9 December 2019

No more 30-day free trial for Netflix

In a sign of the times, streaming giant Netflix is removing its free trial option entirely from its offering in some countries, including South Africa.

With Netflix’s subscriber numbers seemingly at a plateau, the streaming giant is making moves to keep its shareholders happy while it fights off competition in an increasingly fragmented market. This includes cracking down on password-sharing and reducing its catalogue of movies and series.

The most recent change is the removal of its 30-day free trial for new Netflix subscribers in some countries, including the United Kingdom and South Africa.

When signing up for Netflix in South Africa, you will choose between the R99, R139 and R169 plans and be billed immediately.

These are the free trial periods and cost for its streaming rivals in South Africa:

Showmax: 14-day free trial, thereafter choose between R49 p/m Showmax Mobile or R99 p/m for Showmax Standard.
Apple TV+: 7-day free trial, then R84.99 per month.
Prime Video: no free trial; pay USD2.99 p/m for the first six months, thereafter USD5.99 p/m.
DStv Now: free to DStv subscribers.

No word yet on which countries Netflix will target next; in the US, new subscribers are currently still able to sign up for a free trial and try before you buy.