We certainly don't say you can't keep them all.
Angela Lang / CNET
Some, like Netflix, experienced record growth during the early months of coronavirus -related quarantines and lockdowns . But now many people are trying to save some money where they can, since unemployment reaches a record high as a result of the pandemic. You may realize that you don't really have to pay for every streaming service, especially if there are already many free TV streaming and movie streaming services available.
Every household streaming is different, so the service you may want to drop varies. We've broken down five of the most popular streaming services to help you decide which ones to get rid of painlessly.
Read more : Best live TV streaming services for cord cutters in 2020
Hulu
Drop if: You don't care to keep up with current shows
Now stream Oscar winner Parasite on Hulu.
Sarah Tew / CNET
I don't have a cable, so one of my favorite parts of my Hulu subscription is how quickly new episodes of shows are uploaded to the platform. For example, new episodes of Grey's Anatomy air on Thursday night. If you are subscribed to the basic ($ 6 per month) or non-advertising ($ 12 per month) Hulu subscription, you can view it the next day. There's also Hulu's option with Live TV for $ 55 a month, which acts more like a cable replacement and lets you watch your shows in real time.
One drawback to Hulu is that not every season of a particular show is available, so if you want to catch up seriously, you may have to look elsewhere for earlier episodes. Other shows, such as Bob & # 39; s Burgers and Family Guy, have all seasons available on Hulu.
Read more: Hulu review: the best value for streaming if you don't mind a few ads
Other programs like the BBC & # 39; s Killing Eve, drop the entire current season at once. This is perfect for binging, but if you blow through them all, you will be stuck in a "show hole" until next season. Hulu Originals like Little Fires Everywhere, Shrill, High Fidelity or The Handmaid & # 39; s Tale sometimes release one episode a week or an entire season at a time. Hulu also has a number of high profile movies to stream as part of your subscription, including the 2019 Oscar Winner Parasite .
Although Hulu's catalog is extensive, it does not include everything. It can be frustrating to search for a movie or show, only to realize that you have to buy an add-on to watch it. Hulu subscribers can switch to HBO, Cinemax, Showtime or Starz for an additional charge.
Netflix
Drop if: You don't want to binge old shows
King is the latest Netflix original documentary series to grab America's attention.
Netflix
Netflix is an experienced streaming service. Remember when subscribing meant it would send a DVD to your house? Netflix has also introduced us to the modern binge watch as it hosts iconic shows (old and new) such as The Office, That & # 39; 70s Show, The Andy Griffith Show, The West Wing and more. It's easy to put on your favorite and let it play whether you're actively watching or not.
Netflix has also become known for its originals – movies, shows and documentaries, many of which are both popular and rave reviews. Think of the hype surrounding Tiger King The Haunting of Hill House and Stranger Things the psychological thriller series You the Oscar-winning film Roma and more.
Read more: Netflix review: the best premium streaming service
New seasons usually come out all at once, and after you blow through them in one afternoon, you have to wait months or even years for the next one. I'd love Netflix for the binge shows and those fascinating research focus series like The Keepers and The Pharmacist. While you wait for your favorite show to come back, Netflix mixes the content every month and releases new titles every week.
You can choose between basic ($ 9 per month), standard ($ 13), or Premium ($ 16) plans.
Read more: Peacock vs. HBO Max vs. Disney Plus vs. Apple TV Plus vs. Netflix: How streaming stacks
Apple TV
Drop if: You're not interested in the few star-studded shows
Apple TV Plus
If you subscribe to multiple streaming services, they can all link to your Apple TV (or Roku or other streaming device), so you have some sort of "command center". Apple increased its Apple TV box and app with the addition of its Apple TV Plus streaming service last fall. The addition of exclusive star-studded shows such as The Morning Show, Servant, For All Mankind and more can add significant appeal to the service, especially if you are already an Apple user.
Unlike Netflix or Hulu, however, Apple TV Plus does not have a library of licensed programs or movies. Nor does it always release the full seasons of its shows at once. At launch, it had nine shows, with five more on the way. If none of them appeal to you, it might not be worth subscribing. However, the streaming service has since made some of its original shows and one movie free to stream during the coronavirus pandemic.
Apple offers a seven-day free trial of Apple TV. Or, if you recently bought a new iPhone or another iOS device, you get a year of free Apple TV Plus. The Apple TV app costs nothing to download, but there are in-app purchases for content. Subscribing to Apple TV Plus costs $ 5 a month or $ 50 a year.
Read more: Best streaming device of 2020: Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Nvidia Shield and more
