Rotate or Bundle? How to Save Money on Streaming Based on Your Viewing Habits

With so many streaming platforms available today, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Crave, Apple TV+, and more, entertainment lovers are spoiled for choice. But that choice can come at a high cost, especially if you're subscribed to multiple services at the same time and not getting full value from each.

One increasingly popular strategy for saving money is rotating streaming subscriptions, only subscribing to one or two platforms at a time based on what you're actually watching. It might not sound revolutionary, but this simple switch can make a major difference in your monthly expenses and overall viewing satisfaction.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of both rotating subscriptions and bundled streaming services, so you can decide which approach best suits your habits.

 Rotating Subscriptions: One at a Time for Maximum Value

What is it?
Instead of paying for five or six services every month, you subscribe to just one or two platforms at a time, canceling and switching depending on what you feel like watching.

Pros:

·         Save Money: Only pay for what you’re using.

·         Better Focus: Reduces the "analysis paralysis" from having too many options.

·         Excitement Builds: Taking breaks means you’ll return to each service with a backlog of new content to enjoy.

 Cons:

·         More Management Required: You’ll need to remember to cancel and re-subscribe.

·         Possible Gaps in Content: You might miss out on a trending show that drops on a service you’ve paused.

Example:

Say you’re interested in both Netflix and Disney+, but don’t need them at the same time. You could subscribe to Netflix in September, binge your must-watch list, then cancel and switch to Disney Plus in October. This staggered approach could cut your streaming bill in half compared to paying for both year-round.

 Bundled Subscriptions: Convenience at a Cost

What is it?
Some services offer bundles, like the Disney+, Netflix, and Crave package at a discount compared to individual subscriptions.

·         Crave, Netflix, Disney+                 Basic – $22/month (24 per cent savings)

·         Crave, Netflix, Disney+                 Premium – $49/month (21 per cent savings)

Pros:

·         Good Value if Used Fully: Bundles can offer major savings if you regularly watch all included services and save up to 25%

·         Convenience: Set it and forget it, no need to manage subscriptions every month.

Cons:

·         Wasted Value: You might pay for services you barely use.

·         Longer Commitments: Some bundles require 12-month plans or promotional lock-ins.

·         Overconsumption: Having too many options can lead to watching content just to "get your money’s worth" even if it’s not great.

Example:

If you're a die-hard Marvel, sports, and sitcom fan, the Disney+ bundle may be worth it. But if you only occasionally stream Disney+ content, you could be overpaying compared to rotating that subscription.

 What’s Right for You?

It really comes down to your viewing habits and what you value most:

·         Are you a binge-watcher? Rotating works well for those who dive into shows intensely for a few weeks at a time.

·         Do you prefer casual browsing across platforms? Bundles may provide the convenience you need.

·         Do you watch new releases immediately? You might need simultaneous access to multiple services.

·         Do you care about avoiding low-quality content? Rotation can help you stay intentional about what you watch.

A Personal Tip from One of Our Team Members at CanNet

"I used to pay for five streaming services every month: Netflix, Disney+, Crave, Apple TV+, Prime Video. But I realized I wasn’t using them all consistently, and worse, I was spending hours watching/browsing shows I didn’t even like, just because they were there.

Now I rotate. If Netflix drops shows or movies I like, such as K-Pop Demon Hunters, I keep it for a month or two, binge everything, and then cancel. Then I move to something else like Disney+ when a new Marvel TV show or movie comes out on streaming like Marvel Zombies or the new Fantastic Four that will hopefully come out soon. It’s made streaming more exciting again, and I’ve slashed my monthly streaming costs by 75%.

Plus, I’ve stopped watching bland shows just to kill time. It’s been a game-changer."

 Final Tips

·         Check Contract Lengths: Some bundles are locked in for 6–12 months.

·         Track Your Usage: If you haven’t opened an app in 3 weeks, ask yourself why you’re still paying for it.

·         Set Reminders: Calendar notifications can help you rotate subscriptions efficiently.

·         Use Trials Strategically: Many services offer free trials or special promotions from time to time, great for testing before committing.

TL; DR: Rotate for Control, Bundle for Convenience

·         Rotate if: You want to save money, watch intentionally, and avoid content fatigue.

·         Bundle if: You watch a lot across platforms and don’t want to manage subscriptions manually.

CanNet Tip: Just like your internet plan, streaming should match your lifestyle and budget. At CanNet, we believe in smart, value-based decisions. So whether you're streaming the latest drama or watching replays of last night's game, make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck. Also, get the best bang for your buck when you switch to our internet plans.

Have you tried rotating your streaming services? Let us know how it’s worked for you!