How to Save Money on Streaming Services in 2024
If you feel like your monthly streaming bill is getting out of hand, you are not alone. Major platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Max have been consistently raising their prices, making many subscribers question the value. While the cost of entertainment is climbing, there are still smart ways to save. Securing a good deal on a streaming service is possible, even if it requires a bit more effort than finding a discount on consumer electronics.
The best time to find streaming discounts is typically during the Black Friday shopping period. However, limited-time promotions do pop up throughout the year, often in the form of a discounted monthly or annual rate for a specific period. These deals are usually for the ad-supported versions of a service, though occasional promotions on ad-free tiers do exist.
If you can be patient, it is wise to wait for a deal before subscribing. This approach saves you money upfront and allows you to evaluate the service during the promotional period. If you find it is not for you, you can easily cancel before the price increases. Here are some of the best streaming deals available right now.
DirecTV Stream packages are currently $35 off for your first month. The base Entertainment package starts at $50 for the first month, offering over 90 channels, including local stations and sports networks like ESPN.
A unique bundle pairs a DashPass annual subscription with HBO Max. For $96 per year, you get the ad-supported version of HBO Max alongside DoorDash benefits like $0 delivery fees on eligible orders. You can choose to upgrade to the ad-free Max tier for an additional $11 per month.
New users can get three months of Spotify Premium Individual for free. This offer provides ad-free music listening, unlimited skips, and offline downloads. Remember that the subscription will auto-renew at the standard $12 per month rate after the trial, so set a reminder to cancel if you do not wish to continue.
Fubo is offering an introductory discount on its Pro package, bringing the first month’s cost down to $55. This plan includes 224 channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and support for up to 10 simultaneous streams, making it a solid option for sports fans.
New subscribers can get YouTube TV for $50 per month for the first three months. This provides access to over 100 channels and unlimited cloud DVR storage, offering a substantial period to test the service.
New customers can get Sling Orange or Sling Blue for 50 percent off their first month. Sling Orange, priced at $23 for the first month, is geared toward sports fans, while Sling Blue, at $25.50, focuses on news and entertainment.
Peacock offers a 50 percent annual discount for medical professionals and first responders, bringing the yearly cost down to $48. Verification is required annually to maintain the discount.
Student discounts are also a great way to save. HBO Max offers its ad-supported plan to students for just $5 per month, a 50 percent discount, for up to 12 months. Hulu provides an even steeper discount, offering its ad-supported plan to students for only $2 per month for as long as they are enrolled.
The best student deal might be from Spotify, which bundles its Premium service with Hulu (with ads) for just $6 per month. Students can also get NBA League Pass for a discounted annual rate of $120.
Streaming bundles are becoming more common as companies consolidate. The Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle with ads costs $17 per month, representing significant savings over subscribing to each service individually. Disney also offers bundles combining its services with Hulu and ESPN Plus, with both ad-supported and premium, ad-free options available.
Other notable bundles include Sling TV packages that can be combined with HBO Max at a discount, and the Paramount Plus with Showtime plan, which offers an ad-free experience with content from both libraries for $13 per month or $120 per year.
The key to managing streaming costs is a strategic approach. Take advantage of free trials, introductory offers, and bundled packages. Always be mindful of auto-renewal dates and cancel any service you no longer use. With a little planning, you can enjoy your favorite content without breaking the bank.