Tag: save money

Last summer was plagued by historic heat waves across the country, leading to massive spikes in electric bills as power grids were tested. And now we’re facing quite the opposite problem: frigid cold that can drive up electric and natural gas bills to all-time highs.

Already this winter, we’ve faced serious storms across the country that sent many states into below-zero territory.

Plummeting temperatures in the winter and rising temperatures in the summer mean more extreme and dangerous weather, more uncomfortable days no matter where we live, increased chances of cold- and heat-related injury and death and, yes, more expensive energy bills.

In the face of continued inflation in 2023 — and with gas prices fluctuating between high and not-so-high — it’s important to look for ways to save energy and keep utility bills low. But short of turning off your heater and diving under a pile of blankets, what can you do to keep your natural gas and electricity bills down?

19 Ways to Save Money on Utility Bills

• Change air filters and keep vents clean
• Adjust thermostat throughout the day
• Adjust temperature on water heater
• Invest in fans
• Get into the habit of unplugging
• Invest in blackout curtains
• Check ductwork and attic
• Use energy saving light bulbs
• Cut dryer time with dryer balls
• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
• Check options from power company
• Get caulking
• Develop water-saving habits
• If you have a dishwasher, use it
• Use less water when flushing
• Master the art of washing clothes
• Keep an eye out for leaks
• Install water-saving showerheads and faucets
• Run appliances at night

Utilities are the services used to run your home, which include water, electric and gas. Some may consider phone, internet and other services utilities as well, but we’ll just stick to the first three.

Because your electric bill is the main one that can get out of hand — and is probably top of mind as we contend with frigid temps — we’ll start with how to lower electricity bills. If you have gas heat and gas-powered appliances, some of these tips will be useful as well.

Tips and Tricks for Saving Money on Your Electric Bill

Whether you’ve fallen victim to paying nearly half your rent or mortgage just to keep the lights on, or you’re just starting out and want to know what to expect, try these tips for cutting back your electric bill — and, if you have one, your natural gas bill, too.

1. Change Air Filters and Keep Vents Clean

Let’s face it, vents aren’t pretty. You may feel inclined to place furniture in front of them, but it’s important to leave enough room so that cool or warm air can actually flow out and into your space. In fact, blocking vents with furniture could cause your HVAC system to work extra hard — and eventually break down.

But more important for the health and efficiency of your HVAC system is actually keeping up with routine maintenance. That is, changing out the air filter every couple of months — more frequently if you have dogs or cats. When air filters get clogged up with dust, dirt and pet hair, the airflow becomes blocked, making your air conditioner and furnace work harder (i.e., less efficiently) until it decides to call it quits. When changing out the filter, use your vacuum’s brush extension to brush off and suck up any dust around the slot.

The same goes for your outdoor AC unit: Trim back bushes and remove any debris touching the unit, leaving at least a foot of space for it to work its magic.

2. Adjust Thermostat Throughout the Day

If you’ll be gone during the day (and don’t have pets at home), set the thermostat a little lower than what you’d otherwise leave it at during the winter. You can also save energy by turning the thermostat down a smidge at night.

But don’t get too stingy with the warm air. If you set the temperature too low while you’re away, your unit will have to work even harder to heat the place up when you get home. This drives your energy bill up and can also stress the unit, and no one needs added stress — not even your furnace.

If you own a home, you can really put it on autopilot by investing in a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature according to the schedule you set. You can get a smart programmable thermostat and use voice control or your phone to adjust the temp while you’re home. Some even remind you to change the air filter!

3. Adjust Temperature on Water Heater

While you’re adjusting your thermostat, you may as well tinker with your water heater temperature too. Whether it’s powered by electric or gas, lowering the max temp on your hot water heater can lower your utility bills (and protect your skin — scorching hot showers are bad news for your body’s largest organ).

The default temperature for a water heater is 140 degrees, which wastes between $36 and $61 a year, according to the Department of Energy. Lowering the temp to 120 degrees is perfectly fine for most people.

4. Invest in Fans

Fans use way less energy than your furnace or air conditioner and can actually be used to help cut both heating and cooling costs.

Most ceiling fans come equipped with a switch to change the rotation direction — set them counterclockwise in summer to bring down the cool air and clockwise in the winter to pull cool air up and push warm air down.

If you can’t invest in ceiling fans or are renting from a landlord who refuses to install them, not all hope is lost. Just get some pedestal fans for the hot summer months. They also use way less energy so you don’t have to turn down that thermostat any lower than it needs to go. Some even come with remote controls so you can adjust them from the couch while binging Wednesday.

5. Get Into the Habit of Unplugging

Some appliances should stay plugged in all the time, like your refrigerator and digital alarm clock. But the Department of Energy points to other household electronics, including TVs, computers and toaster ovens, that you should unplug when not in use. Electronics that unnecessarily stay plugged in are in standby mode, which accounts for 5% to 10% of the average household’s energy usage.

By unplugging these appliances and electronics, the DOE estimates that you could save about $100 on your energy bills every year. That’s about $8 a month in savings on your electricity bill.

To make it easier on yourself, you can plug these electronics into a single power strip, then just flip the strip off when you’re done using the appliances for the day.

Also, your electrical outlets could be letting warm air escape while pulling cool air in (and vice versa), so socket seals are another way to save on energy. And if you have sockets you’re not using, consider outlet plug covers for a complete seal.

6. Invest in Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains block out light and noise while keeping cool or warm air from escaping, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher or lower than you normally would.

Unless you’re a night owl (or a vampire) and get all your sleep during the day, there’s no need to get these for every window in your home. Just buy them for the ones getting the most sunshine throughout the day (south-facing windows are the biggest culprits). In the winter, thicker window treatments like curtains can help keep heat from escaping.

7. Check Ductwork and Attic

Your home’s ductwork and attic can also be allowing warm or cool air to escape, and there are a couple of obvious signs when they’re in need of repairs.

If you can see the support beams in your attic, your attic needs more insulation. As for ductwork, seeing dust is actually a good thing. If you see parts of your ductwork that aren’t collecting dust, this means air is leaking out of the joints and seals, and it needs to be patched up.

The Department of Energy’s website has more in-depth instructions for how to insulate your home, and you can find plenty of DIY tutorials on YouTube. However, insulation takes skill to install, and recommendations vary by climate, so it’s really best to hire a professional to inspect and do the work for you.

