Paramount+ is increasing the price of all three of its UK packages, with monthly costs rising by as much as 25% from August 27. The move affects every plan in the UK, adding pressure to households already juggling multiple TV and streaming subscriptions.
In cash terms, the Basic with Ads tier rises from £4.99 to £5.99 a month (up 20%), Standard from £7.99 to £9.99 (up 25%), and Premium from £10.99 to £12.99 (up 18.2%). Standard and Premium customers will pay £24 more annually if they keep the same tier, according to reporting from GBNews.
How an annual bill could top £2,000
The latest increase comes as many homes pay for several platforms at once to follow different shows, films and sport. In an illustrative “high-end basket” – where a household pays for a broad spread of major TV, film and sports services separately – the monthly cost could reach around £151.91, which is £1,822.92 a year.
Add the £180 BBC TV licence and the total reaches £2,002.92 a year. In reality, many people reduce costs by taking services through bundles rather than paying for each one individually. But the example shows how repeated rises across the market can push the overall total much higher than expected.
Where the money goes (illustrative monthly total)
- Netflix Premium – £18.99
- Disney+ Premium – £14.99
- Paramount+ Premium – £12.99
- Apple TV+ Standard – £9.99
- Amazon Prime – £8.99
- NOW Entertainment/HBO Max – £9.99
- NOW Cinema – £9.99
- NOW Sports – £34.99
- TNT Sports Full package – £30.99
- Total – £151.91
How families can cut the cost
One of the biggest ways to reduce the overall bill is through bundles that combine TV services and streaming subscriptions. For example, Sky’s Ultimate TV package includes Sky TV alongside Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and Hayu, which can avoid the need to pay for those separately. However, Sky deals can vary depending on promotions and individual circumstances, so it’s worth checking exactly what is included before taking out or renewing separate subscriptions.
Other providers also offer bundles: EE TV has options that combine TV and broadband with services including Netflix, NOW and sports add-ons such as TNT Sports. Virgin Media offers TV and broadband packages with choices including Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
Don’t let subscriptions drain your bank account
The problem with streaming services is that each direct debit can seem manageable on its own – but stack several together and the yearly cost can become eye-watering. A good first step is to go through bank statements and list every TV and streaming payment.
It’s also worth checking whether any of those subscriptions are already included within an existing bundle (such as Sky, EE or Virgin Media). And, crucially, ask whether each service is actually being used. If a household signed up for one particular series, it can be cheaper to cancel once it’s finished and re-join later, rather than paying all year round.
