What you're paying for with a TV subscription
A TV subscription service gives you access to a library of shows and movies through an app on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device. You pay a monthly or annual fee, and in return you can watch as much as you want from that service's catalog. The service does not send you a cable box or bill you per show — you pay one flat rate and stream whatever is available.
Different services own different content. Netflix has its own original shows plus licensed movies and series. Disney+ owns Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney films. HBO Max has HBO's series plus Warner Bros. films. Amazon Prime Video bundles TV with free shipping benefits. The shows and movies you can watch depend entirely on which service you subscribe to, and that catalog changes monthly as services add and remove titles.
Most services let you watch on multiple devices at the same time, though the number varies — some allow two simultaneous streams, others allow four. Some services also let you read episodes to watch offline, which is useful on flights or when your internet is slow.
Key Takeaways
- Each TV subscription service owns different shows and movies, so you cannot watch everything on one service alone.
- Monthly costs range from roughly $6 to $23 depending on the service and whether you choose an ad-supported or ad-free plan.
- Most services let you cancel anytime without penalty, but some bundle services together at a discount.
- You need a device with an internet connection to watch — a smartphone, tablet, computer, or TV with a streaming app.
- Services add and remove content constantly, so a show you want to watch today may not be available next month.
How much each major service costs
Pricing changes frequently and varies by service. Most major services now offer two tiers: a cheaper plan with ads and a more expensive plan without ads. Netflix, for example, offers an ad-supported plan and an ad-free plan at different price points. Disney+ and HBO Max do the same. The exact monthly cost depends on which service you choose and which tier you select.
Some services bundle together at a discount. Disney offers a bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for less than buying each separately. Amazon Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime membership, which also gives you free shipping and other benefits. Apple TV+ is sometimes bundled with Apple One, which includes iCloud storage and Apple Music.
Annual plans are sometimes cheaper than paying month-to-month. A service might charge $15 per month if you pay monthly, but $140 per year if you pay upfront — which works out to about $11.67 per month. Check each service's pricing page to see whether an annual plan saves you money.
What devices you need to watch
You need a device with an internet connection and the service's app installed. Most services have apps for iPhone, Android phones, iPad, Android tablets, Mac, Windows computers, and major TV brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony. You can also use a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast, which plugs into your TV and lets you watch on the big screen.
Not every service is available on every device. Some services may not have an app for older TV models or less common devices. Before you subscribe, check the service's website to confirm it works on the devices you own. Most services let you read their app for free and create an account before you pay, so you can test whether it works on your TV or device first.
Your internet speed matters. Most services recommend at least 5 to 25 megabits per second depending on video quality. If you have slow internet, video may buffer or play at lower quality. If multiple people in your household are streaming at the same time, you may need faster internet.
How to cancel or pause your subscription
Most services let you cancel anytime without penalty. You log into your account, go to settings or account information, and select cancel subscription. Your access usually ends when ready or at the end of your current billing cycle, depending on the service. You do not owe anything beyond what you have already paid.
Some services offer a pause option instead of cancellation. You can pause your subscription for a set period — usually one to three months — and your billing stops during that time. When you are ready to watch again, you unpause and billing resumes. This is useful if you know you will not watch for a few months but want to keep your account active.
If you subscribed through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, you may need to cancel through that platform instead of the service's website. Check your account settings to see where your subscription is billed from, then cancel from that location.
Understanding ad-supported versus ad-free plans
An ad-supported plan costs less but shows advertisements during shows and movies. The number and length of ads varies by service. Some services show ads only before and after content, while others show ads during the show itself. The cheaper tier usually has more ads than the more expensive tier.
An ad-free plan costs more but does not show any advertisements. You pay a higher monthly fee in exchange for uninterrupted viewing. Some services do not offer an ad-free option and only have one plan with ads included.
If you are unsure whether you can tolerate ads, try the ad-supported plan first. You can always upgrade to ad-free later if the ads bother you, and most services let you switch between tiers without canceling and restarting your subscription.
How to find out what content is available
Each service publishes a list of what is coming to their platform each month. You can find this on their website or in their app. Netflix, for example, has a "Coming Soon" section that shows what will be added in the next 30 days. Disney+ and HBO Max have similar sections.
Services also remove content regularly. A show or movie you watched last month may no longer be available next month because the service's license to show it expired. If there is a specific show you want to watch, search for it on the service before you subscribe to confirm it is currently available. Do not assume it will still be there in a few weeks.
Some services let you add shows to a watchlist so you get a notification when they are added or removed. This helps you keep track of what you want to watch without forgetting about it.
Sharing your account with others
Most services allow account sharing, but the rules vary. Netflix, for example, allows multiple people to use one account, but limits how many can watch at the same time depending on your plan tier. Some services charge an extra fee if people outside your household use your account. Others do not allow account sharing at all.
Check the service's terms of service to see what sharing is allowed. If you share with someone outside your home, you may be violating the service's rules, and the service could suspend or cancel your account. If you want to share with family members in different locations, ask the service whether that is permitted before you do it.
Some services offer a "profile" feature that lets multiple people in the same household have separate watchlists and recommendations. This does not cost extra — it is built into most accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the same show on multiple devices at the same time?
It depends on your plan. Most services allow two to four simultaneous streams depending on which tier you pay for. Check the service's website to see how many streams your specific plan allows. If you exceed that number, one stream will stop and you will see an error message.
What happens to my shows if I cancel my subscription?
You lose access to all content the moment your subscription ends or your billing cycle ends, whichever comes first. Any shows you were watching are no longer available. If you resubscribe later, you start from scratch — your watchlist and viewing history may or may not be saved depending on the service.
Do I need a credit card to sign up?
Yes, most services require a payment method on file to create an account, even if you start with a free trial. Some services accept debit cards, PayPal, or gift cards instead of credit cards. Check the service's payment options before you sign up.
Can I use a VPN to watch shows from other countries?
Services' terms of service typically prohibit using a VPN to access content from other regions. Services actively detect and block VPN use. If you use a VPN, the service may suspend or cancel your account.
What if my internet goes out while I am watching?
Your video will pause or stop. Once your internet is back, you can resume watching from where you left off on most services. If you downloaded the episode beforehand, you can watch it offline without internet.