Streaming services make entertainment incredibly convenient, but they can also put a hefty dent in your wallet. With so many platforms to choose from, both free and paid, managing subscriptions can become expensive because costs can add up without you even noticing. Instead of letting your streaming habits drain your budget, you can take smart steps to save without sacrificing your favorite shows, movies, or music. Let's break down some tips for saving money on streaming services, helping you prioritize what you need while trimming unnecessary expenses. By the end, you’ll know how to make the most of your subscriptions without paying more than you should.

Audit Your Current Subscriptions

The first and most important step to saving money on streaming services is understanding what you’re already paying for. Many people forget about subscriptions they no longer use or underestimate how much they’re spending each month.

Start by creating a list of all your streaming services. This can include not just video platforms like Netflix or Hulu but also music subscriptions like Spotify or Audible, and even gaming platforms. Write down the monthly or annual cost of each service. Looking at your expenses all in one place often reveals where you’re overspending.

Cancel services you haven’t used in at least a month. If your Disney+ account has been idle since you binged one of their original releases, it’s time to pause or cancel. Most platforms allow for easy cancellation and reactivation, so you can always subscribe again when something worth watching or listening to grabs your attention.

Share Subscriptions With Family or Friends

Many streaming platforms support account sharing, which can save you quite a bit of money when split between friends or family. This doesn’t mean you should violate the terms of service by giving your password to dozens of people. Most platforms include group plans that are designed to legally support multiple users.

Netflix allows varying numbers of profiles depending on your subscription tier. Spotify Premium Family plans similarly allow multiple accounts under one umbrella subscription. Discuss sharing costs with trusted individuals to reduce your individual expenses. Just make sure everyone agrees on who will manage the account and payments.

Take Advantage of Free Trials and Promotions

Free trials can be a lifesaver when you’re looking to explore new services without overspending. Many platforms offer introductory trials ranging from one week to a full month, and these are great ways to enjoy fresh content without committing to immediate costs.

To avoid unwanted charges, set a calendar reminder to cancel before the trial ends. Some services like Hulu or HBO Max also offer significant discounts during holidays or on annual plans. Paying for the year upfront is often cheaper than subscribing monthly.

Switch Between Platforms Monthly

Keeping multiple subscription services active at the same time often results in paying for content you’re not even watching. Instead of juggling five platforms at once, alternate between them.

You can binge all your favorite Netflix shows for a month, cancel Netflix, and then switch to Hulu. Rotating platforms keeps things fresh and limits you to only one or two active subscriptions, slashing unnecessary costs.

Use Free Streaming Options

Paid platforms dominate the market, but there are plenty of free streaming options that still provide fantastic entertainment. Services like Tubi, Peacock (free tier), and Crackle offer impressive libraries of movies, TV shows, and even original content. Sure, these platforms might sprinkle in ads, but those short interruptions are a small price to pay for zero out-of-pocket expense.

YouTube is another excellent source for free content. Channels like PBS, TED, and independent creators often upload high-quality material you can enjoy without a subscription.

Downgrade Your Subscription Plan

Premium plans often come with bells and whistles you don’t necessarily need. Ultra HD streaming, multiple profiles, or ad-free options may feel like must-haves but might not be worth the extra cost if you’re trying to save money.

Evaluate how you’re using your subscriptions. If you’re watching shows solo on your laptop, a basic plan will likely suffice. Downgrading from Hulu's ad-free tier to the more affordable ad-supported plan could save you a significant amount over the year without too much inconvenience.

Look for Bundles

Streaming bundles combine multiple services into one lower-priced package, which can reduce costs if you use those included platforms regularly. The Disney Bundle merges Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ into one subscription for less than the cost of subscribing to each individually.

Some internet and mobile providers also throw in streaming perks for free or at a heavy discount. Verizon offers free Disney+ for new wireless customers, while some AT&T plans include HBO Max. Check with your current providers to see if you’re leaving entertainment savings on the table.

Limit the Number of Users for Some Services

Family sharing plans are fantastic for spreading costs, but certain services might charge more for extra profiles or simultaneous streaming. Hulu’s basic plan limits the number of users who can stream at once. If you’re paying extra fees for expanded access, consider whether you're truly using that additional functionality or if it’s an unnecessary expenditure.

Take Breaks Between Seasons

Avoid paying for a platform just to endlessly wait for new seasons of your favorite shows. Once the current season of your go-to series ends, cancel your subscription. Re-sign up when enough new episodes are available to binge-watch. By taking breaks, you’ll avoid wasting money during extensive content lulls.

For other media formats, like music or audiobooks, using libraries can also bridge the gaps. Many public libraries offer free digital access to books, albums, and movies through apps like Hoopla or Libby.

Monitor Subscription Costs With Apps

Subscription management apps like Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) or Mint can help you track renewal dates and spending on services. These tools notify you of unused or duplicate subscriptions, providing an easy way to identify and cut unnecessary expenses. Without tracking, small charges can slip by unnoticed, undermining your budget over time.

Keep an Eye on Content Libraries

Not all streaming services are created equal. Some rotate content libraries frequently, meaning shows or movies might disappear just as quickly as they arrived. Paying for a service that doesn’t have consistent, desirable content can feel like throwing money away.

Check out platform libraries before subscribing, and focus on services that actually align with your personal tastes. For general movie lovers, Netflix or Amazon Video might suffice. For specific genres or fandoms, more niche options like Crunchyroll for anime or Shudder for horror could be more worthwhile investments.

Combine Discounts and Cashback Offers

Combining cashback portals with subscription discounts is another trick for stretching your budget. Platforms like Rakuten or Honey often partner with streaming services to offer reduced prices or rebates for new sign-ups. You could even stack these rewards with credit card deals to further enhance savings.