8. Use Energy Saving Light Bulbs

Replacing your home’s incandescent, compact fluorescent and halogen light bulbs to the much more energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can save you about $225 a year.

Which LEDs you choose depends on how much you’re willing to spend, how often you’re willing to replace them and your lighting preferences; however, the Department of Energy agrees that LED light bulbs, whichever you choose, are an easy way to lower utility bills.

Of course, these bulbs generally cost more up front, but they save more energy and last longer than the other options, so the investment may be worth it.

There’s no need to replace every light bulb in your home at the same time if you’re strapped for cash. Just replace them as they burn out, that way your energy savers can be money savers from the start.

9. Cut Dryer Time With Dryer Balls

You might think that dryer balls are meant to prevent static and wrinkles — and you’re right — but they do more than that.

Dryer balls can actually cut drying time by up to 25%. So not only can you save a little bit of money on utility bills, but you can also cut down your chore time.

Regularly cleaning your dryer’s lint trap can also improve its efficiency and help prevent fires.

10. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, ovens and washers and dryers cost quite a bit of money upfront, but investing in energy-efficient options will save you money in the long run. Make sure you get one with the official Energy Star label.

Because these big-ticket appliances are an investment, you might need to budget and figure out ways to save money ahead of time.

You can also check out the best times to buy new appliances by keeping track of big sales and new model releases. The best sales usually fall around holidays, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day and Black Friday.

Many brands also run sales with deeper discounts when they’re planning on rolling out new models, which usually happens in September, October and January. (The exception is refrigerators, which usually make their new model debuts in May.)

If you’re comfortable making these buying decisions online or simply like to avoid crowded stores, you can find discounts on all appliances year-round. However, shipping costs can add up, so shop around and compare prices.

You may even be able to find upgraded used appliances on sites like eBay, Craigslist, OfferUp, LetGo and Facebook Marketplace and at donation centers like the Salvation Army.

11. Check Options From Power Company

Many power companies offer something called budget billing that averages your utility bills throughout the year to create a flat-rate bill with no surprises. That means you’ll pay a little more than you typically would in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate, but your electric bill and gas bill should be more manageable during peak hot and cold seasons.

Check your power company’s website, or call the company to discuss what it has to offer. You can also check out programs like WattBuy to see if you’re eligible to switch energy providers.

12. Get Caulking

Caulking around windows and doors can keep hot air inside in the winter and cold air inside in the summer. It’s one of the easiest DIY home repairs you can tackle; the Department of Energy says you can caulk the whole house in a couple of hours for as little as $3.

Caulking helps solve minor air leaks, but if your utility costs skyrocket in the winter and summer, you might need to think about more extensive upgrades, like a new roof or storm windows, which can prevent more serious air leaks. A home energy audit can tell you what the most strategic energy-efficient upgrades to your house might be.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Water Bill

Unless you’re living in a household with several other people or your pipes have leaks, you don’t have to worry as much about your water bill getting out of hand. But there are a few things you can do to shave some dollars off that bill, while going green to protect the environment.

13. Develop Water-Saving Habits

Remember when your parents would yell at you for letting the water run while brushing your teeth or taking too long in the shower?

Well, they kind of had a reason: They were paying the water bill. Now that you’re footing the bill, get in the habit of turning the water off while brushing your teeth, lathering yourself up in the shower and even scrubbing dishes before rinsing.

Another water-saving habit: If you take a glass of water to bed and don’t drink it all, don’t dump it in the morning. Use it to water houseplants or fill up the dog bowl; they’re much less picky drinkers.

14. If You Have a Dishwasher, Use It

You would think a big appliance like a dishwasher takes a lot of water to run, but it actually uses less water than washing dishes by hand — and it does a better job of sanitizing too. If you ask me, any reason not to hand-wash my dishes is a win.

This doesn’t mean you should run the dishwasher every time there are a few dishes loaded up — make sure it’s a full load to be the most cost-effective.

15. Use Less Water When Flushing

Want a simple trick to save water when flushing? Simply load a couple of plastic soda bottles with an inch or two of pebbles or sand, and fill them up with water. Then, screw on the lids, and put them in the toilet tank. Make sure they’re away from all the operating mechanisms. This easy hack reduces the amount of water your toilet uses every time you flush.

If you’d prefer not to go the DIY route to save on flushing, you can save a lot of money by investing in low-flow toilets. You’ll just have to budget for the upfront cost of purchase and installation.

16. Master the Art of Washing Clothes

There are a few ways you can conserve while doing laundry.

First, be sure you have a full load, rather than washing several smaller loads. Then, be sure to wash that full load on cold.

According to Consumer Reports, washers and detergents have evolved to the point that it’s perfectly fine to wash everything on cold — even your whites. The only exception is when someone in the household is sick or when washing extra-soiled clothes and linens. Then, be sure to turn the temperature to hot or warm, and use bleach if possible.

Finally, feel free to skip that extra rinse. Just be sure you’re not using more detergent than you need. Not only will you save money on water (and detergent), but your clothes will smell better, too.

17. Keep an Eye out for Leaks

Find and repair any plumbing leaks, whether they’re from dripping faucets or toilets. Running toilets send gallons of water down the drain on a daily basis. But before you call that expensive plumber, check out YouTube. There are a few video tutorials on how to fix a running toilet yourself.

Also, when turning off faucets, be sure you’re turning them off all the way. If your faucet is dripping, give the handle one firm twist before calling up the plumber. Sometimes, all you need is a little force to turn the faucet all the way off.

18. Install Water-Saving Showerheads and Faucets

If you have multiple people using water in your home every day, upgrading to water-saving showerheads and faucets can be a great investment. There are plenty of options for water-saving showerheads that purge cold water when the water is turned on and then restrict the flow once the water heats up.

When replacing faucets,look for those labeled as WaterSense certified, per the EPA. Costs can be high, so shop around.

19. Run Your Appliances at Night

Some utility companies can be sneaky and increase their rates during the day, which are considered peak hours. They might say it’s to encourage conservation, but we all know everyone needs to make money.

If your water and/or power company charges different rates depending on the time of day, consider doing some chores at night. Running your washer, dryer and dishwasher at night can help you avoid being charged the higher rate and lead to energy savings on both your electric and water bills in the long run.

