Rising costs prompt users to rethink their subscriptions.
Streaming platforms have become an integral part of everyday life, offering the convenience of on-demand entertainment at home or on the go. However, recent price hikes have pushed many Singaporeans to reconsider the value of these subscriptions. With options like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Go, and Prime Video becoming costlier, users are beginning to ask: Is it really worth it?
Elle, 31, is among those ready to cut ties with Netflix. Her frustration lies not just with the cost but with the platform’s direction. “I share my account and currently pay about $5 monthly, but it’s clear prices will keep climbing. What bothers me more is Netflix’s focus on creating original content that feels algorithm-driven. They’ve moved away from buying unique shows that stand out. When I see the ‘Netflix Original’ logo, I know it’s more about chasing trends than meaningful storytelling,” she says. Elle feels this approach cheapens the experience, especially when comparing it to the craftsmanship of studios like Studio Ghibli.
Not everyone is planning to let go, though. Stacey, 34, takes a different perspective. Her family shares a Netflix family plan, which she considers a vital part of their entertainment budget. “Ten people in my family use the account. We rely on Netflix for its variety, especially documentaries that are hard to find elsewhere. For us, the price increase is manageable because it’s split across so many users,” she explains.
For Aldo, 30, rising costs are pushing him toward a more old-school—and illegal—alternative. “Streaming platforms bank on convenience, but if prices keep climbing, people will return to illegal sites. It’s frustrating to see that some movies, like Godzilla Minus One, aren’t even available on these services. At some point, the inconvenience of pop-up ads on piracy sites might be worth avoiding the constant price increases,” he notes, signaling a potential resurgence of piracy in the digital age.
Elias, 35, a longtime believer in streaming, finds himself overwhelmed by subscription fatigue. “I was an early adopter, subscribing via VPNs before services were officially available here. I thought streaming would replace overpriced cable TV. Now I’m spending $26 on Netflix, $15 on HBO Go, $14 on Apple TV+, $160 annually on Disney+, and $12 monthly for YouTube Premium. It’s too much,” he says. His solution? Simplifying. “I’m sticking to Prime Video because it’s affordable at $3 monthly, and YouTube Premium is worth it just to skip ads when watching on TV.”
For fans of niche content, like Disney+ subscribers, dissatisfaction also stems from a decline in quality. One user, a Marvel fan, plans to cancel after recent price hikes. “I joined Disney+ for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but the newer shows feel like assembly-line productions. When you combine that with the company’s mistreatment of writers during the strike, it’s hard to support them anymore. Why pay more for something that’s getting worse?”
As streaming evolves, so does its audience. What began as a user-friendly alternative to cable has morphed into a fragmented, high-cost landscape. For many Singaporeans, the decision to stick with, switch, or abandon platforms reflects not just personal budgets but a growing demand for quality and fairness in digital entertainment. Whether by tightening subscriptions, seeking cheaper alternatives, or turning to piracy, users are finding ways to navigate the shifting sands of this increasingly expensive habit.
