Streaming services have gone from a way to escape restrictive cable subscriptions to becoming just a newfangled version of subscriptions gone awry. Use these bundles to get more bang for your buck.
It seemed like a great idea at the time. Why spend over $100 a month on a cable subscription for 1,000 channels you don’t have time to watch? Cut the cord instead! Now, of course, a lot of people probably spend over $100 a month on a half dozen streaming sites they don’t have time to watch. Initially a cheaper alternative, the proliferation of channel options and the gradual raising of subscription prices over the past few years has led to what many are calling “streamflation” – and have people questioning cord cutting in general.
But for those who still prefer to get their entertainment a la carte, there are still ways to save money, not miss out on the must-see shows of the year, and enjoy bargains on everyday things like shopping, shipping, and dining. In an effort to find a middle ground between wasteful cable subscriptions and piecemeal streaming subscriptions, a lot of networks and companies are bundling streaming offerings – and that presents a great opportunity to get the most for your streaming dollar.
Here are some of the best streaming bundle offers we’ve found. So sign up, and never miss out on water cooler chat again.
Verizon + Netflix + MAX Bundle
Bundle cost: $10 a month
What you get: As part of Verizon’s “MyPlan” wireless offer, new customers can take advantage of a unique new partnership between Verizon, Netflix, and MAX (formerly HBOMax). As part of the deal, customers can add subscriptions to these streaming channels at a reduced rate – but it should be noted that the bundle is for the ad-supported tier of MAX.
Verizon also offers a second option that similarly bundles Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
The Netflix+MAX bundle gives you access to hit shows like “Stranger Things,” “Squid Game,” and “Wednesday” (Netflix) as well as “The Gilded Age,” “Our Flag Means Death,” and “The Last of Us” (MAX).
Why it’s a good deal: Both bundles cost only $10 a month on top of your wireless phone bill. For Netflix + MAX, that saves $6.98 each month, or $83.76 a year. The Disney bundle, which offers savings of $8.99 ($107.88 a year) provides access to ad-free Disney+ Premium, Hulu with ads, and ESPN+ with ads.
Instacart+ and Peacock Bundle
Bundle cost: $9.99 a month
What you get: While you don’t need a membership to shop Instacart and enjoy delivery from stores such as Sprouts Farmers Market, CVS, ALDI, PetSmart, and Lowe’s, subscribers to Instacart+ (formerly known as Instacart Express) get free delivery and waived service fees – so it’s cost effective if you use the service a lot. Recently, Instacart+ began offering subscriptions to NBCUniversal’s Peacock network at no additional charge, which means access to live sports, new shows such as “Twisted Metal,” “The Continental,” and “Poker Face,” and classic TV series like “Parks and Rec,” “The Office,” and “30 Rock.”
Why it’s a good deal: At just $9.99 a month (or $99 a year), Instacart+ already pays for itself after a few free deliveries. Adding Peacock at no extra charge is a smart way to take advantage of a service you use anyway to expand your entertainment options for next to nothing.
Walmart+ and Paramount+
Bundle cost: $12.95 per month
What you get: A Walmart+ membership earns you free unlimited deliveries from Walmart stores (with a $35 minimum per order), free shipping on Walmart.com (no minimum required), as well as early access to Black Friday deal events, store sales, and product releases and the ability to make returns from home. Walmart+ is now offering a “Paramount+ Essential Plan” that gives members a Paramount+ subscription at no extra cost.
Why it’s a good deal: Similar to the Instacart+ offer, if you are a frequent Walmart customer then this extra $12.95 a month is absolutely worth it for the convenience and savings it provides. Getting access to Paramount+’s library of content from Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, CBS and more is a great perk. Even if you don’t find yourself watching it all that much compared to other streaming channels, it doesn’t cost you anything more, so why not give it a shot?
T-Mobile Go5G Plan + NetflixGo5G plans
Bundle cost: Pay only for your T-Mobile Go5G Plan which ranges from approximately $100 to $170 per month depending on your specific plan choice, the number of lines and if you qualify for a discounted rate. Discounted rates are provided for people over 55 years old, first responders, military and veterans. Get your Go5G Plan quote directly from T-Mobile.
What you get: Free Netflix Basic subscription ($9.99/month value) included with the following plans: With single-line plans: Go5G Next, Go5G Plus. With multi-line plans: Go5G, Go5G Military, Go5G 55, Go5G First Responder. Or, get a free Netflix Standard subscription ($15.49/month value) included with the following plans: Go5G Next, Go5G Next Military, Go5G Next 55, Go5G Next First Responder, Go5G Plus, Go5G Plus Military, Go5G Plus 55, Go5G Plus First Responder.
Why it’s a good deal: If you are already a T-Mobile customer, or looking to make the switch, this promotion is not to be missed. Who doesn’t like getting something for free? If you sign up for a qualifying Go5G plan, your monthly Netflix subscription will be paid for by T-Mobile. Existing Netflix customers can take advantage of this deal seamlessly as well. T-Mobile’s Go5G plans will give you access to their award winning 5G network plus tons of other perks depending on your plan selection.
Metro by T-Mobile + Amazon Prime
Bundle cost: $60 a month
What you get: Even though the monthly cost here is quite a bit higher than the others on this list, it’s because you’re mostly paying for the prepaid wireless phone service and 15 GB high-speed internet access. The fact that you get Amazon Prime at no additional charge may not seem like that much of a savings on the surface, but this bundle covers your phone, a lot of your online shopping, and your entertainment – even beyond movies and TV. The bundle also includes access to Kindle books, comics, and magazines and free games.
Why it’s a good deal: Amazon Prime not only has great entertainment offerings – original series like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” and “Good Omens,” plus access to rent or buy titles including movies still in theaters and ad-free music on Alexa. And, of course, you get free two-day shipping on Amazon purchases. Combine this with a prepaid wireless phone service and it’s tough to see the $60 a month charge not being worth it.
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