The best holiday sales on all things entertainment are just a gobble and a meal away, as Black Friday and its sweet deals are closer than you think. Now that cable TV is out and streaming is in, many people are subscribing to multiple platforms and buying the devices that host them, like Rokus, Firesticks, and Chromecasts — all of which can get pricey quickly. Since many streaming platforms have raised their fees in the past few years, finding a good deal for the content you love is essential.
Also: The best Black Friday deals: Live updates
Luckily, Black Friday is the perfect time to hunt for some holiday streaming deals, either for your own home or as a gift. (You, too, could go to Roku City, and at a cheaper price than usual.) Our deal-hunting experts at ZDNET have rounded up the best streaming deals ahead of Black Friday so far.
Our favorite streaming deals for Black Friday 2024
Hulu: from $0.99 a month (save $9 a month): Hulu is running the best deal we’ve seen yet, dropping its Hulu with Ads plan from $7.99 a month to just $0.99. Plus, they are offering a Disney+ bundle for only $2.99 a month.
Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle<!–>: $17-30 a month (save $15 a month): Having multiple streaming services subscriptions can be an expensive venture. Luckily, this bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and Max will save you money every month.
Peacock–>: from $1.99 a month (save up to $50): Peacock is offering up to 75% off their subscription for two different plans. The first option is 6 months at $1.99 a month, and the second is a year subscription for $20 a year flat.
Max<!–>: from $3 a month (save up to $6 a month): Enjoy all of your favorite HBO original shows and movies for only $3 a month.
Paramount Plus–>: $3 a month (save $10 for 2 months): Paramount Plus, a streaming service with Paramount movies, Nickelodeon shows, and more is offering a great deal for $10 for two months.
YouTube TV<!–>: $50 a month (save $23 a month for first two months): YouTube TV is a great solution for those who need to cut their cable cord; you can watch live TV, sports, and more!
ESPN+–>: $100 a year (save $20 your first year): Catch all your favorite live sports with ESPN+, and save with this offer of 12 months for the price of nine.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K<!–>: $30 (save $20 at Amazon): This streaming option is compact but has a lot of capabilities. It would be perfect for a dorm room or smaller space.
Roku Streambar SE–>: $70 (save $30 on Amazon): This product combines a soundbar and a streaming device. This would work great in a large living room or bedroom.
Amazon Fire TV Stick<!–>: $33 (save $27 on Amazon): If you don’t like Roku, Amazon offers a great streaming alternative. This one is compact, and great for a smaller space.
Chromecast with Google TV–>: $40 (save $10 on Amazon): This smaller streaming stick would be great for smaller spaces. Plus, it’s a light blue color.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K<!–>: $22 (save $27 on Amazon): This Fire Stick speaks for itself; it has 4K, Alexa, and endless streaming options.
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Current price: $0.99 or $2.99/month
Original price: $9.99 or. $10.99/month
Hulu is offering a great deal at only $0.99 a month for regular ad-supported Hulu and $2.99 for the Hulu and Disney+ bundle for a whole year. Both platforms feature unmissable original content, especially Disney’s Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and more. Even shows like Modern Family and Family Guy are offered as well. Try it out, it may be your favorite service.
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Current price: $16 or $30/month
Original price: $30 or $45/month
Having multiple subscriptions adds up. Streaming services gatekeep content, so your favorite movie may be on a different platform than your current show. This can cause a huge dent in your pocket. With this bundle, you can save up to $15 a month by purchasing these three services in one package. There are two options: the less expensive ad-supported option or the pricier ad-free option. Both are at a way more discounted rate.
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Current price: $1.99/month for 6 months, or $19.99/year
Original price: $8/month or $80/year
Peacock is a streaming service that offers classic comfort shows like The Office, Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and more. Therefore, it would make a great primary streaming service to get through all the goodness. At about $2 a month, you can’t beat it. This deal gives you access to all Peacock content, but it is ad-supported.
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Current price: $33
Original price: $60
Amazon also has its own version of a Roku streaming stick. While it is a tiny bit pricier, it still is just as great as a Roku. The compact form factor is plug-and-play and preloaded with apps like Prime Video and Netflix. There is also a marketplace to customize what streaming apps you want on the device.
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Current price: $70
Original price: $100
The Roku Streambar SE offers a streaming device and soundbar in one. Amazon ratings it at 4.4 stars out of 5, and reviewers love it. The soundbar will help improve your TV audio while also giving you access to your favorite platforms—a great combination.
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Black Friday deals 2024: Devices
–>Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Roku Premiere<!–>: $26 (save $14 at Walmart): This Roku streams in 4K and would be a great gift for a loved one.
