Scrolling through endless streaming options can feel like a money maze. One month you might be on Netflix, the next you’re eyeing Disney+ or HBO Max, and the total adds up fast. This guide breaks down the basic plans, hidden fees, and real‑world tricks to keep your entertainment budget in check.
Most major services stick to a few tiers: basic, standard, and premium. Netflix, for example, offers a $9.99 basic plan (single screen, SD), a $15.49 standard plan (two screens, HD), and a $19.99 premium plan (four screens, 4K). Disney+ keeps it simple with a single $7.99 plan that streams on four devices in HD and offers an add‑on for ESPN+ at $5.99. HBO Max has a $9.99 ad‑supported tier and a $15.99 ad‑free tier, both giving you access to the same library.
Amazon Prime Video is bundled with the $14.99 Prime membership, which also includes free shipping on Amazon orders. Hulu splits into $7.99 with ads, $14.99 ad‑free, and a $1.99 Live TV add‑on. Each service’s price reflects its original content budget, but the differences aren’t always obvious until you line them up side‑by‑side.
Many platforms charge extra for 4K streams, multiple profiles, or offline downloads. Netflix’s premium tier includes 4K, but if you only watch on a phone, you’re paying for a feature you never use. Disney+ offers a bundle with Hulu and ESPN+ for $13.99, which looks cheaper than three separate subscriptions, yet you’ll still pay for ESPN+ content you might never watch.
Regional pricing can also bite. A service priced at $8 in the U.S. might cost €9 in Europe because of taxes and licensing fees. Some providers add a small “VAT” or “sales tax” on top of the listed price, so the final bill is higher than you expected.
Don’t forget trial periods. A free month sounds great, but if you forget to cancel before the trial ends, you’ll be charged the full monthly fee. Mark the expiration date on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone.
First, audit your usage. If you only watch on weekends, a basic plan might be enough. Share an account with a friend or family member—most services allow up to four simultaneous streams on a single subscription.
Second, watch for promotional offers. Mobile carriers sometimes bundle a streaming service for free or at a discount. For example, some providers give a free year of Disney+ with a new phone plan.
Third, consider annual billing. Many platforms give a 10‑15% discount if you pay once a year, which saves you a few bucks each month.
Finally, rotate services. Instead of paying for three platforms at once, keep one active for a month, binge all its content, then switch to the next. This way you only ever pay one subscription at a time.
By looking at the true cost of each plan, accounting for hidden fees, and using sharing or rotating strategies, you can keep your streaming spend under control while still enjoying the shows you love.
Find out how much Starz costs per month in 2025, explore its plans, compare pricing with rivals and learn tips to get the best deal.
Read More