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Netflix Has Finally Released a Streaming Only Subscription Plan

by Ethan Anderton
November 22, 2010
Source: Netflix

Looks like we unknowingly timed the return of our Netflix Instant feature pretty well since Netflix announced (via their company blog) that they're now offering a streaming only subscription service. Anybody who wants all the benefits of viewing movies via Netflix Instant, but doesn't want to deal with those pesky disc mailers can now join the club for a price. However, this new benefit comes with a bit of a downside for existing members. Since the streaming service is apparently good enough to stand on its own subscription plan, all of the other subscription plans will be given a price increase. See details on the new subscription costs below.

The new streaming only subscription comes at $7.99 a month which allows unlimited streaming to your computer or other Netflix capable devices. As for the price increases on the subscription plans that include physical DVD mailers, the most popular memberships (1 DVD at-a-time and 2 DVD's at-a-time) will only see an increase of an extra $1 a month while the rest of the plans have a slightly larger pricetag. You can see the breakdown of the new costs on this handy-dandy chart to the right.

This new plan just continues to show Netflix's dedication to their streaming service and this is just another move in the battle against Hulu for on-demand programming supremacy. Hulu Plus just recently stepped out of it's Beta Testing phase with a $7.99 subscription as well. However, Netflix's library seems to be much more plentiful, especially on the movie side of things, and it seems the competition has already been won. Are you interested in a streaming only Netflix plan?

Explore tags: Netflix Instant, Opinions

sb

Will there be closed captions? / subtitles?
http://www.goseetalk.com Marc

Figured it would be inevitable. "Streaming only" is a great feature and would be a complete steal if you could get new releases. Still need physical discs for those...for now at least. Bummed about the rate hikes though:(
Z

It's a great idea. I wish there were more new movies to stream. Although i don't think it's apples to apples with hulu because their TV content is available next day where as Netflix doesn't show TV until the full season release.
http://www.firstshowing.net Ethan Anderton

@ #3, Z, Netflix is in the midst of garnering deals to get TV the next day after they air. They've already got a deal with NBC Universal to have episodes of Saturday Night Live on Netflix Instant the day after they premiere, and I'm sure they're in the midst of getting similar deals off the ground as well.
A5J4DX

cool
Dave Lister, J.M.C.

Streaming is the way to go; as it's where everything is headed anyway. I get far more use out of my instant viewing than my one Blu-Ray at a time. So long to the disc portion, of my Netflix membership.
harrison

yea they get some tv, heroes was on netflix a few days after they aired, believe a few other shows on nbc were also ill stick with one movie at a time for now, soon as they have more i want to watch instantly ill make the switch
Eli

same here dave. Only I still prefer to get my blurays in the mail. As for the price increase it's no biggie at all. I was waiting for an instant plan but does it also include tv and movies that were previously only availbable on disc?
Key

will they have better titles available then? i'm tired of C and B movies being added and me having to go through all of them to find the hand full of good titles in the pile i LOVE the instant streaming service..the ONLY thing i have a problem with is the lack of title please give us new releases and a butt load of other titles across the board...hell since their heading toward ding away with the dvd mailing service maybe EVERY title will be available for streaming this would end my life as i would not leave my house
http://nealgillis.com Neal Gillis

We have been enjoying the streaming-only account in Canada for the past couple months, albeit with considerably fewer titles. Also, we have no instant queue feature in Canada, meaning there's no real way to keep track of what you want to watch (and they don't seem to think people need it either: http://bit.ly/9QfFTT ). Curious to know if y'all in the U.S. of A. still have an instant queue in your streaming subscription.