3 Major Streaming Services That Cost Under $10

Streaming subscriptions continue to get expensive, with Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and AMC+ announcing price hikes in recent months. This, combined with fragmented content availability, can quickly make it expensive to get a constant stream of quality content to watch in your free time. This means you can either switch to free streaming services and watch whatever you find there, or opt for something like Kanopy, which leverages your local library subscription to give you a cheap subscription alternative. Notably, there is a third option, which involves carefully choosing a selection of streaming services and their plans to choose the most affordable options that meet your needs.

Although many major streaming services have crossed the $10 threshold for their monthly subscriptions, you can still find notable options under $10, with a few caveats. Specific plans from popular streaming services like Netflix, Peacock, and Paramount+ can help you save a chunk of change if recent price hikes are impacting your budget.

Although Netflix announces a subscription price increase almost every year, the streaming giant has managed to offer at least one of its plans for less than $10. This plan is ideal for people who want access to Netflix’s huge portfolio of content, including originals, but don’t want to shell out a ton in monthly subscription fees. As the name suggests, the Standard with Ads plan includes ads, which you’ll have to deal with to get Netflix at that price. Keep in mind that a small selection of titles may not be available under this plan due to licensing restrictions.

The plan also limits content resolution to 1080p, which isn’t too bad and lets you stream on up to two devices simultaneously. Most importantly, you can install and connect to Netflix on as many devices as you want, and the simultaneous device restriction won’t come into effect until you actually start streaming something. You can also create up to five profiles to ensure that different household members can keep their monitoring history and recommendations separate. The Netflix Standard plan with ads costs $9 per month.

Paramount+ is one of the most affordable premium streaming services, with its ad-supported “Essential” plan costing just $9 per month. You can save more by opting for the $90 annual plan. This plan gives you access to over 40,000 movies and TV shows, including popular originals like “Dutton Ranch,” “The Madison,” “Landman” and episodes of several Showtime originals. Plus, you get movies like “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” “Sonic 3,” and “The Running Man.” Some of its film content comes from its deal with MGM+. You can also watch full episodes of many shows from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon. Additionally, you can stream NFL, UEFA Champions League, and UFC fights live.

The Paramount+ Essential plan allows the service to be streamed on up to three devices simultaneously, and streaming resolution varies by content, with the maximum being 1080p for some content. The downside to this plan is that you miss out on high-resolution streaming, the ability to download movies and TV shows for offline viewing, as well as live streaming of CBS and some sports content.

Although Peacock is quickly getting more expensive, it offers a “Select” plan that you can get for just $8 per month or $80 per year. However, this is a fairly small plan that not only is ad-supported, but also limits the content catalog to TV shows from NBC, Bravo, etc. Fortunately, the TV show selection includes several popular titles, including “Yellowstone,” “Law & Order” and “The Office.” Episodes of the TV series currently airing on NBC also appear the next day for Peacock Select subscribers.

Unfortunately, you’re completely missing out on movies, Peacock Originals, sports, live events, and your local NBC affiliate. Therefore, the Select tier only really makes sense for people who primarily watch TV content or are fans of old NBC shows. Peacock, which is a top 10 streaming service, says the Select plan is currently in testing, making it unclear whether it will remain a permanent part of the service.