If you’ve noticed that the amount you spend on streaming subscriptions has been on the increase, don’t worry. We have a few easy strategies that you can employ to reduce your costs, particularly as you prepare for those comfortable winter movie nights.
While services like Netflix are fantastic, the monthly charge for a top-tier subscription can add up quickly. But don’t despair; here are three tips to help you cut down your streaming expenses.
1. Make Use of Free TV Apps
It might seem unconventional to deviate from your everyday habits. However, a straightforward way to save money is to supplement your usage of premium, paid-for applications with free ones. Numerous legal and free TV applications are available, so you don’t have to worry about copyright issues. These apps operate by showing you advertisements, which is not much of an inconvenience. Most of these platforms boast vast libraries featuring thousands of movies and TV episodes. Furthermore, they usually offer a considerable number of free live TV channels, streaming around the clock.
Some popular free TV applications that are worth trying include Tubi, Amazon Freevee, Pluto, Plex TV, Sling Freestream and The Roku Channel. Most smart TVs or streaming devices support these applications.
2. Cycle Through Streaming Services
You don’t have to entirely ditch premium TV to manage your finances. However, consider whether you need to subscribe to all of these services concurrently. A worthwhile strategy is to cycle through your subscriptions, being on only one service at a time. You can start by canceling all your subscriptions, then switch to Netflix for a month and view the content you need. Afterwards, cancel Netflix and get Disney+ for the subsequent month. When done with Disney+, move on to another service and another after that. After four months, switch back to Netflix and enjoy all the latest content. You will not miss out on any material, and the best part is you will only be paying for one service each month, not multiple.
3. Subscription Plans Audit
It’s crucial to check if you are getting services equivalent to what you are paying. For instance, Netflix’s top tier package, Premium, costs £17.99 in the UK and $22.99 in the US and allows you to view 4K Ultra HD content. Make sure that you are receiving a 4K picture. If your TV does not support 4K, changing to a cheaper plan could save you cash.
Even if you have a 4K TV but use an Amazon Fire Stick model that doesn’t support 4K, you won’t get a 4K picture. Similarly, if you predominantly stream on a smartphone, you probably don’t need a 4K subscription.
In a nutshell, television is fantastic and worth every penny, but you shouldn’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the burden of escalating streaming bills. Check all the services you are subscribed to and tally how much you’re spending over the course of a year. If it exceeds your budget, it might be time to reduce the costs by applying these simple tricks. If you don’t like your new cost-saving life, you can always switch back to the old ways instantly. Your wallet will thank you!
