Reasons to Cancel Your Netflix Subscription and How it Can Benefit You

Streaming subscriptions can start to feel like a never-ending expense, but Netflix seems to be the one that always stays on the list. Maybe it’s because of their extensive content library or their hit shows like Stranger Things and Squid Game. Whatever the reason, Netflix has a pretty loyal user base, myself included. However, after rethinking my monthly subscriptions, I made the decision to cancel Netflix to save some money—and surprisingly, it’s been a positive experience.

Here’s what I’ve learned from my time without Netflix, and you might find it relatable too. I’ll admit, I do plan on resubscribing eventually, especially to finish watching Stranger Things, but there are some benefits to taking a break, even if it’s temporary.

As a regular Netflix user before cancelling, I was used to scrolling through shows and movies every evening and weekend. From The Diplomat to The Glass Dome, I could always find something to watch. But after cutting ties with Netflix, I found that I didn’t miss it as much as I thought. I turned to other streaming services, including free channels with ads, and rediscovered content I had purchased on different platforms for those movie night rewatches.

Moreover, not having Netflix has led me to spend less time watching videos overall and more time on gaming and reading. I even made a few trips to the movie theater, a rare treat these days. And let’s not forget about the price—Netflix’s subscription plans are getting more costly, especially if you opt for the top tier with all the bells and whistles.

Since I was on the priciest plan, I was paying a premium for features like 4K HDR video quality and multiple streams. And after the rule changes, sharing your account with non-household members comes at an extra cost. It’s a significant amount of money, so taking a break from Netflix could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.

The thought of losing your viewing history and personalized recommendations might keep you from cancelling your Netflix account, but fear not—Netflix holds onto that data for up to two years. So, if you come back within that time frame, everything will be just as you left it. Just remember to catch up on those plot recaps for shows you were halfway through binge-watching. Although cutting out Netflix may seem daunting, the break could be a refreshing change and a welcome break for your wallet.