When I canceled my subscriptions to big streaming services, I braced for boredom. Instead, I ended up with a more streamlined setup and found myself actually enjoying what I watched. Letting go of the streaming giants made me realize what platforms and services I truly value.

Why I Opted Out of Netflix, Prime Video, & Disney+

Subscription-based streaming services were one of the best developments to make entertainment more affordable and convenient. Before Netflix, we had to pay for every single movie or TV show we wanted to watch. Renting DVDs, buying box sets, and signing up for expensive cable TV packages were the norm. Cable was never cheap, and it became even more expensive if you wanted more channels or premium content. On top of that, you paid extra for equipment and initial installation.

However, as more streaming services launched and competition heated up, everything started to change. What began as a simple, affordable way to watch whatever you wanted soon turned into a crowded marketplace, with each platform carving out its own exclusive shows and movies. Instead of paying for one service to cover most of my streaming needs, I found myself having to subscribe to multiple platforms just to get the shows I want to see.

The costs added up fast. Each service kept raising its prices, and suddenly my monthly entertainment bill was creeping up toward what my family used to pay for premium cable. On top of that, the convenience that made streaming so appealing started to disappear. Every platform wanted its own exclusive content, so shows would vanish from one service and pop up on another. If I wanted to follow a favorite series or watch a new movie, I had to either sign up for yet another platform, juggle subscriptions, or go without. The promise of “everything in one place” was gone, replaced by a patchwork of apps, logins, and monthly charges.

Streaming was supposed to save us from the headaches of cable TV, but it ended up creating a new kind of hassle. Now, instead of flipping through channels, I was flipping through apps, searching for where my favorite shows had landed this month. And just like cable, streaming started to feel less like a bargain and more like a burden on my budget and my time.

How My Streaming Life Has Changed

To my surprise, cutting the cord from major movie-streaming services didn’t leave me in an entertainment wasteland. Instead, it led me to healthier viewing habits and helped me discover which subscriptions truly mattered.

YouTube has become my main source of streaming entertainment, and it fits my lifestyle in a way that traditional streaming services never did. With YouTube, I never feel pressured to watch just to get my money’s worth. I can watch a quick video while eating lunch or unwind with something interesting before bed, without having to commit to a full-length movie or a string of TV episodes. Unlike most shows that end with cliffhangers and tempt you to keep watching, YouTube videos usually wrap up their topic by the end, so it’s much easier to stop when I want. I feel more in control of my viewing, and I’m no longer stuck in that cycle of binge-watching just to justify a subscription.

For live content, I turn to Twitch. During big esports events like the CS2 Major, Valorant Champions, and League of Legends Worlds, I watch all the action on a free account. I don’t mind the ads during these streams, since I’m already used to seeing commercials during regular sports on cable TV. Plus, the live chat during ad breaks actually makes things more fun, with everyone hyping up their favorite teams and sharing reactions. For me, the ad breaks are just part of the experience, and it’s the only time I get to read and interact with the community in live chat.

Aside from YouTube Premium, I also keep my Crunchyroll subscription. Even though I do not watch much anime these days, the Mega Fan plan only costs me about $2 a month here in SEA, so it still feels worth it for the few episodes I do watch. If you are thinking about getting this lower price through a VPN, I’d have to suggest against it—many streaming services are cracking down on VPN use for subscriptions. You could lose your subscription or even your account at any time. Instead, I suggest subscribing to Crunchyroll through a bundle with Hulu or with PlayStation Plus through Sony Pictures Core.

In addition to all this, I’ve also set up my own Plex media server, using movies collected by friends and family, to create a personal library filled with content I genuinely care about. I enjoyed learning how to host my own Plex server, which let me put old laptops and devices to practical use while building up my tech skills.

Of course, buying or renting a movie is always an option. If I really want to watch something that’s not in my library, I could easily buy or rent it online. Yes, I’m still spending money on content, but at least I know it’s something that I really want to watch. Additionally, I rarely watch movies anymore, so the amount I pay for renting is significantly lower than the cost of a monthly subscription.

The Ups and Downs of Streaming Without The Big Three

Living without Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ has shown me both unexpected benefits and genuine limitations. The most obvious advantage is the significant reduction in my monthly subscription costs. I used to pay for YouTube Red, Spotify Premium, Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime. Today, I only keep YouTube Premium and Crunchyroll for both music and video content. With my grandfathered YouTube Premium account, Crunchyroll, and a mix of free streaming platforms, I pay less than $15 a month.

While the lower monthly subscription cost is great, mental clarity has been equally valuable. My viewing choices have become more intentional, leading to higher satisfaction with the content I consume. I also feel like I could concentrate better and have more time spent on productive tasks and hobbies.

However, the social aspect of streaming culture does make me feel like I’m missing out. When my friends and colleagues discuss the latest Netflix series or Disney+ releases, I often find myself outside these conversations. The shared cultural experiences that major streaming platforms create are harder to access when you’re not part of those ecosystems.

In terms of content discovery, it has certainly become challenging but more rewarding. While Netflix’s algorithm serves up endless suggestions (of varying quality), finding new content now requires more active research. Yet the extra effort has led me to discover creators and content that would never surface on mainstream recommendation engines. These independent documentarians, international films available on free platforms, and niche content creators have helped me appreciate films and documentaries as an art form, rather than just a general pastime.

The convenience has also gone down. While my Plex server provides excellent quality and complete ownership of content, it requires technical maintenance that streaming services handle automatically. Although there are free streaming platforms like Tubi and Pluto TV that handle impressive libraries, you will have to deal with ads or streaming limits that can be pretty inconvenient.

Overall, I don’t think cutting off Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ altogether is the right move for everyone, especially for families. However, I do believe that assessing the services you actually use is important. Many of us continue to pay for subscriptions out of habit, rather than because we truly enjoy or need them. Taking a closer look at what you watch and what you pay for can help you find a setup that fits your lifestyle better and saves you money in the long run.

What Needs to Change For Me to Start Subscribing Again

For major streaming services to win me back, they need to reconsider their value proposition. Price transparency and stability would be a great improvement. Instead of unpredictable increases, streaming services could offer long-term pricing commitments or more flexible pricing models.

Content stability matters to me, too. It drives me crazy when I sit down to watch something I love, only to find it’s vanished because of some licensing deal. I want streaming services to guarantee that certain shows and movies will stick around, and clearly label what’s staying put. That way, I know what I’m paying for and don’t have to worry about losing favorites overnight.

Finally, I want a smoother, less cluttered experience. I’m tired of endless scrolling and algorithm-driven menus that never seem to get me. Give me better filters, genre-specific browsing, or just a button that picks something good for me. And if they’re going to bundle content, actually make a plan that gives me more of the shows that I want while also saving a bit of money.

Until the major platforms start focusing on what viewers actually want instead of just finding new ways to raise prices, I have no reason to go back. Right now, my current setup gives me more control, saves me money, and feels less stressful overall. Unless streaming services make real changes, I am happy sticking with what works for me.