Why I Quit Netflix, and You Should Too

At this late stage in the streaming age, we’re all overwhelmed with more digital subscriptions than we can keep track of, from fitness apps to cloud storage. Still, it seems that Netflix is ​​one of the subscriptions that people are least likely to abandon, and that’s borne out by the numbers.

Maybe it’s because Netflix was the first company to really make streaming work, or maybe it’s the vast catalog of content it’s amassed, or maybe it’s just due to Stranger Things And Squid game. Whatever the reason, Netflix’s churn rate is incredibly low. Subscribers stick with it.

It’s certainly something I’ve long considered a mainstay of my streaming device. But recently, as I was re-evaluating all of my monthly subscriptions, I decided to save money and cancel Netflix. Everything went so well that I suggest you do the same.

Here’s what I’ve noticed since my life became Netflix-free — and I strongly suspect this might be your experience, too. (Full disclosure: I will eventually subscribe again, if only to finish Stranger Thingsbut there are benefits to stopping, even if only temporarily.)

I didn’t miss it as much as I thought I would.

Netflix content: there’s a lot.
Credit: Lifehacker

I was a heavy Netflix user before giving it up, and I often browsed the list of recommended shows and movies in the evenings and especially on weekends. I’ve recently been browsing shows like The diplomat, Department Q., DepartureAnd The glass dome. I could always find something to watch on Netflix.

But when I stopped being able to access Netflix, I realized I didn’t really miss it. My viewing has shifted to other streaming services, and particularly ad-supported free channels. There’s actually more free content out there than you think. I’ve even fun rewatched movies and shows I’ve already purchased on various platforms (since I don’t always want to rent something for the evening).

I’ve also spent less time streaming video in general: more of my time has been spent gaming and reading since I ditched my Netflix subscription. I even went to a real movie theater once or twice (although you can’t see anything developed by Netflix on the big screen for the most part).

Prices continue to rise

Need an extra member? This is an additional cost.
Credit: Lifehacker

Before leaving Netflix, I was on the most expensive plan: £18.99 per month here in the UK and $24.99 per month in the US. This allows you to get the best 4K HDR audio and video quality, spatial sound, four simultaneous streams and six devices to download content. It’s actually one of the most expensive streaming plans out there, and the prices keep going up.

After the Great Password Crackdown of 2023, you can’t even share the account with someone who doesn’t live with you anymore, at least unless you pay an extra fee (£4.99 here in the UK, $8.99 in the US). By any measure, this is a significant amount of money. If you pay for the best plan plus an extra member and decide to take six months off from Netflix, you’ll save over $200.

There are of course cheaper plans, if you want to watch ads and put up with lower resolution videos, but I thought the whole point of paying for streaming was to avoid ads? It’s hard to imagine Netflix ever lowering its prices, so this is a problem that is likely to get worse over time.

Your account will be kept for two years

Netflix will keep all your viewing history for a while.
Credit: Lifehacker

One reason you might be reluctant to cancel Netflix is ​​because you think you’ll lose years of your viewing history and personalized recommendations, and have to start over with a clean slate if you decide to sign up again. But actually, Netflix stores your account information for 24 months, including ratings, game saves, and other account details.

As long as you resubscribe in a few years, you’ll find everything just as you left it (although you may have to go through some plot recaps for the shows you were halfway through binge-watching). This suggests that Netflix wants to leave the option to resubscribe open for as long as possible. In my experience, it will definitely send you many emails to re-subscribe in the meantime.

I’m going to return to Netflix one day – there’s just too much there that I want to watch – but after years and years as a customer, it’s been an interesting experience to see what life is like without Netflix. After that, I definitely wouldn’t mind taking another Netflix break in the future. When I decide to resubscribe, it will only take a few clicks or taps.