Streaming Services Hacks: How to Save Money on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Streaming Services Hacks: How to Save Money on Netflix, Disney+, and More

DDiscover creative strategies to cut costs on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ without sacrificing your favorite shows.

Melissa A.

Melissa A.

Updated: 2025-03-16

Streaming has become part and parcel of our lives, especially when it comes to matters of entertainment. Nevertheless, the availability of many platforms means that subscriptions soon add up in cost. Luckily, there is quite an effective way to watch your beloved shows and movies without blowing away the money. Today, we will be able to look at the most effective tips for saving money on subscriptions for platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and others.

Optimize Your Streaming Expenses

1. Embrace Bundled Packages

Of all the ways that can be used to cut down on the cost of streaming, the most useful is through packages. For instance, Disney has recently provided a bundle from Disney with both Hulu and Max streaming services at a discounted subscription price with Warner Bros. This bundle has registered higher customer retention than the same provided by Netflix, with 74% of the customers still subscribed to it after three months at 80%. In such bundles, you are able to watch numerous channels across various platforms at a fairly reasonable price.

2. Consider Ad-Supported Plans

Most streaming services currently use ad-supported plans that require a user to pay less amount for the streaming services. For instance, Netflix now has a basic plan for $6.99 a month, and this enables users to access all the services offered by the platform at an affordable price compared to the other plans that are exceptionally designed. Likewise, Disney+ came up with an economic-effective version with ads that allow people with fewer funds to buy a good movie, show, or series with ease.

3. Rotate Your Subscriptions

As opposed to subscribing to many channels at a time, it is wise to swap between the most favorite ones. For instance, one can subscribe to Netflix for a month to binge on his or her favorite series, then unsubscribe and subscribe to Disney+ the following month for a new series. This makes the overall cost rather low since the above formula helps to limit you to only the services you are actually employing.

4. Leverage Free Trials and Promotions

Almost all the streaming platforms that are available in the market have trial offers or introductory offers for consumers. In this way, the use of such offers can help you try various services while not being under any monetary obligation at the time. Do also remember to make a reminder to cancel before the trial period elapses so that you are not charged.

5. Utilize Student and Other Discounts

For you, the student, there are some streaming platforms that offer relatively cheaper prices. For instance, Hulu has a student discount that allows one to access premium content at a cheaper price. Also, some of the services are designed for military personnel or are offered at a special price with regard to certain partners, so it may be possible to take this into account.

6. Opt for Annual Subscriptions

On the other hand, monthly subscriptions are more flexible, but they are usually cheaper and include yearly subscriptions. As many services, if used for the long term, could call for an annual subscription charge, opting for the annual subscription could be much cheaper in the long run. For instance, it is possible to find those with discounted services by up to 16% when you opt to subscribe to an annual subscription instead of a monthly subscription.

It is not unreasonable to state that the current variety of streaming platforms does not necessarily have to burden one’s wallet. Thus, considering the use of bundled packages, ad-supported plans, the rotation of subscriptions, free trials, price drops, annual subscriptions, and other platforms, you will be able to consume a vast selection of content without losing a great deal of money. This goes hand in hand with entertainment, as you frequently check new offers based on the programs you view to ensure your subscriptions meet your preferences and not your wallet.