If you’re shocked by how much we spend on streaming services lately, you’re not alone. Companies like Netflix, Disney, HBO Max, and others are constantly raising prices to the point where you may question whether streaming is even worth it anymore. At Engadget we still think that’s the case, but we also think you should be smart with your money — and that’s where streaming deals come in.
Yes, it’s possible to get discounts on services like Peacock and Paramount+, even if those deals aren’t as common as sales on AirPods. If you want to save money and still stream all the content you want, Engadget can help by telling you the best streaming deals you can get right now, how you can save with bundles, and everything you need to know before paying for another streaming service.
best streaming deals
True streaming deals can be hard to find. Most often, they will come out during the Black Friday shopping period. Sometimes, we’ll see them for less throughout the year and they usually take the form of a discounted monthly or annual rate for a limited time. Also, the real streaming deals are usually on ad-supported versions of a service, but sometimes you’ll find the unicorn of a deal on the ad-free viewing tier.
If you’re able to wait for a deal before subscribing to a streaming service, we recommend doing so. You’ll save money upfront and in the long run, and you’ll also have the option to cancel your subscription before the price goes back up to the normal rate.
DirecTV
Starting at $50/month for DirecTV Singles (up to $40 off): All DirecTV Signature packages are now up to $45 off for your first month when you sign up. If you choose the base “Entertainment” package, you’ll spend $50 for the first month and get access to over 90 channels, including several local stations as well as ESPN, ESPN 2, and Fox Sports 1. You’ll also be able to watch on the go with the DirecTV mobile app.
$50 on DirecTV
Audible Subscription for $3 (three months) (discounted $42): From now until mid-December, you can get an Amazon audiobook subscription for just one dollar a month for three months. Note that after that it will automatically renew at $15 per month, but you can cancel at any time.
Starz (one year) $30 (discounted $40): Prepay for a year and you can get $40 off an annual subscription to Stars. There’s also a month-to-month option, which costs $5 per month for the first three months if you don’t want to commit for the entire year. Either option gives you access to the entire Starz TV and movie library for offline viewing and no ads.
Hulu + Live TV – $64.99/month for 3 months ($25/month discount): New and eligible returning customers can get three months of Hulu + Live TV for $65 per month, which is significantly cheaper than the current $83-per-month rate and a massive 27 percent discount from the new $90-per-month rate starting October 21. In addition to live TV content, unlimited DVR, and access to over 95 live TV channels, the service also includes Disney+ and ESPN Select, so you’re essentially getting three different streaming services under this umbrella. Just remember that your subscription will be billed at the new standard $90/month rate after the first three months.
Fubo Pro at $55/month for the first month ($30 off): There are introductory discounts on most of Fubo’s packages, and the Pro package is the least expensive plan currently listed. It offers access to 224 channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and up to 10 simultaneous streams. It also includes regional sports content from the NHL, MLB and NBA.
Spotify Premium Personal (one month) at $0 ($12 off): This is our favorite music streaming service for its podcasts and social features. The Premium Personal plan lets you listen ad-free and skip songs as you wish. You can also organize your listening queue and download content for offline listening. Just be aware, your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the trial period. So if you don’t want to get stuck with the $12 monthly fee, set a reminder to cancel and go back to the free version.
Streaming Bundle Discount
There’s more consolidation happening in the streaming space now than ever before, and that means more streaming bundle options. These bundles give you access to more content with one subscription price, but these prices are usually higher than you would pay for a single service (obviously). It may be tempting to just get the bundle, but if only one of the services in the bundle speaks to you, you’ll spend less overall by paying for just one service.
Speaking of deep love for a single streaming service: If all of your favorite shows are on Peacock or the latest releases on HBO Max consistently bring you joy, consider paying in advance for a year. Subscribing with an annual plan usually saves you money in the long run compared to paying on a monthly basis. Unfortunately, not all streaming services (looking at you, Netflix) have an annual subscription option.
Disney+
If you think Charlie Kelly is trying to figure out who Pepe Sylvia is by looking at Disney’s streaming price chart, you’re not alone. The confusion stems from the fact that Disney owns or has a stake in several streaming services, including Hulu and ESPN. Partner with HBO Max and you’ll have plenty of options to consider and, perhaps, even a Whiplash to match. Here’s a quick overview of popular Disney+ bundle pricing.
peacock tv
Peacock doesn’t have any streaming bundles available all year round, but you can save if you pay for a year in advance.
paramount+
Paramount+ used to bill its tier as a kind of bundle with Showtime, but it has since renamed its plans and focused Showtime inclusion in its premium tier as just another bonus of paying for the higher-priced plan.
Paramount+ Essentials (with ads) – $8/month or $60/year
Paramount Premium (without ads) – $13/month or $120/year
Student discounts on streaming services
Being a student has its perks – sometimes, at least. Many streaming services have student discounts that you can take advantage of as long as you’re actively studying. Most of the time this means being able to verify your student status and sign up with your .edu email address.
HBO Max student discount – Subscribe for $5/month (50 percent off): HBO Max offers its ad-supported tier to students at half off the normal rate. You just need to verify that you’re a student during the holidays, and note that this offer is only good for up to 12 months of service.
Hulu Student Discount – Subscribe for $2/month (75 percent off): People with a valid student ID can get Hulu’s ad-supported tier for 75 percent off the normal rate. They will keep the same selling price as long as they are students.
Spotify Student Discount – $6/month Premium with Ads + Hulu (72 percent off): Spotify’s student offer remains one of the best, giving you access to the music streamer’s premium tier and Hulu’s ad-supported plan for just $6 monthly. When purchased separately, you’ll have to pay $22 per month for both services. Plus, the first month is free when you sign up.
NBA League Pass student discount – $120 a year (40 percent off): Students can get a one-year League Pass for just $10 per month, which includes access to NBA TV and the ability to watch classic and archive games on-demand. On the NBA League Pass website, look for the student discount banner at the top and follow the instructions to verify your student status.
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