7 Streaming Services That Offer the Best Bang for Your Buck
You may remember decades ago when consumers complained about the high cost of cable and satellite TV. Now, those conversations have shifted to streaming services, many of which continue to raise monthly prices and introduce ad-supported tiers.
You may also recall the “good old days” when you could call your cable provider and threaten to “cut the cord” to negotiate a better deal. While it’s harder to bargain with streaming platforms, there are still ways to find strong value. Here are several options worth considering.
Read Next: Try Doing These 5 Subscription Hacks That Can Help You Save Money Without Missing Out
Find Out: 9 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)
1. Amazon Prime Video
If you ask Andrew Lokenauth, founder of Fluent in Finance, which service offers the best value, he has a clear answer.
“Amazon Prime Video gives you the most per dollar, roughly $15 a month, bundling video, music and free shipping,” he said.
2. Netflix
There’s a reason Netflix has remained popular.
“It’s still the benchmark for content depth and variety,” Lokenauth said.
It also remains relatively affordable, with standard plans typically costing about $15 to $20 per month.
3. Apple TV+
“This is the hidden gem of the group,” Lokenauth said. “It has a small library – but with high-quality offerings and at only about $12 or so a month, it’s hard to beat for what you get.”
If you’re a new user, check around to see if there are any current deals for Apple TV+. According to Lokenauth, the best move is to rotate your streaming subscriptions by watching what you want over a month or two, canceling and then moving to the next service. Another way to potentially save money is to look for bundle deals that include multiple streaming services you enjoy watching.
4. Disney+
When it comes to value, especially for families, Disney+ stands out, according to Melanie Musson of Clearsurance.
“It’s not just for kids — there are plenty of options for viewers of all ages,” she said.
Pricing is generally similar to Netflix.
5. YouTube TV
If you’re looking for a cable alternative, YouTube TV is often ranked among the best live TV streaming services. Outlets like CNET have praised it for offering a strong channel lineup at its price point.
You can usually get YouTube TV for around $83 a month. However, if you’re a new user, you may get a deal for the first few months.
6. Sling TV
If you want something cheaper than YouTube TV, check out Sling. CNET and others rank it very well for value and channel options.
According to CNET, Sling offers packages starting around $46 per month, with Sling TV Blue often cited as the better option for channel selection.
7. Pluto TV
It’s hard to beat the price of Pluto TV. You can watch free movies, TV shows and live TV online. Of course, Pluto isn’t the only option when it comes to free streaming. On the downside, you can expect to watch plenty of ads.
Bottom Line
Musson had two other pieces of advice. First, if you watch a single network often, such as Hallmark, it probably makes sense to buy an exclusive subscription for just that channel and perhaps save a little bit of money over a bundle. Second, check your credit card perks.
“Some offer a statement credit for specific streaming subscriptions,” Musson said. “It’d be a shame to miss out on something you have access to with a certain credit card.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion:
