The average annual cable TV bill in the U.S. is nearing $2,400, a significant sum for the privilege of watching television. Fortunately, the cost of smart TVs has significantly decreased, which is a relief considering the substantial increase in the cost of the content we watch on them.
So, how can you effectively reduce your TV bill while still enjoying your favorite shows by yourself, or with friends and family?
Today, numerous streaming services offer loads of popular channels without requiring a contract. Finding the right combination requires a few decisions on your part. By prioritizing your viewing preferences, you can create a custom bundle that meets your specific needs. Depending on the cost of your previous cable bill, which could range from $75 to over $250 per month, switching to streaming could lead to considerable savings. In fact, if your cable bill was less than $100, you're likely to save and get what you want.
The 7 streaming bundle picks here are a good leaping off point in your journey toward the best viewing experience for you. Choosing to pay extra to eliminate most commercials is up to you. It will cost more, but if you don't mind ads, like those featuring Flo and her insurance bundling crew, you can save money.
Streaming services deliver content through an app that you install on your devices, either from an app store compatible with your device or as a pre-installed app on a smart device. To access the content, you'll need to create an account with the streaming service. Some services allow simultaneous viewing on two or more devices. Each service clearly outlines the number of devices allowed per plan in their plan details. Options with higher prices typically include more simultaneous viewers
1. Fair Middle $115: Philo TV (60+ live channels, 3 streams and, limitless DVR with a 12-month storage limit. Disney+/ESPN+/Hulu bundle, Max, Netflix, Prime Video, SHOWTIME, Apple TV+
Who: You need it all for a reasonable price. If you want more live channels you can upgrade from Phile to YouTube TV but it adds about $40/mo.
2. Series Lover $85: Max, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+/ESPN+/Hulu bundle, Apple TV+, SHOWTIME
Who: Binge-watching series produced by the streaming services. Downside: no live channels.
3. Movie Buff $85: The Criterion Channel, Max, Netflix, Mubi, Prime Video, SHOWTIME, Shudder
Who: Film buffs. Bonus: 3 Live Channels. Downside: Others at home may need to add sports and news channels.
4. Cinephile $101: Arrow Player, Brown Sugar, CONtv, Criterion Channel, Fandor,* Full Moon Features, Hi-YAH!, Kino Cult, Midnight Pulp, Mubi, Night Flight Plus, Prime Video, Shout! Factory TV,* Shudder, Troma Now, and Tubi
Who: Film is no mere hobby; it’s your passion. This package offers many genres from anime to documentaries to sci-fi and more. Cult classic buffs, this is for you. Downside: it’s a lot of accounts to open and track.
5. Young Parents: $77: Sling Orange w/ Sling Orange 4 Extras Deal add-on (incl. Kids Extra Pack), Disney+, Max
Who: parents of young children. Downside: you’ll need to buy an OTA antenna (they’re cheap and easy to install) to get local channels.
6. Sports Corner $70: Sling Orange + Sling Blue with Sports Extra add-on
Who: Sports are your happy place. Downside: We started with a concise plan admittedly but suggest that if you haven’t already done so, download the free app versions of Pluto and Xumo to get a huge menu of additional sports channels. Take it from there. If you absolutely need NFL Sunday Ticket, you’re going to find that exclusively on YouTube TV as an add-on. That’s going to more than double the monthly cost on this lineup. Or you can trek to your favorite sports bar.
7. Smart $25: Philo, OTA antenna, Tubi, Pluto, Xumo
Who: You’re paying off debt, saving for a goal, or spending more time on other activities. Downside: To get your local channels you’ll need to buy an OTA antenna (about $30). It connects directly to your TV, or, to your laptop via a TV tuner device starting at about $40.
Not Ready to Bundle Yet?
Try the Free People's Combo: It’s free but technically you need to buy an OTA antenna starting at about $30 to get local channels. Look into these free streaming apps (ads mostly included but it’s free after all Crackle, FilmRise, fubo Sports Network, Kaopy Midnight Pulp, Pluto TV, Xumo, Roku Channel, Sling Freestream, Tubi, VUDO
Who: You’re new to streaming or you’re not sure you even want a bundle. Try out these free apps. Many will repeatedly ask you to upgrade to a paid version but you can deal with that. Learn the streaming ecosphere first before making your paid selections if that’s where it leads and if not, you’re free to be free.
Are There Free Trial Periods for Streaming Services?
Yes, most streaming services listed offer free trial periods of 7-30 days.
Can I Watch in 4K?
Yes, most streaming services let you watch in 4K resolution but some, like Netflix, require that you take the Premium-level plan that costs more. For Netflix the Premium plan is $22.99/mo. Some but not all services offer streaming on-demand content. It’s possible that with a bundle you may have some redundant content but that’s hard to avoid. You can always pare back if the duplication is blatant.
Will There Be Contracts?
No. Streaming services know customers feel wary of contracts. Instead of asking for a contract they offer incentives like a discount price if you pay for a full year up front. Also, if you are taking advantage of a free trial period and have given over your payment information in exchange for the free trial, make sure to calendar a decision day for either canceling the streaming service in the account you set up, or, committing to a subscription. If you don’t manually cancel your account your card will be charged after the trial period ends.
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