Netflix Price Hike 2026: Why IPTV Is Now the Smarter Alternative
Netflix just raised prices again. The Premium plan now costs $24.99/month — and even the ad-supported tier jumped to $8.99. Meanwhile, IPTV offers 150,000+ movies and TV shows plus 18,000+ live channels for as little as $7/month. Here's why millions are making the switch.
Netflix's Price History: A Pattern of Hikes
Netflix has raised prices almost every year. Here's the Premium plan trajectory:
| Year | Premium Price | Increase | Cumulative Rise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.99 | — | — |
| 2020 | $17.99 | +$2.00 | +13% |
| 2022 | $19.99 | +$2.00 | +25% |
| 2023 | $22.99 | +$3.00 | +44% |
| 2025 | $24.99 | +$2.00 | +56% |
| 2026 (projected) | $27.99? | +$3.00? | +75%? |
In just 6 years, Netflix Premium has increased 56% — while offering fewer titles than in 2019 due to licensing losses. IPTV has stayed at $7/month the entire time.
Netflix vs IPTV: The Full Comparison
| Feature | Netflix Premium | IPTV |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $24.99 | $7.00 |
| Movies & TV Shows | ~15,000 | 150,000+ |
| Live TV Channels | 0 | 18,000+ |
| Live Sports | Limited (new) | All major leagues & events |
| New Movie Releases | Select originals | Latest releases available |
| 4K HDR Content | Premium only ($25) | Included in all plans |
| Simultaneous Screens | 4 (Premium) | Up to 4 (all plans) |
| Downloads / DVR | Limited downloads | Cloud DVR included |
| Ads | Yes (Standard w/ Ads) | No ads on VOD |
| Contract | Monthly (can cancel) | No contract required |
IPTV offers 10x the content at less than a third of the price — with live TV and sports that Netflix simply doesn't have.
The Streaming Stack Problem
Netflix isn't your only subscription. Most households stack multiple services:
Save $1,463/year by replacing your entire streaming stack with a single IPTV subscription.
What Netflix Keeps Taking Away
While prices go up, Netflix keeps removing value:
Shrinking Library
Netflix has lost thousands of titles as studios launch their own platforms. The Office, Friends, Marvel, Star Wars — all gone to competitors.
Password Sharing Crackdown
Netflix now charges $8/month extra for each household member outside your home. Sharing with family costs more than ever.
Ads on Cheaper Plans
The $8.99 plan includes unskippable ads — something Netflix swore they'd never do. Ad-free starts at $17.99.
Quality Tier Gating
4K HDR is locked behind the $24.99 Premium plan. Even the $17.99 Standard plan maxes out at 1080p.
Content Rotation
Shows and movies regularly disappear with no warning. That documentary you were watching? Gone next month.
Regional Restrictions
Netflix libraries vary drastically by country. Traveling? You might lose access to half your content.
No Ads. No Crackdowns. No Shrinking Library.
IPTV gives you more content, more freedom, and more value — from just $7/month.
What IPTV Gives You That Netflix Can't
150,000+ Movies & TV Shows
Every Netflix original, plus content from every other platform, classic films, international cinema, and new releases — all in one library.
18,000+ Live TV Channels
Something Netflix will never offer at scale. News, sports, entertainment, kids' content, international channels — live, 24/7.
Every Sport, Every League
NFL, NBA, Premier League, Champions League, UFC, F1, World Cup — all live. Netflix's sports offering is a handful of events.
No Geo-Restrictions
Same massive library whether you're at home or traveling. No content vanishing when you cross a border.
4K HDR on Every Plan
No premium upcharge for the best quality. Every IPTV plan includes 4K HDR streaming.
No Ads, Ever
Unlike Netflix's ad-supported tiers, IPTV's on-demand content is completely ad-free.
Annual Cost: The Numbers Don't Lie
Netflix Premium
~15,000 titles
No live TV
Full Streaming Stack
~50,000 titles
Limited live
IPTV
150,000+ titles
18,000+ live channels
Switching from Netflix Premium to IPTV saves you $216/year. Replacing your entire streaming stack saves $1,463/year.