Save Money on Streaming and Watching in 2025

Thu, Dec 14, 2023 7:57 PM

Eighty percent of households in the United States now have at least one paid streaming video service. When you add in all the channels you don't want but have to pay for, as well as the fees broadcasters demand for channels that are available for free over the air, the number grows exponentially.
However, as more people cancel their cable TV subscriptions, it's clear that cutting the cord isn't a one-size-fits-all option. Figuring out which service or mix of services is best for your household takes time.

Free Software and Apps

Yes, you can still watch TV for free on the internet. Most  streaming TV sets and smart TVs, such as Samsung and LG, come pre-loaded with free apps that don't require you to pay to see content. Two examples of this type of TV app are Crackle and IMDb, which include a combination of syndicated classic television shows and recent and popular movie titles.

Some apps, such as Pluto TV and XUMO, even offer live streaming. The only catch is that, like with standard cable TV, you'll have to go through advertising before and during the shows.

In addition to forcing you to suffer through advertisements, the services demand that you make certain other concessions. If you want 4K shows, especially those with HDR, you're out of luck in most circumstances. Instead, they offer standard HD video, much like cable TV providers.

You can Also Read : The best Cable TV for Low Income Families & Seniors

Paid Online Streaming Services

Upgrading to a premium streaming TV app is similar to purchasing a VIP concert ticket rather than a general admission ticket: you receive all the essentials as well as all the extras. And, since you're unlikely to attend a live music performance anytime soon, why not go all out? 

The top three paid streaming TV applications are Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Original content like “Stranger Things” and “Ozark” (Netflix) or “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan” (Amazon Prime). can be found here, as well as a wider range of genres and a larger archive of episodes and movies 

Local Channels are Still Here

Just because you cut the cord doesn't mean you have to say goodbye to local networks. Live TV streaming applications like YouTubeTV, Hulu Live, and Sling (antenna required) combine the advantages of binge watching with live, local TV stations, allowing you to watch local sports and news as well as network and cable faves.

Many small businesses are put off by the relatively high prices of television advertising. Local production studios and media suppliers, on the other hand, occasionally have rates that you can justify considering the benefits of TV advertising. The main advantages are the creative possibilities, multisensory appeal, broad reach, and cost-effectiveness.

Digital antennas are a low-cost solution to receive local television signals from ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. The top-ranked antenna, the Channel Master Flatenna, is under $10, according to CNET's survey of the ten best antennas available today. The most expensive antenna on the market costs only $49. When was the last time you saw such a low cable bill?

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