prices are changing

What can you do to avoid the increase?

If you're unhappy with the price increase, then you can cancel your contract before the hike comes in. If you do so, your account will remain open until the end of your billing period.

However before you do so, it's worth looking at what alternative streaming services offer - and in particular whether they include the shows or films you want to watch, as some of what Netflix offers such as Orange is the New Black is exclusive. See our Watch Movies and TV Online guide for full help.

Alternatively, weigh up if you really use the extra benefits of your standard or premium membership. If you want to avoid the hike without losing Netflix altogether, it may be worth downgrading to a 'basic' membership. To do this visit your account page, then select change plan to view and select available plans.

What Netflix says

A spokesperson for Netflix said: "From time to time, Netflix plans and pricing are adjusted as we add more exclusive TV shows and movies, introduce new product features and improve the overall Netflix experience to help members find something great to watch even faster."

More than than 1,000 hours of original content would be added to the site in 2017, she added.