Save on your subscriptions

6 tips to cut costs on your streaming services

When was the last time you checked to see how many streaming services you’re signed up for and if you’re getting your money’s worth?

Subscription fees add up. And fast. So you, like many other Australians, might be looking to save a few dollars where you can.  

If you want to cut back on your subscription costs without compromising your entertainment experience, give these 6 tips a try.

Tip 1: Audit your streaming services

How many streaming services do you have? 

Start by looking through your transaction history or bank statement. See what you're actually subscribed to. This can be eye-opening, and you might find subscriptions you forgot about once that free trial finished.

Next, consider which services you use and don't use. If you use all of them, think about which ones you use the least. Is it worth keeping a streaming service if you only use it once or twice a month? 

Here are some considerations to make to help you decide:

• Think about how often you watch each service. If it's less than once a week, consider cancelling.
• Check if different services offer the same shows or movies. If so, you don't need both.
• Make sure to consider what your family members watch. Their favourites might differ from yours.

Tip 2: Switch your subscriptions on and off

You probably don't need to be subscribed to everything all at once. Instead, try switching your subscriptions on and off. That way, you can jump between services and watch what you want without paying for multiple subscriptions at the same time.

It's relatively easy to cancel and re-join these platforms. Sometimes, they even offer special discounts or deals for returning customers. Keep an eye out for these offers to save even more.

With a bit of planning, you can enjoy all the content you love without overspending. Always check the platform terms and conditions to avoid any nasty surprises, but this is one option to keep your entertainment fresh and varided. 

Tip 3: Downgrade to basic subscriptions

Take a moment to log into your streaming services and check which tier your subscription is at. You might be paying to watch on six screens in 4K when you only use one TV.

Many streaming services offer lower-cost subscriptions. These might include ads, but the savings can be significant. Weigh whether the lower cost with ads is worth it for you.

Tip 4: Bundle your subscriptions with other services

Check if your internet or mobile phone service provider offers a bundle that includes discounted access to streaming services. Many providers now offer these bundles as part of their plans, and they can save you a lot of money especially if you’re up for a renewal anyway.

Here's how to get started:

• Review your current internet and mobile phone plans to see if they already include any streaming services. Contact your provider to ask about available bundles.
• Calculate the total cost of bundling versus paying for each service separately, as bundles often offer savings
• Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, as some bundles might have restrictions.
• These offers can reduce your overall subscription costs and simplify your billing, so you get more value from your existing services.

Tip 5: Consider more cost-effective alternatives

Instead of subscribing to multiple streaming services, consider more cost-effective alternatives. These options can provide plenty of entertainment without the monthly fees.

For example, investing in a casting device or smart TV typically allows you to stream free-to-air apps and YouTube directly to your TV, giving you access to a wide range of free content. Many free-to-air networks offer free streaming of their shows through their apps, while YouTube also provides a lot of free content, from movies to TV shows and documentaries.

Another cost-effective option is to rent movies instead of paying for a whole month of a streaming service. Certain platforms allow you to watch a movie as many times as you want within a 24-hour period for a low one-time fee, typically less than $5.

Tip 6: Share with friends and family

Not all streaming services have restricted sharing single accounts across multiple households, so consider splitting the fees of a single account with your friends or family where you can. Everyone benefits from the cost savings.

Be proactive and save

A proactive approach to your streaming services can help you save money and access all the entertainment you and your family could want. Keep on top of your spending and enjoy the savings!