How I Keep My Streaming Bill Under $100 Per Month (Part II)
In Part I, I explained the process of keeping my cable bill low and how this is possible for any customer. The key is being proactive, and staying on top of it. But, there is more to it than just dealing with cable companies. Now, we have to take a look at what streaming services are necessary to us because we don’t actually have cable, just the internet.
Now that our cable (internet) bill is set at what I feel is low, $60.34 per month (with my preferred internet speed 200 mpbs), I’m ready to add on my services. I break these down into several buckets. There is Paid; these are the subscriptions we all use to provide both on demand options as well as Live “cable-like” access. Then we have Free, or ad supported options, which include more than you realize.
So how do I mix and match services while keeping costs down? Let’s dig in a bit.
Netflix - $3.00
Netflix has become the must-have of services. They were first, and now in my view, so established that you’re likely browsing Netflix multiple times a week. These days, Netflix is only a couple of dollars a month. Not $13, not even $10--just $3.
Netflix is paid for by T-Mobile. They cover $10.99 as part of a family plan bundle. Take advantage of these mobile offers. T-Mobile offers Netflix deals, while Verizon will cover your Disney+/Hulu bundles. AT&T offers similar deals as well. Call your mobile provider and see what you can do to cut costs or put some of your streaming services on them.
Internet + Netflix = $63.34
Disney+ / Hulu / ESPN+ - $13.99
If Netflix has become the benchmark in terms of monthly pricing, then Disney knew what they were doing when releasing their new services over the past few years. While in my opinion, Disney+ is only as good as it’s new original series, the bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ makes it worth it. Most cord cutters struggle with a lack of live sports. ESPN+ fills this void for me. Between the UFC, college sports and archived games and documentaries, that’s all the sports I need.
Internet + Netflix + Disney+ Bundle = $77.33
YouTube Premium - $9.99
Wait premium? Is this TV or a Kids app? No. YouTube Premium is the paid version of YouTube-- yep, I pay for YouTube and I’d be lying if I told you it wasn’t my most utilized paid service. I watch a lot of YouTube and upgrading to premium removes all ads, no commercials or banners, and no ugly overlays blocking your video. It also has perks like downloading videos and playing videos in the background. I laugh because background play has turned YouTube into my favorite podcast app.
The bonus feature of YouTube Premium is getting access to YouTube Music for free. With the same $9.99, I get access to an ad-free YouTube as well as Google’s version of Spotify, another great way to save money. I don’t pay for unlimited music streaming.
Internet + Netflix + Disney+ Bundle + YouTube = $87.32
Peacock (NBC) - $4.99
Okay NBC, you got me curious. I’m on a three-month trial with this new service, and I'll say the library is impressive and the limited ad experience reminds me of Hulu. The kick for me was Peacock satisfies my guilty pleasure…the WWE. Yes, I still tune in from time to time. Although, these days I'm more into the documentaries about the “sport” I loved as a child.
I don’t think I use the service enough to keep it going. Also, it is still too hard to access for family viewing. While ChromeCast (Google’s Airplay) is convenient, it doesn't make for a good browsing experience when trying to pick out what to watch with my wife. I’m waiting on the native app to be released on my Samsung smart TV.
Internet + Netflix + Disney+ Bundle + YouTube + Peacock = $92.31
Amazon Prime
What about Amazon Prime Video? Well to me, this is a free shipping service. In my mind, this doesn’t count towards streaming. Maybe this is me compartmentalizing costs; making myself feel like they are cheaper than they really are. The fact remains that I see enough savings in a few weeks of Prime shipping that video, music, photos and everything else that comes with it feels like free value.
Internet + Netflix + Disney+ Bundle + YouTube + Peacock + Prime = $92.31
HBO Max
The new kid on the block in streaming.
Well, similar to it’s predecessor, HBO Go, the secret here is I share this account with my family. I know, I know, but my advice to keeping streaming costs low is to have at least one account to share with someone. There will be a day where the media companies finally turn that off and limit your access, so for now, embrace it.
In terms of content, HBO Max is impressive. It would probably be the first service I dropped if I wanted to save, but at the same time, could see myself paying for it if they keep releasing new movies and the occasional series. They also seem to be the new home for the Rocky series, so that helps.
Internet + Netflix + Disney+ Bundle + YouTube + Peacock + Prime + Mom’s HBO account = $92.31
What about Live TV?
I get it, people need a live TV option. I go through phases where I upgrade and use it for a few months at a time. The truth is that my wife and I don’t watch enough live shows, news or sports to need a service all of the time. My go-to service though, when we want something, is YouTube TV. Yep, I am all-in on Google/YouTube when it comes to entertainment.
When YouTube TV launched, it was offered at $35 per month. It was a steal. Not only was the cost low, but it came with around 30 live channels and unlimited cloud DVR. Well, fast forward and channel offering is endless, comparable to any traditional cable package. The issue is the price is also comparable to any cable provider.
YouTube TV, Hulu Live and other services are all not up around $65 per month. So, for cord cutters, having these services is no longer about massive savings, but instead conveniences and a lack of commitment. While you’ll save a little on streaming, you’re really just removing contracts, hardware fees, service calls and trips to your local provider to return old cable boxes.
As of now, my YouTube TV service is paused. I’m waiting to see if I turn it back on in the fall.
Ad Supported
If you want more content options without monthly subscriptions, look into any of these free services:
Tubi
Roku Channel
Vudu
Pluto TV
IMDB TV
If you’re willing to watch ads, then you could fill your tv and movie library with any of these services. The truth is most of these services have access to similar libraries, so it comes down to access and ease of use.
Conclusion:
Assuming my math is correct, my bill, with everything added together--movies and music, is only $92.31. Want to put that into perspective, ask your parents what their cable bill is. My guess is it is north of $200 if they have a standard triple play, a few boxes in the home and haven't questioned their bill recently.
They’re probably paying more than double, and if you feel bad about them covering your HBO Max subscription, just offer to buy dinner once a month.