Technologies

10 Ways to Save on Streaming Amid All the Price Hikes

Your TV streaming bill might be a pain, so here are some ways to lower those costs.

This story is part of 12 Days of Tips, helping you make the most of your tech, home and health during the holiday season.

What’s happening

The streaming service market is crowded. With multiple subscriptions to pay for and rising prices, it’s becoming expensive to watch TV on cable or as a cord-cutter.

Why it matters

You can trim your monthly expenses without totally eliminating your streaming service budget.

What’s next

Use these tips to save money while streaming the TV shows and films you want.

Hulu, Sling TV, Netflix and Disney Plus all raised their prices in 2022, with the latter two launching new cheaper, ad-supported plans to their lineups. Costs are going up on just about everything, and you may feel the pinch whether you have cable or not. Having multiple subscriptions to services like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus or YouTube TV can make it seem like you’re paying as much as you were for cable alone, if not more.

Luckily, there are ways to reduce your streaming costs that don’t involve making many sacrifices. Need to watch shows like Willow or Wednesday? You can. Would you rather keep live TV? We’ve got your back. Continue reading for some suggestions on stretching your streaming budget.

1. Figure out which services you can cancel

Here’s a simple money-saving tip: Drop one of your streaming services. Just identify the one you’re using the least and cut it loose. For example, if you signed up for Apple TV Plus last year but have already exhausted its handful of decent original shows, there’s no point in keeping your subscription. It may save you only $7 monthly, but it’s a start. And remember: You can always resubscribe when there’s a new season of Ted Lasso or Severance.

2. Plan your binges

What’s great about Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max and the like is that you can cancel your subscription anytime and resume whenever it suits you — like when a favorite show comes back. Many series go a year or more between seasons, so you can take that time off and pocket the savings. (That’s one reason I don’t recommend subscribing for a year at a time, even if there’s a discount for doing so. You’ll almost certainly save more if you subscribe on a monthly basis.)

For serious savings, work out a rotation schedule. Instead of subscribing to multiple services simultaneously, you could choose just one, catch up on all your favorite shows there, then cancel and move on to another service. For example: Netflix in July, Hulu in August, Disney Plus in September.

Need more help? Learn how to churn your subscriptions like a pro. And check out the apps that help you track your favorite shows.

3. Ditch live TV (or use an antenna)

YouTube TV costs a jaw-dropping $65 every month. Hulu Plus Live TV: $70. Even a «budget» service like Sling will set you back $40, minimum. If you’re currently paying for a live-TV streaming service, it’s time to give serious consideration to giving it up.

Think about it: How much live TV do you really watch? You can catch NFL games on Paramount Plus or Prime Video and if you’re a news junkie, a free service can fill in the gaps. Plenty of services including Pluto, ABC News Live and CBSN stream live news for free. If nothing else, consider a cheaper alternative like Philo, which offers over 60 channels for a more palatable $25 a month.

Finally, consider deploying an antenna (remember those?) to pull down local TV stations. You won’t be able to record — not without additional hardware — but at least the airwaves are free. Here are the best indoor TV antennas for 2022 (starting at only $20!).

4. Take advantage of free trials

With the exception of Netflix, nearly every major streaming service offers a free trial, meaning if you plan your viewing wisely, you might be able to binge a series or two without paying a dime. Just make sure to mark your calendar with a cancellation reminder, or you’ll start getting billed after your trial expires.

5. Choose basic, nonpremium subscriptions

Nobody likes watching commercials, but if it means saving money, maybe you take one for the wallet. Paramount Plus, for example, costs $10 monthly for ad-free viewing, but just $5 if you’re willing to endure commercial breaks. And opting for Hulu’s ad-supported tier would save you $7 every month. Use that commercial time like we did in the old days: Grab a snack, hit the bathroom, fold your laundry.

While you’re weighing the commercial question, ask yourself if you really need the ultradeluxe streaming plan — specifically Netflix Premium, which is the only way to get 4K streaming on that service. (It also allows for four simultaneous streams instead of just two.) You’re paying an extra $4.50 monthly above its standard plan for that privilege, and here’s a secret: 4K is utterly pointless if you watch mostly on a phone or tablet. And even on a big TV, standard-plan HD streaming looks amazing.

