With streaming prices continuing to climb, a subscription advertised for a few dollars a month can look like an easy way to cut your entertainment bill. But buying access through a third-party reseller could leave you with more than you bargained for.
These sites work as middlemen, selling access to subscriptions outside the streaming services’ official checkout systems. Some offers involve shared accounts, meaning customers may not have the same control over their access as they would with a subscription purchased directly from Netflix or Spotify. If an account stops working, the buyer may have to rely on the reseller for help or a refund.
A new SurfShark study compared prices for 10 popular video, music, and online-learning services. Researchers found that subscriptions listed on reseller sites cost an average of $4.60 per month, compared with $13.13 for official plans.
That is a 65% discount, or an average savings of $8.53 per month. However, Surfshark warns that the low prices can come with privacy risks, long commitments, and less control over your account.
The Catch Behind Cheaper Streaming Subscriptions
Surfshark examined listings from two reseller websites, Cheapzy and Cheapsubs. The services included Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, YouTube Premium, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Duolingo and Coursera.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the research:
- Some subscriptions require a year upfront. Eight of the 10 services had a minimum available commitment of 12 months through resellers. The other two required at least six months. If access disappears before the term ends, customers may have to depend on the reseller to restore it or issue a refund.
- Your personal information could be exposed to another company. One reseller’s checkout requested a full name, physical address, ZIP code and email address. Another asked for a name, country and WhatsApp number. Surfshark warns that handing over personal and payment information to unfamiliar intermediaries can increase exposure to data breaches, spam and phishing.
- Prices vary dramatically between sellers. Disney+ was listed at $3.08 per month on one site and $9.16 on the other. Netflix prices ranged from $3.33 to $5.41 per month, while HBO Max listings ranged from $2.50 to $7.50. Those differences can eat into the savings before accounting for the other risks.
- Not every service offers the same level of savings. Coursera had the biggest price reduction at 86%, followed by Apple Music at 71% and Spotify at 67%. Netflix was 51% cheaper through resellers, while HBO Max was 45% cheaper.
Surfshark also warns that some reseller offers may violate streaming services’ terms or rely on fraudulent accounts. HBO Max, for example, restricts the sale and unauthorized sharing of account details through marketplaces and subscription-sharing websites.
That comes as more streaming companies are tightening their rules. Earlier this year, HBO Max expanded its password-sharing crackdown, making unofficial access a less dependable way to keep watching.
Streaming Is Getting More Expensive, but There Are Safer Ways to Save
For many users, the resell market is tempting as streaming services continue to raise their prices. Notably, Disney+ and Hulu increased their rates again in September, and Discovery+ followed suit last month.
However, the trend may be pushing subscribers to rethink their spending habits. According to a March survey by Cord Cutters News, 53.3% of respondents said they paid for three or fewer streaming services. With more free, ad-supported television options, another study found that 70% of viewers use FAST and AVOD services.
Still, a lower monthly price does not automatically make a reseller a good deal. Surfshark’s research compared publicly listed prices, plan terms and checkout requirements on two websites. It did not establish that every reseller is fraudulent or that the sites examined had misused customers’ data.
For consumers considering an unfamiliar seller, the Federal Trade Commission recommends researching the business, reviewing its refund policy and checking how it handles personal information. The agency also warns that an encrypted website is not necessarily a legitimate one.
For cord cutters looking to lower their bills, official annual plans, legitimate bundles and rotating subscriptions are safer places to start. You can also cancel services between seasons instead of paying for a full year of access through a third party.
A lower price doesn’t necessarily mean a better value, especially when access, customer support, and personal data security are uncertain.
Explore these resources for concrete ways to slash your monthly bill without giving up your favorite content:
