Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon price rises in western Europe ‘highest in world’
Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video subscribers in western Europe have faced steeper price rises than customers anywhere else in the world over the past three years, according to research by Ampere Analysis. The finding highlights how the world's biggest streaming services are increasingly relying on price increases, alongside advertising tiers, to fund content production and boost profits, even as the size of individual hikes has begun to shrink amid growing consumer resistance.
Western Europe's average monthly subscription rose by $1.86 (£1.36) over the period, ahead of the US at $1.70 and far above sub-Saharan Africa, where increases averaged less than $1. UK Netflix prices last rose in February 2025, taking the basic ad-supported tier to £5.99 and the standard ad-free package to £12.99, while Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video have also introduced or raised charges since 2024. Netflix UK's revenues topped £2bn for the first time last year, up 11% to £2.06bn, with pre-tax profits rising to £72.5m. Ampere said average price rises across the three firms fell from 24% in 2023-24 to 14% in 2025-26, as streamers diversify revenue sources rather than relying solely on price hikes.
- Western Europe hit hardest by Netflix, Disney+, Amazon price rises globally
- Average European monthly increase was $1.86, ahead of the US's $1.70
- Netflix UK revenues passed £2bn for first time, up 11% last year
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Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video sell monthly subscriptions that let people watch films and television online. Their prices and packages vary by country, with options that may include adverts or let viewers watch without them.
The services spend heavily on making and buying programmes, and subscription fees help pay for that content. They have also added advertising and other ways to earn money, while price rises can affect household budgets and whether customers keep their subscriptions.
Ampere Analysis compares subscription prices across regions and services. Its figures help show how streaming companies are changing what they charge in different markets.