Streaming sites like Netflix, have become part of everyday life. You get access to 1000s of box sets, movies and TV shows. Most services are reasonably priced and convenient: watch when you want. They also give you free trials too. Plenty of time to try out a new service and watch content for free.
You may think saving money on TV or streaming services isn’t possible. But there are many ways to reduce your costs including switching (to) streaming services.
Use a trial to the maximum!
Many streaming services offer free trials, which gives you unlimited access for a limited time. Most will need you to enter credit or debit card details though. So if you forget to cancel your trial when it ends, you usually move onto a paid subscription.
Use free streaming services
There are also a couple of free streaming services giving you access to box sets and films online without paying. There are many available, but the best two are:
Pluto TV pulls together many channels and gives you the feeling you’re watching cable. You can watch Live TV or on demand.
Tubi has plenty of movies and TV shows, both old and new. Whilst adverts are played while you watch, the service has gained huge popularity.
Still need Netflix, Paramount and Prime?
By using trials and free services like Pluto TV, it’s worth thinking about whether you need to pay for services like Netflix, Apple TV+ and Paramount. If there is a specific show or movie you’re keen to watch, then you may decide it’s worth the money.
Need access to all paid streaming services?
If you subscribe to three services, it’s likely to cost you around $36 a month. With three services on the go, could you say you are getting value from them?
Most streaming services allow you to cancel and restart at any point. If you were keen to bring that monthly cost down, you may choose to watch what you want on one service, cancel and move onto a different service.
Check which service is streaming what: only pay for the service you’ll use
There’s a great free online tool called JustWatch which tells you what movies and TV shows are shown across the many streaming services. It includes Crave, Disney+, Hayu, Netflix, Paramount, Prime Video and Tubi.
Sharing your account with family and friends
Some streaming services allow you to share your account. If you can split the cost between you, it’s a great way to save a bit more money.
If you have a full Amazon Prime subscription, you can share Prime Video with another person. You don’t necessarily have to live at the same address either. Note that by sharing your account with another adult, they will have access to your credit or debit card and can make purchases.
If you use Apple TV+ you can share your subscription with up to five family members. Like Amazon, you don’t need to live at the same address.
Paramount Plus allows you to share your subscription though limits do apply. Whilst you can create six user profiles, only three simultaneous streams are allowed at the same time.
Netflix is the exception though. You aren’t able to share your subscription with someone who lives elsewhere. To do so, would mean paying an extra $7.99 a month per person. Saving money would mean splitting the cost with a member of your household.
Switch your Netflix plan
Netflix’s standard plan costs $16.49 per month, whilst the premium plan costs $20.99 per month. But if you’re willing to watch adverts, the standard plan with advertising costs $5.99 per month. Switching plans could save you around $180 a year.
Paying annually rather than monthly
If your streaming service offers an option to pay annually, you’re likely to save money paying upfront rather than monthly.
- Disney+ offers an annual plan for $119.99. Paying monthly is $11.99, costing $143.88 for the year. You could save $23.
- Paramount+ costs $99.99 for a year. Paying monthly is $9.99, costing $119.88 for the year. You could save $19.
- Amazon offers a similar saving of $20 when you pay $99 for the year. Paying monthly ($9.99) will cost $119.88 for the year.
Do you still need cable TV?
With all the streaming options available, the most compelling reason to have a cable TV plan is to watch live events. Sports, for example, is a big reason to have cable TV though that is changing too. SportsNet Now, TSN go and fuboTV offer streaming subscriptions to cater to the most avid sports fan.
TV packages are usually bundled up with Internet plans and the cost can range between $25 and $100+ per month. They can be complicated too; offering optional extras and different deals based on your viewing habits.
If your cable contract is near its end, it’s worth speaking with your cable provider to negotiate a new deal. They may be able to offer you a reasonable price promotion, extras or upgrades.
Essential information
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