This is also a great way of getting into the habit of loading up that dishwasher after dinner, so you won’t have to soak or scrub those leftover dishes before loading them up in the dishwasher — saving even more on water costs.

Contributor Timothy Moore is a writer and editor in Cincinnati who covers banks, loans insurance, travel and automotive topics for The Penny Hoarder. Former Penny Hoarder staffer Jessica Gray contributed to this report. 

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We’re all feeling the squeeze of the current economic outlook with inflation driving up consumer costs at a 7.1% increase in the past year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And food prices are no exception with a 12% increase over the past 12 months.

The Harris Poll, in partnership with Alpha Foods, recently found that 90% of Americans are worried about the rising cost of groceries.

As prices rise, how will you save money on necessities like food, household, beauty, self-care and pet products? One option is to buy what you truly need and use in bulk. About one-third of us are already buying in bulk for convenience and saving money.

Buying in bulk isn’t just for minivan-driving families with walk-in pantries. Done right, buying in bulk can help reduce spending, even if you’re a household of one.

We’ve got the tips you need to score high-volume essentials while avoiding the potential pitfalls of buying in bulk.

The Benefits of Buying in Bulk

Despite the higher cost at the register, buying bulk products can help you save money when what you purchase is less expensive per unit than at regular retail stores.

Let’s say a single apple costs 75 cents at the grocery store. A 3-pound bag containing six apples costs $3. Purchasing the apples in bulk means you’d be paying 50 cents for each rather than 75 cents.

In addition to a lower cost per unit, there are other benefits of buying in bulk. Since you’re stocking up on more in one shopping trip, you don’t have to go out to the store as frequently. That means less gas spent driving to the store and fewer opportunities to give in to impulse purchases. You’ll also have more of your free time back.

There’s an additional environmental benefit if your bulk purchases involve less packaging. Also, having more in stock at home means you’re not in dire straits when an emergency hits — whether that’s a bad storm that prevents you from going to the store or a sickness that leaves you unable to get out of bed.

Just be careful: It’s easy to justify big bulk purchases in the moment only to have giant jars of olives gather dust in the pantry. And when buying in bulk, make sure what you purchase won’t go to waste. Stick with products that have a good shelf life that you like and use on a regular basis.

What Should You Buy in Bulk

Smart bulk buys include shelf-stable food like pasta, rice, cereal and dried beans and nonperishable items like canned food, oils, flour and sugar. Household items like paper towels, toilet paper, batteries, school and office supplies and laundry detergent are also good bulk purchases.

Other savvy bulk purchases are self-care and beauty products like toothpaste, deodorant, soap and diapers. Don’t forget pet food and pet products!

Here are several items that can save you money when purchased in bulk.

Food and Beverages

• Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Canned vegetables and fruit
• Soup
• Rice and grains
• Pasta
• Pasta sauce
• Beans (canned and dried)
• Frozen food (veggies, fruit, meat, prepared foods)
• Crackers
• Cookies
• Chips
• Pretzels
• Nuts
• Gum and mints
• Sugar
• Honey
• Flour
• Vanilla and other extracts
• Coffee
• Tea
• Bottled water
• Juice
• Soda

Household Products

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Paper plates and bowls
• Plastic flatware
• Coffee filters
• Laundry detergent
• Cleaning supplies
• Air freshener
• Sponges
• Dish detergent
• Trash bags
• Lightbulbs
• Foil
• Plastic wrap
• Parchment paper
• Plastic storage bags
• Batteries
• Tape

Beauty and Self-Care Products

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Shaving cream
• Lotion
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Floss
• Cotton balls, rounds or swabs
• Vitamins
• Over-the-counter allergy medicine
• Bandages
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antibacterial wipes

Supplies for Babies

• Baby food and snacks
• Baby formula
• Baby wipes
• Diapers

Pet Products

• Pet food
• Dog waste bags
• Kitty litter

How to Know When Buying in Bulk is a Good Deal

With a few easy steps, you can check prices to find out if buying a product in bulk will save you money.

First, find the total price of the item. Second, check the price per unit. Units could be ounces, pounds, liters, etc. Most of the time, you can find the cost per unit right on the price label. It’s typically off to the side and in a smaller font.

Next, divide the total price by the price per unit. Or, if you’re like us and calculating math problems while standing in a store isn’t your thing, let technology do the work for you with apps like Unit Price Comparison and CompareMe Price Comparison.

What Not to Buy in Bulk

Shy away from buying in bulk any item that will go bad before you have the chance to use it all, such as fresh produce, meat, eggs, milk, cheese, condiments and spices. However, if you’re going to freeze meat, can fresh veggies or make multiple casserole dishes for an upcoming dinner party, buying those items in bulk might work for you.

Look at the expiration dates on non-food items, too. For example, fabric softener and teeth whitening strips may lose their effectiveness after a year.

Think about how long it’ll take your household to use what you buy before investing in a large quantity of it.

Places to Shop for Bulk Buying

Warehouse stores — like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale — are likely the first places that come to mind when you think about buying in bulk. These types of stores typically require a membership to be able to shop.

Membership costs at those three warehouse chains range from $50 to $120 annually. If you shopped there only once a month, you’d be paying an extra $4.17 to $10 each trip, but hopefully your savings would surpass that amount.

While warehouse stores have more options for bulk buying, don’t overlook the opportunities available at your regular grocery store. Look at the cost per unit of that family-size package of cookies or that economy-sized bottle of laundry detergent. Pay attention to merchandise located on the bottom or top shelves. Bulk packages aren’t always found where you normally look.

If you prefer shopping online, Amazon and Boxed are good options for bulk buying. To save on these transactions, make sure your total is over the minimum threshold for free shipping.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Buying in Bulk

Though buying in bulk can be a good way to stretch your money, that’s not to say it doesn’t come with its share of disadvantages. Here are five tips to help you get the most out of bulk buying while avoiding potential drawbacks.

1. Careful With the Credit Card

Buying in bulk means you have to have more money upfront, which can be tough if your budget is tight. Don’t feel tempted to charge purchases on a credit card, because you’ll rack up interest if you’re not able to pay it off right away.

2. Pace Yourself and Plan Ahead

Start small by choosing one or two things your household uses often and buying those in bulk rather than converting your entire grocery list to bulk buys. Take advantage of coupons, sales and other special deals to reduce your costs.

