The world has given us plenty of stress over recent years, with the global pandemic causing unrest and now the cost of living rising to new heights, and that’s before you add in the daily struggles like plugging away with work to pay the bills. When you bundle everything together, it’s no surprise that people need a little joy at home, so let’s take a look at how to save money on a home entertainment system.
Choose Your TV Subscriptions Wisely
For many years, cable was the best choice for watching TV, especially if you were only interested in the basic bundle of “free” channels. However, the emergence of streaming services means that users now have a choice over what they watch and when they watch it, without the need to sit through broadcast schedules. You can now pay as little as $6.99 per month to get access to a large library of shows and movies. If you have a good fiber connection, you can be streaming TV in no time.
Use Complementary Technology
Technology has come a long way over the last decade, with the transition to HD, 1080p, and 4K displays. However, to achieve a certain display style, all of your technology needs to speak the same language. For example, if you have a smart TV that supports a maximum output of 1080p, there’s no point investing in a 4K Blu-ray player; you’ll still only get 1080p, but you’ve wasted a lot of money.
Buy Used Games
The gaming industry is enormous because it’s so diverse – there’s literally a game to suit every single person’s taste. However, advances in technology mean that initial release prices for a AAA game come in at around $70 for the basic edition. However, if you’re willing to hold off for a little while, you can get your hands on cheaper “used” disc editions or hold off until a digital code hits a lower price.
Explore Video Game Subscriptions
If you’re not fussed about owning the games you place, but you want to experience some of the best titles from both new and old console libraries, you’re in luck. There are countless video game subscriptions that are fairly inexpensive and let you access games – our top picks include:
- PlayStation Plus
- Xbox Game Pass
- Humble Bundle
- EA Play
- Nintendo Switch Online
Wait to Rent Movies
Theater ticket prices have gone up considerably over the last few years, with AMC charging adults (13+) between $14 and $18. Therefore, if you’re taking the entire family, the bill soon adds up and you could pay well over $100 for a single trip. Fortunately, blockbusters don’t take long to hit digital rentals these days, which means you can avoid the theatre costs altogether. Additionally, if you’re willing to hold off just a couple of weeks more, digital rental prices tend to fall considerably.
By following these tips and saving money on your home entertainment system, you’ll find extra room to pay for the rising cost of living and you’ll have a suitable way to escape the stresses of the world for a few hours.
