Netflix is officially ending password sharing—but these streaming services still allow it
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Netflix once tweeted that “love is sharing a password." But evidently, it’s breaking up with us. Netflix has finally rolled out its controversial measures to crack down on password sharing, a feature commonly used among its members. While Netflix has already stopped password sharing in other territories, this marks the feature’s end in the United States.
Here's everything you need to know about the end of password sharing, including what paid password sharing will cost you and how the brand plans on enforcing this new model. Thinking about jumping ship from Netflix entirely? We've got you covered with other streaming services to check out (that do allow password sharing).
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When does Netflix password sharing end?
Netflix began the password crackdown in Canada, Spain and other countries in February of this year. The company announced on Tuesday, May 23 that it is beginning its crackdown on traditional password sharing in the United States.
How will Netflix stop password sharing?
Netflix will crack down on password sharing by checking location. Previously, as long as an account didn’t exceed its number of simultaneous streams, users on that account could stream Netflix from anywhere. Now, Netflix will only allow members of one household to use a single Netflix account by having users set a primary location. Members of other households can either create their own accounts or be added to the existing account as an extra member for an additional fee.
What is a Netflix household?
A household as it relates to Netflix, is a specific location like a house, an apartment or other building. Netflix uses IP addresses, device IDs and account activity to determine a household.
►Related: It's not me, it's Netflix: With password sharing on the block, how to boot your friends
What is a Netflix extra member?
The only way someone outside your household can use your Netflix account is by being added as an extra member for an additional $8. An extra member is a separate account that’s paid for by the main account. These extra members will have their own passwords and are limited to a single profile and screen. Standard accounts can add one extra member and Premium accounts can add two.
What is the price of Netflix?
Another reason many are looking to jump ship from Netflix is thanks to its recent price increase. In January, Netflix raised the price of its Basic plan from $8.99 to $9.99, its Standard plan from $13.99 to $15.49 and its Premium plan from $17.99 to $19.99.
Netflix: How much paid account sharing will cost you
Streaming services that allow password sharing
No other major streaming service currently restricts sharing of passwords. While few encourage it, usually citing security concerns, none actively clamp down on the practice. Netflix is the biggest streaming platform to implement anti-password sharing measures and it's possible that other companies will take note to see if they can get away with implementing similar procedures. For now, rest assured that the following platforms still allow you to share passwords without hassle, saving money for everyone on your account.
Disney+
It's hard to believe that Disney's streaming service is already a little over three years old, as it quickly cemented itself in the streaming world, rivaling even the biggest of platforms like Netflix. Fortunately for fans of franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, and, of course, Disney's own animated classics, Disney allows users to use an account despite their location. Just keep in mind that despite Disney+ supporting up to seven profiles on an account, only three devices can be streaming at a time under one account.
Hulu
Hulu's one of the earliest streaming services, launching in 2007, which was the same year as that of Netflix. Over the years, it has accrued many shows such as Superstore, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and the new spinoff show How I Met Your Father. If you're looking to share your account with others outside your household, it can be done on as many devices as needed, though only two can stream at a time, so you may need to coordinate streaming times. If you're watching live TV, Hulu is a bit stricter with the number of people who can stream at once.
ESPN+
If you’re a fan of sports, you can stream ESPN+ for just $9.99 a month. Whether you’re into hockey, baseball, football or another sport, you can find it on ESPN+. The service gives you access to exclusive live coverage, documentaries and sports-related original content. ESPN+ supports up to three simultaneous streams. To get more bang for your buck, an ESPN+ subscription can be purchased as an add-on with a bundle that includes Hulu and Disney+, starting at just $12.99 a month for basic access to all three services.
Stream ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+
Max
Netflix isn’t the only streamer going through big changes. HBO Max, the home of hit shows such as The Last of Us and House of the Dragon, is no more. In its place is 'Max', a streaming service that combines the content of the former HBO Max platform as well as the content of Discovery+. Assuming nothing changed in the transition, Max supports five profiles and allows three simultaneous streams from different devices at a time, from any location.
