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Whether you’re a true cord cutter or want to watch the next season of Stranger Things when it drops, everyone is looking for streaming deals today. Many have chosen VOD and live TV streaming services over traditional cable in recent years, but the savings that choice gained a few years ago have evaporated a bit now. Companies like Netflix, Disney, Max and others have been raising prices to the point where you may question whether streaming is still worth it.

We at Engadget still think so, for many reasons, but you can (and should) be smart with your money at the same time. Streaming deals are optional, though not as common as discounts on AirPods. If you’re looking to save money and still stream all the content you want, Engadget can help by breaking down the best streaming deals you can get right now, how to save on bundles and everything you need to know before paying for yet another streaming service.

Best streaming deals

True streaming deals can be hard to come by. Usually, they will appear during the Black Friday shopping season. Sometimes, we will see less of them throughout the year and they usually take the form of a discounted monthly or annual price for a limited time. Also, the real streaming deals are found in the ad-supported versions of the service, but sometimes you’ll find one half of the deal in the ad-free section.

If you can wait for a deal before signing up for a streaming service, we recommend doing so. You’ll save money up front and in the long run, and you have the option to cancel your subscription before the price goes back to normal.

ESPN Unlimited bundle — $30/month with Disney+ and Hulu free for one year: Sports fans can sign up for the new ESPB Unlimited bundle for the regular price of $30 per month, but for a limited time, you can get Disney+ and Hulu (and ads) included in that price for free. The trio bundle would normally cost you $36 per month, so, in total, you save $6 per month for one year, for a total of $72 in savings.

Philo Core – $25 for your first month ($8 off): Our pick for the best cheap live TV streaming service, Philo offers more than 70 channels in its Core category, as well as access to HBO Max (with ads), AMC+ and Discovery+. After your first month, your subscription will automatically renew at the standard rate of $33 per month.

It sounds like – three months for $3: For literally $1 a month, you can get access to Audible’s huge library of published audiobooks, podcasts and Audible Originals (which can be anything from never-before-heard books to live concerts). Only three months, after which you will have to cancel or renew at the regular price, but the audiophile can squeeze in a lot of listening in 90 days.

Crunchyroll – $67 for one year ($13 discount): Anime fans can get one year of Crunchyroll access for less right now. The Fan category is down to $67 per year, and the Mega Fan category is on sale for $100 for one year. Both tiers give you ad-free access to the streaming service, but you’ll get offline access to up to four simultaneous streams with the Mega Fan option. Note that this deal does not include access to Crunchyroll Manga.

Starz (one year) for $12 ($58 off): Pay in advance for one year and you can get over $40 off the Stars annual subscription. There’s also a month-to-month option, which costs $3 a month for the first three months if you don’t want to commit to a full year. Either option gives you access to the entire Starz TV and movie library with offline and ad-free viewing.

Spotify Premium Individual – four months free ($48 discount): This is our favorite music streaming service for podcasts and community features. The Premium Individual plan allows you to listen without ads and skip songs at will. You can also organize your listening queue and download content for offline listening. Note, your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the trial period. So if you don’t want to be stuck with the $12 monthly fee, set a cancellation reminder and go back to the free version.

Amazon Music Unlimited – three months free ($36 discount): Amazon’s music streaming service is now free for three months, for new subscribers only. With it, you get access to 100 million ad-free songs, many podcasts and some audiobooks from Audible.

Fubo Pro for $55/month for the first month ($30 off): Fubo has introductory discounts on many of its packages, and the Pro package is the cheapest plan on the current list. It offers access to 224 channels, unlimited cloud DVR and up to 10 simultaneous streams. It even includes regional sports content from the NHL, MLB and NBA.

DirecTV starts at $50/month for one month (up to $40 off): All DirecTV signature packages are currently $45 off your first month when you sign up. If you choose the basic “Entertainment” package, you’ll spend $50 for the first month and get access to more than 90 channels, including many local channels as well as ESPN, ESPN 2 and Fox Sports 1. You’ll also be able to watch on the go with the DirecTV mobile app.

Streaming bundle discounts

There is more consolidation happening now than ever before in the streaming space, and that means there are more streaming options. These bundles give you access to more content for a single subscription price, but those prices are usually higher than paying for the single service itself (obviously). It may be tempting to get a bundle, but if only one of those services in the bundle speaks to you, you’ll spend less money paying for one service.

Speaking of the deep love of one streaming service: if all your favorite shows are on Peacock or the latest releases on HBO Max always bring you joy, consider paying for one year in advance. Signing up for an annual plan often saves you money in the long run by paying monthly. Unfortunately, not all streaming services (looking at you, Netflix) have an annual subscription option.

Disney+

If you feel like Charlie Kelly trying to figure out who Pepe Silvia is when you look at Disney’s streaming price chart, you’re not alone. The confusion stems from the fact that Disney owns, or has a stake in, many streaming services including Hulu and ESPN. Throw in a partnership with HBO Max and you have a ton of options to consider and, perhaps, whiplash to match. Here’s a quick overview of Disney+ bundle pricing.

Peacock TV

Peacock doesn’t have year-round streaming bundles available, but you can save if you pay for a year in advance.

Important+

Paramount+ used to bill its Showtime category as a bundle, but has since rebranded its programming and focused on Showtime’s inclusion in its premium category as another bonus to paying for higher-priced programming.

• Paramount+ Essential (with ads) —$8/month or $60/year

• Paramount Premium (without ads) — $13/month or $120/year

Student discounts on streaming services

It pays to be a student – sometimes, at least. Many streaming services have student discounts that you can take advantage of as long as you’re still studying. That often means being able to verify your student status and register with your .edu email address.

HBO Max student discount — sign up for $5/month (50 percent off): HBO Max offers their ad-supported rate to readers at a discount on the regular rate. You’ll just need to prove you’re a Unidays student, and note that this offer is only good for up to 12 months of service.

Hulu student discount – sign up for $2/month (75 percent off): Those with a valid student ID can get Hulu’s ad-supported category for 75 percent off the regular rate. They will maintain the same amount of sales as long as they are a student as well.

Spotify student discount — Premium + Hulu with ads for $6/month (72 percent off): Spotify’s offering for students continues to be one of the best, giving you access to the Premium tier of music streaming and Hulu’s ad-supported program for just $6 a month. Purchased separately, you’ll pay $22 per month for both services. Also, the first month is free when you sign up.

NBA League Pass student discount – one year for $120 (40 percent off): Students can get one year of League Pass for just $10 a month, which includes access to NBA TV and the ability to watch old and archived games on demand. On the NBA League Pass website, look for the student discount banner at the top and follow the instructions to confirm your student status.

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