--- title: "Streaming vs. Cable vs. Free TV: Cutting Entertainment Costs" description: Entertainment is important, but with so many streaming services available, many people overpay for TV. Cutting unnecessary services can save you $50-$100 per month. image: https://info.centuryss.com/hubfs/cutting-expenses-blog-hero-4-min.png --- 1. [Century Blog](https://info.centuryss.com/articles) 2. [Cutting Expenses](https://info.centuryss.com/articles/topic/cutting-expenses#blog-listing-main-content) 3. Streaming vs. Cable vs. Free TV: Cutting Entertainment Costs [Cutting Expenses](https://info.centuryss.com/articles/topic/cutting-expenses#blog-listing-main-content) # Streaming vs. Cable vs. Free TV: Cutting Entertainment Costs Posted on 24 July 2025 Calculating... ![Streaming vs. Cable vs. Free TV: Cutting Entertainment Costs](https://info.centuryss.com/hubfs/cutting-expenses-blog-hero-4-min.png) Entertainment is important, but with so many streaming services available, many people overpay for TV. Cutting unnecessary services can save you $50-$100 per month. ## Compare the Costs 1. Cable TV: Costs $60-$150/month, often includes hidden fees. 2. Streaming Services: Monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, and overdraft penalties add up. - Netflix: **$20/month** - Hulu: **$7.99 (ad-supported), $17.99 (ad-free)** - Disney+: **$7.99-$13.99/month** - HBO Max: **$15.99/month** - Amazon Prime Video: **$8.99/month** - YouTube TV: **$72.99/month** ![cutting-expenses-blog-4-min](https://info.centuryss.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cutting-expenses-blog-4-min.png?width=800&height=458&name=cutting-expenses-blog-4-min.png) Many people subscribe to multiple services, spending over $50-$100 per month just on streaming. ## Ways to Cut Costs **1. Audit Your Subscriptions:** Cut services you rarely use. **2. Switch to Free Streaming Options:** Services like **Pluto TV, Tubi, Crackle, and Peacock (free tier)** offer movies and TV shows for free. **3. Share Accounts (Where Allowed) :** Some platforms allow account sharing with family members. **4. Rotate Streaming Services:** Subscribe to one or two services at a time instead of keeping them all year. **5. Consider an Antenna for Local Channels:** One-time cost of **$20-$50** for free access to news and local programming. By being strategic, you can cut entertainment costs without missing your favorite shows. ![](https://info.centuryss.com/hubfs/author-kim-min%20(1).png) ### Kim Wasielewski Kim W. is a debt relief professional helping consumers navigate financial challenges. She is passionate about making money matters easier to understand and believes everyone deserves a fresh financial start. ### Related Blogs #### [Hidden Costs That Drain Your Wallet (And How to Cut Them)](https://info.centuryss.com/articles/hidden-costs-that-drain-your-wallet-and-how-to-cut-them) 19 July 2025 #### [Eat at Home & Save: Budget Friendly Meal Planning Tips](https://info.centuryss.com/articles/eat-at-home-save-budget-friendly-meal-planning-tips) 21 July 2025 Like what you read? ![Facebook](https://info.centuryss.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Oro%20Media%20Lab/Blog/Assets/facebook.svg) ![Instagram](https://info.centuryss.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Oro%20Media%20Lab/Blog/Assets/instagram.svg) ![LinkedIn](https://info.centuryss.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Oro%20Media%20Lab/Blog/Assets/linkedin.svg) ![X](https://info.centuryss.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Oro%20Media%20Lab/Blog/Assets/tweet-x.svg) [Contact Us](https://www.centuryss.com/contact/) [Privacy Policy](https://www.centuryss.com/privacy-policy/) [Terms of Service](https://www.centuryss.com/terms-of-service/) 2000 Commerce Loop Suite 2210, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 © 2025 Century ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=336209&fmt=gif)