The days of having just five channels are long gone. Streaming services are now a big part of the way we consume new films and TV shows - but it can be easy to accumulate a sizeable bill each month if you sign up to every single one out there.
With the cost of living crisis starting to bite, cutting down on streaming subscriptions is one easy way to save a few pounds. But there are plenty of ways to save money but still enjoy your favourite shows.
The penny pinching experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have looked at ways to keep the cost of TV streaming down without missing out on the most talked about shows. Among their tips are rotating the services you use, taking advantage of any free trial periods and cancelling for a discount.
Other advice includes downgrading your subscription package and planning your viewing in advance. When it comes to what you're streaming and the services you sign up to, timing is everything.
John Stirzaker from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Parting with one of your streaming services feels like a big deal. But actually when you think about it, do you really need to subscribe to multiple platforms at once and do you get as much out of them as you should or could?
“When we began looking into it we found a few sensible ways to cut down on your spend each month without missing out on the best shows. These are simple tricks - taking advantage of free trials is an obvious one.
"How many of us really make the most out of these? And using the free streaming services which have some great series and movies."
Here are his tips on how to cut down without missing out:
Rotate your streaming services
The beauty of TV streaming means you’re not tied to any contracts - if you want to cancel, you can cancel anytime at no extra cost. So why not subscribe to just one streaming service a month, watch everything you want to see, cancel and move on to the next one.
If you’re waiting on new seasons or any new releases, line up your subscriptions to tie in with these. For example, for one month you could subscribe to Netflix, then Amazon Prime the next month and in month three, Disney+ and Apple TV the following month.
NetVoucherCodes.co.uk reckons it could be the difference between £35+ every month compared with a one-off fee of £7 or £8 - by spreading the budget over several services rather than paying for them at once.
Free trials you didn’t know about - and timing is everything
Before you splash out the cash for a subscription for a new streaming service, check for a free trial and save yourself some money. Now TV offers multiple seven-day trials across its streaming platforms.
NetVoucherCodes.co.uk says the key to making the most of this is organisation. Consider the following:
- Wait until the entire series of your favourite show is released before you sign up.
- Make sure you have the time to binge-watch before starting your new trial, you don’t want to waste it!
- Keep an eye on new release lists and start your trial when there are a few things you fancy watching.
Do remember to make a note of the end date and cancel just before you’re about to be charged.
Free UK streaming services
Make sure you take advantage of the free UK services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4 and My5. You can watch current releases, binge watch popular services and even great films.
Get six months of free TV with your phone contract
Some mobile phone providers will offer free subscriptions for streaming services with their pay-monthly contracts. It may be worth checking out if you’re ready for an upgrade.
Don't forget Freeview
If you want to cut back on all subscriptions, enjoy Freeview. Freeview is free viewing and is eligible to everyone in the UK with a TV license and an aerial. You can tune in to 70 TV Channels as well as 30 Radio Stations and watch up to 15 channels in HD.
Cancel for a discount
If you’ve decided you’re going to cut ties with one of your subscriptions, you may end up getting more than just a ‘sorry you're leaving’ email. The cancellation process can be lengthy - something services do purposely to sway your decision and get you to stick around.
A great hack to consider is to click on the option around price being the problem when they ask for a reason you’re leaving. They will often offer you a short-term deal if you continue to subscribe.
Downgrade your subscription
An easy way to reduce your monthly bill when it comes to your subscriptions is to downgrade your plan, where possible. For example, switching from a premium plan to the basic plan could save you a few quid.
Plan your viewing
Don't just idly scroll through all your streaming services. Instead, try to plan your viewing to get the most out of your streaming service - and find out where the cheapest place to watch it is. Free mobile apps like JustWatch and WatchPlayStream can help you find out where you can watch your favourite movies or shows for the best price.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
