Videos
Today, I just discovered that this bundle deal exists. I have been happy with my Netflix Premium so far. I find that, as a single user, and given my TV Show/movie tastes, Netflix provides me with more than enough content to occupy my limited video streaming time. The Ad free and high video/audio quality content has been nice as well. That being said, I am enticed by the idea of having access to a seemingly larger and more diverse video streaming media library. I definitely wouldn't need or make use of having both Netflix and the bundle active at one time, and would rather save the money instead.
My top requirements for video streaming media are:
4k or better video quality supported (for the content that they offer in said resolutions)
5.1 surround sound or better audio quality supported (for the content that they offer in said quality)
Ability to stream on my home TV, laptop, and mobile devices from various geographical locations (no simultaneous streaming or other user access required though)
If ads are more than one or two every 10 minutes or so (like Netflix ad plans currently are), then I'd need ad free.
I currently pay $16.00 per month for Netflix Premium, subsidized through T-Mobile. I see that this bundle offers two options: $16.99/month with ads or 29.99/month without ads. What is super unclear is the video and audio quality included with these bundle plans. Here is what I could find:
HBO claims the plan (when purchased through them) offers "Full HD Resolution", which can mean as low as 1080p
HBO states that 4k/Dolby Vision are only available on their Ultimate Ad-free plan
HBO doesn't even seem to indicate 5.1 surround sound availability, only that Dolby Atmos is only available on their Ultimate Add-Free plan.
Hulu seems to indicate that all of their plans offer high def streaming, though it is vague and unclear
Hulu seems to indicate that all of their plans offer 5.1 surround sound, but that is vague and unclear
Disney also seems to indicate that all of their plans offer high def streaming and 5.1 surround sound, though it is even more vague and unclear with them whether that transfers to the bundle package
Can anyone provide solid data points for the video and audio quality options included with these plans?
Given how I have painted the picture of my video streaming media consumption and needs, what would seem the best choice to go with here?
--2024-2025 Streaming Deals--
$1.08/mo Peacock Premium W/Ads (Thru 11/25/25) ($19.99/yr BF Special - $7 Capital One Offers Stmt Credit)
($1.68)/mo (Money Maker) Max W/Ads (Thru 5/25/25) ($2.99/mo For 6 Months BF Special - $28 Capital One Offers Stmt Credit)
$2.91 Hulu W/Ads & Disney+ W/Ads (Thru 12/1/25) ($2.99/mo BF Special - $1 Capital One Offers Stmt Credit)
$0.99 STARZ (Hulu Add-On) (Thru 12/2/25)
Added to my existing subscriptions:
$6.99 Netflix Standard W/Ads
$16 Philo (Grandfathered Plan)
$0.00 Prime Video W/Ads ($0 Because Included W/Amazon Prime)
$2.33 Paramount+ W/Showtime NO ADS (Thru 3/15/25) ($34.99/yr+3 Mo Ext Via SportsLine)
$28.62/mo Total
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I also take full advantage of free streaming services, so I never have a shortage of things to watch:
--FREE SERVICES (Not Exhaustive)--
Angel Studios
Chick-Fil-A Play
Comet (comettv.com/watch-live)
DistroTV
ElectricNOW
Fandango (fka Vudu) (Some Free)
Fawesome
Filmrise
ForLifeTV
Freebie TV
Freevee (fka IMDB)
Google TV Freeplay (Google TV Devices)
Hoopla [Need Library Card]
Kanopy [Need Library Card]
KlowdTV
LG Channels (LG TVs)
LocalNow
MyFree DirecTV
NASA TV
PBS [Need Participating Affiliate]
Philo Free (Unltd 30-Day DVR Most Content)
Plex
Pluto
RedeemTV
Samsung TV Plus (Samsung & TCL TVs)
Sling Freestream (10-Hour DVR)
Stirr
TCL TV+ (Roku TV & Roku Devices)
The CW
The Roku Channel
TiVo+ (TiVo Devices)
Tubi
TV Garden (tv.garden)
Xumo
YouTube>Movies & TV>Free W/Ads
That'll keep me busy with things to watch for a while. And yes, I know some people can't stand ads, but I and my family don't mind them too much.