ST. LOUIS — Most of us pay for several streaming services at once. The average person pays for three streaming services a month, but one in 10 of us pay for more than five. Here are some ways you can save, including free apps to replace the ones that come with a cost.
Consider a streaming bundle
Streaming bundles seem to be popping up everywhere these days as more competitors come together in response to consumer discourse. Verizon launched a streaming bundle that could give you 5 streaming services for a cost of $20 a month.
"Right now you can get Netflix and Max for $10 a month, which is much lower than the monthly payment you would get if you were streaming these separately," said Andy Choi, Corporate Communications Manager at Verizon. Verizon already has a Disney bundle, so that means you can get a total of five streaming services for just $20. This fall, Apple TV faced backlash after raising its prices by $3 a month as customers complained the content didn't warrant the price hike — something many consumers have been complaining about online as it now takes several streaming services at once to watch the hottest shows on demand.
Stream Hoopla to watch movies and television shows
Librarians in particular will tell you there are a lot of free alternatives to paid services. One of those is Hoopla.
"With our Hoopla app, you can access movies, TV shows, audiobooks, e-books, comic books, and even graphics," said Mary Meyer, the digital library services manager at the St. Louis Public Library. "You'll find some newer titles — probably not your brand new release movies — but you will find newer and older movies and television shows."
You can also borrow episodes from paid online subscriptions like MasterClass.
Consider downloading Freegal Music to ditch paid apps like Spotify and Apple Music
Though Spotify and Apple Music have free trials or some free listening, Freegal Music allows you to stream several hours of music a day and even gives you free songs to download.
"You can stream 8 hours of music for free per day with your library card, and you can download up to 5 free songs per week," said Meyer. "And when you download those, they're your songs to keep."
Download the Libby app to ditch apps like Audible
The Libby app gives you free e-books and audiobooks from your library. It is free to install, and all the digital content from your library in Libby is free to borrow with a library card. There are no subscription costs, no in-app purchases, and no late fees. All you have to do is borrow a book through Libby and start reading. Pro tip: As soon as you know you want a new release, look it up and place a hold. You'll be notified when the book becomes available to read on your digital device.
Ask your librarian for more
Many libraries also give you free access to paid subscriptions like the New York Times, Consumer Reports, or the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Meyer said New York Times Cooking is a popular app, especially during the holidays. You can also get free access to creative tools and learning tools like LinkedIn Learning.
And take note for our St. Louis readers: the St. Louis Public Library differs from the St. Louis County Library. You can receive a St. Louis Public Library card if you live or work inside St. Louis city limits.