Another day in 2026 means it’s time for a streaming service to raise its prices. This time, it’s YouTube, which is raising subscription fees for YouTube Premium and YouTube Music. Netflix, Spotify, Paramount+, and Prime Video have all announced price hikes this year, and it’s only April. When will it end?
Unfortunately, I don’t see these prices going down anytime soon. In fact, it’s only going to get worse, especially following the expected approval of Paramount’s proposed deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Streaming’s original purpose was to provide a cheaper alternative to cable. That’s no longer the case because consumers need multiple services to stream their favorite programs, listen to music, or watch sports.
If you’re someone who needs to cut back on expenses, I have curated the perfect streaming lineup that will cost under $30 per month. You might think that’s a lot, but the average American who pays for streaming services spends $69 per month, according to Deloitte’s 2025 Digital Media Trends report. Saving over 50% sounds good to me. Here’s what you need.
Before taxes, this streaming lineup costs less than $30. Depending on your location in the U.S., taxes will take the total slightly over $30. Still, that price is a steal compared to the U.S. monthly average for four streaming services.
Netflix with ads – $9/month
Embrace the ad-supported tier
Netflix sits alone at the top of the metaphorical streaming mountain. Netflix has over 325 million paid subscribers globally, which is 125 million more than the streamer with the second-highest subscriber count, Prime Video, which reports about 200 million users.
Last month, Netflix increased its subscription price. Standard with ads moves from $8/month to $9/month, Standard (without ads) goes from $18/month to $20/month, and Premium heads from $25/month to $27/month.
For budgetary purposes, subscribe to the Standard plan with ads. You’ll notice a theme in this article that the ad tiers are the easiest way to save money. Ad-free streaming is slowly going away. As streaming services purchase more properties, like sports and live events, these companies will continue pushing consumers to their ad tier to sell commercials and boost subscriber count.
As someone who subscribes to Netflix’s ad tier, it’s really not that bad. I can honestly say that the ads on Netflix are faster and less frequent than cable commercials. Plus, these ads are built-in breaks—to check your phone, grab a snack, or use the bathroom once the commercials start.
As for the content selection, most of the movies and TV shows are available on the ad-supported tier. However, roughly 5-10% of Netflix’s titles cannot be viewed due to licensing agreements. New Sony movies used to be excluded from the ad tier. However, Sony’s latest deal with Netflix puts some of their movies on the ad tier, so subscribers can now watch 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Anaconda.
Other than a small percentage of content, Netflix’s Standard with ads is a viable solution for those looking to save money. You can still watch Stranger Things and Wednesday along with NFL Christmas Gameday and live concerts.
- Subscription with ads
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Yes, $8/month
- Simultaneous streams
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Two or four
Bundle: HBO Max Basic with ads, Disney+ Basic, and Hulu with ads – $20/month
Three services for one price
In one of his Lincoln commercials, Matthew McConaughey says, “Sometimes you gotta go back to actually move forward.” These streaming services have realized that bundling platforms is a enticing proposition for consumers. Why subscribe to a service when I can pay one price for multiple platforms? In other words, streaming services are recreating the cable packages.
The best bundle on the market features HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu. For $20 per month, consumers receive HBO Max Basic with ads, Disney+ Basic with ads, and Hulu with ads. That’s 42% in monthly savings. The bundle allows users to stream HBO Max on two devices with full HD video resolution.
Like with any streaming service, content is king. What does my $20 get me if I pay for this bundle? HBO Max is best known for prestige television, so you’re gaining access to The Pitt, Game of Thrones, and Euphoria. Plus, you can revisit some of the binge-worthy best TV shows ever created, including The Wire and The Sopranos.
- Subscription with ads
-
Yes, $10.99/month
- Simultaneous streams
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2 or 4
Disney+ and Hulu go hand in hand because they are owned by the same parent company. Fans of Marvel and Lucasfilm properties—Star Wars, Indiana Jones, etc.—can access these movies and shows on Disney+. Meanwhile, Hulu features many FX properties, including The Bear, Alien: Earth, and Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.
This is only the beginning for bundling. I expect more streaming services to come together and bundle their platforms for one price. Bundles are likely the future of streaming, so start adjusting to the times.
- Subscription with ads
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Yes, the Disney Basic plan
- Simultaneous streams
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Up to 4
Tubi, Pluto TV, and other FAST services – $0 per month
Take advantage of free streaming services
There are several free streaming services that everyone must take advantage of. The majority of these platforms are considered free ad-supported streaming television, also known as FAST. With a FAST service, consumers can access a platform’s movies and TV shows for no cost whatsoever. There are no subscription fees. The trade-off is that the platforms run ads during your streaming presentation.
It sounds too good to be true, but these FAST platforms are legitimate. The ones people might recognize include Tubi and Pluto TV. For a free service, you might think these libraries are inferior to those of Netflix or HBO Max. Wrong. I’m on Tubi right now, and Goodfellas—Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece—is currently streaming for free. On Pluto, The Godfather movies are now on demand.
Furthermore, users can watch live television on both services and scroll through specially curated channels in movies, TV, and sports.
- Subscription with ads
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No subscriptions
- Live TV
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Yes
Streaming can be affordable if you know where to look
No one should have to spend hundreds of dollars per month to watch their favorite movies and shows. If you can afford to buy every streaming service, then go ahead and do it. I’ve found that many people have to consolidate their services or rotate them on a monthly basis. Whatever you choose, make sure to do your research. Stay up-to-date on discounts and price hikes so you can adjust your annual spending.
- Subscription with ads
-
Yes, $10/month
- Live TV
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Yes, various plans available
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
