Signing up for a streaming service is a great way to consume content on your own time whenever it's convenient for you. You don't have to deal with trips to the movie theatre, and it comes out much more affordable. But how do you decide which streaming services are worth your money?
There are so many streaming platforms available currently, and more seem to pop up weekly. Subscribing to all of them can become way too pricey, so here are a few things to consider before you decide on one.
Free Trials Are Your Best Friend
Start a free trial if you're interested in signing up for a streaming service, but you're unsure if you'll actually enjoy and use it consistently. Free trials are an excellent way to get your first impressions and figure out whether the platform suits you or not.
If you've set your sights on a particular platform, ensure that it does offer a free trial, and look into how long it lasts. Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, some platforms give you a thirty-day test period. Others, like Disney+, only give seven days, and some don't even offer a free trial. HBO Max doesn't.
When starting a trial, it's crucial to time it just right. For example, whenever a highly anticipated new release is about to drop. If you're itching to watch a new movie or show but unsure if you'd continue using the streaming service after, the free trial can help you make up your mind about it.
Once you sign up, consume as much content as you can. Make sure you test out if the streaming service is right for you before you make a commitment.
Also, remember to turn off automatic renewal so that your credit card doesn't get charged without your knowledge.
Consider the Cost of the Streaming Service
Streaming services tend to keep their prices affordable, with most asking between $5 to $10 per month for a subscription. A budgetary problem may arise when you get more than one service, and the cost adds up.
It's best to look into whether there are discounts for bulk payments. Sometimes there are student discounts and family plans you can take advantage of, and usually, the more extended plan you choose to subscribe for, the better the cost.
For example, you can save roughly 15% on Disney+ if you opt for an annual subscription instead of paying monthly.
Is the Streaming Service Worth It Long-Term?
Maybe it sounds like a great idea to subscribe to a streaming service when you're interested in a show and must see it through. Realistically, though, if you're paying for a subscription for a platform and only consume a show or two on it, ask yourself: is it worth it?
HBO Max has some pretty good shows: Succession and The White Lotus being recent hits, but is it worth the price tag for two titles? Especially since the service doesn't offer a free trial, and you'd have to commit to at least one monthly payment, possibly longer, since episodes get uploaded weekly. That leads to the next point.
Try to figure out how frequently the platform delivers new content. Does it follow the binge-able Netflix template where shows drop in their entirety or the Disney+ model where you have to wait for weekly releases? Will that force you into paying for a service for several months so you can finish a complete season?
Does the Streaming Platform Suit Your Tastes?
Streaming services tend to avoid putting themselves in boxes when it comes to the content they offer. However, there are still specific differences you can note when comparing them.
Disney+ heavily banks on Marvel and Star Wars movies and shows, with new ones popping up frequently. It's also an excellent service for kids' content, bursting with Disney and Pixar animations.
Amazon Prime Video offers everything under the sun in terms of features. You can find pretty much any movie and show on it. However, not all of it comes free with your subscription.
Most of the included content in Prime Video's media catalog comes from third parties. Though the platform does offer plenty of original content, you need to consider that you might get forced into paying extra for some of your chosen features.
Netflix also offers a little bit of everything, and it continues to produce original content frequently. It has a variety of hit shows and movies that boast an impressive number of views. But the platform also delivers some pretty disappointing titles that seem like they were made for people who hate-watch and mock.
Check out what each streaming service offers, and recognize whether it fits your viewing preferences. Don't pay for something that you know you won't enjoy.
Does the Streaming Service Cover All the Bases?
There are several key points to explore when deciding whether to subscribe to a particular service.
First off, is the video quality of its media library up to par? Are there features in 4K, and how many? What's the point in investing in a good TV if the streaming service can't keep up?
Is the platform intuitive and generally easy to navigate? How many devices does it support? Some services amp up the subscription price alongside the device count.
And, perhaps even the most important question: does it offer the watch party feature?
If it does allow watch parties, does the feature work well? Are people happy with it? Does it let you chat with your friends while viewing? Some steaming services that allow watch parties let you send emojis. Others sync the viewing experience and pause for everyone if one participant presses pause, but some don't do that.
Cover all your bases and ensure what you're signing up for will be worth your time and money.
Make an Informed Decision
Of course, it'd be great if you could get a subscription to all the available streaming services and enjoy all of the content they offer for an unlimited time.
However, that can rack up the monthly cost that not everyone can afford. So, the best way to figure out which platforms are worth the subscription is to test them out as thoroughly as you can before committing.
Making that decision will require you to put in some research. You have to devote time and effort to discover what each service offers, price points, content release dates, and so on. But all your work will be worth it.