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Streaming services are a pillar of modern entertainment, and nearly all of them require some form of subscription to either access content or have an enjoyable watching or listening experience. According to Deloitte's 2026 Digital Media Trends report, 90% of US households have a paid subscription to a video-on-demand service, paying an average of $71 for four services.
Also: The best live TV streaming services of 2026: Expert tested
If you're not careful, it's easy to rack up a hefty monthly subscription tab that equals the average cable subscription, which is $122 per month, according to a 2024 Allconnect report. I manage to keep my music and TV subscription bill under $50 per month. I've tried several services and canceled most after my free trial period ended. These four made the cut. Here's why.
1. Apple Music
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Price: $10.99 per month
A music streaming subscription is a must-have for me, as I listen to music while working, driving, cooking, and doing all kinds of things in between. I can usually handle a few ads here and there when watching a YouTube video or a TV show, but there's nothing more irritating to me than a 30-second ad interrupting my living room concert.
Also: Spotify vs. Apple Music: I've subscribed to both streaming services, and prefer this one
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