📺 Like cable … but different: Comcast’s new Xfinity StreamSaver bundle gets you Netflix, Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium for $15 a month. Before you get too excited, it’s the basic versions of Netflix and Peacock — in other words, lots of ads. But if you’re already on the basic plans, it’s a $10 monthly savings.
Best places to find movies, books, audiobooks and music without spending a dime
Money is tight for everyone nowadays, and it’s nice to stretch your dollar as far as possible. You may have free perks from your cell provider that you don’t even know about. Here’s what you can get from Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.
It’s easy to overspend when you subscribe to several streaming services. Here are some ways to stay entertained without breaking out your wallet.
Free movies
How many streaming movie and TV services do you subscribe to? It’s not much of a financial burden if it’s one or two. But prices are increasing and it all adds up. Fortunately, there are free services abound:
- Crackle: This ad-supported streaming service has a vast library of popular movies and older TV shows.
- Freevee (formerly IMDb TV): Freevee has lots of content, some of which comes from its parent company Amazon. It carries commercials, but not as many as network TV. You’ll need an Amazon account to use Freevee.
- Kanopy: Supported by libraries and universities, Kanopy offers thousands of classic films for free if you have an applicable public library card or school ID.
- Pluto TV: This service offers over 250 curated channels with thousands of movies and TV shows for free.
- Tubi TV: Tubi has everything from quirky, artsy films to classic movies that made history and popular TV shows. The design is reminiscent of Netflix: Just select your favorite genre and you’ll see Tubi’s library of options. Although it’s ad-supported, the commercials aren’t overwhelming.
- Peacock: The free ad-supported tier has movies, TV shows and live channels. It has an impressive content library and is available as an app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV and more.
- Roku: If you have a Roku, you can access The Roku Channel, which gets you free movie and TV content. Stream live shows on the Roku channel and watch an ever-changing catalog of movies and TV shows, all at no cost.
- YouTube: YouTube has thousands of TV episodes to watch for free. But as with most content on the platform, you’ll have to sit through some advertising for the privilege to view it. Here’s what you need to know.
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Free books
Physical or digital, here are the best places for bookworms to browse their favorite titles.
When was the last time you went to the library?
Public libraries these days don’t just offer old-school books for free. Now, you can borrow music CDs, movies and even eBooks. Here’s how.
First, find your local library online and see if it offers free eBooks to borrow. In some cities, you can download a digital book from your library and keep it anywhere from one to three weeks.
If you’re enrolled in college, check the options through the online campus library. You might be surprised at how much you’ll find.
5 things you didn't know your smart TV could do
More and more people are cutting the cord in exchange for streaming services. You can watch Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video and more via a smart TV or streaming box.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to streaming devices and smart TVs. As displays get larger and streaming sticks get smaller, how do you know which is best for you? Luckily we put together a list to help you choose. Tap or click here for the best streaming device and smart TV options.
Which platform is winning the streaming wars, with the largest share of viewers? Is it … A.) Prime Video, B.) Netflix, C.) Hulu or D.) YouTube?
Ever used TikTok? File a claim for your part of a $92M class-action settlement
There is no doubt that the video-sharing app TikTok has exploded in popularity recently. During the height of the pandemic, the app ranked as the third fastest-growing brand — only trailing Zoom and Peacock. Tap or click here for smart digital life hacks you won’t find on TikTok.
You can stream 22 James Bond movies for free - here's how
Its “No Time To Die,” as YouTube and NBC’s Peacock network have made 22 James Bond films available to stream — completely free.
The YouTube playlist features all but five of the films, stretching as far back as 1962 with the late Sean Connery as the titular character in “Dr. No.”
Streaming service just hiked its prices $10 a month
Nothing in the tech world lasts forever, especially when it comes to streaming services. Between price hikes and rotating content, you’re lucky if a streaming plan gives you exactly what you paid for year after year.
Best way to spend $20, $30, or $50 per month for streaming shows, sports and movies
What’s the most expensive video streaming service? College. You might think otherwise looking at your credit card statements. Streaming entertainment services are experiencing unprecedented profits as the pandemic continues to force us to sit at home on the couch.
Roku vs. Amazon Fire TV vs. Apple TV vs. Chromecast vs. the other TV streamer boxes
Millions of people have ditched overpriced TV plans and are turning to streaming options. The number of Americans that have said “so long” to cable” is estimated to triple in the next three years, from 25.3 million to 76 million.
How to watch NBC's new streaming service for free
It’s truly an exciting time for people who love streaming TV, and not just because of being at home more often. New streaming services are popping up all the time, which gives us a great selection of programming.
On the other hand, signing up for all of these services means a much bigger cost each month. That’s why it’s a good idea to look for deals that give you access to streaming services for free. For example, there’s a way to get a free year of Disney+. Tap or click here to find out how.
The expensive mistake streaming companies don't want you to know about
Most of us have a love-hate relationship with cable. We like television. We love a handful of stations. But we don’t need hundreds of useless channels, many of them boring, some of them in languages we don’t understand.
Money-saving trick to stream everything you want without breaking the bank
Are you a cord-cutter who relies on streaming services? Perhaps you’re a cord-never (those who have never signed up for cable) who utilizes apps like Roku, Apple+ and Pluto TV for watching television, or maybe you prefer a combo of cable and streaming services.