After Amazon Prime Video rolled out their ad-supported plan in February, I recently made the choice to explore the ad-supported version of Netflix as the option offers a significant discount ($5 compared to the $18 full-price package see also: Streaming Services Price Plans Comparison). Unlike the bombardment of ads on YouTube, and similarly to Amazon Prime Video, the viewing experience is surprisingly not as unpleasant as I had anticipated. For now at least.
Here are my pros and cons.
Pros of Ad-Supported Streaming:
- Cost-Effective: Enjoy a significant discount ($13 for Netflix) compared to the ad-free version.
- No Catalog limitation: You can always access the whole catalog,
- Affordable Entertainment: Get entertained without breaking the bank.
Cons of Ad-Supported Streaming:
- Interruptions: Ads may obviously disrupt your viewing experience.
- Repetitive Ads: Seeing the same ads repeatedly can be annoying.
- Format Limitation: Netflix ad-supported for instance doesn’t have the 4K option, only HD (1080p). The Shield TV has very good upscaling so it’s not really a problem.
As the popularity of streaming services continues to grow, many people find themselves looking for alternatives to avoid paying for yet another subscription. Whether it’s due to financial constraints or a personal aversion to the subscription model, there are several options available for those who want to enjoy quality entertainment without breaking the bank.
Alternatives to pouring money in greedy streaming services
1. One alternative to traditional streaming services is to explore free streaming platforms. There are a variety of websites and apps that offer movies, TV shows, and other content for free. While you may still have to sit through some ads, it’s a small price to pay for access to a wide range of content without paying a subscription fee. Don’t expect the latest blockbusters of course but mostly retro content.
Few services:
- Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDd TV): because close to Amazon Prime Video, you will be able to preview some of the latest hits for free (e.g. Fallout)
- Crackle: Sony’s ad-supported streaming service
- Pluto TV (Paramount)
- Tubi TV
- Roku Channel
2. Another option is to make use of streaming services that offer free trials, many platforms offer trial period ranging from a few days to a month. You can enjoy all the benefits of a paid subscription without having to commit to a long-term payment plan. And with just a week or a month, you have a good excuse to binge-watch.
3. Additionally, you can consider borrowing movies and TV shows from your local library. Many libraries offer a wide selection of DVDs and Blu-rays that you can check out for free with a library card. This can be a great way to enjoy the latest releases without having to pay for a subscription.
4. While it is not recommended, you can decide to take the multiple risks offered by piracy. These risks include the possibility of being caught and pay an hefty fine, as well as the potential for infecting your devices with malware. Furthermore, many piracy solutions now require payment and sharing of credit card information with who-knows is always a no-no.
I’ll probably switch all my services to ad-supported because what’s the real alternative?
Transitioning from traditional cable to streaming services initially offered flexibility and cost savings, but the abundance of platforms has made the ecosystem more complex and ultimately as much if not more costly. With limited alternatives like illegal streaming, opting for ad-supported platforms has (sadly) emerged as a viable and appealing solution that could make you save a substantial amount of money.