9 Easy Ways To Get Free Streaming Channels

Streaming services initially marketed themselves as a way for viewers to save money, but costs have surged as streaming has become more popular.

Fortunately, there are some ways to cut the cost of your streaming services and even get them for free. Consider these options if you're looking for smart ways to get ahead financially.

The easiest way to get free streaming channels is to subscribe to services that are already free.

Free streaming platforms, including Tubi, Pluto TV, Redbox, and The Roku Channel, only require you to watch ads in exchange for free streaming.

While not technically free, Amazon Prime members can save money on streaming services by watching Prime Video movies and shows with their annual subscription.

With so many streaming services on the market, it can be hard to decide which options best fit your viewing habits and preferences. Free trials can make the process of figuring it out easier.

Many major streaming platforms offer some sort of free trial. For example, Hulu gives subscribers up to one month of free programming when they sign up for a plan.

Apple TV+ offers a seven-day or one-month trial, depending on your subscription.

If you find the service is not for you, be sure to cancel your subscription before the free trial period ends.

Many phone plans now offer free streaming as a perk when you sign up for a plan. T-Mobile offers a free Netflix subscription that can be used on one screen or two screens, depending on your plan.

Verizon also offers a streaming service bundle with some phone plans, giving you access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.

If you buy an iPhone or another Apple product, you can get a free trial of Apple TV+.

Apple offers a three-month free trial to its streaming platform when you purchase an Apple device. You must redeem the offer within 90 days after purchase.

Some subscription-based services are starting to partner with streaming channels.

For example, Instacart now offers a subscription to Peacock Premium for its Instacart+ members. Instacart+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 a year.

Peacock Premium costs $5.99 on its own, so the savings can be substantial.

Check with your credit card company to see if it offers streaming perks. For example, American Express offers a digital entertainment program credit.

If you use your American Express card to pay for a qualifying streaming service, you get up to $20 in statement credits back per month on your card.

Library cards are criminally underutilized when it comes to accessing free media. If you don’t mind waiting a bit for a DVD to be returned, you can watch many TV shows or movies for free, for example.

If you prefer streaming, your library card has another secret perk — Kanopy. Many public library cards give you access to streaming services, which lets you watch thousands of films for free.

If you’re still a student, your student ID might give you access to tons of free or discounted streaming services. For example, you might be able to access Kanopy’s free fare with a student ID.

Meanwhile, Hulu is available to students for just $1.99 per month. Peacock offers students a 12-month rate of $1.99 per month, but you will have to pay full price after the year is up.

Here is another perk for students: Sign up for a paid subscription to Spotify Premium Student with Hulu and the popular audio streaming app includes a basic Hulu subscription.

With this deal, you get Spotify Premium and Hulu for just $5.99, including one free month.

Streaming services have become less affordable than they were in the past. Still, there are ways to boost your bank account by getting your streaming for free.

Try the options on this list so you get an idea of what works best for you.