Are You Really Getting Your Money’s Worth? Consumer Reviews of the Best and Worst Streaming Services

The best streaming services offer you more than just entertainment. They provide relaxation, convenience, and an opportunity for quality shared experiences with loved ones. On the other hand, the worst streaming services are glitchy, overcharge you, have poor customer service, or are difficult to cancel.

This article will help you determine whether your streaming service is worth it. We’ll look at streaming service reviews that reveal common warning signs and share practical tips to help you manage subscriptions, avoid unnecessary costs, and choose the best platforms.

What Are Signs That a Streaming Service is Not Worth It?

According to the top complaints about streaming services, here are the most common signs that a streaming service may not be worth the money:

Poor customer service

According to the worst and best streaming services survey, even the best streaming services occasionally have problems that they are unable to resolve. But it becomes frustrating when customers can’t reach support for prompt assistance.

Many customers report going through endless loops with unhelpful chatbots and unresolved tickets. Others manage to get through to a real person, only for the representative to be rude, dismissive, or unhelpful.

Frequent technical issues

For example, if the app crashes or shows buffers constantly, viewing can be frustrating, as one Paramount customer shared in a review #5403349:

“Shows freeze, sound doesnt sync with video, buffering goes on a long time and there is no smooth transition from one episode to another…”

Unauthorized charges or hidden fees

Unexpected charges are another recurring complaint. Many consumers discover overbilling, hidden fees, or charges that continue after they cancel.

Price hikes without added value

While price increases are normal, they should come with added benefits such as a bigger library, improved quality, or new features. If prices rise without delivering more, you may be overpaying.

Difficulty cancelling

It should be easy to cancel your subscription service at any point. Unfortunately, some streaming services make it unnecessarily complicated.

In some cases, customers have a hard time figuring out the cancellation process as it is not clearly indicated on the website. Other times, they endure long wait times and endless back-and-forth interactions with customer representatives. Even when they finally get their service cancelled, they may continue to be charged.

This was the case with one user who posted on Reddit that Peacock continued to bill them even after they cancelled their membership. Furthermore, the company was adamant to fully refund them for the overbilled amount:

“Cancelled In July. Of Course They Continued Billing Me… They said they could only refund three of the four months they overbilled me even though I had full proof of my cancellation.”

How to Manage Your Streaming Subscription and Avoid Extra Costs

Here are practical and actionable tips to help you stay in control of your streaming subscription and avoid unexpected charges:

1. Track all your subscriptions. Keep a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to log how much you pay and when.
2. Review your subscriptions periodically. Every few months, assess whether you still need or are enjoying each streaming service. You may find that some have gotten redundant, or your customer experience is not satisfactory.
3. Pause or cancel unused or unsatisfactory services. If you don’t use a platform often, pause it if possible or cancel altogether.
4. Set reminders for free trials. To avoid surprise charges, cancel at least a few days before the trial period lapses.
5. Know the cancellation policies before subscribing. If instructions or terms and conditions are unclear, contact customer support for clarification.

What To Do If You Can’t Cancel?

If, despite your best effort, you are unable to cancel your subscription or you continue to be charged, here are your best options:

• Contact your bank or credit card company to block future charges.
• Dispute unauthorized charges directly with your bank or card provider.
• Replace your credit or debit card if billing continues.
• Report the incident to consumer advocacy sites such as PissedConsumer.com.
• File a formal complaint with your state attorney general’s office or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

How to Choose a Streaming Service That is Worth It

Quite often, price is the main factor in choosing a streaming service. However, this approach can turn your cozy evenings in front of the TV into endless attempts to fix glitches or get help. To identify the best and worst streaming services, start by reading customer reviews for various prospective platforms. Don’t just look at the rating, pay attention to recurring complaints regarding poor customer service, hidden fees, and technical issues.