Roku Express–>: $17 (save $12 at Walmart): The Roku Express is perfect for first-time users, and it is a great deal for this price.
Onn. Google TV<!–>: $15 (save $4 at Walmart): This Onn streaming stick is a great way to watch TV on more of a budget.
Google Chromecast 3rd Gen–>: $44 (save $6 at Walmart): Google has its own version of a streaming box, making this is a good gift for Google fans.
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD<!–>: $18 (save $17 on Amazon): The newest version of Amazon Fire TV Stick, this streaming device has smart home controls and tons of channels.
TiVo Stream 4K–>: $25 (save $15 on Amazon): You may have been around for TiVo of the past, but this one has 4K streaming and Dolby Atmos sound.
Amazon Fire TV Cube<!–>: $100 (save $40 on Amazon): This streaming device is Amazon’s fastest player yet. It has 4K visuals and built-in privacy protections.
Black Friday deals 2024: Services
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Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle<!–>: $17-30 a month (save $15 a month): Having multiple streaming services subscriptions can be an expensive venture. Luckily, there is a bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and Max that will save you money every month.
Hulu–>: from $0.99 a month (save $9 a month): Hulu is running the best deal we’ve seen yet. Plus, they are offering a Disney+ bundle for only $2.99 a month.
Peacock<!–>: from $1.99 a month (save up to $50): Peacock is offering up to 75% off their subscription for two different plans. The first option is 6 months at $1.99 a month, and the second is a year subscription for $20 a year flat.
Paramount Plus–>: $3 a month (save $10 for 2 months): Paramount Plus, a streaming service with Paramount movies, Nickelodeon shows, and more is offering a great deal for $10 for two months.
YouTube TV<!–>: $50 a month (save $23 a month for first two months): YouTube TV is a great solution for those who need to cut their cable cord; you can watch live TV, sports, and more!
ESPN+–>: $100 a year (save $20 your first year): ESPN+, a platform to watch all your favorite live sports, is offering 12 months for the price of nine.
FAQs
What is the best streaming service?
This is up to the individual. However, many people say Netflix is because of its staying power in the industry and its original content. In terms of live TV streaming services, we named YouTube TV as our tested top pick.
What streaming service has the most content?
Amazon Prime Video has the most options, as there is an option to rent movies or shows that aren’t included in the subscription.
What is the best streaming device?
Lots of publications have Roku devices as their top pick. Rightfully so, as it has a simple user interface and aesthetically pleasing backgrounds — and, of course, the iconic Roku City. However, Amazon Fire Sticks and Google Chrome Casts are also good alternatives.
What is the cheapest streaming service?
Peacock is widely regarded for its high quality for a lower price. It has a great variety of content at only $8 a month (with ads).
How often are these plans offered?
It seems that most streaming services offer discounts on their platforms during the holidays. This could be for gifting purposes, to catch a specific game on Thanksgiving, or even to start fresh on a new platform for the new year.
What plans are usually offered?
Most services offer monthly subscriptions, and discounts happen every month. Otherwise, there are savings in yearly subscriptions, where you could save a bigger sum of money by buying in bulk. It’s like the Costco option of entertainment.
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday takes place on Friday, Nov. 29, or the day after US Thanksgiving.
When is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday takes place on Monday, Dec. 2, or the Monday after Black Friday and US Thanksgiving.
Are streaming deals really better on Black Friday?
Yes and no. Certain deals, like the Hulu bundle, usually stay live year-round. However, as Black Friday and Cyber Monday get closer, companies are more likely to drop the prices of these services and devices. Amazon and other retailers have consistent sales on streaming devices, but they drop the price more for sales events. Keep a watchful eye as the dates get closer.
What’s the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
The only technical difference between the two is that Black Friday takes place at in-person stores. Think old-fashioned Black Friday sales at the mall, when people used to be more serious about sales. Now, there is an online solution with Cyber Monday, where sales move to online as well as in-store locations. Many stores still honor the Black Friday tradition, but many retailers have moved their focus to online sales. It all depends on the retailer.
How did we choose these Black Friday deals?
At ZDNET, we only believe in recommending products and services that we would also purchase. I am someone who always uses a streaming device and services, so I know how pricey the experience can be. That is why it is essential that we recommend things that are a good enough quality to leave you with a satisfactory experience.
We here at ZDNET also test lots of the devices we recommend. And if we haven’t, we are committed to thoroughly researching the products to ensure their quality. At the end of the day, we want what’s best for the reader.
Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?
Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more offer the best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sales will be in-store and in-person, but there will also be lots more online.
What are the best Black Friday 2024 deals?
ZDNET’s experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category:
