Steaming Prices Are Skyrocketing – 8 Ways You Can Manage Your Subscriptions
Written by
Sean Fisher, AI Editor
Edited by
Sean Fisher
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As streaming services become a staple in our entertainment diet, managing the costs associated with these platforms is more important than ever. With prices on the rise, it’s crucial to stay on top of your subscriptions to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Here’s a condensed summary of the recent price increases for streaming services:
- Amazon Prime Video: From $9 to now $12 per month
- Netflix (Premium Plan): From $20 to now $23 per month
- Hulu: From $15 to now $18 per month
- HBO Max: From $15 to now $16 per month
Here are some strategies to help you manage your streaming subscriptions effectively:
Audit Your Subscriptions
List all your streaming services along with their monthly costs. For example, Netflix’s basic plan with ads is $6.99, while its standard plan without ads is $15.49. Disney+ is $7.99 with ads and $13.99 without ads. Keep track of these costs to understand your total spending.
Evaluate Your Usage
Assess how frequently you use each service. If you find that you’re not utilizing a service enough to justify the cost, consider canceling it. For instance, if you’re paying $17.99 for Hulu’s no-ads plan but rarely watch it, it might be time to let it go.
Set Up Reminders
Since many services automatically renew without notification, set up reminders a few days before each renewal date. This will help you decide whether to continue or cancel a subscription before you’re charged again.
Share Subscriptions
Explore the possibility of sharing subscriptions with friends or family to split the cost. Just ensure that the service’s terms of use permit account sharing.
Rotate Subscriptions
Consider subscribing to one service at a time based on the content you want to watch. After you’ve finished watching a series on Netflix, you could switch to Disney+ for a different selection.
Look for Bundles and Discounts
Check if any streaming services offer bundled packages or discounts for longer-term commitments. Amazon Prime Video, for example, is bundled with other Prime benefits at $14.99 per month.
Use Free Trials Wisely
Take advantage of free trials to test out new services. Just remember to cancel the trial before it ends if you decide not to continue with the service.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Focus on subscribing to services that offer content you truly enjoy, rather than having multiple subscriptions that you don’t fully utilize.
By implementing these strategies, you can better manage your streaming subscriptions and avoid overspending on services you don’t use or need.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
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