Gone are the days when viewers only had a few streaming options. Today, we have our choice of over 200 streaming services, from special interest services like CuriosityStream to giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, whose HD and 4K videos drive, at least partially, the demand for high-speed fiber internet connections. 

According to Deloitte, the average home pays $69.00 for four paid streaming services. While still lower than the $125 average cost of cable or satellite TV subscriptions, subscription fees still add up, especially if you’re paying for multiple services you rarely use (or have forgotten you signed up for). In this streaming services guide, we’ll discuss how to save money on subscriptions to get the most viewing pleasure for every dollar you spend. 

Step 1 – Audit Your Current Streaming Services

Track What You’re Watching

Your first step towards reducing how much you spend on streaming is to make a complete list of all your streaming subscriptions. Once you have this list, think about how you use each service. Some you may use almost daily, while others only see use once a month or less. 

Cancel or Pause What You Don’t Use

Now, look at what you can cancel or pause. Many services allow you to pause your subscription without losing your preferences, so your watchlists will be there if you choose to unpause the service. 

It helps to think about when you use a streaming service and how much you use it. For instance, you may watch Hallmark movies throughout December but not use the streaming service for the rest of the year. In that case, pause the service in January and restart it after Thanksgiving.

Step 2 – Take Advantage of Free Trials and Promotions

Rotate Services Instead of Stacking Them

If you’re a binge-watcher (and aren’t we all?), take advantage of your viewing habits. Instead of paying for multiple services, sign up for a free trial of one, watch everything you want on that channel, and then cancel the subscription and move on to another service. 

Use the same strategy to watch seasons of shows like Stranger Things. Sign up when the new season drops, binge-watch the show, then cancel the service until it hosts the next must-watch show. 

Use Email Aliases for New Trials

“Trial hopping” describes using different email addresses to repeatedly sign up for free trials of the same service. Trail hoppers cancel their free trial before it ends and sign up using a new email. 

Technically speaking, there’s nothing wrong with trial hopping. Most streaming services assume people will choose to keep their subscription at the end of the free trial or forget to cancel. 

The big problem with trial hopping is how cumbersome it gets. You have to manage multiple accounts and email inboxes, which can be more trouble than it’s worth. 

It might be worth trial-hopping while you evaluate a service, but it leaves something to be desired as a continuous workaround. Streaming services are pushing back: many have shortened their free trials, while Netflix has resolved its trial-hopping issue by ending free trials altogether. 

Step 3 – Share and Save with Family Plans

Use Legitimate Account Sharing

An ethical alternative to trial hopping is to set up and share family plans. Some platforms, such as Spotify Duo and Apple Family Sharing, allow you to share a subscription across households. Check each service’s terms before you share your account: many larger streamers, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Hulu, do not allow multiple households=. Disney+ does allow one extra member who is not part of your household, but you have to pay an extra fee.

Split Costs with Trusted Friends or Family

You can share costs with friends and family for streaming services that allow multi-household subscriptions. Set up a Venmo account for easy month-to-month savings. 

Step 4 – Bundle Smartly

Look for Streaming Bundles

The most effective way to save on streaming services is to look for streaming bundles, where you get several services at a lower price than if you subscribed to each service separately. At present, the most popular streaming bundles are:

  • The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle starts at $16.99/ month with ads or $29.99 with no ads.
  • Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ Bundle costs $16.99/month with ads or $26.99 without ads (ESPN will always show ads during live events).
  • DirecTV Stream Genre packs allow you to choose channel lineups based on your preferences, and start at $34.99/month.
  • Xfinity StreamSaver is $15/month for those already signed up for Xfinity internet or Xfinity TV. Includes access to Apple TV+, Netflix Standard with ads, and Peacock Premium with ads. 
  • Amazon Prime memberships include Prime Video, or you can subscribe to Prime Video for $8.99/month with ads, or pay an extra $2.99 to remove them. Within Prime Video, you can sign up for Prime Video Channel add-ons, which include Paramount+, Shudder, and a wide range of genre programming. 

Combine with Other Monthly Services

Cell phone plans, internet providers, and retail memberships like Walmart+ often include special deals or free streaming services. Check your different monthly services to see what they have to offer. 

Step 5 – Use Free Streaming Alternatives

Explore Free, Ad-Supported Platforms

Many people switched from cable to streaming services to avoid ads and are willing to pay a little extra a month to continue their ad-free entertainment. If ads don’t bother you, many free, ad-supported streaming services exist, some with remarkably extensive movie and video libraries. Examples include: 

  • Pluto TV offers multiple live channels and on-demand content.
  • Tubi has an incredible library, including vintage television shows, movies, and exclusive content. 
  • Amazon Freevee offers free television shows and films, including original series. 
  • Crunchyroll: A must-have for anime fans.
  • Samsung TV Plus: Comes pre-installed on Samsung TVs and includes live and on-demand content. 

Tap Into Library or Educational Access

Libraries and free educational services are often overlooked ways to watch free movies and shows. Kanopy partners with many libraries and offers documentaries, classic cinema, children’s content, and more, and can be accessed using public library cards or university student IDs.

Hoopla, another popular library app, includes access to audiobooks, ebooks, comics, music, movies, and TV shows. 

Step 6 – Keep Track with Subscription Management Tools

Automate Alerts for Renewal Dates

Juggling different streaming subscriptions can be challenging. Apps like Rocket Money send automated updates before subscription renewals come due and help you manage subscriptions. 

Set a Streaming Budget

Setting a budget is probably the simplest tip in this streaming services guide, but it’s a powerful tool when used correctly. Set a maximum amount you’ll spend on streaming in a month, and stick to it. If a new service pushes you over your budget, cancel an older one to get you back on track. Budgeting takes a little effort (who hasn’t occasionally given in to impulse purchases?), but sticking to one helps keep your streaming expenses under control.

Final Thoughts on How to Save Money on Subscriptions

Saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing content. With regular audits, rotating services, and free or bundled content, you can watch what you want without worrying about expense. Review your subscriptions today; you may save some hard-earned cash!