CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - With streaming providers continuing to increase their rates, you may have considered canceling your Netflix, Hulu and Peacock accounts and instead looking for a cable package deal.
However, Kourtnee Jackson, the senior streaming editor with CNET, joined the show today to compare and contrast the costs of cable TV and streaming for us.
According to Jackson, at the end of the day, streaming is still cheaper than a basic cable TV package unless you want to watch live sports.
“Live streaming services cost a lot more than your on-demand services like Hulu and Netflix,” Jackson said.
Some other contributing factors of the increased streaming expenses include production costs for Netflix originals, like Stranger Things. In addition to that, obtaining content from external studios like Warner Bros. Discovery and live sports licensing can be pricey as well.
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A lot of the time, these costs are passed down to the consumers which increases monthly streaming rates. To mitigate these effects, Netflix started offering ad-supported plans as an extra source of revenue.
Jackson also recommends using the rotation method and looking for deals and discounts to reduce annual streaming expenses.
“Check with your wireless carriers. T-Mobile offers discounts on streamers; Netflix has a deal with Verizon. […] Hulu offers a discount for college students and so does Peacock,” Jackson said.
What’s more, some credit companies offer free or discounted access to streaming services and there are various free streaming platforms, including over-the-air-antennas for those who don’t want to pay to watch TV at all.
Lastly, Jackson brought our attention to various apps, consumers can use to manage their subscriptions, track the costs, and cancel the services, such as Bobby, Hiatus or Rocket Money to name a few.
If you are still unsure whether you should stick with your streaming providers or switch to cable TV, check out CNET’s website for more information and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
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