The world of streaming is vast, and the costs can add up fast. Luckily, there are several cheap streaming services available today that provide great value without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for movies, shows, or live TV, these options offer excellent features at budget-friendly prices.
1. Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is one of the most cost-effective premium streaming services available. With its original shows and films, it delivers high-quality content for a low monthly fee. Start your subscription and enjoy content like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show at minimal cost.
2. Peacock Premium
Peacock offers a tiered pricing model including a very affordable plan. With hundreds of hours of content from NBCUniversal — including TV series, movies, and live sports — it’s a strong choice for budget-conscious viewers who still want premium content.
3. Paramount+ Essential
Paramount+ provides a solid library of shows and movies from CBS, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more. Its Essential plan gives you access to rich content without paying for all the bells and whistles, making it perfect for streaming on a budget.
4. Crunchyroll
If you’re an anime fan, Crunchyroll stands out as one of the best values. For under $10 a month, you gain access to thousands of episodes, simuldubs, and a passionate anime community. Ideal for fans of Japanese animation and genre variety.
5. Roku Howdy
Launched in 2025, Roku’s new streaming service Howdy offers an ad-free experience for just $2.99 a month. Though its library is more limited than major competitors, the price point is unmatched — making it one of the most affordable ad-free streaming subscriptions available.
6. Disney+ Basic (With Ads)
For fans of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, the ad-supported version of Disney+ offers huge entertainment value at a lower cost. You’ll still get the major titles and premieres, but with a more budget-friendly pricing model.
7. Amazon Prime Video
Included with an Amazon Prime membership (which often bundles shipping and other perks), Prime Video offers a massive content library. For many users, this makes it one of the best overall values in streaming — especially if you’re already using Amazon services.
8. Hulu (With Ads)
Hulu’s basic plan includes its full library of TV shows, movies, and originals at a lower cost thanks to ad support. It’s especially good for viewers who don’t mind seeing commercials in exchange for a lower subscription fee.
How to Choose the Right Plan
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Check your watch habits: If you only use one or two platforms often, go for a lower-cost plan.
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Look for promos: Many services offer discounted pricing for annual subscriptions or bundles.
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Be comfortable with ads: Ad-supported plans are cheaper and may be a great trade-off if you’re flexible.
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Share with the family: Some platforms allow multiple profiles or streams, spreading cost across users.
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Rotate subscriptions: Subscribe to one platform for a few months, then switch to another to keep costs down.
