“Now and Then,” the first new Beatles song in decades, was recently released on streaming services. It’s an amazing story. Producers used machine learning to separate John Lennon’s voice from an old blurry demo tape, allowing Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to create a composition around Lennon’s vocals. Give it a listen.
Where to watch TV without paying a dime
ChatGPT
The average household coughs up nearly $70 a month on streaming subscriptions, and that’s before your internet tab. But let me tell you, I spend a lot more than that. It’s closer to $125.
Add it all together, and congratulations, you’re back in 2011 with your overpriced cable bundle, except this time, there’s no DVR to save you.
Good news: You can cut your bill without cutting the fun. Here are 10 legit, totally free streaming services you can start watching now.
1. Pluto TV: With 250+ live channels and a huge library of on-demand content, Pluto brings the binge without the bill. Owned by Paramount, so expect solid picks.
2. Tubi: Backed by Fox, Tubi serves up over 50,000 titles from big studios like MGM, Lionsgate and Paramount. It’s on every platform you can think of.
3. YouTube: You already use it, but explore the “Free with ads” movies and shows. You’ll find full-length features, classic TV, and yes, my shows, too.
4. The Roku Channel: No Roku device needed. Stream 500+ live channels, thousands of movies and TV shows, plus originals like Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
5. Freevee: Amazon’s ad-supported streamer has fewer commercials than regular TV and some fun originals. Jury Duty is Emmy-nominated for a reason.
6. Kanopy: This one’s the sleeper hit. All you need is a library card to unlock a curated library of indie films, documentaries and foreign titles. It’s ad-free, too.
7. Xumo Play: Built by Comcast and Charter, Xumo delivers 350+ live channels and an on-demand library with everything from news to nostalgia.
8. Plex: Once just a media server, Plex now streams movies, TV and live channels. Plus, if you have your own digital movie collection, Plex organizes it beautifully.
9. Hoopla: Another library-connected gem. It offers free movies, TV, audiobooks, comics and more completely ad-free. Perfect for families or book lovers.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
How to fix your high streaming bills
The other day on my national radio show, I mentioned that the average American drops $110 a month on streaming services. Add another $80+ for a solid internet connection, and suddenly old-school cable doesn’t look so bad.
Streaming overload: How much time we waste searching
The average American now juggles four streaming services, down from five last year. Find out just how much time we’re wasting in this quick podcast.
1 billion hours
Of YouTube watched every single day. That beats out all other streaming services. It’s the only streaming platform to top 10% of the viewing market share in 2024. In second place? Netflix, with 7.7%.
Watch TV for $0: Clark Howard says, “The hottest thing in streaming right now is free streaming products.” You can stream content from a dozen or so companies that won’t charge you a dime. They don’t even ask for a credit card number. Here’s a list of the best free streaming services. Subscribe to Clark.com’s free newsletter to receive more must-have money tips every day.
‘Can you tape that?’ Phrases tech has killed off
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I’m sure you remember this: “You hang up first.” “No, you hang up first.” Not quite as romantic when you fumble for the “End call” button on your iPhone, eh? As times change and our tech changes, so, too, do the phrases we use.
Why you can’t access some sites while you’re on a VPN and what to do
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Let’s say you’re browsing the web with a VPN. You’re protecting privacy, so you’re confident hackers and advertisers can’t track you. Then you try to go to a site, and it just won’t load.
This can throw a wrench into productivity when working. Or it can ruin your mood when trying to have fun online.
How Spotify determines your personal music taste
Spotify is one of the world’s largest music streaming services with almost a quarter billion active users. And if you have ever used Spotify, you know it is impressive how well the app can get to know your music preferences. How does this software work? Through extremely complex math, of course.
Netflix defies all odds
With streaming services scrambling for your cash and costs skyrocketing, one streamer is breaking the mold and pulling in new subscribers every month against all odds.
Channel bundling is back
Major streaming services are banding together. Here’s what that means for your subscription fees.
Why now is the time to revisit your cord cutting options
Sling.com, © Oasisamuel | Dreamstime.com, DirecTV.com
I did the math. I’m paying $83 more a month now to watch TV than I did when I was paying for cable. Is it worth it? I do like the convenience of not being tied to a grid, and many of the original shows are terrific. Speaking of, I just finished watching “Masters of the Air.” You def need to watch that on Apple TV+.
Playing hardball with the streaming services
Don’t want to pay to watch your favorite shows? Here’s a tip you need to know.
Why you can no longer cut the cable to save money
Streaming services are upping their prices big time — it’s all adding up. Here’s the real cost of ditching the cord.
The real price of streaming
A recent survey found that fifty percent of us pay for streaming services we don’t use. Here’s how to track all of your forgotten subscriptions.
Sick of streaming services? How to find and record your shows for free
Streaming isn’t for everyone — especially since it means you must constantly juggle ever-changing subscription costs. It’s easy to overpay for movies and shows you don’t have enough time to watch. If you want to save yourself from subscription misery, this guide will help you find and record free shows and movies.
Expecting a hospital stay? Here are 5 things to bring along
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Most of us have had to spend some time in the hospital for a day or a more extensive stay. Even if you haven’t, you’re likely close to someone who has.
If you or someone you’re taking care of has a hospital stay coming up, bring along these five essential items to make things easier.
Amazon foodie freebies, TV voice controls, Twitter spam accounts
Sick of streaming services? Here’s how to find and record your shows for free. Plus, Amazon is giving Prime subscribers a free year of Grubhub+ deliveries, Twitter says it removes one million spam accounts a day and CVS adds audio prescription labels.
Money tight? 10 ways you're wasting cash (even when you think you're saving)
Photo © Nikola Bilic | Dreamtime
You might think, “There’s no bad way to save money.” In reality, there’s a lot you can do wrong — no matter how good your intentions are. Tap or click here for five ways you’re wasting money on tech purchases.
We're losing millions to streaming services
Have you ever signed up for a free trial … only to forget to cancel before time runs out? This can cost you a ton of cash. Listen to this one-minute podcast for an easy way to stop overspending.