How to save money on cable and streaming services

Get all your favorite TV shows and movies for less with these tips.


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An evening at home watching television on the sofa is different from what it even did a decade ago, thanks to streaming service packages. Instead of having to be at home to monitor our favorite shows As they are broadcast, we now have the ability to play an entire series or our favorite films on demand. And due to certain streaming beam packages, it has never been so easy to cut links with traditional cable, without even losing access to live television. But before making the jump, it is essential to know exactly what are the best streaming packages so that your budget can benefit from it. Read the rest to find out how to save money on cable and streaming services, according to experts.

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What is a streaming package?

Streaming service icons on smartphone screen
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In addition to the convenience of power Look at what you want Exactly when you wish, streaming services have become the essential format to release most of the new content in places that facilitate consuming them.

"A streaming service is offered by an online entertainment supplier that gives you access to a variety of content such as movies, television programs and live television", explains Sandy yong , expert in personal finance and founder of The Master of Money . "You can watch it online via your computer, laptop, tablet or mobile device."

The format has become so popular that many televisions are now preloaded with major streaming services such as Netflix, Video, YouTube TV and Hulu, among others. Devices such as Roku Boxes, Amazon Fireticks and Google Chromecastes can also connect to your set to add or improve the experience.

Each streaming service includes its own set of content, but it is generally possible to combine them or take advantage of the additional modules. "The streaming pack packages are only individual streaming services that are grouped together and offered at a reduced price, as an insurance company offers you additional savings when you buy both car and home insurance" insurance " , explain Lauren Keys , founder of Lifestyle AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

How can I look at?

Streaming services can help save you on cable bills.

One of the largest prints of streaming application beams is how much they can be more favorable to the budget than traditional cable. "It is attractive for those who are cords and want to eliminate traditional television," explains Yong. "There are a plethora of available streaming services that are aimed at specific niches (for example, sports fans or moviegoers) and can vary at prices."

Can I watch live television?

One of the biggest questions that people ask during the transition to streaming service packs is whether streaming television is easy or affordable to use. According to Julie Ramhold ,, Consumer analyst With Dealnews.com, Streaming Services Hulu, Tubi, YouTube TV and Prime Video are only some of the available options that include a version.

"With Prime, you can see a few Live television, such as CBS News, CBS Sports and, "she explains." There are also "liberation" options which are essentially very specific television marathon channels: think 24/7 Datelin NBC , History Channel's Modern wonders ,, Ghost hunters , and more with interspersed advertisements. "She says that these channels are available with advertisements, so they are" probably one of the closest experiences we can get in the old -fashioned television marathons. "

Free trials can be of great help.

A family sitting on a couch while watching a streaming TV service
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Whether there is a new show that you know you want to watch or just need something to take care of you, many major streaming services will give you a taste of what they offer before you have to pay anything . According to Trae bod , A smart shopping expert On Truetrae.com, Starz, Paramount +, Appletv + and Discovery + all offer a free seven -day trial, while you can get an entire Hulu or premium video for free.

However, it is important to remember that you will finally be billed. "If you register for a free trial or a promotional offer, create a calendar reminder a few days before the end to reassess whether this streaming company is suitable or if you have to cancel," suggest Melissa Cid ,, consumer savings expert For Mysavings.com.

Some memberships have free access to streaming services.

There is a chance that you already have access to a streaming service, even if you have not yet registered.

"Some memberships also include streaming services or free credits," said CID. "Walmart also offers Paramount + streaming for free to members. And with their free delivery advantage, Amazon Prime members have a wide selection of streaming content included via Prime Video."

According to Bodge, other possibilities include your mobile phone plan . "Some T-Mobile customers have access to Netflix, Paramount + and Apple TV +," she says.

The prices of the main streaming services have increased.

Part of the original migration of the cable to streaming beams was undertaken in the hope of reducing costs. But experts warn that streaming becomes more expensive.

"The rise in streaming services prices is something to keep an eye," said Dan Goman , expert in streaming and entertainment and CEO of Creative Technologies workshop . "Consequently, consumers can start to feel discomfort because they see their invoices increase. Some can opt for more affordable options, including advertising services, to manage their entertainment costs."

Ironically, the future of streaming could probably reflect the traditional cable model. "In fact, I like to consider it as" cable 2.0 ". Streaming services will continue to increase unnecessarily low subscription prices, and we are already at a point where subscriptions to the highest streaming services cost More expensive than the average cable bill, "he predicts. "This brings us to Cable 2.0, where platforms like Apple, YouTube and Roku will bring together the content and will be the next" Cablodistribution Companies offering profitable content packages for consumers ".

