Maximise your TV viewing at home during lockdown without forking out a fortune with our top tips
DON’T know about you, but I’ve been watching A LOT more telly lately.
Reports show TV viewing has risen by 22 per cent during lockdown.
But binge-watchers will know that with TV packages come extra costs.
So if you don’t fancy forking out a fortune to sit in front of the telly, I’ve got some savvy tips to help streamline your bills . . .
SPLIT MAKES SENSE: Sharing your Netflix account with others is an easy way to save dosh. People living in the same house can use one plan at the same time with a standard or premium account. Splitting the cost of a premium plan (£11.99) between four of you would cost £2.99 each — saving you £6 each compared to a personal basic package, which costs £8.99 each.
GIVE IT A TRIAL: Only want to binge-watch a couple of shows? Netflix offers a 30-day trial period for its premium plan, worth up to £11.99 per month. Amazon Prime also has a 30-day trial, and Now TV has a seven-day option. Just don’t forget to cancel your subscription at the end.
GET SPECIFIC: I am a fan of Freesat for my main channels and using services such as Now TV to catch specific extras, such as films. You can get Sky Cinema on the service, with a seven-day free trial (£11.99 a month afterwards.) It’s also great for kids — there’s a Kids’ Pass available (also with a seven-day freebie) which costs £3.99 a month after the trial period.
PAY AS YOU GO: A pay-per-view service is a much cheaper option if you only tune in every now and then. Virgin Media users can enjoy Virgin Movies, which has 500-plus titles from £3.99. Sign up to Rakuten for free-to-rent TV series from £9.99 and films from £3.49. Google Play is another option, with downloads starting from just 99p.
RENT FOR LESS: If you’re with Sky, check out the Sky Store. There are hundreds of films that you can either rent or buy to keep — it’s a great option if you don’t want to splash out on other subscriptions. At the moment its spring sale has some top discounts. Family favourite The Cat In The Hat is just £1.99.
BRAND NEW: If lockdown has made you realise your TV is rather old or even too small, maybe it’s time for a new one. At ao.com you can bag a 65in Toshiba Smart TV for £399, down from £499. It comes with all the apps and streaming services, you just need to log in to your accounts.
- PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
LIDL has launched a huge kids’ outdoor play range in stores.
You can bag a bouncy castle for £34.99 plus a Deimos climbing dome for £69.99, usually £199.99.
Cheap treat
BEN and Jerry’s ice cream tubs – including Cookie Dough – are on offer for £3 at The Co-op, down from £5.
SAVE: £2
Top swap
TELLY time in my house means snacks. But rather than pay £24.99 for the VonShef popcorn maker on Amazon, get the American Originals version for £17.99 at Argos.co.uk.
SAVE: £7
Shop and save
SLIMFAST Chunky Chocolate flavour shake is reduced to £4.97 from £7.25 at groceries.asda.com.
SAVE: £2.28
Giselle's little helper
PET Health Pal has launched in the UK.
The online platform, backed by top pet food brands Pedigree and Whiskas, will answer dog and cat owners’ questions, and make caring for our furry friends a little easier in these tricky times.
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