3. Share the Cost

Splitting a bulk purchase with a friend or family member is another way to lower that upfront cost. This tactic is also helpful if you are concerned about consuming something before it goes bad or if you lack adequate storage space.

4. Consider Storage

It’s important to think about where you’ll store your haul. Before you go out and purchase an additional freezer or shelving system to store your extra goods, think about unconventional storage, like unused closet space or an area in your garage for the stuff that doesn’t need to stay a certain temperature.

5. Exercise Restraint

Don’t be tempted to use up what you have just because it’s there. For example, if you had only two paper towel rolls at home, you’d probably be more conservative with each sheet than if you had 12 in stock. Stick to how you’d normally use the item and don’t overindulge.

Contributor Veronica Leone Matthews is a North Carolina-based freelance writer with 11 years of experience writing for nonprofits and higher education. She covers lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder. 

Former senior writer Nicole Dow contributed. Assigning Editor Karen Grigsby updated this post. 

The reasons not to go to the gym are endless: It’s really cold outside. Panting in a workout class with 15 strangers in the middle of flu season doesn’t sound very fun. Maybe you just don’t feel like going.

If the gym just isn’t your thing but you’re still looking for an exercise outlet, it could be time to consider a home gym.

Creating a home gym will not only help you stay in shape but could also save you money in the long run, considering the high cost of gym memberships and boutique fitness classes that can cost more than $20 for a single hour.

But for less than $100, it’s “absolutely” possible to get enough equipment at home to make a difference in your health, said personal trainer Chrisi Moutopoulos. She’s a regional manager in Long Island for GYMGUYZ, the first in-home mobile personal training franchise company. She became a personal trainer seven years ago, after going through her own weight loss journey.

“You can always get fit on a small budget or no budget,” Moutopoulos said.

How to Build a Home Gym for Less Than a Benjamin

If $100 still seems pricey to you, keep in mind: You might spend that for just four Pure Barre classes or a few months of a gym membership. That doesn’t count activation fees or the gas you’ll spend getting there and back.

Once you stock your home gym, it’s yours to keep — no membership renewal necessary.

For anyone getting started, Moutopoulos recommends consulting with both a doctor and with a trainer. They’re experts in the field and can help customize a plan that works within your restrictions and your goals. It’s a potential up-front cost, but worth it to make sure you’re being smart.

After that, here’s what you need to start your own workout room and how to use all that new equipment.

Resistance Bands

Cost: $10+

Exercises: Clamshells, leg lifts, almost any bodyweight exercise

You can amp up nearly every classic exercise you can think of by adding extra resistance.

The cheapest way to do that? Resistance bands.

While you can find the equipment on this list in any sports store or online, Moutopoulos said stores like Five Below have an affordable selection of decent fitness equipment.

Resistance bands can cost less than $10. They usually come in a set of different tensile strengths, so you can customize your workout.

Balance Ball

Cost: $15+

Exercises: Jackknife, plank (not actually just for men, despite the video!), bridge, back extension

Ah, the stability ball. Turns out it’s good for more than just replacing your office chair and making your colleagues feel lazy!

It has a reputation for core work, but you’ll find you can use it for everything from glutes to arms. Tons of full-body workouts require nothing but a properly sized stability ball.

Plus, they’re dirt cheap — starting at about $16 and going up to about $30, depending on the size and brand.

Dumbbells

Cost: Around $20 apiece, depending on weight

Exercises: Bicep curls, shoulder press, overhead triceps extension, flyes, deadlifts, the works!

Full disclosure: This is the most expensive item on the list. Dumbbells can go for $10 or more each — and yes, that means a single dumbbell, not a set of two.

That said, dumbbells are awesome. They’re one of the most versatile and long-lived pieces of equipment you can add to your home gym.

This popular version costs about $20 for the 10 lb. version, with the cost increasing or decreasing based on the weight.

If you’re just starting out and aren’t sure where you stand — or squat, as the case may be — you might consider snapping up a more costly set of several dumbbells, or an adjustable version. That way, you’ll have a few options to choose from, and you can scale in either direction if things prove to be too heavy or too light.

You can also find them (and anything else on the list!) pre-owned on Facebook Marketplace to cut your costs even further.

Other Home Gym Odds and Ends

Although you can craft an effective workout with any of the home gym equipment listed above, there are other odds and ends that you may want to consider, depending on your preferred routine.

Yoga is a good way to round out intense training, and stretching is always a must. You can get a yoga mat for as cheap as $20 or get fancy — Manduka mats are pretty expensive, but they do offer a lifetime guarantee!

If you have the right space in your home for it, a doorway chin-up bar can be a great addition to a home gym. They typically cost between $30 and $50 and work way more body parts than just your arms: core, back, shoulders — you name it.

Staying Fit Might Be Hard, but It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

It’s easy to overthink fitness. But the most important thing is to start moving.

You don’t even have to wait for your dumbbells to ship: You can hold a stack of books to get more out of your squats. You can use a chair for dips and pushups. Your home is already a treasure trove of DIY gym equipment, if you’re creative.

Exercising doesn’t have to be intense or unpleasant — in fact, it should be fun! Dancing in your underwear or chasing your toddler around the backyard both count.

Ideally, you’ll get your heart rate up, do some weight-bearing exercises to keep your muscles strong and stretch enough to maintain your flexibility. But it doesn’t have to be complex — or expensive.

“Fitness should be accessible and attainable for everybody,” Moutopoulos said.

Jamie Cattanach and Cassidy Alexander are contributors to The Penny Hoarder. Former editor Sushil Cheema contributed to this post.

Tipping people who provide services — hairstylists, nail techs, movers, bartenders — is a common practice. It’s also something that brings out a lot of strong feelings.

Customers expected to leave the money often balk because they don’t like the idea that the extra payment is seemingly required. They argue that the expectation makes it almost meaningless as a token for a job well done. On the flip side, some service providers — especially restaurant waitstaff — depend on those tips to make a living wage.

There are not many financial topics that elicit such strong feelings as the idea of tipping. If you need proof, ask your Facebook friends their opinions on tipping. Expect lots of responses and maybe even a heated discussion.

