The Best Netflix Alternatives in 2025 (Cheaper Options That Are Actually Worth It)

With subscription prices creeping up year after year, many people are questioning whether Netflix still offers the best value. If you’re paying for Netflix but barely using it, or you’ve already watched what you wanted, switching to a cheaper or more relevant alternative can make sense.

This guide breaks down the best Netflix alternatives in 2025, what each platform does well, and which type of viewer they suit best.

Why People Look for Netflix Alternatives

People usually search for Netflix alternatives for a few clear reasons:

• Netflix price increases over time

• Content rotates frequently and favourites disappear

• Too many subscriptions running at once

• Paying monthly without watching regularly

Instead of cancelling streaming altogether, many people simply switch to a service that better matches what they actually watch.

What Makes a Good Netflix Alternative?

Before choosing an alternative, it helps to think about what you actually use Netflix for.

Key factors to consider:

• Type of content you watch most

• Original series vs films

• Family-friendly or adult-focused

• Live sport or documentaries

• Price compared to usage

The “best” alternative depends entirely on viewing habits.

The Best Netflix Alternatives Right Now

1. Amazon Prime Video

Best overall alternative for value

Amazon Prime Video is often the easiest switch from Netflix.

Why it works well

• Large mix of films and series

• Included with Amazon Prime delivery benefits

• Regular new releases

• Optional add-on channels

Things to consider

• Interface can feel cluttered

• Some content requires additional rentals

For many people, Prime Video replaces Netflix without feeling like a downgrade.

2. Disney Plus

Best for families and franchises

Disney Plus focuses on well-known brands rather than volume.

Strengths

• Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic

• Strong family-friendly catalogue

• Consistent quality

Limitations

• Less variety outside major franchises

• Not ideal for general browsing

Good for households with children or fans of specific series.

3. Apple TV Plus

Best for high-quality originals

Apple TV Plus has a smaller library, but quality is the focus.

Why people choose it

• Critically acclaimed original shows

• Clean, ad-free experience

• Often cheaper than Netflix

Downsides

• Limited content library

• Not ideal for casual browsing

Best for people who prefer fewer but better shows.

4. NOW

Best for flexible subscriptions

NOW offers short-term access without long contracts.

Why it stands out

• Monthly or pass-based access

• Films, entertainment, and sport options

• Easy to cancel

Things to note

• Add-ons increase the price

• Ads on lower-tier plans

Ideal for people who rotate services frequently.

5. Free Streaming Platforms

Best if you want to cut costs completely

There are also free options worth considering.

Examples include:

• YouTube (official channels and films)

• Freevee

• ITVX

• Channel 4 streaming

They include ads, but cost nothing.

Netflix vs Alternatives: Which Is Better Value?

Netflix still offers:

• Large content volume

• Strong recommendation engine

• Global originals

However, many users find they only watch a handful of shows per year. In those cases, rotating subscriptions often saves money without sacrificing entertainment.

A common approach is:

• Subscribe for one or two months

• Watch what you want

• Cancel and switch

How Much Money Can You Save by Switching?

Dropping Netflix for even a few months a year can save a noticeable amount. When combined with other unused subscriptions, the savings increase quickly.

This is where visibility matters.

A Smarter Way to Manage Streaming Subscriptions

Most people don’t overspend because of one service. They overspend because subscriptions stack up quietly.

Little Birdie helps you:

• Track all subscriptions in one place

• See what you’re paying each month

• Identify unused or duplicate services

• Cancel subscriptions you no longer need

• Compare prices and switch to better options

Having everything visible makes it easier to rotate streaming services instead of paying for all of them at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Netflix still worth it in 2025?It depends on how often you watch. For occasional viewing, alternatives may offer better value.

Can I cancel Netflix and rejoin later? Yes. Netflix allows you to cancel and resubscribe at any time.

Do alternatives have better content? Some do, depending on your preferences. Many focus on quality over quantity.

Is it cheaper to rotate streaming services? Yes. Many people save money by subscribing to one service at a time.

Final Thoughts

Netflix isn’t automatically the best option anymore. With strong alternatives available, choosing the right platform based on your habits can reduce spending without reducing enjoyment.

The smartest approach is flexibility: subscribe when you need it, cancel when you don’t.

Author: Little Birdie Editorial Team

The Little Birdie Editorial Team creates clear, practical guidance to help people manage subscriptions, reduce unnecessary spending, and stay in control of recurring payments with confidence.