As consumers prepare for 2026, many are seeking ways to reduce their streaming expenses. With monthly bills for popular services adding up, there are effective strategies to save hundreds of dollars over the year. Here are six actionable tips to help cut your streaming costs significantly.
Evaluate Your Subscription Plans
The first step toward saving is to assess your current subscription plans. Often, individuals pay for features or services they do not fully utilize. For instance, Netflix’s Premium plan costs £18.99, offering 4K Ultra HD streaming. If you lack a 4K TV or device, you are likely better off with the Standard plan at £12.99, resulting in an annual savings of £72. For those willing to accept ads, the Standard with Ads plan further reduces costs to £5.99 a month, translating to a substantial saving of £156 compared to the Premium plan.
Amazon Prime is another area where consumers can save. The standard subscription is priced at £8.99 monthly, amounting to £107.88 annually. However, students and those aged 18-22 qualify for a discounted rate of £4.49 per month, or £53.88 yearly. If you only require Amazon Video, the video-only subscription is available for £5.99 monthly, saving you £36 annually compared to the full Prime subscription.
Consider Bundling Services
Bundling services can lead to significant savings, especially for Apple users. The Apple One plan offers three tiers, combining popular Apple subscriptions. The Individual tier is priced at £18.95 per month and includes iCloud+ (50GB), Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade. This option saves you £10 monthly, resulting in an annual saving of £120. For families, the Family plan provides 200GB of iCloud+ storage and allows sharing with up to five members, saving £12 monthly. The top-tier Premier plan, costing £36.95 per month, includes 2TB of iCloud+ storage, Apple Fitness+, and Apple News+, saving £28.99 monthly or £347.88 annually.
Utilize Free Streaming Options
One of the easiest ways to reduce streaming costs is to explore free television options. Free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) apps provide access to live channels and on-demand content without a subscription fee. Popular FAST services include Pluto TV, Xumo Play, and Tubi, among others. Additionally, Samsung device users can enjoy Samsung TV Plus, another free option.
Maximize Free Trials
Free trials can offer temporary access to premium content without any initial cost. While not all streaming services provide free trials, several do. For example, Apple TV+ offers a seven-day free trial, while Amazon Prime Video provides a 30-day trial. Apple customers who purchase new devices are eligible for three months of free Apple TV+. This option effectively saves £29.97 when considering the monthly cost of £9.99. Moreover, students can access Apple TV+ for free with an Apple Music Student subscription for only £5.99 monthly.
Implement Subscription Swapping
Many consumers maintain multiple subscriptions throughout the year without fully utilizing them. A strategy known as subscription swapping can help manage costs. For example, if you subscribe to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV+, the total annual bill can reach £635.52. By rotating subscriptions monthly, users can access each service for three months while only paying for one subscription at a time. This approach reduces the total yearly expenditure to £158.88, saving a remarkable £476.64.
Check for Additional Discounts
Lastly, it is prudent to investigate if you qualify for any discounts based on existing memberships. Customers of Lloyds Bank with a Club Lloyds account can obtain a 12-month Disney+ subscription as a lifestyle benefit. Additionally, Sky TV customers often receive Netflix and Discovery+ at no extra charge, while those who pay for Sky Cinema also gain access to Paramount+ for free.
By implementing these strategies, consumers can effectively manage their streaming costs as they head into 2026, unlocking substantial savings while enjoying their favorite content.
