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'You're overpaying': The cheap streaming services hacks you need to know

From savvy tricks for optimising your memberships to the free platforms that have tons of movies and shows. 

Easy budget hacks to save your family $$$

With prices of literally everything on the rise (so rude) it’s no wonder people are looking to save where they can.

People are switching out grocery items for cheaper alternatives and even opting to go vegetarian in light of the rising costs of living.

So it’s no wonder people are also looking to also cut costs on their less-essential, ‘luxury’ expenses like streaming services.

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RELATED: The unlikely shop Aussies are turning to

"I am all about being savvy now"

A post in the Mums on a Budget Facebook group is gaining traction this week as savvy Aussies share their best-streaming services recommendations and hacks that won’t break the bank.

One woman kicked off the thread by writing: “We have downgraded our Foxtel but thinking of getting rid of it altogether.

“What have you got to replace it all, like Netflix, Stan, Kayo etc? I am all about being savvy now.”

And while users wasted no time in pointing out that she was a little late to the streaming party, they also made sure to share all their very best advice too.

Sifting through over 400 comments, there are recommendations for how to optimise your memberships, the best-value options and the names of the ‘secret’ free platforms people are flocking to.

Image: Supplied
Image: Supplied

RELATED: Mums share the grocery items they no longer buy

Streaming services tips to save you money

“I have found tonnes on the free-to-air apps. And we have Disney+, Paramount and Prime (only because they are dirt cheap)” said one top comment. 

“Binge is Foxtel so if you're missing Foxtel stuff it's only about $10,” remarked someone else. 

“Disney for kids' night. Netflix and Prime for adults and older kid nights,” wrote a third.

“I do one at a time and cycle through them. I currently have Netflix. But have cancelled it and then moving on to Stan. When we get bored of Stan, we’ll go to Amazon… etc. Eventually, we circle back! I find I use to run out of things to watch, then I’d pay for the app to sit in my phone and do nothing,” expressed a fourth.

Another said: “Get all the free trials and see which one you like the best.”

“If you can afford it do the subscriptions that have an annual payment like Disney, Paramount and Amazon just make the one-off payment and your set for 12 months, that's what we did,” replied one mum.

“I asked a friend if I just borrow their Disney and another friend if I could borrow their Stan. I pay for Netflix and we share it. Cheapest way!” admitted another savvy streamer.

The lesser-known platforms that are cheap or free

“Movie Box Pro app. It’s about $3 a month if you pay for 12 months upfront,” recommended one user. 

“Just use apps from channels like Nine, ABC, and Seven. You will find some good shows,” wrote a different member. 

Another chimed in saying, “Fetch. For $20 a month, I get the basics package with all the kids and music channels.”

Someone agreed, adding, “I have Fetch box too, it has exact same channels as Foxtel, but comes with Binge, Netflix, Stan, Kayo etc. I have all packages and channels and I only pay $20 a month.”

“I'm with Optus and have an add-on called SubHub. They bundle things, so I’m getting four different streaming services for only $15 total,” advised one woman.

“Try Tubi, it’s completely free and has movies and TV shows,” dished another. 

“Plex is good, it’s free but has ads,” suggested one comment.

Another claimed that buying a $59 Amazon Fire Stick remote was a “game changer.” “I absolutely love it. It has pretty much everything on it,” they said.

YouTube subscription. Everything we watch on TV or download off the internet (eg. ABC, SBS On Demand), for $12/month total,” another shared. 

Originally published as 'You're overpaying': The cheap streaming services hacks you need to know

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/lifestyle/youre-overpaying-the-cheap-streaming-services-hacks-you-need-to-know/news-story/65eaacf116146b4f22928be42670d68a