Streaming services have become an essential part of modern life, particularly for students seeking relaxation amidst their studies. Among these services, Netflix stands out as a leading platform, offering a wide collection of on-demand movies, TV shows, documentaries, and Netflix Originals. For students, however, the cost of a Netflix subscription can be a significant part of their monthly budget, leading many to search for a Netflix student discount.
While many students hope to find such a discount, the reality is that Netflix does not offer an official student discount. But don’t worry—there are several strategies and alternatives available to help students save money on Netflix subscriptions, as well as other streaming services. This article dives deep into these options, explores possible savings, and compares other platforms that do offer student discounts or similar promotions.
Netflix Overview
Founded in 1997 as a DVD rental service, Netflix has since grown into one of the largest subscription streaming services in the world. With over 221.6 million subscribers globally as of March 2022, Netflix has truly revolutionized the way we watch movies and TV. Netflix’s appeal comes from its vast library of licensed content combined with its growing collection of Netflix Originals—exclusive shows and films produced or commissioned by Netflix. These include fan-favorites like Stranger Things, The Crown, The Witcher, and a variety of award-winning documentaries.
Netflix’s global reach is impressive, with availability in nearly every country except North Korea, Russia, and China, where restrictions limit its operation. As of 2023, Netflix’s headquarters are in Los Gatos, California, with other major offices around the globe in locations like Canada, Brazil, the U.K., France, and Japan.
Alternative Ways for Students to Save on Netflix
While Netflix lacks an official student discount, there are a number of creative and reliable ways to reduce your subscription costs. Let’s explore the most effective ones:
1. Sharing Accounts
Netflix allows users to share accounts across multiple devices, depending on the subscription plan. This means students can team up with roommates, friends, or family to split the cost of a single subscription. Netflix’s terms of service permit this type of sharing as long as the users are in the same household, although they are increasingly cracking down on account sharing across multiple locations.
Here’s a breakdown of Netflix’s current plans, which vary slightly depending on your region:
| Plan | Monthly Cost (USD) | Streams | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $9.99 | 1 | 480p |
| Standard | $15.49 | 2 | 1080p |
| Premium | $19.99 | 4 | 4K + HDR |
If you and three roommates share a Premium subscription, each of you would only pay $5 per month for access to Netflix’s full library in the highest resolution available.
2. Netflix Gift Cards at a Discount
Another great way to save on Netflix is by purchasing discounted gift cards. Various platforms, such as Raise, CardCash, and Gift Card Granny, sell Netflix gift cards for less than their face value. These services allow users to buy gift cards at discounts ranging from 5% to 20%, depending on the availability and demand.
Here’s how you can apply a Netflix gift card to your subscription:
- Go to Netflix.com/redeem and sign in to your account.
- Enter the PIN code from your gift card.
- Your Netflix account will be credited with the value of the gift card.
This is a quick and easy way to save a few dollars each month on your Netflix subscription without compromising on access.
3. T-Mobile’s Netflix on Us
For students who already use T-Mobile as their mobile carrier, there’s a fantastic savings opportunity called Netflix on Us. T-Mobile offers this perk to customers on qualifying family plans. If you have two or more lines on a Magenta or Magenta MAX plan, T-Mobile will cover the cost of your Netflix subscription.
The exact offer depends on the specific plan you have:
- Magenta Plan: Covers the Basic Netflix subscription (1 screen, SD).
- Magenta MAX Plan: Covers the Standard Netflix subscription (2 screens, HD).
To activate Netflix on Us:
- Sign in to your T-Mobile account.
- Go to the “Add-Ons” section and select “Activate Netflix.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to link your Netflix account with T-Mobile.
While this offer won’t directly lower your mobile bill, it’s essentially free access to Netflix for students already on T-Mobile’s plans.
4. Verizon and Netflix Promotions
Verizon also occasionally offers Netflix promotions for its customers, though these offers change regularly and may only be available during special promotions. For example, Verizon has been known to bundle Netflix subscriptions with their Fios internet service or their 5G Home Internet. If you’re a Verizon customer, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any deals, especially during the holiday season when promotional offers tend to increase.
5. Free Trials from Streaming Competitors
Although Netflix no longer offers its famous 30-day free trial, many students can take advantage of free trials and discounts from competing streaming services to fill the gap in entertainment.
Also Read: 20 Best Free Live TV Streaming Sites
Other Streaming Services Offering Student Discounts
While Netflix does not provide a student discount, several other popular streaming platforms do offer discounted pricing to students. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best alternatives:
1. Amazon Prime Student
For students looking to save, Amazon Prime Student is an excellent alternative to Netflix. The Amazon Prime Student program offers a six-month free trial, after which students can subscribe for 50% off the regular Prime membership cost. This translates to just $7.49 per month (compared to $14.99 for non-students).
Amazon Prime Video is included in the subscription, providing access to a wide library of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Boys. Other benefits of Prime Student include:
- Free two-day shipping on Amazon orders.
- Access to Prime Music (over 2 million songs ad-free).
- Prime Reading, which offers a rotating selection of books, magazines, and more.
2. Hulu Student Discount
Hulu offers one of the best streaming deals for students, with its Hulu Student Bundle. For just $1.99 per month, students get access to Hulu’s ad-supported plan. Hulu features a robust selection of current TV shows (often available the day after airing), classic movies, and Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale.
In addition to this standalone offer, students can bundle Hulu with Spotify Premium and Showtime for $4.99 per month, making it one of the most affordable entertainment packages available for students.
3. YouTube Premium Student Plan
For students who prefer ad-free content, YouTube Premium offers a discounted plan at $6.99 per month. YouTube Premium not only eliminates ads from YouTube videos but also gives students access to YouTube Originals and YouTube Music.
Students must verify their enrollment annually, and once verified, they can enjoy all the benefits of YouTube Premium at a steep discount.
4. Apple TV+ Student Bundle
Though not specifically marketed as a student discount, Apple TV+ is included in Apple’s student bundle when students subscribe to Apple Music for just $5.99 per month. This bundle offers access to Apple’s growing library of original content, including acclaimed shows like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show.
How to Obtain a Netflix-Free Trial (If Available)
As mentioned earlier, Netflix discontinued its 30-day free trial in many regions. However, if you’re in a country where the free trial is still offered, it’s a great way to access Netflix content without paying upfront.
To claim the Netflix free trial (if available in your region):
- Visit Netflix.com and click “Try 30 Days Free.”
- Follow the steps to create an account and choose a subscription plan.
- Enter your payment details (you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends).
- Enjoy Netflix for free for the duration of the trial.
Maximizing Your Streaming Budget: Comparing Netflix to Other Services
To help students make an informed decision about which streaming service is right for them, here’s a quick comparison of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube Premium, and Apple TV+ in terms of price, content, and student discounts:
| Service | Student Discount | Monthly Cost | Content | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | No | $9.99 – $19.99 | Original shows, movies, large global library | No |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes (Prime Student) | $7.49 | Originals, licensed movies/TV, shipping perks | 6 months free |
| Hulu | Yes | $1.99 (ad-supported) | TV shows, movies, Hulu Originals | No |
| YouTube Premium | Yes | $6.99 | Ad-free YouTube, YouTube Originals, YouTube Music | 1 month |
| Apple TV+ (with Apple Music) | Yes | $5.99 | Apple Originals, with Apple Music | 1 month |
The Future of Netflix and Student Discounts
Though Netflix has not introduced a student discount yet, the streaming industry is evolving rapidly. In the future, Netflix may reconsider its pricing strategies, especially as competition grows and the company seeks to maintain its massive subscriber base. Keeping an eye on emerging trends and promotions is key for students looking to save.
Conclusion
While the search for a Netflix student discount may be fruitless, there are still plenty of ways to save on Netflix and other streaming services. By sharing accounts, utilizing mobile carrier offers like T-Mobile’s Netflix on Us, and exploring discounted gift cards, students can still enjoy their favorite content without breaking the bank.
Additionally, by considering alternative streaming services that do offer student discounts—such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube Premium—students can enjoy a full range of entertainment at lower costs. Each platform has its own unique library of content, making it easier than ever for students to find a service that suits their viewing preferences and budget.
In the end, maximizing savings comes down to researching the latest deals and promotions, which frequently change, and being open to experimenting with various services. As streaming competition heats up, students have more power than ever to find the right balance of cost and content for their needs.