Discovery+
Discovery+ offers shows from various factual-content-based channels like Animal Planet, TLC, Food Network and, of course, Discovery Channel. The platform also features reality TV shows like American Ninja Warrior and The Real Housewives of Melbourne. Discovery+ supports five profiles and four simultaneous streams. As of Tuesday, May 23, Discovery+ content can be found on the new Max platform, though the Discovery+ app continues to exist on its own for those who prefer just Discovery+.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video allows six people to share an account, and without sharing a password. All you have to do is invite others to become part of your Amazon Household. The primary account holder has a lot of control over what others in the household have access to, including being able to share payment information as well as the ability to remove others from the household. Keep in mind that while there are six members in the household, only three can stream at once and only two can watch the same show simultaneously.
Peacock
NBC's streaming service, Peacock, offers many great shows and movies at a low price, including last year's hit show Bel-Air and The Office, which is still closely associated with Netflix. Peacock accounts support up to six profiles as well as up to three concurrent streams.
Paramount+
Paramount+ has a wide variety of movies and shows to enjoy, from Nickelodeon cartoons to the various entries in the Star Trek franchise, to the academy-nominated drama The Whale. A Paramount+ account supports up to six profiles, with three devices being able to stream from the profile at a time.
Apple TV+
Shrinking, Ted Lasso and Extrapolations are just a few of the many popular shows you and your family can watch on Apple TV thanks to its family-sharing feature. With family sharing, you can invite others to use your Apple TV account, all while keeping password and payment information separate. Typically, up to three different devices under your account can stream the same channel simultaneously, though Apple notes that certain channels may allow you to use more than three devices.
Sling TV
Sling TV allows you to watch live content as well as stream popular networks such as CNN, AMC and BET. It lets you stream content from up to three devices at once, though what exactly you can stream is tied to the service's tiered subscription system. From least to most expensive, Sling TV offers a "Blue," "Orange" and "Orange and Blue" subscription. Channels offered in "Blue" may only be streamed from one device at once while channels offered only in "Orange" can be streamed from the full three devices. What's more, Sling just dropped a new free streaming service called Sling Freestream.
Crunchyroll
Anime is one of the many types of shows offered by Netflix, with many anime fans having been introduced to it because of the streaming service. Whether you're looking to get into anime or you're a fan on the hunt for more shows to watch, you'll be happy to hear that the premiere anime streaming service, Crunchyroll, allows for password sharing. With a Mega Fan subscription, you can stream your Crunchyroll account to up to four devices at once, allowing you to watch new seasons of shows like RWBY and Attack on Titan.
FuboTV
FuboTV is one of the best streaming platforms when it comes to sports. It’s also one of the most lenient platforms when it comes to screen sharing, albeit with a bit of a catch. FuboTV supports up to 10 screens at once, the most out of any streaming service we've researched. Before you share your password with 10 of your buddies to watch the next big game, you should know that these screens can only be streamed at one location—your home internet connection. If you're streaming from a phone or computer, you can stream up to three different locations.
Pluto
While many streaming services allow for password sharing thanks to generously high limits on concurrent streams, other streaming services make it so that password sharing is unnecessary. With a free streaming service, everyone who wants to view content can do so without having to manage a shared account.
One such platform is Pluto. Beyond being completely free, the streaming platform sets itself apart with its wealth of live content. As for streaming content, Pluto has movies, too, such as the Rocky series and the first three Scream movies. It also features shows like Star Trek: The Original Series and over 200 channels such as CBS and Showtime. Its programming can be enjoyed without even signing up.
Tubi
Tubi is another free streaming platform that you don't need to sign up for. Because of this, there's no password sharing necessary to enjoy all that Tubi has to offer. It has both on-demand content like The Matrix and Lethal Weapon, as well as a variety of live channels, like WBTV, NFL and even USA TODAY.
The Roku Channel
Roku, best known for its streaming devices, has a streaming service of its own called The Roku Channel. What's more, this platform is mostly free. We say mostly because in order to access the content from certain platforms such as HBO and Paramount+, you'll have to pay up, but you're not for want with its many free options. Available on Roku devices and as a standalone website, The Roku Channel offers a wealth of movies and shows spanning decades, all for free.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Netflix ends password sharing 2023: Streaming services to use instead
