In the era of cord-cutting and on-demand content, streaming services have become indispensable. With a dizzying array of platforms to choose from, navigating the streaming landscape can be daunting. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best streaming deals and free trials available.
Amazon Prime Video: A Gateway to Entertainment
Amazon Prime Video grants access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. While there’s no standalone free trial, Amazon Prime subscribers can enjoy Prime Video as part of their subscription. However, new customers are eligible for a generous 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, which includes access to Prime Video.
AMC+: Home of Hit Shows and Originals
For fans of AMC’s acclaimed dramas like “The Walking Dead” and “Mad Men,” AMC+ offers a seven-day free trial. After the trial period, subscribers can choose between a $5 per month basic plan with ads or a $9 per month ad-free plan.
Discovery+: A Haven for Reality TV and Documentaries
Discovery+ boasts an extensive collection of reality shows, documentaries, and originals from HGTV, TLC, and more. While some providers like Sling TV offer access to Discovery+, there’s also a free trial directly available to new customers. After the trial, the service costs $5 per month with ads or $9 per month without ads.
Disney Plus: A Bundle of Entertainment
Disney+ offers a standalone ad-supported plan for $8 per month or an ad-free plan for $14 per month. However, the real value lies in the Disney Bundle, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ starting at $15 per month. This bundle provides access to a vast array of content for a fraction of the cost of subscribing to each service separately.
ESPN+: Your Pass to Live Sports
ESPN+ is the go-to destination for live sports, including NFL and NBA games, as well as original documentaries and shows. Unfortunately, ESPN+ does not offer a free trial. Instead, the service is available through the Disney Bundle or as a standalone subscription for $10 per month.
Fubo: Live TV Streaming Redefined
Formerly known as FuboTV, Fubo offers a compelling alternative to traditional cable. With a one-week free trial, you can experience live sports, cable channels, and original content. After the trial, the Fubo Pro plan costs $75 per month and includes over 180 channels and 1000 hours of Cloud DVR storage.
Hulu: On-Demand and Live TV Options
Hulu offers two distinct services: the on-demand streaming library and Hulu with Live TV. While there’s no free trial for Hulu with Live TV, new customers can enjoy a generous 30-day free trial of the on-demand service. Hulu also participates in the Disney Bundle, offering a variety of plans that combine Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+.
HBO Max: Premium Content at a Premium Price
HBO Max combines HBO’s renowned library with content from Discovery. Unfortunately, there’s no free trial, but there are three premium tiers to choose from. The basic plan with ads costs $10 per month, while the ad-free plan is priced at $16 per month or $150 per year. The top-tier Max Ultimate Ad Free plan offers 4K resolution for $20 per month or $200 per year.
Netflix: The Streaming Giant
Despite recent price increases, Netflix remains a streaming powerhouse. The Standard plan with ads starts at $150 per month, while the ad-free Standard plan costs $15.50 per month. The top-tier Premium plan, which allows for Ultra HD streaming on up to four screens, is priced at $23 per month.
Paramount Plus: A Mix of Live TV and On-Demand
Paramount Plus offers a unique blend of content from CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, and more. New customers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial. After the trial, the Essential plan costs $6 per month, while the SHOWTIME bundle, which includes premium content, is priced at $12 per month.
Peacock: Value-Packed Streaming
NBCUniversal’s Peacock offers a vast library of content at a competitive price. The Premium plan with ads costs $6 per month, while the ad-free Premium Plus plan, which allows for offline viewing, is priced at $12 per month. Both plans include access to live sports and original content.
Sling TV: Live Cable TV Online
Sling TV brings the live cable experience to the internet, with two primary plans available: Orange and Blue. Both plans cost $40 per month, or half off for the first month. Orange includes 32 channels and one stream simultaneously, while Blue offers 39 channels and three concurrent streams. You can also combine both plans for a discounted price of $55 per month.
YouTube TV: A Comprehensive Live TV Service
YouTube TV offers a robust live TV streaming service with over 85 channels. While there’s no free trial, new customers can save $30 on their first three months, bringing the monthly cost down to $63. YouTube TV also includes access to YouTube Originals and the ability to record unlimited DVR storage.
With so many streaming options and deals available, finding the right combination of content and cost can be a challenge. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best streaming deals and free trials to help you make informed decisions and optimize your streaming experience.