Besides wondering why and if we have to tip, we also want to know how much to leave for all the people who provide different services. The Penny Hoarder’s Ultimate Guide to Tipping is here to help.

Why Is Tipping a Thing in the U.S.?

Leaving tips in the United States has become standard and ubiquitous. We picked up tipping etiquette from European royalty in the 1800s, even though Europeans generally stopped leaving tips.

and bars can charge less for their food and drink because they don’t have to pay service workers that much (except in a handful of states).

Tipping customs vary from place to place. Our tipping guidelines will help you know the standard tip amount for service, and how to calculate extra to thank someone for excellent service.

Understanding Tipping Etiquette

Tipping changed in the early days of the pandemic. As restaurants and other services scrambled to figure out how to survive, people tipped generously to try to help the businesses and workers make it through. Overall, expect to tip 15-20% for decent to good service. A 25% tip works for outstanding service. This has gone up a little over the last few decades.

You can tip on a credit card, with cash, or in some instances, through peer-to-peer sites such as Venmo. How you tip is up to you. Some businesses do tip sharing, where everyone gets a piece of the pie, such as cooks, dishwashers, and bussers in restaurants. Others require that their tipped employees tip the staff that helps them, such as the bartender tipping the barback.

While not a pandemic of a problem, there are cases of employers withholding tips from employees. If you find yourself questioning the integrity of an establishment, but you find that you really enjoyed your server at a restaurant, or perhaps your mover, it may be best to directly give them cash. If you are concerned with how your tips will be processed and if it will be done fairly, feel free to ask the person you will tip or their manager. You may find more honesty in one or the other to help guide your judgment with the intricacies of tipping.

Tipping can also be an investment in future service. If it is a place you frequent, being known as a pretty decent tipper is a great way to ensure ongoing good service. You might even simply like a particular business and wish to give a little more than what you need to pay for. 

How to Calculate Tips

Some folks cherish the opportunity to do math in their head. If that’s not you, calculating the tip doesn’t have to be difficult. You can choose your tipping amounts on the pre-tax or total bill, or if you have a special deal, on the original price.

Ten percent of that is just moving the decimal point over one space to the left. So, a $20 bill would mean a $2 tip at 10%. Twenty percent is double that amount; that $2 tip becomes $4.  Fifteen percent is that amount and then half of it is added; $2 plus $1 so the tip is $3 on $20. And so on. Another reason why 20% is a great amount, easier math! Some people like to then round up to the nearest dollar, which is a nice gesture.

The Ultimate Tipping Guide

From restaurant servers to nail technicians and tattoo artists, leaving a tip is an expected part of the experience. The following guide will help you understand how to decide how much to leave.

Hospitality

Almost everyone knows that tipping is a standard practice when going out to eat and drink. The people serving you are typically paid much less than the federal minimum wage, often just over $2 an hour. Always put a few dollars in the going out budget for tips. You don’t have to tip at fast food restaurants, they are paid a regular wage, not a tipped wage. Many restaurants have their servers and bartenders tip out other staff too. This means servers are not getting all of the amount left by patrons.

How Much to Tip Bartender

Per drink, depending on the drink: $1-$3. Though, if you’re up for quick math, 20% of the cost of the drink is the accepted standard. You’ll tip less for a bottle of Bud Light with a twist-off bottle cap than a Cranberry Sour with six ingredients and a floating island of sugared cranberries at the top.

How Much to Tip at Restaurant

Sit down restaurants: 15-25%. This might be the most contested of tipping areas and one where the servers depend on tips to make up for low hourly wages. The level of personal service is high at restaurants where service is good — and even when it’s not so good.

How Much to Tip for Takeout (When You Pick Up)

Here is one area definitely changed by the pandemic. Many people used to not put anything in the tip jar when picking up takeout. As restaurants scrambled to stay open, takeout was often the only option and folks tipped generously. Takeout involves a lot of the same prep work that eating in does, so go ahead and tip 5-10%.

How Much to Tip Food Delivery Driver

If you use a food delivery app, Glamour magazine suggests that you definitely tip if you want your food delivered quickly. Some drivers can see the tips ahead of time on the app and choose deliveries. You should anyway, since most drivers rely on tips to pay for their gas and vehicle wear and tear.

There could be a delivery charge on your order, but don’t assume that it goes to the driver (ask when ordering). You can tip $2-$5 for lower priced meals, then between 10-20% of the bill total for pricier meals. Tip on the higher end when the weather is bad!

Grocery delivery usually has a default delivery amount of 5% of the bill, or a minimum of a few dollars. You can change the amount or opt out.

How Much to Tip Pizza Delivery

Anyone bringing you delicious pizza should be generously rewarded! Basically plan on $2-$3 a pie, unless it is a big order and then more. Calculate 15-18% of the total bill.

How Much to Tip the Bathroom Attendant

For handing you a towel, feel free to tip 50 cents or a dollar if you don’t carry change. For mending hems, helping you with items, or fixing your things, give them $2-$3. Coming across a bathroom attendant when you’ve never seen one before can be a little awkward, but there’s usually a change dish on the sink counter to leave the money in.

Personal Appearance and Care

Trips to salons or barber shops give us a chance to slow down and relax, with the excellent result of feeling better about how we look or feel. Enjoying spa services is a lovely treat. When you are done and feeling good, add a tip to the bill for those who helped you. They might only make tips for pay (especially in nail salons), and are paying rent for their space.

How Much to Tip Hairdresser

It is pretty standard to tip your hairdresser 15-20% when you are pleased with the results. That is the usual amount for almost all self-care services. If a few people worked with you, such as a hairwasher, then it is proper to throw a couple of extra dollars in at the end for everyone.

How Much to Tip Barber

The same as with a hairdresser. Tip the guy who gives you the expert fade or flat top 15-20% of the bill. If you find yourself in a situation where you got a really cheap haircut and 15 to 20% of the bill is less than $5, it’d be kind and easier to simply tip the $5, especially if it was quick.

How Much to Tip at the Nail Salon

The technicians at the nail salons are doing all manner of pedicures and manicures, plus facials and waxings. The going rate for tipping is 15 to 20%.

How Much to Tip Facialist

That hourlong or more facial takes skill plus lots of emoluments and equipment. Leave an 18-20% tip as a token for making your skin glow.

How Much to Tip Tattoo Artist

Typically people tip their tattoo artists 20%, but that can change with the complexity of the tattoo and quality of the experience.

Should You Tip Massage Therapists?

Tipping etiquette with massage therapists depends on location. If you are visiting a spa or getting a massage through your hotel, then it is proper to tip 20%.

Scott Elliott, a licensed massage therapist in Gulfport, Florida, says that tipping “is OK. But in a clinic setting it is not expected. (However) all welcome it!”

Travel

Include tip money in your travel plans. This tipping guide for travelers will help you whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel or one of our national parks. If you are traveling overseas, check to see tipping guidelines for the countries you are visiting. Always tip your tour guide!

How Much to Tip Rideshare Drivers

When various rideshare companies started, it was a cashless exchange. No longer! Tip drivers 10 to 20%, depending on how good the trip was; if they helped you with luggage; how long the trip is; and the cleanliness of the vehicle.

How Much to Tip Taxi Drivers

Tip your taxi driver the same as you would a rideshare: 10 to 20%.

How Much to Tip Hotel Housekeeping Staff

There are a couple of ways to tip housekeeping. If they are doing your room every day, then leave $1-$5 out on the dresser or by the bed for them. Or you can leave a tip at the end of your stay, equaling $1-$5 per day. It’s more likely that your housekeeper will be rotated through different areas each day, but feel free to check with the front desk if you want to tip your housekeeper more accurately. If you think your room is more trouble to clean than the average feel free to leave more money. A thank you note with the tip also goes a long way.

How Much to Tip Shuttle Driver

Either $5 for the trip or $1-$2 for each bag. Shuttle drivers taking you from airport terminals to car rental facilities or parking garages will usually help put your bags on and off the vehicle.

How Much to Tip Valet Parking

Between hotels and restaurants, especially in urban settings, self-parking parking is difficult. Pay the valet who parks your car and then runs for it when you’re down with your event $2-$5. If parking is notoriously expensive, you’re retrieving your car very often, or of course, find the service exceptional feel free to tip more.

How Much to Tip Bellhop

When you get to a hotel, there is often a bellhop who greets you, guides you to check-in and may carry your bags. If there’s no bag handling, tip the bellhop $1-$2. If the bellhop delivers luggage to the hotel room, the tip should be $1-$2 per bag.

How Much to Tip Room Service

Check the bill to see if gratuity has already been added. A 15% gratuity is an appropriate tip.

How Much to Tip on a Cruise 

Cruise lines might have a service charge or automatic gratuities, to use the industry term, already added to the bill. As in other parts of the service industry, cruise line workers are not highly paid with the assumption that tips will make up the difference. Check your contract to see if tips are already included.

Even if they are, being generous to staff can help maximize the pleasure of your cruise. Overall, the 15-20% rule applies, especially to your room steward who leaves all those cute towel animals on your bed.

How Much to Tip Tour Guides

Tipping tour guides depends on a few factors. Private tours for a few people would elicit a 10 to 15% of the tour cost tip per day for the guide, and another 5 to 10% for the driver. Group tours where everyone is giving something would be 4 to 5% per person.

Miscellaneous

There are other people who provide services that you might wonder about how or why to tip. Here are a few to add to your list.

How Much to Tip Movers

Your moving company probably hasn’t included gratuities in its budget proposal, but make sure you put the cash aside for it. Tipping isn’t required, but since it is hard work done for relatively low pay, it might be more surprising when people don’t tip.

Tipping movers has a few factors to keep in mind. Is this a short move or are you going a few states away? If you’re loading in one state and unloading in another, there is a good chance it is two different crews, and therefore two tips.

Did your humongous flat screen make it safely because it was carefully hand carried? Did they move a dozen or more boxes of hard-back books? Various sites suggest $4-$12 per mover per hour, or about 15% of the total bill.

If the movers worked in the rain, helped set up beds, or went above and beyond in other ways, go with the higher end of the range. You can also provide food and drinks to the movers if it is an all-day job. When it is a short move, easy and everything is packed up, then you can focus on the low end of the range.

You can tip the head person and have them distribute the tip, or you can give each person cash individually. Moving is an anxiety-producing time, and you will be pleasantly surprised how a nice gesture to your movers makes the ordeal go more smoothly.

How Much to Tip Dog Groomer

A reasonable tip for the dog groomer is 15-20%. Other pet-related services, such as pet sitting and pet walking, don’t require tips unless the person has done a little extra. If your pet has special needs, or the person was able to help out at the last minute, a 15-20% tip might ensure they are available when you need them.

How Much to Tip House Cleaner

You depend on this person to keep your house dust- and smudge-free so tip them 15-20% of the regular bill. Dependable and thorough house cleaners are in big demand. Tip them enough so that they stay with you.

How Much to Tip Car Wash

Basic car wash and towel drying is $2-$5, and the tipping amount goes up as more services are added. Detailing definitely deserves more money and takes more time, so 10-20% of the total package is good. Car wash attendant pay is low, so the tips really matter to the workers. At some car washes, the tips are gathered in a communal container and then disseminated by the crew chief at the end of the shift.

How Much to Tip Casino Workers

While going to the casino may not be on the top of the list of places to visit for the financially savvy, you may find yourself going on a trip to Atlantic City or Las Vegas sometime in your life. And you may be drawn to play a game like blackjack while you’re there. If you end up winning, whether it’s big or small, it is customary to tip your dealer at least $5. If you win big, you can tip more. Once you cash out, it’s also a good idea to tip the cashier between $5 for small wins and $100 for big wins. After all, the cashier is the person double-checking you’re getting the money you deserve.

How Much to Tip Musicians/DJs/Entertainers

We’ve all been out on the street in a big city, town square, or boardwalk and come across musicians and other entertainers performing. While tipping in these cases is not explicitly required, if you found yourself enjoying their work, it’s kind to tip them. We’ve all seen the open guitar case or tip jar street musicians have lying around. It’s very hard to place a value on being entertained, but parting with a $5 bill seems like a safe fallback in most circumstances. If you liked it, and $5 seems too much, just throw a few dollars their way. But if you find yourself enjoying a private concert for an hour, pass them a little more than $5. Of course, if you think they deserve more than that feel free to tip more. 

How Much to Tip Golf Caddie

If you are an avid golfer, you might find yourself with a caddie companion quite often. Different clubs have different levels of caddie services from forecaddies to junior caddies to single and double-baggers or more. Don’t get too lost in all the variation. It’s safe to go with the standard 15-20% tip upon completion of your golfing outing.

How Much to Tip Gardener/Landscaper

Tipping a landscaper or gardener has some nuance. If it is one person or a regular crew keeping your place tidy, then you are already paying them for their service. But if it’s some one-off thing of extreme importance or difficulty, similar to hiring a mover for a day, consider the safety of tipping them 15-20% for their service.

How Much to Tip Recreational Instructors (Skiing, Surfing, Shooting, Diving)

Recreational activities can vary widely, but there are a couple of common ones where instructors provide lots of help for such a unique experience. These activities specified below are more niche than something like hiking, and a good instructor will keep you safe and enjoying the experience, so it is customary to tip them.

Ski and snowboarding instructors are typically tipped between 10-15%, for a private lesson up to a group lesson.

Surfing instructors are customarily tipped the same rate, at around 10-15% for lessons. Lots of surfing instructors are also lifeguards, so consider your tip as doing double duty.

There are some shooting ranges that suggest you tip your range safety officers. It’s their job to keep one of the potentially most dangerous places safe. They’re often kind enough to show you how to treat the equipment with respect and safety and even operate it properly should you need a quick tutorial. While it’s not customary to tip them everywhere, in ranges where it is, go with the safe bet of 10-20% if you found them particularly helpful.

While diving can be one of the coolest experiences out there, breathing in water is not. For a safe experience with a good diving instructor, a good guideline to tipping them is between 10-15% like other private recreational activities. 

How Much to Tip Gas Station Attendants

Gas station attendants are either something you see every day if you’re from Oregon or New Jersey, or something you’ve never even heard of. While it is not customary to pay gas station attendants and they are not known for relying on tips, if they go out of their way to pump the gas, clean the windshield or help you in any exceptional way, it’d be kind to pass them a few bucks for the help.

How Much to Tip a Babysitter or Nanny

While babysitters are typically compensated, there may be times when a tip is appropriate. Besides going above and beyond, feel free to tip a babysitter 10-20% of their regular rate for flexibility, taking care of more children or sitting during the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tipping

We got our expert advice on modern tipping etiquette guides for tipping tips from various sources including Emily Post and interviews with different practitioners to get the truth about gratuities. Though there was a range in amounts, all the sites agree that an important part of the tipping interaction is remembering that you are showing gratitude and care by tipping.

The Penny Hoarder contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on lifestyle and culture topics. She is the former owner of a coffee shop in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has hosted an arts show on WMNF community radio for nearly 30 years. Freelancer Dennis Lynch contributed to this post. 

With streaming services growing in popularity, many companies are offering their own version.

Whether you’re cutting ties with cable or trying to supplement your current service, you want to find what works with your budget and personal taste.

You can’t subscribe to them all, so which do you pick?

Don’t worry. We’ve compared 14 of the most popular streaming services on the market so you don’t have to.

How Are All the Streaming Services Different?

Do you like classic TV shows like Friends or would you rather be captivated by a new show like Severance? Do you want to be romanced by Bridgerton or laugh with the Belchers in Bob’s Burgers?

A lot of the streaming services run different promotions that cut the cost, but what about the services themselves and their content?

The platforms that are home to these shows each have their own catalog, unique features and price tags. Your reasons for picking one or the other may include original content, classic show selection, live streaming capability, affordability or some combination of all.

You could always check out our list of free tv apps, but keeping up with the latest TV show to storm the internet sometimes takes a subscription.

Get your favorite movie snack ready and read the pros and cons to decide which platform is right for you.

Take Your Pick of 14 Streaming Services

We have assessed 14 streaming services, including pricing and content focus, so you can pick the one that’s right for you.

Why Choose Hulu

How much: One-month free trial. Plans start at $7.99 per month for limited commercials, $14.99 per month for no commercials and $69.99 per month for an ad-supported Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+. HBO Max, Showtime, Cinemax and Starz are available as add-ons. Students can get the $7.99/month plan for a discounted $1.99/month with verified enrollment.

Available on: Laptops and desktops, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, Blu-ray players, and streaming media players such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

You can add as many different devices as you want to your account, but you can only stream to two at a time (Live TV subscriptions have an unlimited screen add-on). If you’re out of the house, you can stream from up to three mobile devices at once.

Biggest Pro: Episodes of some current TV shows are available the day after they air.

Biggest Con: Less breadth and depth of programming comparatively.

Best for: Viewers who watch a lot of current U.S.-based TV programming and want to see episodes they’ve missed as soon as possible.

Why Choose Netflix

How much: Three plan options beginning at $6.99 per month up to $19.99 per month, depending on the number of devices and type of HD you want. Ad-free plans start at $9.99 per month.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, Blu-ray players and streaming media players such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

You can add as many different devices as you want to your account and stream content to up to four at a time, depending on the plan you choose.

Biggest Pro: Netflix has tons of original programming.

Biggest Con: Available seasons of currently-airing TV shows are usually at least a year old, so prepare to avoid spoilers for a long time.

Best for: Viewers who like a lot of original content choices across a variety of genres.

Why Choose Amazon Prime Video

How much: 30-day free trial. Free with an eligible Amazon Prime membership or $8.99 per month. Premium channels like HBO and Showtime are available for an additional monthly charge.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and streaming media players such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

You can stream on up to three devices at a time.

Biggest Pro: Prime Video’s X-ray feature lets you access actor bios, background information, trivia, bonus content, music info and other show-related information.

Biggest Con: It’s sometimes difficult to determine what content is included in your subscription and what costs extra.

Best For: People who already have an eligible Prime Membership.

Why Choose YouTube TV

How much: YouTube TV usually offers a free trial, and the base plan is $64.99 per month. There is also a Spanish plan for $34.99 per month.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs, streaming media players and Google Nest Hub.

You can have up to six profiles on your plan and stream on up to three devices at the same time.

Biggest Pro: You’ll have plenty of shows to choose from with more than 100 channels, plus you get unlimited cloud DVR storage for free.

Biggest Con: There’s no option for ad-free viewing. You can pause or DVR to fast forward through ads, but they’re still there.

Best For: Those who still want a live TV experience without the cable cost.

