Are Bundling Streaming Services Worth It? Expert Opinion

Remember the good old days when cable companies used to offer special premium packages with exclusive channels? Well, it feels like we’re reliving that era with streaming bundles. According to CNET’s latest survey, streaming services are on the rise, with about 61% of people subscribing to them. On average, folks are shelling out around $111 each month for multiple services, and some are spending even more.

Now, major entertainment giants are teaming up to provide bundled services that come at a lower cost than purchasing them individually. Take Disney, for example. I pay $36 monthly for my Disney bundle, which includes Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Unlimited (all with ads). It’s a steal for me because I’m a sports enthusiast. Disney has not only bundled its own streaming platforms but has also collaborated with Warner Bros. Discovery to offer bundles that include HBO Max.

Other big players in the industry are following suit by packaging multiple services together, whether they’re related to streaming TV or not. For instance, Apple One’s basic subscription gives you access to Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and 50 GB of iCloud Plus storage for just $20 per month. The Peacock and Apple TV bundle offer different price tiers, and you can explore even more bundles if you have a cord-cutter live TV streaming service plan from providers like Fubo or DirecTV.

But the big question remains: is bundling really worth it? Our expert, Kourtnee Jackson, weighed in on the debate to help us figure out if it’s a smart money move or just another gimmick.

Ultimately, whether bundling makes sense for you depends on your personal preferences. From a company’s standpoint, bundling is beneficial because it attracts more subscribers, expands customer bases, and taps into new markets. As a consumer, bundling can save you money, streamline your billing, and offer multiple services in one convenient package.

However, Jackson warns against falling into the trap of wasted subscriptions. On average, adults in the US waste $21 every month on unused subscriptions, totaling $252 annually. To avoid this, she recommends assessing how much you’ll actually use each service included in the bundle before committing. If you’re only signing up for a bundle to binge-watch a single show or if you’ll only use it occasionally, it might be better to opt for other alternatives. Consider signing up for a trial period to evaluate if it’s worth the cost or canceling before the next billing cycle to save money in the long run.

In the end, the decision to bundle or not bundle comes down to your viewing habits and financial priorities. So, next time you’re thinking of subscribing to another service, take a moment to weigh the options and make an informed decision that best suits your needs.