Everyday life has changed amid the coronavirus crisis, and it can be pretty boring being on lockdown. If you don’t have access to any streaming services because money is tight, or you’ve watched everything worth seeing on the platform you do have, don’t miss this. In this Komando DIY, we have the five best free, legitimate streaming sites for you to check out. You can thank us later.
9 streaming service pro tips to save money
The whole streaming scene is confusing. DirecTV Now changed its name to AT&T TV Now and can’t seem to settle on plans and pricing. Tap or click here to parse the options. Disney+, Apple TV and HBO Max joined the party — and each one wants your money.
About 62% of all Americans subscribe to at least one streaming service, and that number will only grow. The problem with streaming is if you’re not careful, you can spend $10 a month here, $5 a month there, $15 for this one … You get the idea.
Sure, there’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to new streaming services and shows. But you need to look at your bottom line. How much is all this streaming costing you and how can you save money?
Remember, every dollar not in their pocket is another dollar in yours. So let’s get started with insider tricks to saving money that only the pros know, starting with digging up bundle deals.
1. Check for bundles
Some people still have cable or satellite subscriptions and add a streaming service or two for a wider selection of programming. But if you want a lot of streaming subscriptions, prepare for a mountain of research.
While researching different streaming services and channel apps, you will notice that not all services are created equal. Some offer live TV channels and others are strictly on-demand. Tap or click here to see our streaming services with live TV comparison chart.
Don’t forget exclusive content. Content providers are coming out with their own streaming services and eventually making the content they produce exclusive to their service.
For example, Disney+ owns the rights to everything in the Star Wars and Marvel universes. Once contracts with other services expire, Disney+ will be the only place to access these films. If you want a bigger selection of content, you’ll have to subscribe to more than one service.
Related: Which on-demand streaming service is best?
The good news is there are package bundles that will help you save cash. Right now, you can bundle Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month.
That’s a lot of content for under $13, and if you want to watch a random live MLB game during baseball season, ESPN+ is just the place. Tap or click here to learn more about this bundle.
10 ways to watch movies for free
What should I watch? This question plagues us, no matter how we watch TV. Once we’ve binged our favorite series, seen all the recommended shows and movies, and browsed every genre we could find, we still hit a wall. What’s left? we think, as we impatiently await the third season of “Westworld.”
🚀 Houston, pass the popcorn: NASA’s free streaming app, NASA+, is awesome. Watch it for free on NASA’s website or download the app on your phone, TV or favorite streaming device. All programs are family-friendly and ad-free.
Free ways to stream movies
Tired of those expensive streaming subscriptions? You’re not alone. Good news: there are plenty of free streaming options like Freevee, Pluto, Tubi, and more!
Guy Kawasaki on being remarkable
Guy Kawasaki, host of the “Remarkable People” podcast, has a new book, “Think Remarkable,” that you’ve got to check out. Plus, there’s a new AI danger lurking at work, the death of ad-free streaming, and why you’re still getting scam calls. Feeling lonely? Everyone’s connected, yet isolation is at record levels.
🛑 Free malware with purchase: Android TV boxes promising free streaming “forever” are filled with malware and marketed online like they’re from Google. They’re not. TV shopping? Look for the words “Android TV OS,” not just “Android TV.”
Why we're lonely because of tech
Everyone’s connected, yet isolation is at record levels. Have an opinion on Elon Musk? Here’s why judgment pours out for him, both good and bad. Plus, a new AI danger at work, the death of ad-free streaming, and why you’re still getting scam calls.
Ad-free streaming isn't ad free
The promise: Cut the cable and no more ads. It lasted a while, but now? Not so much.
Why you should check out IMDb
Want a free streaming service? Listen to this one-minute podcast for one of my favorites.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices