Let’s dive into the world of bundling.

Your favorite streaming platforms are urging you to do just that. We’re witnessing a shift in the television industry as leading services like Netflix, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Peacock aim to generate revenue and maintain a loyal audience amidst the competitive streaming landscape. One tactic? Revive the concept of bundling.

Remember bundling? It probably crossed your mind when cable TV was once the primary mode of viewing – at least for those who can recall it, which might not include Gen Z. Individuals chose their bundles based on the number of channels they desired. Did you opt for the package that included Nick Jr. and MTV2? Or did you add HBO? Ah, those were simpler days.

However, over the last ten years, cable has gradually declined as more consumers embraced streaming services. Nowadays, every major media conglomerate has its own streaming platform, leaving viewers with soaring monthly subscription costs that can accumulate to hundreds. Something needed to change.

Introducing the streaming bundle. Instead of shelling out $15.99 for Disney+ and $18.99 for Hulu separately, you can snag them both for just $19.99 via the Disney bundle. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of that?

As streaming services continue to develop and transform, it’s an ideal moment to explore the ins and outs of bundles so you can make smarter choices regarding your subscriptions. You might discover you have been overpaying.

What is a streaming bundle? Why are platforms adopting this approach?

“Bundling” refers to the practice of providing access to various streaming platforms for one reduced monthly charge. Some notable bundles include: Disney+ with Hulu; the combination of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+; Disney+, Hulu, and Max; and Xfinity Streamsaver (which includes Peacock and Netflix with ads, plus Apple TV+).

Streaming platforms are turning to bundles as a strategic shift after Netflix experienced a loss of subscribers in 2022, and the previous model of spending lavishly on massive amounts of new content became impractical. They are aiming to attract more subscribers and ensure retention, with research indicating that subscribers to bundles are less likely to cancel.

“Data suggests that bundling can help mitigate subscriber churn,” explains Catalina Skramstad, senior vice president of marketing and partnerships at the streaming analytics firm NPAW. “Disney’s bundle delivers a perceived value to consumers, aiding in subscriber retention even as individual pricing rises.”

What are the costs of streaming bundles?

They primarily offer savings, which is always appreciated. The key question for consumers is whether the services included provide sufficient value.

Here are the costs for popular bundles:

◾ Disney+ and Hulu: $10.99 (with ads) and $19.99 (without ads)*

◾ Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+: $14.99 (with ads), $24.99 (no ads on Hulu and Disney+)*

◾ Disney+, Hulu, and Max: $16.99 (with ads) and $29.99 (no ads)*

◾ Xfinity Streamsaver (includes Peacock and Netflix with ads, plus Apple TV+): $15**

*Prices valid as of Oct. 17. **Available only to Xfinity broadband internet subscribers.

How do bundle prices stack up against individual service costs?

Here’s a comparison between individual services and their bundles:

Can you bundle with cellphone plans, Walmart+, or similar services?

Streaming services can also be obtained at a discount or even free through other providers. For instance, some Verizon Wireless data plans come with the Disney bundle, and Paramount+ is complimentary with Walmart+ membership. While these methods can save you money, they often have specific conditions. Sometimes the offers for free or discounted streaming services are only valid for one year, and the deals can change frequently.

Are additional bundles on the horizon?

Currently, no new bundles have been announced by leading streaming services, but more are likely on the way in the future. Companies tend to follow each other’s lead: after Netflix tightened its policies on password sharing, several other platforms followed suit. Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Fox are teaming up to launch a new sports streaming service named Venu, which functions as a comprehensive bundled service, set to debut this fall.