Netflix Price in South Africa (2026): Every Plan in Rands Compared
Adekiya Joscor · 30 October 2026
Netflix remains South Africa's most popular streaming service, and with Showmax gone since April 2026, more households are relying on it for their series and movie fix. If you are signing up, upgrading or just checking whether you are overpaying, here is everything you need to know about the Netflix price in South Africa in 2026.
Key takeaways
- Netflix South Africa costs R59 (Mobile), R99 (Basic), R179 (Standard) and R229 (Premium) per month.
- Prices are unchanged in 2026 so far. Netflix said its March 2026 US increase did not apply to South Africa.
- The last South African increase took effect in January 2025.
- Standard is the best value for most households with an HD TV; Premium only makes sense with a 4K TV and four simultaneous viewers.
- Subscribing on the website avoids App Store mark-ups.
Netflix plans and prices in South Africa (2026)
| Plan | Price per month | Video quality | Screens at once | Download devices | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | R59 | 480p | 1 | 1 | Phone and tablet only |
| Basic | R99 | 720p (HD) | 1 | 1 | All devices |
| Standard | R179 | 1080p (Full HD) | 2 | 2 | All devices |
| Premium | R229 | 4K + HDR | 4 | 6 | All devices |
Spatial audio is available on Premium for supported titles and devices. Prices include VAT.
Netflix price history in South Africa
Netflix has raised South African prices periodically, most recently in January 2025. In March 2026, when Netflix announced price increases in the United States, its local representatives told South African media there was no increase for South Africa because price changes are specific to each country.
Prices can change at any time, and Netflix emails members before an increase applies to their account.
Which Netflix plan should you choose?
Mobile (R59): students and commuters
If you watch mostly on your phone during taxi rides, lunch breaks or in bed, Mobile is excellent value. You cannot watch on a TV or laptop.
Basic (R99): solo viewers with a TV
The cheapest plan that works on a smart TV, streaming device or laptop. Picture quality is HD (720p), which looks fine on smaller TVs.
Standard (R179): couples and small households
Full HD on two screens at the same time. For most South African homes with a 32 to 55 inch HD TV, Standard is the sweet spot.
Premium (R229): 4K and big households
Four screens at once plus 4K and HDR. Only worth it if you own a 4K TV, have fast fibre and regularly have three or four people streaming at the same time.
Cost per person
| Plan | Price | Max screens | Cost per screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile | R59 | 1 | R59 |
| Basic | R99 | 1 | R99 |
| Standard | R179 | 2 | R89.50 |
| Premium | R229 | 4 | R57.25 |
Netflix plans are meant for people in one household. Viewers outside your home may need Netflix's extra member option where it is offered.
Netflix vs other streaming services in South Africa
| Service | Starting price (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | R59 | Largest library, strong local originals |
| Disney+ | R49 (Basic, per 2026 reports) | Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar |
| Prime Video | R59 Prime membership (per 2026 reports) | Amazon originals and films |
| DStv Stream | From R399 for Sports | Live sport and local channels |
| YouTube Premium Lite | R50 | Mostly ad-free YouTube videos |
See our guide to the DStv and Netflix bundle price for combinations.
How to pay for Netflix in South Africa
- Debit or credit card on netflix.com, the simplest option.
- Netflix gift cards from participating retailers, where available, which are useful if you prefer not to use a card.
- Mobile network or partner billing may be available through some partners from time to time.
- Through a trusted marketplace such as the DiscountZAR streaming marketplace.
Avoid subscribing inside the iPhone app, because App Store pricing can differ.
How to change or cancel your plan
- Sign in at netflix.com and open Account.
- Select Change plan to upgrade or downgrade. Upgrades take effect immediately; downgrades apply from the next billing date.
- Select Cancel membership to stop. You keep access until the end of your current billing period.
Tips to pay less for Netflix in South Africa
- Downgrade if you do not need 4K. Moving from Premium to Standard saves R50 a month, or R600 a year.
- Use Mobile for solo phone viewing and save R40 a month compared with Basic.
- Rotate streaming services instead of paying for several at once.
- Download on Wi-Fi to save mobile data during load shedding or on the go.
- Check shared slot offers from verified sellers in trusted marketplaces.
How much does Netflix cost per year in South Africa?
| Plan | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | R59 | R708 |
| Basic | R99 | R1,188 |
| Standard | R179 | R2,148 |
| Premium | R229 | R2,748 |
Netflix does not currently offer an annual prepaid discount in South Africa, so these are simply twelve monthly payments.
How to save data while streaming
Mobile data in South Africa is not cheap, so these settings help:
- In the Netflix app, go to App settings → Mobile data usage and choose Save data or Wi-Fi only.
- Under your profile's Playback settings, set data usage to Low or Auto.
- Use Downloads for You, which automatically downloads shows you are likely to enjoy when you are on Wi-Fi.
- Set download quality to Standard to save storage and data.
Local content worth watching
Netflix has invested heavily in South African productions, from crime dramas and comedies to reality series and documentaries. Search for "South African" in the app to browse local titles. With Showmax closed in April 2026, Netflix and DStv Stream are now the two main homes for South African originals.
Signs it is time to change your plan
- You pay for Premium but nobody in the home has a 4K TV.
- Only one person watches but you pay for Standard.
- You watch mainly on your phone and could use Mobile.
- You have not opened Netflix in weeks; pause or cancel and rejoin later.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Netflix per month in South Africa?
Between R59 for Mobile and R229 for Premium.
Did Netflix increase prices in South Africa in 2026?
Not according to the latest reports. Netflix said in March 2026 that its US increase did not apply to South Africa.
Is there a free Netflix plan in South Africa?
No. Netflix does not offer a free plan or free trial in South Africa.
Does Netflix work during load shedding?
Netflix streams over the internet, so it works if your router and device have power. Downloads let you watch offline when connectivity drops.
Can I pay for Netflix with a gift card?
Netflix gift cards are sold by participating retailers in some markets. Check availability before buying and only buy from reputable stores.
Is Netflix cheaper than DStv in South Africa?
Yes, for movies and series. Netflix starts at R59, while DStv Sports costs R399. If you need live sport, DStv is still the main option, and splitting the bill can halve the cost. See our DStv and Netflix bundle guide.
Can I watch Netflix on my TV with the Mobile plan?
No. Mobile works only on phones and tablets. Choose Basic or higher for a TV.
Will Netflix tell me before prices go up?
Yes. Netflix normally emails members before a price change applies to their account.
Summary
Netflix in South Africa costs R59 to R229 a month, with prices unchanged in 2026 so far. Standard at R179 is the best fit for most homes, while Mobile at R59 is a bargain for phone viewers. Choose the right plan, avoid App Store billing and rotate services to keep your streaming budget in check.
Find more streaming deals in the DiscountZAR streaming marketplace.