A new year means new routines and perhaps new purchases, particularly when it comes to your streaming service lineup.
While some streaming services have created brand-new deals for 2025, others are handing customers a price hike.
Why It Matters
While Netflix used to be one of the only streaming service providers around, the market has now been flooded by competitors like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+ and more.
Customers now have a wide range of entertainment options, but some can leave quite a dent in your wallet, so viewers might need to make their 2025 streaming budget decisions carefully.
CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Will YouTube TV hike prices?
YouTube TV, one of the top streaming services, has announced that its membership prices will rise in 2025.
The new Base Plan increased by $10 to $82.99 per month as of December 12, 2024. That includes more than 100 channels, a DVR with unlimited storage and up to six accounts per household.
How To Get Sling’s $5 Off for Life Deal
Unlike YouTube TV, Sling is offering a $5 off deal that will affect your monthly payments for life.
To score the deal, you just need to add Max to your account. This applies to Sling Blue or Sling Orange + Blue base packages.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV will be offering similar prices in 2025 for customers.
The entertainment package starts at $86.99 monthly, but you can also get a choice package that is $114.99 per month and gains you access to local regional sports networks.
The premium package is $169.99 per month for 220 channels.
Hulu
Hulu announced it would be hiking its prices in 2025.
As of Oct. 17, prices for Hulu with ads moved to $9.99 monthly from $7.99. The no-ad version moved up to $18.99 monthly from $17.99.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ is among the streaming services providing a new deal for customers in the new year.
On January 4 and January 5, customers can get free streaming as long as they have their iPhone, computer or TV connected to the Apple TV+ app. This includes all shows and movies available on the platform.
Fubo
In 2025, Fubo’s TV package starts at $32.99 monthly, but shoppers can get a lower price by using the platform’s seven-day free trial or a special deal offering $20 off the first month.
The highest-tier Fubo package is $109.99 monthly.
What People Are Saying
Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “Whereas 2024 was a difficult year if you wanted to save money on streaming services, 2025 could prove to be a tad better. Consumers who are still struggling with cost increases for most expenses are looking for anywhere to cut, and streaming services that they may rarely use and that have only went up in price can easily find themselves getting cut from the monthly budget of some.”
Kevin Thompson, finance expert and founder/CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek: “As cord-cutting continues, streaming has become the dominant choice for entertainment, but many are finding it just as costly—if not more—than traditional cable… To save money, consumers should review their streaming subscriptions and compare their total monthly costs to traditional cable. If expenses are higher, it may be time to cut back or consolidate.”
What Happens Next
Beene said the deals the streaming services are providing could usher in more affordability across the industry.
“I think Apple’s free weekend of their streaming service is a sign of things to come. You’re going to get more opportunities through limited time offers to lure new subscribers in and bring former ones back,” Beene said.
For most consumers, Thompson said, using just one provider may save them a significant chunk of money in 2025. “Simplifying subscriptions not only saves money but also reduces the hassle of managing multiple accounts.”
