Starting in August 2025, the party is over for some Free subscribers. For the first time, Free will pass on the streaming platform's price increase, and the pill promises to be particularly bitter for some of its most loyal customers. A decision that, in effect, creates winners and losers.
Until now, Free played the good Samaritan when Netflix raised its prices by absorbing the cost to keep it free for its premium subscribers. This luxury came to an end with the American giant's latest price reassessment, which now only offers three plans, including a Premium offer at nearly €22. Faced with this surge, Free is changing its approach.
Up to 16 euros more per month for Netflix
Free has decided to limit its contribution to a fixed amount, corresponding to the old offer with advertising (5.99 euros), even if this has been replaced by a 7.99 euro plan with Netflix. Thus, anything above this amount will now be the responsibility of the subscriber, except in special cases.
For long-time subscribers who benefited from the “Essential” ad-free offer (a plan at 8.99 euros/month which is now defunct), the awakening is rude, as 60 Million Consumers explains. The latter, who already switched a few months ago to the Standard offer with ads (at 7.99 euros compared to 5.99 euros at its launch), will now have to pay 9 euros per month out of pocket to benefit from the Standard offer without ads. The bill even climbs to 16 euros extra for the Premium offer.
While the operator has aligned everyone with the lowest value, it has managed to create a situation that is, to say the least, confusing. While some are preparing to pay the full price, others are spared.
| Subscription type Free/Netflix | Free support | Additional cost payable by the subscriber | Final situation |
| Offer with advertising (€7.99) | €5.99 | €0 (Free covers the €2 difference) | No change |
| Old “Essential” offer (Standard without ads) | €5.99 | ~€9 (for Standard without ads) | Increased bill |
| Premium Offer | €5.99 | ~16€ | Increased bill |
A cold shower for some subscribers, but not for all
The basic offer with advertising, now billed at 7.99 euros by Netflix, should logically have resulted in an additional cost of 2 euros for Free subscribers who are happy with it (7.99 euros – the 5.99 euros covered). However, through a commercial sleight of hand, Free has decided to give them these 2 euros as a gift. These subscribers, just like those of the new Freebox Ultra, will not pay a cent more. We therefore end up with a two-tier policy: for some, the "gift" from Free amounts to 7.99 euros, for others, it remains fixed at 5.99 euros. A price gymnastics that is surprising, and leaves a bitter taste for those who will pay the bill.
Contacted, the operator did not wish to comment on this distinction. As the August 2025 deadline approaches, many subscribers may have to scrutinize their bill carefully and, perhaps, review their options to avoid a hefty bill.
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