How to save money on a streaming subscription

Streaming subscriptions have become a staple of modern entertainment, but with so many options, the costs quickly add up. Whether you’re a Netflix binge-watcher, a Disney+ enthusiast, or a Spotify listener, there are smart ways to enjoy your favorite content without breaking your budget.

1 Consider cheaper plans

Most streaming services offer a range of subscriptions, but many instinctively opt for the standard or premium tiers without fully considering their needs. Do you need multiple simultaneous streams or ultra high definition quality? If not, it might make more sense to opt for a cheaper tariff.

For example, Netflix’s Standard plan costs significantly less than its Premium plan. Unless you’re watching on a large 4K TV, the difference in quality may not be noticeable. Likewise, services like Hulu and Disney+ offer budget-friendly plans with fewer bells and whistles.

The key here is to tailor the plan to your actual usage, assess your needs, and downgrade to save money without sacrificing too much.

2 Look for bundled offers

Bundling your streaming services with other subscriptions is another smart way to cut costs. Many companies offer deals that combine multiple platforms for a single, discounted price. Services like Amazon Prime, for example, give you access to Prime Video, music, and other perks in one package, often at a price that’s lower than a standalone subscription.

Disney+ also offers packages with Hulu and ESPN+. So if you’re interested in sports or additional TV content, this can be a great way to get more for less. If you have a subscription to an internet or mobile provider, also check to see if they offer streaming discounts. Companies like Verizon and T-Mobile often include free or discounted streaming subscriptions in their plans.

Bundle offers are particularly useful when juggling multiple platforms. Instead of paying for three individual services, you can achieve noticeable savings over the course of the year by combining these services.

3 Join forces for family plans

Sharing your subscription with family or close friends can be a fantastic way to save on streaming costs. Many streaming services offer family plans where multiple people can use the same account and each receive their own profile. This is especially useful if you’re all fans of the same platform but want to avoid paying for separate subscriptions.

Services like Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu offer family plans that are significantly cheaper per person than individual subscriptions. You just need to make sure everyone involved agrees to share the account details and consider the possibility for referrals that have some overlap.

Collaboration like this allows you to get the most out of your subscription without having to pay full price for multiple accounts.

Streaming services often run promotions or offer discounts for new users or those who haven’t signed up in a while. HBO Max, for example, sometimes offers extended free trials or discounted rates for the first few months. Apple TV+ often gives new users a few months free when they purchase new Apple devices.

If you’re flexible when signing up, you can time your subscriptions to coincide with these offers. Look for seasonal deals or check coupon sites for codes that can get you a discount. Some services also offer student discounts. So if you’re eligible, you’ll also benefit from these savings.

5 Cancel subscriptions that you are not actively using

It’s easy to fall into the trap of keeping subscriptions you don’t use. Over time, these can put a strain on your wallet without providing much value. Take some time to review your streaming subscriptions and ask yourself when you last used each service.

If you haven’t watched or listened to content on a particular platform, it might be time to stop. Some services even allow you to pause your subscription for a few months. So if you expect to come back later, this may be a good option instead of canceling it permanently.

6 Opt for ad-supported plans

If you don’t mind watching a few ads, choosing an ad-supported plan can save you a significant amount. Popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Max offer lower-cost options with ads.

While ads can be a minor inconvenience, the savings often outweigh the extra minutes of viewing time. For example, Hulu’s ad-supported plan is almost half the price of its ad-free counterpart. And surprisingly, some platforms tailor ads to your preferences, which can make them less intrusive and even relevant.

One caveat, though: Ad-supported plans are best for casual viewing or multitasking. If binge-watching without interruptions is a priority for you, you should stick with the ad-free version. Otherwise, ad-supported plans can be a budget-friendly compromise.

Saving money on streaming subscriptions means you don’t have to miss out on your favorite shows or music. By considering cheaper plans, bundling services, sharing family plans, taking advantage of discounts, canceling unused subscriptions, and opting for ad-supported options, you can enjoy your entertainment at a fraction of the cost.