However, he admits that the concept of streaming packets is still gaining ground. "Although these main streaming services may not be as affordable as we want, partnerships with telephone companies and other platforms could offer consumers a way to access a variety of streaming options in a way practical, "he said. "It is interesting to think that these few platforms could possibly replace traditional cable operators."

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4 best streaming packages to help you save

netflix and hulu apps on apple tv
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Disney + Trio

Experts agree that Disney + Trio offers great value.

"It includes Hulu, ESPN + and Disney +, costs $ 14.99 per month for the basic bundle with announcements and $ 24.99 per month for the premium advertising version (from April 2024)", explains Keys. "But if you were to buy each service individually, you would pay $ 7.99 or 17.99 per month for Hulu with or without advertising, $ 10.99 per month for ESPN + and $ 7.99 at 13.99 for Disney + with or without advertising. "

It is also one of the best streaming beams in terms of what you will get. "On Hulu, you can watch shows like Rick and Morty Or The good doctor, said Deacon hayes , founder of Well -maintained wallet . "On Disney +, you not only get children content, but you can also watch Marvel movies, Star Wars program like The Mandalorian and National Geographic Content. Finally, with ESPN +, you have access to a lot of sporting content, from college golf to baseball matches of the major league. ""

YouTube TV

Those looking for easy access to live television with the possibility of coming out for additional modules have at least one option, if they are ready to pay.

"YouTube TV is an expensive streaming service, but it is also delivered with national and local networks, as well as films and emissions on demand without additional costs," said Ramhold. "The biggest draw could be the unlimited storage of DVR Cloud so that you can save media to look later, and at an additional monthly cost, you can add" Premium "networks like Max, Showtime and Starz."

However, she points out that the starting price of $ 72.99 per month can be intimidating for some, even if it has up to six household accounts. "It includes live television, and for his defense, he presents himself as" the redesigned cable ", so even with this higher price, it can be worth it for many households," she adds.

Philosophy

Although it is not technically one of the main streaming services, Philo is another option for people who want a lot of channels. "It's only $ 25 per month for 70 channels," said Todd Stearn , consumer savings expert and founder of The money manual .

Some levels include popular channels AMC, MTV, Food Network, Comedy Central, TLC, VH1 and more. "You can easily see the selection on their website and sort by type of channel to see if their offers will meet your needs," he said. "And better still, Philo also offers a free seven -day trial."

Paramount +

While traditional networks and media companies continue to develop their streaming service offers, there are more options that work like streaming beams under the same roof, including Paramount +.

"If you have a tighter budget, you can opt for Paramount + for $ 5.99 per month," explains Stearn. "This would be the way to follow if you are a fan of CBS, because it includes CBS programming with several other networks, decent film access and even offers a free one week."

Peacock

For just under $ 6 per month, you can access a wide range of programs and films with Peacock.

"It is for fans of NBC because it includes NBC among other networks such as Bravo, USA, MSNBC, Showtime, E!, And Golf Channel, as well as access to films," explains Stearn. "He also has live sporting events."

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How to choose the best streaming packages

Couple watching streaming services
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There is no doubt that the growing number of options could make more confusing to find the right range for your needs. But if you take the time to explore what is going on and compare, it should become clear what are the best streaming packages for you.

"The thing to keep in mind when you decide between different services and Bundle's offers is to understand what you really need," says Keys. "For example, if you only care about Hulu and ESPN +, this allows you to save money to simply buy the versions brought to the advertising of these two services separately and jump the bundle that includes Disney +."

Cid says that the way to determine the best streaming packages for your needs is to make a list of essential channels and emissions that you will want to access the demand. "From there you can reduce it in the perfect streaming package for you," she said. "Maybe it's YouTube TV, which offers the most channels, or Hulu + Live TV, which has the best streaming application bundles. It could even be Sling TV, which is one of the best fringes for your money with more package options for each budget.

The best option may not be at all no streaming package.

Even with a wide range to choose, shopping for the best streaming packages might not be worth it for you to go to the à la carte. Ramhold also points out that certain packages do not provide savings.

"Even things like Amazon Prime Video are not really a good deal when you consider that you pay for first -rate video (or bonus) and that you can add things like Max for $ 9.99 per month, but Max is already $ 9.99 per month, so you "I don't save anything from this path," she explains. which give real savings, except perhaps the Disney + trio for those who can use it. "

Conclusion

It is clear that streaming television is the path of the future, and streaming service bundles should facilitate and more affordable to access your favorite live television, movies and television. However, it is crucial to weigh your options to determine the best streaming beams for your needs so that you will not finish too much. For more money saving advice, visit Better life again soon.


Categories: Smarter Living
Tags: Movies / Saving Money / TV
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