Netflix Increase Prices Again Across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin

It’s happening again, folks. Netflix, the streaming giant many of us rely on for our nightly binge-watching, has raised its subscription prices nationwide as of today, January 22nd, 2025.

If you’ve been following along, this news might not come as a total shock. In my last article, I talked about Netflix cracking down on password sharing, introducing features like Profile Transfer, and finding creative ways to make sure every household pays its fair share. Now, they’re asking us to dig even deeper into our wallets.

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What Are the New Prices?

Starting today, here’s what you can expect to see on your bill:

• Ad-Supported Plan: Now $7.99/month (up from $6.99).
• Standard Plan: Jumping to $17.99/month (previously $15.49).
• Premium Plan: Rising to $24.99/month (up from $22.99).

Extra Member Add-On:

• Standard Plan: $8.99/month (up from $7.99).
• Ad-Supported Plan: No change at $6.99/month.

Why the Hike?

Netflix says the increase is part of its continued investment in programming. The company is making big moves into live programming, a strategy that’s not only designed to pull in more advertising dollars but also to give subscribers something new and exciting to stick around for. That could be seen in recent events like the Tyson vs. Paul fight, the two NFL games streamed on Christmas Day, and now WWE Raw.

“As we continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for our members, we will occasionally ask our members to pay a little more so that we can re-invest to further improve Netflix.”

-Netflix Investors Report

It’s worth noting that Netflix has been on a roll financially. In the last quarter of 2024, the company added 19 million subscribers, bringing in a whopping $10.2 billion in revenue, up from $8.8 billion the year before. Their stock has soared 102% in the last year alone.

Is It Still Worth It?

That’s the question on everyone’s mind. Netflix argues that their live programming, endless stream of new content, and personalized features justify the higher prices. But for those of us who’ve watched our subscription costs go from $5.99 six or seven years ago to the $17.99 we’re now paying for the Standard Plan, it’s getting harder to swallow. I mean, the point was endless movies and TVs without the crazy overhead cost.

Remember when streaming was the budget-friendly alternative to cable? Now, it feels like the price of convenience and entertainment keeps climbing higher, with no end in sight. Streaming services are essentially just what basic TV use to be. In fact, new data shows it's beginning to push more and more users to the piracy of old. Think Napster, LimeWire, and Pirate Bay only more sophisticated and less traceable.

Honestly though, for now, I'll be keeping it. It has so far been the most reliable streaming service I've used. Content has actually been increasingly great, with good shows, actors, and exclusives to enjoy. And honestly, I've become invested in certain shows and characters, while the price is still pretty ok, all things considered. However, a few more price hikes and I'm sure we'll see a mass exodus to some other new up-and-comer. I mean, it's essentially what happens in a free market. Somone will figure out how to do it better and cheaper eventually... right?

What Did We Expect?

Let’s face it: Netflix has set the bar for streaming, and they know it. With over 222 million paying households worldwide and an estimated 100 million more sharing passwords, they’re pushing hard to turn every viewer into a paying customer. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that when Netflix wants more money, they’ll find a way to get it from you and me.

So, here we are again, paying more for the same Netflix we’ve grown to depend on. Sure, we can grumble about it, but deep down, most of us knew this was coming. After all, streaming isn’t the "cheap" alternative it once was. So, what’s next? Probably another price hike down the road. Until then, happy streaming—or not.