Streaming price hikes have become so common that they’ve earned a nickname: “Streamflation,” and Consumer Reports says those rising fees can quickly add up, especially for the roughly half of American households with three or more services.
March 26, 2026 at 2:52 PM Consumer Reports says those rising fees can quickly add upAnd those who don’t keep a close eye on the charges may not know how much they’re currently paying. CR Tech Editor Jim Willcox was shocked when he went to tighten his budget and realized he was paying about $1,000 a year for TV.
“The cost has really crept up on a lot of people,” Willcox said. “And it’s probably one reason that a lot of people don’t understand how much they’re really paying.” Start by looking at ALL your subscriptions, checking all your apps, and scanning your credit card bills. And cancel any services you aren’t using. If you’re willing to watch ads, consider switching to a lower-priced ad-supported tier on sites like Disney+, HBO Max, and Netflix. Bundling is another way to save. Two popular options include Disney+ and one of the newest, which combines Apple TV and Peacock. Some cellphone companies are also bundling streaming. So you may be able to get Netflix with ads or another service for free., Pluto, and Tubi, on many smart TVs and streaming devices, including Amazon Fire TV Channels, Google TV Freeplay, and The Roku Channel. Finally, for your must-watch, non-negotiable, everyone-will-be-talking-about-it shows, there’s one more strategy: service hopping. You sign up for a service, you binge everything you can for a month or so, and then cancel that service and jump to another one. And maybe just put a reminder on your phone to cancel the service so you’re not paying after your binge is over. Another tip: Amazon, Apple TV, and Roku double as TV ‘hubs’—so you can subscribe to other services through them—putting all your streaming apps AND bills in ONE place. All Consumer Reports material Copyright 2026 Consumer Reports, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not-for-profit organization which accepts no advertising. It has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site. For more information, visit consumer.org.1:02Flagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsFlagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsIt's a great day for Jumbo Shrimp baseball! Join us tonight for the home opening weekendGAME DAY ⚾🦐 The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp returnDuval County schools warns families about unsanctioned ‘senior skip day’ at Jacksonville BeachShould an HOA or property management company be required to post parking rules for visitors?240 new affordable housing units are for ‘people who keep this city running,’ councilman saysFights erupt at Palatka Junior-Senior High after field trip focused on mental healthThe Block Jax owner continues working on parking solutions ahead of busy sports weekendMother of teen punched during arrest says officer went too farSlow down & move over: Ride-along with JSO traffic patrol drives home important safety reminders⚾️ Opening Day + perfect weather=the ultimate Friday night in Jax0:33Study finds most ‘Mayport Shrimp’ dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually importedViral video of Dasaun Williams’ takedown prompts new use of force questionsNew ‘larger format’ Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzasNew ‘larger format’ Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzasUSS Donald Cook departs Mayport as Operation Epic Fury continuesFamily of A’hmari Robinson shares stories at candlelight vigil days after his deathDevelopers break ground on affordable housing project in St. AugustineGetting ready for the next GROW ROUND! Tower Garden maintenance...End the month off right with this lineup of events from March 26-29Big: Culture & Arts Festival brings Grammy-nominated rappers, art, culture to Gainesville▶Split Happens Ep. 9: The role of mediation in resolving legal disputes efficientlyBurden of failing roof lifted for Jacksonville veteran through volunteer project
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