1. It’s Cheaper Than Cable TV
The numbers don’t lie—most TV streaming subscriptions are cheaper than cable.
The cost of an individual subscription to a streaming service ranges between $5 and $65 per month. When you compare this to the average $217.42 that households spend on cable subscriptions each month (according to DecisionData.org), the savings are clear.
And unlike cable, there are no installation or digital cable box fees with streaming. All you need is an internet connection and a device to view it on, such as a laptop or tablet. You likely already have both of these! And if you share a streaming subscription with someone else in your house, the monthly cost becomes even more affordable.
2. It’s Cheaper Than Other Entertainment
TV streaming services are a lot cheaper than many other forms of entertainment.
These days, going to the movies can quickly become an expensive exercise. The cost of a ticket alone is often more than what a month-long subscription to a streaming service costs. If you add popcorn, a drink, and candy, it’s easy to spend $30 before you know it. Other entertainment, like seeing a show or other live events, is even more expensive.
TV streaming, on the other hand, enables you to enjoy hours of entertainment from the comfort of your own home, often for less than the price of two cups of coffee.
3. There Are a Range of Providers
One of the reasons TV streaming is so affordable is because of the number of providers.
Hundreds of streaming services are available. We’ve all heard of the big ones–Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Disney+, Peacock, Amazon Prime. But there are also lots of streaming platforms catering to niche interests such as Curiosity Stream for the documentary buffs, CrunchyRoll for anime enthusiasts, and Shudder for horror fans.
This fierce competition means companies are fighting for your dollar, keeping subscriptions accessible and competitive. So there’s an option to suit every budget.
The choices can feel overwhelming. Before signing up for one, it pays to compare streaming services. You can then decide on the best streaming subscription for you and your household’s viewing preferences.
4. You Can Get Streaming Bundles
Given the overwhelming choices, you’ll be glad to hear that some providers offer streaming bundles. These enable you to combine subscriptions to several streaming platforms at an affordable price.
One of the most popular streaming service bundles is the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle. At $14 per month, this saves you almost $8 when compared to signing up to each platform separately. Several other providers such as Paramount and Showtime offer similar bundles.
Some subscriptions also include other benefits. For example, an Amazon Prime subscription gives you access to the streaming service and other Amazon Prime benefits such as free same-day delivery and unlimited music streaming. If you already use these services (or want to), a bundle like this represents excellent value.
5. You May Be Eligible for Discounts
As well as bundling, some streaming services also offer discounts. This makes them an even more attractive, cost-effective choice when it comes to on-demand content.
For example, students only pay $1.99 per month for a Hulu subscription–a 70% discount on the standard price. Paramount+ also offers students a 25% discount. Other platforms offer a discount if you pay for a year upfront, saving you even more money.
You can also get free access to several streaming platforms under a subscription with other service providers. T-Mobile currently offers a free Netflix subscription with some of its unlimited mobile plans.
If you're among the 63% of people who are willing to switch phone carriers for a deal on streaming services bundled with cell service, T-Mobile currently offers a free Netflix subscription with some of its unlimited mobile plans.
6. You Can Sign Up for Free Trials
Most internet streaming services offer free trial periods, so you can try before you buy without any commitment.
These trial periods range between 7 and 30 days. You can use this time to figure out which streaming service is right for you so you can avoid signing up for a service you won’t use. You’ve got nothing to lose—if you do the trial and decide you don’t want to use the service, you simply cancel your subscription.
7. Contracts Are Flexible
The flexibility of TV streaming subscriptions adds to their value for money. Most TV streaming subscriptions work on a monthly billing cycle. If you sign up for one and decide it’s not for you, you’re not locked into a long-term contract. You can simply cancel at the end of the month.
This also enables you to change providers as new content becomes available. Almost 50% of subscribers sign up for a new streaming service based on the content quality or platform-exclusive content, according to a recent Top10 survey.
Switching services helps to keep costs down because you don’t have to keep subscribing to a service you’ve stopped using. The beauty of TV streaming subscriptions is that you can sign up when you want, watch what you want, and cancel your subscription at any time.
8. You Get Access to Original, Award-Winning Content
Streaming services are not only distributing content. Several have now started also producing their own high-quality content.
Netflix pioneered this model, winning Golden Globes for the movie Roma and Emmys for its TV series Making a Murderer, The Crown, and the Queen’s Gambit. And this year’s Oscar for Best Picture went to an AppleTV+ movie, Coda.
This original content is distributed exclusively by the streaming service that produces it. You can’t see it anywhere else, even in cinemas. If you want to keep up with these award-winning films and series, a streaming service subscription is well and truly worth it.
9. You Can Catch Up on Your Old Favorites
Want to rewatch all 10 seasons of Friends? Or see that old movie your dad always talks about? With a streaming service, you can.
Streaming services don’t only present all the latest releases. They also have a range of classics in their content libraries, so you can catch up on the shows or movies you missed or want to revisit. There’s even a streaming service called The Criterion Channel that specifically showcases classic movies.
The range of content offered by streaming services, including access to old series and movies, adds a lot of value to a TV streaming subscription.
10. You Get Commercial-Free Viewing
Sick of being interrupted by an ad break every 20 minutes? A big advantage for TV streaming services is that they enable viewers to watch their favorite shows and movies commercial-free.
Aside from being annoying, commercials also waste your time. The good news is that most internet streaming services are ad-free or offer reduced ad subscriptions. You can enjoy your content without the risk of being interrupted at a crucial moment.
Funded by subscribers rather than advertising dollars, streaming platforms enable you to enjoy your movie or series in peace. For many viewers, this is a unique selling point of TV streaming services and makes the monthly subscription worth every dollar.
TV Streaming Is Great Value for Money
When you run the numbers, it’s easy to see why TV streaming services are worth it. A more affordable option than other entertainment options including cable, they also offer greater flexibility.
With many platforms offering discounts and free trial periods, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying out a few to find the best streaming TV service for your budget and viewing preferences.
