What was once a budget-friendly alternative to traditional cable has, over time, morphed into something that feels eerily similar—high costs and fragmented content. The golden era of inexpensive streaming seems to be fading as platforms steadily increase subscription fees and scatter popular shows across various services. If you're currently subscribed to Netflix, Max, Hulu, Paramount+, and Disney+ all at the same time, there's a good chance your monthly streaming bill is far more than it needs to be.
The good news? You don't have to sacrifice entertainment to save money. There are smarter ways to enjoy quality content without overspending. From bundling subscriptions to leveraging free trials and exploring ad-supported or even completely free streaming options, you can dramatically reduce your expenses while still having access to a wide variety of movies and shows. Here’s how I’ve managed to keep my streaming costs low while keeping the binge-watching alive:
Bundle Services Where You Can
Get the Disney+, Hulu, Max Streaming Bundle
Pricing starts at $16.99/month with ads, or $29.99/month for an ad-free experience. [ttpp] See it at Disney+
If you're paying for Disney+, Hulu, and Max separately, you're almost certainly overpaying. These three services offer a bundled plan that delivers significant savings and consolidates your streaming into one convenient payment. It’s arguably the best value in streaming right now and a no-brainer if you’re already using multiple services. Beyond this trio, other live TV bundles like Hulu + Live TV (which also includes ESPN+ and Disney+) offer a full cable-like experience under one roof.
Take Advantage of Free Trials
7 Days Free on Apple TV+
[ttpp] See it at Apple
Free trials remain one of the most underrated tools in the cost-cutting toolkit. While some major platforms like Netflix no longer offer them, others—including Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu—still provide generous trial periods. With just a bit of planning, you can binge entire seasons during your trial window and cancel before being charged. This strategy also works well for catching live sports events via services like Fubo or Hulu + Live TV, both of which often offer trial access.
Utilize Free Streaming Sites
Try Sling TV Freestream
[ttpp] See it at Sling TV
You don’t always need a paid subscription to enjoy quality content. Many free streaming platforms—though ad-supported—are perfectly capable of filling your screen with entertainment. Sling Freestream, for instance, offers dozens of live channels and free DVR storage when you sign up for a free account. Kanopy is another solid choice, especially if you're into films—just link it with your library card. For anime fans, Crunchyroll’s free tier provides plenty of content, and you can even test premium features through a trial period.
Get Yourself an HD TV Antenna
Our Top Pick: Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro
This amplified indoor antenna offers long-range reception, easy setup, and a 12-foot power cable. [ttpp] See it at Amazon
If you're after live TV without the recurring fees, an HD antenna could be your best bet. For a one-time investment of around $50, you can access major networks and local channels for free. Whether it's live sports, award shows, or primetime TV, an antenna gives you high-quality broadcast content straight from the air—with only the occasional commercial interruption. It's a clean, affordable alternative to expensive live TV streaming services.
Find Free Movies on YouTube
YouTube & YouTube Premium Student Plan
Students can get a discounted rate on YouTube Premium by signing up with a valid student email. [ttpp] See it at YouTube
Believe it or not, YouTube hosts hundreds of full-length, free-to-watch movies. Sure, they come with ads unless you upgrade to YouTube Premium, but the sheer volume and variety make it a surprisingly viable option for casual viewers. And for students looking to cut out the ads without breaking the bank, the student-tier Premium plan offers a cost-effective solution.
