those monthly fees add up.
Relaxing on the sofa after a long day with a great TV show is a simple pleasure, but TV streaming costs can quickly spiral out of control.
With the growing number of TV streaming services, monthly bills can become overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are ways to cut costs while still enjoying your favourite TV streaming content.
Here’s how you can save money on your TV streaming subscriptions and make the most of free options.
TV Licence
If you’re over 75 and receiving Pension Credit, you can get a free TV licence—but you need to apply.
The licence fee can be a significant yearly expense, so it’s worth checking if you qualify.
Call 0300 790 6117 or visit the official TV Licensing website to submit your application.
If you don’t qualify for a free licence, consider whether you watch enough live TV to justify the cost.
Accept Ads
Many TV streaming platforms now offer cheaper plans that include adverts. While some people prefer uninterrupted viewing, choosing an ad-supported plan can lead to substantial savings.
For instance, a Disney+ standard plan costs £4.99 a month with ads but £8.99 without.
Netflix offers a standard plan for £12.99 a month without ads, but opting for the £5.99 ad-supported version cuts costs by more than half.
If you switch both services to their ad-supported plans, you save £11 per month—adding up to £132 a year.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions
It’s easy to forget about subscriptions, but those monthly fees add up.
Regularly review your TV streaming services and cancel the ones you no longer use.
Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime all allow you to subscribe on a rolling basis with no long-term contract.
If you signed up for a specific show or film, cancel as soon as you’re done. Set a reminder on your phone to reassess TV streaming subscriptions every few months.
You don’t need to pay for everything. Free TV streaming platforms such as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and My5 offer a wide selection of box sets, films, and live TV without a subscription fee.
Check for Perks
Some bank accounts and mobile providers offer free or discounted TV streaming subscriptions as part of their customer perks.
For example, Lloyds’ Club Lloyds account includes a free 12-month Disney+ standard plan with ads.
O2 customers can get £2 off Disney+ each month.
Before paying full price, check if your existing accounts or services include any TV streaming benefits.
Haggle
If you’ve been with EE, Sky, or Virgin TV for a long time, you might be paying more than necessary.
Many providers offer discounts to customers who negotiate their TV streaming contracts.
Call your provider and let them know you’re considering switching to a competitor. Mention any cheaper deals you’ve seen elsewhere.
In many cases, they’ll offer a discount or throw in extra perks to keep your business. It’s worth making the call—you could save a significant amount each year.
By making a few smart changes, you can enjoy great TV streaming without stretching your budget.
With free options, ad-supported plans, and a little negotiation, you’ll keep your TV streaming costs down while still catching your favourite shows.
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