Why Choose Disney+

How much: If you opt for Disney+ Basic, which includes ads, you’ll pay $7.99 per month. You can also opt for Disney+ Premium (no ads) for $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and streaming media players such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

Disney+ subscribers can have seven profiles on one account with four devices streaming at once.

Biggest Pro: You get the majority of the Disney library all in one place, plus the Marvel and Star Wars franchises.

Biggest Con: Premier Access, the option to watch a new release movie early, is expensive at $30.

Best For: Disney and Marvel lovers of any age.

Why Choose Paramount+

How much: 7-day free trial. You can get the Essential plan for $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Upgrade to Premium for no ads and pay $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Paramount+ also has an optional Showtime add-on. Verified college student accounts get 25 percent off an Essential monthly subscription.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and streaming media players such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

You’ll get three simultaneous streams and six profiles.

Biggest Pro: You get early access to Paramount movies.

Biggest Con: The library is limited to CBS and Viacom programs.

Best For: Fans of classic crime dramas like NCIS or CSI, Trekkies and kids who can’t get enough of Paw Patrol.

Why Choose Sling TV

How much: You can check out Sling TV at no cost with its free option. To unlock more content, you can subscribe to either the Orange and Blue base plans for $40 per month, or combine both options for $55 per month. You can then add extras or Premium features for an additional cost.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets, Xbox, smart TVs and streaming media players such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

The number of screens that can stream at once depends on the plan. Orange only streams on one device, while Blue and the combination plan can stream on three.

Biggest Pro: It’s the most budget-friendly of the live TV options.

Biggest Con: It has the least amount of available channels compared to competitors.

Best For: People who want live TV without the high cost.

Why Choose Peacock

How much: Peacock’s base plan is free. Unlock the entire Peacock library with the Premium plan for $4.99 per month and ditch (most) ads with Premium Plus at $9.99 per month.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets, game consoles, smart TVs and streaming media players such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

You can stream on up to three devices at a time.

Biggest Pro: The free version allows you to try out the service before committing to a subscription.

Biggest Con: Only select episodes of shows are included in the free version.

Best For: People who like to sample shows before binging.

Why Choose Apple TV+

How much: You can try the 7-day free trial, then pay $6.99. If you use other Apple services, you can choose the Apple One bundle to get Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Arcade and 50 GB iCloud storage starting at $14.95/month. If you purchase a new Apple device, you’ll get an extended 3-month trial.

Available on: iPhone, iPad, Mac, smart TVs, game consoles, streaming media players and Amazon Fire devices.

Apple TV+ allows a single account to stream six devices at once.

Biggest Pro: At $4.99/month, it’s one of the cheaper options available. Also, Apple TV+ is focusing on producing quality original content, like CODA, the first direct-to-streaming film to win an Oscar.

Biggest Con: The downside of a focus on original content means that the Apple TV+ library is limited compared to competitors.

Best For: Apple product users and those who want to focus on quality programming.

What About Channel Specific Services?

The majority of channels now have their own streaming services, but combining them all can get expensive as cable. Is it worth it to have a specific channel? That depends on your tastes.

Why Choose AMC+

How much: You can try 7 days free, then AMC+ costs $6.99 to $8.99 per month, depending on where you sign up for subscription. Subscribing through AMC directly also has an $83.88 per year option. AMC+ includes content from AMC, IFC and IFC Films Unlimited, BBC America, SundanceTV, Sundance Now and Shudder.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets and smart TVs. If you subscribe to AMC+ through another service, you’ll have to access AMC+ through that provider’s app.

Direct subscribers can stream on up to 5 devices at once.

Biggest Pro: Subscribers get early access to some select AMC shows.

Biggest Con: The app isn’t very user friendly and needs some work.

Best For: The catalog is great for fans of horror and AMC-specific content.

Why Choose The CW

How much: The CW app is free.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, phones, tablets, Xbox One, smart TVs and streaming media players such as Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

Biggest Pro: It’s free and requires no account or subscription.

Biggest Con: No subscription means you don’t get the usual features like watch lists.

Best For: Fans of DC and dramas like Riverdale.

Why Choose STARZ

How much: Starz is $8.99 per month. The service also usually runs sign-up promotions that give you a discount off your first few months.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, smartphones, streaming media players, Xbox and smart TVs.

You can stream on up to four devices at a time.

Biggest Pro: Starz has a large library of popular dramas and blockbuster movies.

Biggest Con: The Starz app is lacking compared to competitors.

Best For: Fans of Starz historical dramas like The White Princess and Outlander.

Why Choose Showtime

How much: 30-day free trial, then the service is $10.99 per month or $99 per year.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles, streaming media players, Oculus and Facebook Portal TV.

You can stream on up to three devices at a time.

Biggest Pro: There’s a good selection of quality shows.

Biggest Con: Its library is smaller compared to competitors.

Best For: Those who want sports selections without the live TV price tag.

Why Choose HBO Max

How much: The ad-supported plan is $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. Ditch the ads for $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year. HBO Max offers a selection of free episodes instead of a timed free trial.

Available on: Laptops and desktop computers, smart TVs, tablets, smartphones and game consoles.

Biggest Pro: Get access to an impressive library of popular shows like Friends and Game of Thrones and stream Warner Bros movies 45 days after their theatrical release.

You can stream on up to three devices at once.

Biggest Con: The ad-free version is one of the more expensive monthly options.

Best For: People who want access to the most popular movies, series and shows.

What Are Some Other Streaming Options?

We’ve covered the big ones, but there are other streaming services out there. Xumo, Pluto, fuboTV and Tubi TV are all free, ad-supported options that offer Live TV. Philo TV offers dozens of live, streaming and on-demand channels for $25 per month.

If you or your kids are a fan of anime, you can stream free programs through merging services Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Choosing Streaming Services

With so much variety between streaming services, it’s hard to say which one is the winner.

Should you prioritize cost, live tv options, quality of content, timeliness of release or even number of screens?

It just comes down to preference. However, you can easily take advantage of some of the free trials offered by many of the best TV streaming services. Just make sure you set a reminder for the end of the trial so you can cancel if it’s not the one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Streaming Services

We’ve rounded up the answers to the most commonly asked questions about streaming

Contributor Jenna Limbach writes on financial literacy and lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder. Freelancer Cat Hiles contributed to this post.