MailOnline Exposes UK’s £360 Monthly Streaming Trap: Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify Costs Pile Up

Streaming Costs Soar: How to Track Expenses and Save
(Include image: Netflix homepage screenshot with text overlay: "Price hikes hit viewers")

With Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and countless other platforms, keeping track of streaming subscriptions—and their rising prices—is a growing challenge. MailOnline’s new calculator reveals users could pay over £359/month for all top-tier services. Here’s how to avoid overspending.

The Hidden Cost of Streaming

Streaming platforms are quietly raising prices while adding ads to paid tiers. For example, Netflix’s Standard plan jumped from £10.99 to £12.99/month in February, and Disney+ now charges £12.99/month for its ad-free Premium tier. Even with ads, services like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ cost up to £8.99/month.

MailOnline’s calculator (embedded below) lets users tally their monthly outgoings across 28 UK services, including TV licenses (£14.13/month). Subscribing to Netflix Standard, Disney+ Standard, and Amazon Prime averages £30.97/month—£371/year. Premium plans push costs higher: Netflix’s £18.99/month and Disney+’s £12.99/month combine to £383.76/year, more than double the annual TV license fee.

(Include image: Graph titled "UK SVoD Household Penetration, 2015–2024" showing Netflix dominance)

Ads and Sharing Fees Add to the Pain

Platforms increasingly blend ads into subscriptions. Netflix introduced ads in 2022, followed by Disney+ and Prime Video—despite customer frustration. Worse, sharing accounts across households now incurs extra fees. Dave Wain, a DVD rental shop owner, warns, “Streaming is becoming elitist, pricing out younger audiences.”

How to Save on Subscriptions

1. Audit Your Subscriptions: Check bank statements for recurring charges.
2. Rotate Services: Subscribe to one platform at a time, then cancel after binge-watching.
3. Downgrade Tiers: Opt for cheaper, ad-supported plans.

(Include image: Side-by-side Disney+ and Netflix app icons with price tags)

Oli Townsend of MoneySavingExpert.com advises, “If you’re struggling to find content, cancel penalty-free. Flexibility is key.”

The Bottom Line

With prices climbing yearly, regularly reviewing subscriptions is crucial. What seems affordable individually—like Now Sports (£34.99) or Apple TV+ (£8.99)—quickly adds up. Use tools like MailOnline’s calculator to avoid “subscription creep” and prioritize value.

(Include image: Collage of popular streaming service logos with headline: "Are you overpaying?")

Final Tip: Don’t overlook free trials, discounts for annual plans, or bundled deals (e.g., Spotify + Hulu). Stay vigilant, and your wallet will thank you.

All prices accurate as of March 2025.