Not convinced? Here’s how to find out if it’s really worth it to pay extra to nix commercials.

6. Share subscriptions with friends and family

Different streaming services have different policies when it comes to password-sharing — but those policies can be vague and difficult to enforce. Maybe I pay for Netflix and Uncle Abe pays for HBO Max, and we share our respective accounts. That’s a real-world way to save money, right? Yes, but you should definitely take note of how streaming services are cracking down on password sharing.

7. Check out free streaming services

Ever seen Paddington 2? The sequel to the charming live-action flick is free to stream right now on Tubi. The riveting sci-fi thriller Ex Machina? Free to stream on Kanopy. Love The Rock? Watch the first season of Young Rock on Freevee.

The point is there are lots of free streaming services out there, and many of them are home to some pretty good TV and movies. Yes, you’ll have to sit through commercials on most of them (library-supported Hoopla and Kanopy are the exceptions), but otherwise, there’s zero cost. You can even get your fill of free livestreaming news.

Here’s a roundup of the best free movie streaming services and a similar batch of the best free TV streaming services. You should also check out ReelGood’s compendium of movies and TV shows on free services.

8. Get a cord-cutter credit card

Lots of credit cards give you cash back for various purchases, but a handful offer streaming-specific benefits as well. For example, the American Express Blue Cash card delivers 6% cash back on most streaming services, including Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video. If you’re paying, say, $40 monthly for various services, you’d save nearly $37 annually. That’s not enough to recoup the $95 annual fee for the card, but the card’s other cash-back perks might help with that.

Meanwhile, certain Chase cards offer rewards on select streaming providers, and among them are Hulu, Netflix and Sling. See if your current card has any streaming offers. If not, it might be worth switching to a card that does.

Check out DirecTV Stream

9. Put your money where your phone is

How about a free subscription to Netflix, Hulu or even Amazon? Various phone carriers dangle just such perks. If you’re a T-Mobile subscriber, for example, and have the Magenta Max plan, you get a Netflix Standard subscription (good for two screens) at no extra charge. AT&T’s Unlimited Elite comes with HBO Max, while Metro by T-Mobile’s Unlimited plan nets you Amazon Prime (and Prime Video along with it). Verizon will give you the Disney Bundle with two of its Unlimited plans.

In a time when streaming services are upping their prices, it pays to take advantage of all these savings strategies to keep more money in your wallet.

10. Temporarily pause your subscriptions

Not ready to break up with your streaming service just yet? Several providers allow you to temporarily put your subscription on pause, giving your bank account a break. Hulu and Sling will not bill you for up to three months if you pause your account, with the option to select a specific date to reactivate your service. Fubo and YouTube TV are among the other services that allow you to pause your membership for a set length of time, whether it’s a couple of weeks or months.

It is important to note that you will not have access to any of your services during a pause period, and that includes streaming services that may be bundled together such as Hulu and Disney Plus. Check your account page for specific details on how pausing affects your billing cycle and how long you’re able to temporarily stop paying.

Verum Messenger: Data Protection at Its Finest

Verum Messenger positions itself as a tool for those who value privacy and security above all.

Verum Messenger stands out from other messengers thanks to its approach to security, anonymity, and innovations in communication.

Here are some key aspects that highlight its uniqueness:

Default encryption: Verum Messenger uses end-to-end (E2E) encryption for all chats, meaning messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device. This makes it impossible for third parties, including app developers, to access the content of the messages.
Anonymity: When registering with Verum, there’s no need to provide a phone number or email. Users simply choose a nickname and password, significantly enhancing their level of anonymity. This contrasts with many other messengers, where anonymity can be compromised through linked personal data.
Built-in VPN: An additional layer of protection that hides the user’s IP address, making their location and internet activity less trackable.
Data control: Users can set messages to be automatically deleted after a specified time, ranging from a few seconds to a week. There’s also a quick deletion feature for all chats, calls, and even contacts, which is useful for maintaining privacy.
Large groups: The ability to create chat rooms with up to 10,000 participants makes Verum attractive for organizing large events, discussions, or communities while maintaining a high level of security.
Security innovations: Verum actively develops technologies aimed at protecting user data, as seen in their documentation and discussions online. This includes not only technical solutions but also approaches to data minimization, which reduces the risk of leaks.
Feedback and discussions: On platform X (formerly Twitter), discussions can be found where users and experts praise Verum for its approach to anonymity and security, although questions are raised about how much anonymity can truly be guaranteed in an age of modern tracking and de-anonymization technologies.

