The use of video-on-demand platforms has completely changed. The plan of sharing a single digital subscription with someone is no longer an option, as the platforms have tightened their sharing policies, eliminating that possibility, leaving only the alternative of paying for them (or not consuming their content, although that is unlikely).
The subscription fees for these streaming platforms have been rising, and aspects such as the amount of content you can access or the amount of advertising between content have also varied. Therefore, before deciding whether you want to pay for this service, you should consider what they offer and at what price. This is the case with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Disney+.
Goodbye to using Netflix for free
The idea of asking your parents or sister for your Netflix password is no longer possible. This is because video-on-demand and online entertainment platforms have tightened their sharing policies, limiting account access based on the subscription you are paying for. This is the case with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Disney+. Both prices and internal features have changed, increasing and restricting them respectively, so before deciding to pay for one of these subscriptions, it is advisable to be clear on exactly what it offers and at what price.
How much does each subscription cost and what does it offer me?
Depending on the streaming platform you are interested in, you will find different prices, content, and features.
Netflix
Netflix was the first to tighten its measures on shared plans, charging fees for sharing accounts with people outside the household. The different options it offers are:
- Standard Plan with ads ($7.99 per month), you cannot add anyone who does not live with you.
- Standard Plan without ads ($17.99 per month) allows sharing the account with one external person for an additional cost of $6.99 per month if the plan has ads or $8.99 if it is ad-free.
- Premium Plan ($24.99 per month), which allows viewing on up to four devices within the household, and up to two external users can be added under the same additional fees.
Non-Premium plans only allow simultaneous viewing on two screens at home, and on a single device outside the home.
Amazon Prime Video
The feature of Amazon is that it does allow account sharing, but all adults must reside at the same primary address. Two adults and up to four minors can share the account and watch content on 3 screens simultaneously as long as they are at the same residence. Despite the changes announced for their most used service, these are the plans offered now:
- Prime Video is included with the Amazon Prime membership ($14.99 per month or $139 per year), which also offers benefits like free shipping.
- For young adults aged 18 to 24, there is the Prime for Young Adults option, which includes Prime Video, for $7.49 per month or $69 per year.
Hulu
The plan offered by this platform is $9.99 per month with ads, and $18.99 without ads. Adding someone from outside the household involves an extra charge of $6.99 per month (ad-supported plan) or $9.99 (ad-free plan). The external user can only stream content on one screen, while within the household it can be done on up to 2 devices simultaneously. Additionally, the service allows creating bundles with other platforms like Disney+, ESPN+, or Max to reduce costs.
Disney+
Disney+ has two plans in its offer:
- Basic plan with ads, for $9.99 per month. Allows adding an external user for an additional $6.99 per month.
- Premium plan without ads ($15.99 per month), the cost for sharing increases to $9.99 per month.Within the same household, content can be viewed on four devices simultaneously, while external users can only do so on one device.
Paying a monthly fee is still cheaper than bringing in an external user. However, it will be up to you to decide whether it’s worth subscribing to any of these platforms or if you prefer to save that money!