As the shopping frenzy of Black Friday approaches, many retailers have already begun rolling out significant discounts, including streaming services which often offer their lowest prices of the year in the run-up to Cyber Monday. HBO Max is leading the charge this year with a compelling Black Friday discount that slashes the monthly cost of its Basic subscription to just $2.99, a dramatic reduction from its typical price following a recent price hike where the ad-supported plan was set at $11.99 per month. This represents over a 70% discount, with the offer valid for a full 12 months, making it twice as long as last year’s promotion.
In a move to stay competitive, Hulu has matched HBO Max’s discount by offering its Premium Add-On at the same price point for existing subscribers. This allows Hulu users to expand their streaming library while keeping their billing management simplified. The Add-On not only grants access to beloved HBO originals such as “The Wire,” “The Sopranos,” and “Game of Thrones,” but also adds a vast array of content, including the complete DCEU film collection and popular animated features like the Studio Ghibli films.
These current trends suggest a shift towards more bundled streaming services, a strategy that could lead to easier management of subscriptions. For those already subscribed to Hulu, opting for the HBO Max Add-On appears to be a sound choice. However, for potential subscribers, alternative deals from providers like Disney+ may also be worth considering.
Additionally, Apple TV has entered the Black Friday fray with its ad-free subscription plan now available for $4.99 over a six-month period. Anime fans can find a significant discount on Crunchyroll, which has reduced the price of its Mega Fan subscription tier by $20.
With the Black Friday deals still rolling out, this is an opportune time for consumers to take advantage of the lowest streaming rates available, potentially allowing them to avoid full-price subscriptions in the future. As streaming services continue to evolve and offer enticing bundles, this Black Friday may prove to be an exceptional moment for viewers to expand their entertainment options without breaking the bank.