With household bills rising, it's time to scrutinise your streaming subscriptions. Services like Netflix, Apple TV, Spotify and Amazon Prime Video are great for entertainment, but there are ways to reduce costs without losing access to your favourite shows.
The most effective method is to cancel services you rarely use. Check your viewing activity on each platform; Netflix, for example, allows you to review your history. Prioritise services based on whether you prefer TV series or films, as some excel in one area. For instance, Sky's Now entertainment package (£9.99/month) offers box sets but no films.
Many shows and films appear on multiple platforms. Use the free app JustWatch to find where content is available and compare costs. For example, BritBox has 22 seasons of Midsomer Murders (£5.99/month), while ITV Hub offers four seasons for free. Consider rotating subscriptions monthly, as most services are rolling. Wait for all episodes of an exclusive show to drop, then binge-watch in a single month to save money.
Free trials are another money-saver. Cancel before they expire to avoid charges. You can even use different email addresses or household members to access multiple trials. Also, downgrade your subscription tier if you don't need 4K or multiple screens. Netflix's premium plan costs £13.99/month, but switching to standard saves £4, and basic saves £8.
Bundling services can reduce costs. Many mobile contracts include streaming perks: EE offers Netflix or Apple Music, O2 includes Disney+ or Prime Video, and Vodafone provides Spotify or YouTube Premium. Pay-TV providers also offer discounts; Sky's Netflix add-on costs £5/month (saving 99p), and O2 gives £2 off Disney+ monthly.
If you're loyal to one service, paying annually can help. Disney+ costs £7.99/month or £79.90/year (two months free). Finally, when cancelling, some services like Now may offer a discount if you select 'too expensive' as your reason. These tactics can significantly slash your streaming bills.