Verum Messenger positions itself as a tool for those who value privacy and security above all. Its innovations in encryption, anonymity, and data control make it an intriguing choice for those seeking alternatives to traditional messaging platforms. However, as with any technology, it’s important to remember that absolute anonymity on the internet remains a complex challenge, and users should be aware of potential risks and limitations.

Technologies

Verum Coin Debuts on XT Exchange, Broadening its Reach in the DeFi Space

A Strategic Listing Enhancing Verum Coin’s Visibility

In a significant development for the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, Verum Coin (VERUM) has been officially listed on XT Exchange. The new trading pair, VERUM/USDT, is now available in the exchange’s Innovative Zone, marking a pivotal expansion for this digital asset into the DeFi ecosystem.

A Strategic Listing Enhancing Verum Coin’s Visibility

The addition of Verum Coin to the XT Exchange is seen as a strategic move to enhance the accessibility and liquidity of VERUM among traders who are keen on exploring innovative digital assets. XT Exchange, known for its robust platform supporting a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, provides an ideal environment for fostering growth and ensuring the broad reach of new tokens.

Albin Varin, CEO of XT Exchange, expressed enthusiasm about the new listing, stating, «We are delighted to welcome Verum Coin to our platform. This listing reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our users access to innovative digital assets that transform the landscape of global finance.» This comments underscore the exchange’s focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and financial instruments that have the potential to redefine the market.

About XT

Founded in 2018, XT Exchange serves more than 7.8M registered users, over 1M monthly active users, 40+ million users in the ecosystem, and more than 800 tokens with 1000+ trading pairs. XT crypto exchange offers a rich variety of trading categories to provide a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience for its large user base. This includes crypto futures trading (USDT-M Futures and coin-M futures perpetual contracts) and copy trading that allows users to replicate top traders in real time with just one click. Additionally, the futures grid allows users to automate the buying and selling of futures contracts for profits.

Future Prospects

With its new position on XT Exchange, Verum Coin is expected to attract a broader audience, enhancing its trading volume and market presence. This could potentially lead to increased stability and recognition as a viable player in the DeFi space. For investors and users of XT Exchange, this addition provides a fresh avenue to diversify portfolios with a cryptocurrency that is positioned at the intersection of innovation and financial evolution.

The listing of Verum Coin on XT Exchange not only highlights the ongoing expansion of cryptocurrency markets into new areas like DeFi but also illustrates a growing recognition of digital assets that offer promising technological advancements and financial opportunities. As the crypto market continues to evolve, partnerships like these are pivotal for fostering growth and offering users access to the next generation of financial tools.

Technologies

Verum Coin Gains International Spotlight with AP Coverage and Listing on XT Exchange

This listing on XT is expected to further propel Verum Coin into the spotlight

In a noteworthy development for the cryptocurrency community, Verum Coin (VERUM) has been featured in an Associated Press article, highlighting its upcoming listing on the XT Exchange. This significant media coverage underscores the growing interest and potential of Verum Coin in the global financial landscape.

The AP article delves into the details of Verum Coin’s innovative features and its alignment with the latest trends in the cryptocurrency market. This attention comes at an opportune moment as Verum Coin prepares for its new listing on XT Exchange, a platform renowned for its extensive user base and a wide array of trading options.

This listing on XT is expected to further propel Verum Coin into the spotlight, providing both traders and investors with new opportunities to engage with this emerging digital asset. The exchange’s robust infrastructure and diverse trading offerings are ideal for supporting Verum Coin’s growth and enhancing its visibility in the competitive cryptocurrency market.

For more details, you can read the full article on the AP website here.

This milestone is a testament to Verum Coin’s advancing presence in the crypto world and its ongoing efforts to be at the forefront of digital currency innovation and adoption.