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Hulu Increased Prices... Now What?
Here Are Some Lower-Cost Hulu Live TV Alternatives
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November 24, 2020
It finally happened (and we knew it would). After months of trailing behind, Hulu + Live TV increased prices, jumping from $54.99 to $64.99 per month. That puts Hulu + Live TV on part with YouTube TV. And it also brings up the question, yet again, about what alternative options cord-cutters have in the face of increasing prices. Let's review some lower-cost options you can explore, and where the next price hike might come from.
Streamer's Spotlight: Hulu + Live TV Alternatives
Disney held out as long as it could, but the company finally buckled under the pressure from content rights holders, and particularly local broadcast networks and sports broadcasters. Its live TV streaming service, Hulu + Live TV, is now $64.99 per month. That's a $10 per month price increase. If you're not feeling these price hikes, however, you do have some options for alternatives
Don't Need Sports or Locals? Go With Philo
for anyone who just wants entertainment TV. At $20 per month, Philo's 55+ channel package is the best skinny bundle on the market right now. You can enjoy major networks like AMC, History, Discovery, BBC America, Food Network, and much more.
This service also provides a healthy selection of features. Share your Philo account across three different users, all of whom get unlimited cloud DVR with a 30-day expiration date on stored videos. Act fast, though. While Philo raised prices just about a year ago, it may end up raising prices in 2021.
Philo's next price hike will likely be in the $5 per month range, so not entirely major. But if there's money to be made and it doesn't risk losing too many customers, that price increase is just pure economics.
Need Sports? Choose Vidgo
We can't fault you if you've
. They've flown under the radar up to this point. The service is less than 2 years old and has undergone quite a bit of restructuring even in that short amount of time.
The company offers a few sports-centric packages that start at $45 per month for English-language US channels. ESPN, Fox Sports, Pac-12 Networks, SEC Network, ACC Network, and beIN sports are all there. You'll also find a healthy dose of entertainment through channels such as Disney XD, Curiosity, Animal Planet, History, HGTV, and dozens more.
Vidgo needs to put in some more work on its available apps, but if you want to save money and still get sports, it's a viable option. Biggest limitation? No regional sports networks or local broadcast networks, so your sports options will be limited to nationally-televised games.
Expect More Price Hikes
If you're thinking that there can't possibly be more price hikes, you'd be wrong. While there's certainly an upper bound the price increases for cord-cutting services, we certainly haven't seen it yet. With the exception of a few cases (like AT&T TV Now's higher-end packages), multi-channel live TV services haven't reached parity with traditional cable on pricing. Yet. There will be at least one price increase in 2021.
This Week's Streaming Guide
1. See Why Critics Hate the 'Hillbilly Elegy' Movie
The much-lauded book was turned into a much-maligned movie. See why today on Netflix.
Stream on Netflix2. 'Saved by the Bell' Returns In Stunning Fashion
NBC's new Peacock service may have a winner with the all-new, hilarious revival of the popular TV show,
Saved by the Bell
. Watch this Wednesday. -
3. New Netflix Film Unleashes 'The Beast'
From Netflix: "To rescue his daughter, an unstable Special Forces veteran unleashes his inner beast as he pursues her kidnappers". Available this Friday. -
4. What Is a Counter? Find Out on Netflix
They serve noodles by day and hunt demons by night. Watch
The Uncanny Counter
on Netflix this Saturday.
News and Industry Developments
1. What Is Disney+ Star?
Disney's answer to offering Hulu internationally, as well as mor mature content through its new streaming platform, will come in the way of Disney+ Star. -
2. Hulu Raises Price to Match YouTube TV
The new price? $64.99 per month. -
3. 'Coming to America 2' Is Moving to Amazon Prime Video
Eddie Murphey's remake of the classic film will now launch on Prime Video instead of in theaters. -
4. CBS All Access Getting 2021 Rebrand
Don't be scared! When 2021 hits, CBS All Access will be rebranded to Paramount+. -
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