Let’s all be true to ourselves—with Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, and many more, it’s getting overwhelming to choose the right one for us. And most of the time, we waste money because we try to subscribe to all of them without actually thinking about how much it’ll cost us in the long run. I, personally, have lost a lot of money by having a lot of subscriptions that I don’t even use most of the time. That’s why I totally understand why people ask “How can I choose the right streaming service for me?”
Here, I’ll be sharing some tips on how you can choose from various streaming services and actually find the subscription that will give you the most bang for your buck. Let’s start!
Your budget is one of the biggest decision-makers because, of course, you should not subscribe to a streaming service that’s beyond your means. There are actually a lot of affordable services in the market, but don’t be fooled by these seemingly low monthly fees. This is the mistake I’ve made because I thought “oh, this is just $9 every month, oh, this is just $12 a month”. If you were to add everything, it’s a big amount that you may not even afford to waste. So the first thing you should check is how much you are willing to spend for your streaming service.
Are you more into movies and TV shows or do you enjoy live TV more? The price point of on-demand versus live TV streaming is a bit different, so knowing what you actually want to watch will help narrow down your choices. For instance, if you’re a fan of binge-watching movies and series, platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video might be better for you. However, if you prefer live sports, news, or real-time broadcasts, you might lean toward services like DIRECTV or Sling TV.
What if I like them both? Well, services like DIRECTV or DISH TV, for instance, offers both live TV channels and on-demand content that you can buy or rent. You can opt for those but consider your budget if it’s still within your means.
Most major streaming services have a base plan or mobile plan which only allows you to use the platform on a mobile device. If you prefer watching on TV, you’ll need to ensure your chosen streaming service supports it. Some platforms require a higher-tier subscription for access on larger screens, while others might not work with older smart TVs or specific devices. For instance, Roku, Apple TV, or Firestick users should confirm that the streaming app is available on their platform. The last thing you want is to subscribe and then realize you can’t use it the way you intended.
Some streaming services require long-term contracts, while others don’t. If you’re not into long-term contracts, make sure to check your potential platform first before subscribing. Many popular streaming services offer no-contract plans like Flex TV or month-to-month plans like Netflix, which are great if you want the flexibility to cancel anytime. But some might give discounts if you commit to an annual plan. Think about what works best for you. If you’re trying out a new service or unsure about keeping it for long, stick with a no-contract option. This way, you won’t feel locked in if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
If you’re sharing your subscription with family or friends, you need to know how many people can watch at the same time. Some services limit this to one or two devices for basic plans, while premium plans may allow three or more simultaneous streams. For households with multiple viewers, this feature is actually a big consideration. It can help prevent arguments over who gets to watch their show when everyone’s in the mood to stream something different.
Some streaming services free trials so you can actually check if their platform satisfies you or not. If not, then you can simply cancel the subscription before the free trial ends. Bundles, on the other hand, may help you save money to an extent. While this isn’t guaranteed, you should always check and compute yourself to see if you’ll really save money from the bundle.
Choosing the right streaming service for you will depend mostly on your budget and preferences. Since you’re here, you’re already a step closer to finding the perfect platform for you. So even if you choose Netflix, Disney+, DIRECTV, DISH TV, or something else, we hope you feel confident in your decision and actually enjoy the content your chosen service offers. Happy streaming!
