Streaming was supposed to be ad-free, but now ads are sneaking into paid plans, and free ones are packed with them. What happened? Plus, is Facebook listening through your phone? I’ll cover that, how tech is making us lonelier, and the latest AI threat.
7 ways to stop paying so much on streaming every dang month
Five years ago, Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu with Live TV would cost you around $56 a month. Not bad! Today, the exact services will run you over $106. How’s that for outrageous?
New research shows we’re more cutthroat than ever about what we pay to stream. Let’s look at some clever ways people save so you can, too!
It’s all about the Benjamins
If it’s not clear by now, we’re all scaling back on streaming primarily because of how dang expensive these services are. Sure, some people hit their TV limit during the pandemic (🙋♀️ raising my hand), but costs are still out of control.
Here are a few recent increases in monthly prices:
- Ad-free Netflix plan: From $13.99 to $15.49
- Ad-free Disney+ premium: From $11 to $14
- Ad-free Hulu with Live TV: From $70 to $77
- Ad-free Amazon Prime Video: From $0 to $2.99, plus you need to pay $14.99 per month for Prime
Over the last two years, roughly 25% of American streaming subscribers have canceled at least three services. Yup, I’m in that category, too!
OK, I’m ready to save
I feel you. You don’t need to cut all your streaming to save significant cash, either.
- Get creative. What do you pay for that you don’t need all the time? Looking at you, sports add-ons. Cancel those once specific events or seasons are over.
- Focus on what you watch most. If we’re not watching anything on Netflix, it goes away until our show returns. A couple of active services are usually more than enough for one family.
- Watch ads. Streaming companies are desperate to keep you, and you can get free or cheaper options if you’re willing to put up with commercials.
- Get a grip. Sometimes, you forget what you’re even paying for. I use Rocket Money (a sponsor of my podcast) to do it for me. You can also comb through your bank and credit card statements to find all your streaming charges.
- Consider an antenna. This is a no-brainer if you’re a sports fan and your favorite games are on local channels. Here’s a solid option that includes a DVR, and this one gets the job done on a budget. Try this site to see what channels you can get at home.
- Test the freebies. Pluto TV, Tubi and plenty of others still cost absolutely nothing. Ads? Yes. Free? Yes. Big list of freebies here!
- Sharing is caring. Not everyone has banned this yet. Amazon lets up to six people share. Through Apple’s Family Sharing feature, six folks get Apple TV+. Disney+ started cracking down on password sharing for Canadian users, but it’s still OK here in the U.S. — for now.
My husband, Barry, is a serial subscriber
If there’s a paid app or service, he somehow finds it. I regularly go in and cancel stuff he’s not using, and then every few months, he’ll yell, “KIM! Did you cancel this?” I just laugh.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Is social media really starting to charge fees for privacy? Check the facts
Rumors have been swirling for years that Facebook will start charging. Before, it was fiction. Now? Well, it’s looking more like fact.
You can thank the latest European Union (EU) privacy regulations — and I mean that. These new regulations do a lot to protect the sensitive data of consumers like you and me.
No takebacks: After Google vowed to get rid of third-party cookies on Chrome, they basically said, “Just kidding.” Instead, you’ll get a “new experience in Chrome” that lets you “adjust” your cookie preferences. No word on how yet. Get ahead of it: Try Total Adblock for an ad-free experience.
$100M podcast deal
For football players Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason. “New Heights” recently hit No. 4 on the podcast charts. Hope they thanked Taylor Swift for the boost. Amazon’s podcast division, Wondery, will host the livestream and give paying subs early ad-free access. Jeff, call me. I’ll do it for $50 million.
Streaming services from most to least expensive
Wouldn’t it be great if all your favorite shows and movies were on the same platform? Sadly, all the good stuff is scattered across different apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and HBO Max. If you’re juggling multiple subscriptions, these streaming services can burn a massive hole in your wallet.
Social media sites are going to charge for what was free — Here's how much
How many services are you subscribed to between streaming, retail and other platforms? They don’t amount to much alone, but together they could make a significant dent in your bank account every month. Here’s the easiest way to get rid of subscriptions you rarely use.
Guy Kawasaki on being remarkable
Guy Kawasaki, host of the “Remarkable People” podcast, has a new book, “Think Remarkable,” that you’ve got to check out. Plus, there’s a new AI danger lurking at work, the death of ad-free streaming, and why you’re still getting scam calls. Feeling lonely? Everyone’s connected, yet isolation is at record levels.
Why we're lonely because of tech
Everyone’s connected, yet isolation is at record levels. Have an opinion on Elon Musk? Here’s why judgment pours out for him, both good and bad. Plus, a new AI danger at work, the death of ad-free streaming, and why you’re still getting scam calls.
Plot twist: Spotify wants to win over Audible subscribers, but its offer must be fiction. The Audiobooks Access Tier is $9.99 per month for 15 hours of audiobook-listening and ad-supported music. Compare that to Spotify Premium, at $10.99 a month, 15 hours of audiobook listening and ad-free music. Do they think we can’t read?
Netflix and bill: It’s that time again! Streaming giant Netflix is bumping up its prices. Analysts say the cheapest ad-free plan is soaring to $17.49. Entry-level with ads? $7.99. And for 4K subscribers? Get ready to pony up as much as $25.99 per month. Gulp.
Twitter wants to charge you $3 a month - Here's what you get
Say what you want to about Twitter, but it has grown exponentially over the last few years. By the end of last year, it had around 353 million active users and is projected to have just over 400 million by the end of 2021. Tap or click here to delete your Facebook and Twitter account for good.
This new privacy-focused search engine wants to replace Google
If you use the internet, your privacy is always at risk. Every website you visit and every account you create makes you vulnerable to bad actors and companies looking to learn more about you.
While you can’t have guaranteed privacy, you can take some steps to reduce your digital footprint. Depending on your browser, you have some power to opt out of third-party cookies and other tracking tools. There’s also an online tool that lets you opt out of many advertising and marketing companies in a few easy steps. Tap or click here for more information.
Quick, simple way to listen to radio around the world
When I was a kid, I would listen to the radio whenever we were flying across the country from New Jersey to California. I loved hearing all the different dialects and music. That’s why I totally love this site and I just know you will too.
See just how deadly the coronavirus is compared to other epidemics
If you get our ad-free newsletter, The Current, you’ve already seen this. If not, you should try it. This free newsletter lands in your inbox twice a week, and it’s all the tech news you want, with no annoying ads or fluff.
9 subscription services actually worth the cash
Do you know off the top of your head just how many subscription services you’re signed up for? Everyone has a favorite platform they rely on for entertainment or news, but if you check your bank statement, you might be surprised at how much they all add up. And they probably aren’t all worth the money.
Binge everything in 10 minutes or less with this new streaming service
Since the mid-2010s, short-form videos have been some of the most popular means of viral entertainment. Apps like TikTok, Snapchat and Vine have changed the way we consume content, proving short videos still have staying power in a digital ecosystem that demands “engagement.”