How to save money on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu

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Netflix launched its streaming program in 2007, then just a DVD-by-mail service. Since then, streaming has taken the world by storm and established itself as a mainstream service 78% of US homes have some form of streaming service. The rise of streaming, like the rise of DVD before it, was largely due to its convenience. Unlike brick and mortar rental stores like Blockbuster, users have access to countless videos without leaving the comfort of their homes. It’s also cheaper than previous services, as consumers don’t have to pay for individual movies or an entire cable package, but for an entire entertainment package at a fraction of the price.

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However, streaming is becoming more and more expensive. With the number of competing platforms out there, many people subscribe to multiple streaming services to access all of their favorite shows across different networks. In fact, the number of households with four or more streaming services doubled from 2020 to 2021. Also, the streaming services themselves will get more expensive — Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN+ will each see price increases in the following months.

With inflation soaring, it’s understandable to think that streaming has to be one of those things you’re missing out on. Fortunately, there is still hope and there are cheaper ways to enjoy online entertainment. We’ll walk you through all the ways you can save money on streaming services.

►Tomorrow is Disney+ Day: Interesting facts and streaming

Getc an antenna to access dozens of free channels

Did you know there are dozens of free channels just waiting to be watched on your TV? Channels like NBC, ABC, Fox, PBS and CW can be viewed with an antenna. You can watch a variety of programs yourself with just a one-time payment for the cost of the antenna.

That Best HDTV antenna We tested the ClearStream Eclipse TV antenna. With a range of 35 miles, ClearStream offers many different channels with crystal clear picture quality. It comes with a wall mount that can be attached without screws or pins. This antenna is not only practical, but also beautiful. Its sleek, halo-like design gives it a cool, futuristic look – it’s certainly an evolution of the old rabbit-ear design that used to be ubiquitous in antennas. Plus, it has a black side and a white side, so it’s guaranteed to match the style of your home, whatever the hues.

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Use a free streaming service

If you’d rather stream entertainment than using an antenna, there are still ways to save money. In fact, there are streaming services that you can enjoy without paying a penny.

• tube is one of the most popular streaming services out there, which is a testament to the quality and quantity of its offerings. It also gives you the opportunity to tune into live programs.
• Amazon freevee, formerly known as IMDb TV and IMDb Freedive, is the free alternative to Amazon Prime Video. Freevee is known for its quality original shows and movies. You can also use the service to watch high-profile movies like The Invisible Man and F9.
• Pluto TV serves as Paramount’s free alternative to Paramount+. Pluto TV is unique in that it has hundreds of cable-like channels where you can watch various movies and shows totally free.

• Sony’s Crackle changes their offerings often, so be sure to check the site regularly to see if they have something you like.
• If you are an anime fan, RetroCrush is a streaming service that should be on your radar. It offers over 200 retro-style anime, both subtitled and dubbed, as well as live-action Japanese movies. Many of RetroCrush’s titles cannot be found on Crunchyroll or other popular anime streaming services.
• If you have a library card, you probably have access to it hooplaa library partner application that lets you stream tons of audiobooks, movies, shows, and albums.

Binge with a free trial

If there’s a show or movie you want to watch on a paid streaming service, you might want to consider a free trial (especially if you want to watch a single show quickly). Not all major streaming services offer free trials, but many do. Additionally, the free trials are usually generous with the time they give you. Popular services that offer free trials include Hulu, Showtime, and Prime Video, all of which offer 30-day free trials. YouTube TV offers a 14-day free trial and Paramount+ offers a 7-day trial.

If you don’t plan on subscribing to a streaming platform after the trial period ends, make sure you set a reminder to cancel your subscription before the trial period ends, otherwise you will be billed for a membership.

Choose a lower level streaming service

Many streaming services allow you to purchase a specific tier, with more expensive tiers offering premium features like HD or ad-free streaming. If you are willing to deal with ads, you should consider buying the lowest tier of a service. That way, you can continue to enjoy the excellent programs it has to offer while also saving some money.

For $6.99 you can watch Hulu with ad breaks, compared to $12.99 for Hulu without ads. In addition to a free tier with fewer movies and shows, Peacock offers an advertising tier for $4.99 and an ad-free tier for $9.99. Both in the coming months Disney+ and Netflix will introduce an ad-supported base tier that is said to be cheaper than the current lowest tiers.

Take advantage ofstreambunch

Streaming services offer many Bundles and Offers which can help you save money while gaining access to additional subscriptions.

For $13.99 a month, you can buy a Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle that gives you access to tons of shows and movies for a lot less than you would pay for each service individually. Certain phone providers like Verizon offer free streaming bundles with the purchase of certain plans. Namely, Verizon users can get a free bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Verizon also offers up to 6 months of Discovery+ with select plans.

With an Amazon Prime subscription, you get access to Amazon Prime Video, making one of the most convenient shopping platforms even more attractive. If you have a Walmart+ membership, you’ll soon have access to a Paramount+ subscription.

If you have an ISP like Xfinity, many channels allow you to stream their shows for free by signing up with your ISP information.

Streaming offers are currently running

There are some ways to save money on some of the biggest streaming platforms through price cuts offered upon signup.

• Disney+ offers 15% discount when you pay annually instead of monthly. Plus, Get a month of Disney+ for $1.99 for Disney+ Day.
• Hi offers 16% savings when you pay for an annual subscription. Also, you can get Now $60 off Hulu + Live TV.
• HBO Max is offering 40% off annual purchases through October 30th. For the ad-free tier, save $75.
• YouTube TV takes $30 off your first three months of service after completing a free trial.
• Sling TV offers various promotions such as a 50% off college football package and a premium pass that includes Showtime and Starz.

• apple tv offers 3 months free when you buy a qualifying Apple device.

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Prices were correct at the time this article was published, but may change over time.