So, you’re thinking about saving a few bucks and switching your streaming plan from ad-free to ad-supported. Hey, we get it — prices are going up everywhere! But before you hit that downgrade button, let’s dig into whether it’s really worth it to sit through those ads.
TLDR:
Downgrading to ad-supported streaming can save money, and the ads aren’t always too annoying. If you’re a light watcher or multitasker, it could be a great deal. But if you hate interruptions or binge shows like it’s your job, you might want to stick with ad-free. It all depends on how you watch and what annoys you most!
Streaming Costs Are Rising — Fast!
Remember when streaming was the cheap alternative to cable? Yeah… those days are basically over. Most major platforms have raised their prices in the last year. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and even Peacock have bumped up monthly costs.
Want an idea of current prices? Here’s a quick snapshot (as of early 2024):
- Netflix Premium (no ads): $22.99/month
- Netflix Standard with Ads: $6.99/month
- Hulu (with ads): $7.99/month
- Hulu (no ads): $17.99/month
- Disney+ (with ads): $7.99/month
- Disney+ (no ads): $13.99/month
That’s a huge saving if you switch to the ad version! You could cut your streaming budget in half — or more!
How Bad Are the Ads, Really?
Here’s the real question: are the ads worth the savings?
Most ad-supported platforms show 4 to 6 minutes of ads per hour. That means if you’re binge-watching 3 or 4 episodes, you’re sitting through maybe 15–20 minutes of commercials.
Is that annoying? It depends on you.
Some people like to scroll their phones during ads. Others use that time for snacks, bathroom breaks, or quick chores. But for folks who hate being pulled out of the story — or for parents of toddlers who don’t understand “just a few seconds, sweetie” — ads can be a dealbreaker.
Let’s Talk About Experience
Downgrading to ads means more than just commercials. You might notice things like:
- Lower video quality – Some ad-supported tiers stream in HD, but not 4K.
- No downloads – Want to watch on a plane? You’ll need to pay.
- Limited simultaneous streams – Sharing with the family? You might hit a limit.
These might not bother you! But if you’re picky about your viewing experience, they’re worth considering.
Are You Actually Watching?
This one’s big. If you only tune in now and then, do you really need to pay top dollar for uninterrupted viewing?
Be honest: how often do you actually use each streaming service you pay for?
Here’s a helpful tip: Run a quick check through your watch history. If you haven’t used a service in the last month, consider:
- Downgrading to ads
- Pausing or canceling the subscription altogether
You can always upgrade again later!
The Multitasker Bonus
If you’re someone who watches TV while doing other things — cleaning, cooking, scrolling — ads may not be a big deal. You won’t miss much, and they can actually give you a break to finish up a chore.
In fact, some people like the rhythm of ad breaks. It feels a little nostalgic — like the good old days of cable. (Weird, but true!)
A Weird but Cool Perk: Discovering New Stuff
Believe it or not, some ads are actually kind of…good?
People have found new podcasts, apps, even snacks they love — all thanks to streaming ads. If you’re a curious soul, ad-supported plans might surprise you.
But I Hate Ads!
If just reading about ads makes your eye twitch, then no, ad-supported streaming probably isn’t for you. Some people value their time way more than their money — and that’s okay.
Here are some signs that you should stick with ad-free:
- You binge-watch often and hate interruptions.
- You watch shows that require full attention (like mysteries or dramas).
- You have kids who don’t understand delays.
- You like downloading shows for travel or offline viewing.
Let’s Count the Savings
Still on the fence? Let’s math this out.
Say you subscribe to 3 popular platforms. The ad-free version costs you around $55/month total. The ad-supported version? Roughly $22/month.
You could save over $350 a year!
That’s enough for a new gadget, a weekend getaway, or a fancy dinner (or a lot of ice cream).
Mix and Match!
Here’s a fun idea — don’t go all in or all out. Mix it up!
You can keep ad-free on your favorite platform and downgrade the others. Watch the high-priority stuff in peace and handle commercials for less important shows.
This way, you get the best of both worlds: savings and convenience.
Final Verdict: Should You Downgrade?
It comes down to a few simple questions:
- Are you okay with a few minutes of ads per hour?
- Do you want to spend less on subscriptions?
- Are you more of a casual viewer than a hardcore binger?
If you said yes to most of those, it might be time to hit that downgrade button. Many ad-supported tiers are getting better and smarter about how they show ads. It’s becoming easier to tolerate — and in some cases, barely noticeable.
But if you value seamless, uninterrupted streaming and you watch a LOT, keeping premium might be the better choice.
Pro Tip: Trial and Error
Here’s a simple trick: try an ad-supported plan for one month. You’ll know fast whether it’s worth the savings. If you hate it? Just switch back next month. No harm, no foul.
Streaming is flexible — use that to your advantage!
Conclusion
Doing the downgrade dance isn’t about misery for savings. It’s about balance. Ad-supported streaming isn’t perfect, but for many, it’s “good enough” — especially with the growing number of platforms out there.
So go ahead and give it a shot! Your wallet might just thank you, even if your patience gets tested now and then by that ever-smiling toothpaste commercial.