How to Pay Less for Netflix in 2026: 7 Effective Methods

With its original series, movies, documentaries, and shows available year-round, Netflix remains one of the most popular streaming platforms. But with a subscription costing up to €21.99 per month in France, the bill is starting to take a toll on the budget.

In 2026, Netflix offers three main plans: Standard with ads for €7.99 per month, Standard for €14.99, and Premium for €21.99. These prices are subject to change, so it’s best to check the price listed on Netflix when you sign up.

Good news: There are several simple ways to pay less for Netflix without using methods that could get your account blocked.

1. Make sure your subscription really meets your needs

We sometimes tend to stick with the same subscription for years without asking ourselves whether it’s still the right fit.

The Premium plan is especially worth it if you want to enjoy 4K content and watch Netflix on multiple screens at the same time. If you mainly use the platform on your own—on a phone, computer, or a single TV—a less expensive plan may be more than enough.

Before renewing your subscription, ask yourself a few questions:

• Do you really watch Netflix on four screens at the same time?
• Is your TV 4K-compatible?
• Do ads really bother you?
• Do several people use the account regularly?

Netflix lets you change your plan directly from your account settings. Switching from Premium to Standard currently saves you €7 per month, or €84 over the course of a full year.

2. Choose Netflix Standard with ads

At €7.99 per month in France, the Standard plan with ads is currently the cheapest Netflix subscription. It lets you watch shows in Full HD on two devices at the same time.

In exchange, commercials are shown before or during certain programs. Some movies and TV shows may also be unavailable due to licensing restrictions.

This plan can be a good compromise if you watch Netflix only occasionally or simply want to cut back on your expenses. 

Please note, however, that you cannot add an additional subscriber to a primary account that uses the ad-supported plan.

3. Pause your subscription during slow periods

You don't have to pay for Netflix all year long.

If you know you won't be using the platform much during vacation, a trip, or a busy period, you can pause your subscription. Netflix currently allows you to pause your account for one month and extend that pause, up to a total of three months, when the option is available.

You can also cancel your subscription and reactivate it later. Since Netflix is offered with no commitment, you’ll continue to have access until the end of the period you’ve already paid for.

This solution is particularly appealing if you switch between several streaming services. Rather than paying for Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Prime Video every month, you can limit yourself to just one or two platforms at a time.

4. Use the “Additional Subscriber” option

Netflix limits normal account use to people living in the same household. A Netflix household consists of devices connected from the location where the Owner (the person who signed up) primarily watches the platform.

To share Netflix with someone who doesn't live at the same address, the holder of a compatible plan can purchase an "Additional Member" option. The invited person will then have their own account and password and can use Netflix from their own home.

Depending on the main account plan, it is possible to add one or more additional subscribers. The account holder pays for this option and can then arrange for the invited person to reimburse them for the cost.

This method is generally more expensive than the old profile-sharing practice, but it aligns with Netflix’s official policy for someone living outside the household.

5. Compare the plans offered by your carrier or Internet service provider

Netflix may be offered as an add-on or included with certain Internet, mobile, or TV package subscriptions.

The offer isn't necessarily cheaper in every case. However, it may be worth considering if you're already paying for several services separately or if your provider is offering a temporary discount.

Before signing up, please check carefully:

• the Netflix plan included 
• the duration of the promotion 
• the price charged after the promotional period 
• the potential duration of the commitment 
• Other services included in the offer

A €30 bundle isn't a good deal if you only use Netflix. However, it can be a good deal if you were already planning to subscribe to the other platforms or channels included in the package.

Netflix also notes that certain options for making changes or sharing may differ when the subscription is billed by a partner.

6. Use a discounted Netflix gift card

Some retailers occasionally offer special deals on their gift cards, such as instant discounts, cashback, loyalty points, or gift certificates. However, these promotions are not permanent, and the savings are generally limited.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, purchase your gift cards only from Netflix or authorized retailers. Be wary of websites that advertise very large discounts.

7. Use a co-subscription platform

When multiple people contribute to a compatible subscription, Spliiit easy to organize monthly reimbursements.

The Owner their subscription and specifies the number of available spots. Other users then join the share and pay their share through the platform. Spliiit payments to avoid having to send reminders and make manual transfers every month.

For Netflix, it is important to follow the service's specific rules:

• Standard account sharing is limited to members of the same household 
• A person living at a different address must use a compatible "Additional Subscriber" option 
• Some accounts billed by a carrier or partner do not allow the addition of an additional subscriber 
• Activation must be performed in the same country as the account holder's country of residence

Spliiit it Spliiit to connect with others and split the cost, but it does not change the terms of use set by Netflix.

To learn all the steps, check out our guide on sharing your Netflix subscription.

⚠️ Reminder: Netflix’s terms and conditions specify that account sharing is intended for members of the same household. Spliiit as a legal intermediary to help reduce costs. 

FAQ

What is the cheapest Netflix subscription?

The cheapest Netflix subscription in France is currently the Standard plan with ads, priced at €7.99 per month. It includes Full HD and two simultaneous streams, with commercial breaks.

Can you share your Netflix account with someone who doesn't live with you?

Netflix states that a standard account should be used by people living in the same household. To invite someone who lives elsewhere, you must use the official “Additional Member” option, if it’s available with your chosen plan.

Does Netflix offer a free trial?

No. Netflix does not currently offer a free trial. However, you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Is there a Netflix plan for students?

Netflix does not offer a specific student discount. To pay less, students can choose the ad-supported plan, pause their account when they’re not using it, or join a compatible shared account.

Is it possible to watch Netflix for free all year long?

Yes. You can pause your subscription when this feature is available, or cancel it, and then reactivate it when new shows interest you.

Spliiit a no-commitment service?

Yes, Spliiit no commitment: you can join or leave a sharing arrangement as needed.

Is it legal to share your Netflix subscription?

Spliiit legally as a matchmaking intermediary. Netflix’s terms and conditions allow for account sharing within the same household. It’s important to note this distinction: the platform facilitates connections without superseding the service’s terms of use.

In summary

To pay less for Netflix in 2026, start by making sure your plan actually matches your usage. The ad-supported plan remains the most affordable option for individual users, while pausing your subscription lets you skip payments during months when you’re not using the platform.

You can also compare your carrier's plans or use the "Additional Subscriber" option for someone who does not live in your household.

Finally, Spliiit to split expenses among participants in a compatible subscription by centralizing monthly payments. Find out how Spliiit works and start optimizing your subscription budget.