Streaming services have become deeply ingrained in our daily lives, offering a vast library of films, series, and documentaries at our fingertips. Among the most popular, Netflix continues to reign supreme. However, as of 2025, subscription costs have risen, prompting many users to look for ways to enjoy high-quality streaming content without draining their wallets. If you’re one of them, you’re in luck. There are several smart and legal methods to get a cheaper Netflix subscription this year.
Why Is Netflix So Expensive in 2025?
All Heading
Before diving into ways to cut costs, it’s important to understand why prices have increased. Netflix has invested billions into original content, expanded internationally, and integrated advanced streaming technologies like 8K and interactive experiences. These efforts, while enhancing overall quality, have driven up operational costs — which, unfortunately, get passed down to subscribers.
Despite that, there are still opportunities and strategies to get Netflix at a reduced price, or even for free in some cases. Let’s examine the most effective ones.
1. Choose the Ad-Supported Plan
In 2023, Netflix introduced a more affordable ad-supported tier, and it’s still available in 2025. This option provides significant savings — often 40-50% cheaper than the standard subscription — in exchange for watching a few ads during your viewing sessions.
- Pros: Great value, access to most Netflix content, HD streaming.
- Cons: Ads before or during shows, no download option.
If you don’t mind short ad breaks, this plan can save you hundreds over a year without missing out on your favorite content.
Netflix has cracked down on password sharing in recent years, but in 2025, they now offer options for shared accounts across verified profiles. You can legally enjoy a Netflix plan with someone else via features like:
- Extra Members: Add another household to your plan for a reduced monthly add-on fee.
- Profile Transfers: Former sharers can now move their viewing history and lists, and start paying individually at a discount for the first 6 months.
Coordinate with friends or family and split the cost. It’s completely within Netflix’s terms and significantly cuts your expense.
3. Use VPNs to Access Cheaper Regional Plans (With Caution)
This method walks a fine legal and ethical line but has been used by thousands to gain access to lower pricing regions. Netflix has variable pricing in different countries, meaning a subscription in India or Turkey, for instance, is significantly cheaper than in the US or UK.
Using a VPN, some users subscribe via a country with lower rates. But be warned:
- Netflix’s updated terms of service in 2025 explicitly prohibit using VPNs for account location changes.
- If discovered, the account could be suspended or canceled.
That said, in some cases where users legitimately reside or travel in such regions, redeeming a local subscription is totally valid.
4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
New in 2025, Netflix has partnered with academic institutions around the world to offer student discounts. Unlike promotional coupons, these deals are managed through platforms like Student Beans and UNiDAYS, where your educational status is verified.
The benefit? Up to 50% off on monthly pricing for up to one year. It doesn’t include the ad-free Ultra HD access, but students can stream concurrently on two devices and have access to almost all library content.
5. Subscribe Through Bundled Services
Some telecom companies, ISPs, and hardware manufacturers bundle Netflix subscriptions with their plans. In 2025, this is one of the most overlooked ways to save money.
Look out for bundles like:
- Mobile Carriers: T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone offer Netflix plans bundled with unlimited data services.
- Home Internet Providers: Some ISPs allow discounted or free Netflix access with premium internet subscriptions.
- Smart TV Deals: Samsung or LG often bundle 6 months of Netflix for free with new TV purchases.
Always ask your service provider what kind of bundled streaming deals are available. You might be paying for Netflix without realizing it!
6. Wait for Regional Promotional Offers
Netflix periodically runs limited-time promotions — especially in emerging markets or when launching new services. If you’re patient and have flexible geographic options, you might stumble upon discounts that provide huge savings.
For instance, Netflix offered a 3-month subscription in Southeast Asia at 70% off to drive viewership in 2024. By keeping an eye on such deals through online forums or social media, you might land an irresistible offer.
7. Gift Cards and Prepaid Options
Using prepaid gift cards gives you control over how much you’re spending and can be an opportunity to buy Netflix credit at a discount. In 2025, many online retailers and stores sell Netflix gift cards at seasonal discounts (e.g., 10–20% off). Some tips:
- Look for bulk deals on platforms like Amazon, Rakuten, or local wholesalers.
- Use cashback credit cards when purchasing to stack savings.
This method also makes monthly budgeting easier, especially if you are concerned with recurring payments.
8. Opt for ‘Mobile-Only’ Plans Where Available
In some countries, Netflix continues offering a mobile-only subscription tier. This is ideal for users who primarily view content on their smartphones or tablets — a common trend in many parts of the world.
These plans are often less than half the price of standard subscriptions and provide full access to the Netflix library, albeit on smaller screens and lower streaming resolution (usually SD or 480p).
9. Watch with Friends Remotely via Netflix Party Alternatives
An increasingly popular avenue is to collaborate with friends via watch parties, each taking turns managing access. Platforms like Teleparty and Scener allow multiple users to watch the same content together with synchronized playback.
This isn’t directly a way to get a subscription, but it lets you sometimes join others without maintaining your own monthly plan — assuming they’re okay with sharing viewing time with you occasionally.
10. Monitor Streaming Habits and Pause When Unused
One key lesson many forget is that Netflix allows users to pause subscriptions — so why pay when you’re not using it?
If you’re heading out on vacation, immersed in a video game, or caught up on YouTube rabbit holes, take a break from Netflix. Resubscribe when you’re ready to binge again. It takes just a minute to cancel and restart your plan. Over the year, skipping a couple of months gives you real savings.
Final Thoughts: Saving Isn’t Just About Cutting Costs — It’s Strategic
As tempting as it is to look for shortcuts or shady ways to get Netflix inexpensively, the best strategies are the ones that respect the platform’s terms while minimizing your monthly expenses. Whether it’s bundling with your mobile carrier, embracing limited ads, or taking advantage of student pricing, there are plenty of pathways to pay less for premium streaming.
Remember to always stay updated with Netflix’s offerings, terms of service, and new feature rollouts. The streaming landscape evolves fast, and a deal available today may not exist tomorrow.
Happy streaming and smart saving!
Recent Comments