Streaming music can get expensive, but there are ways to pay less for Apple Music while still enjoying all your favorite songs. If you love Apple Music but want to reduce your monthly bill, consider these options to save money.
Choose the Right Subscription Plan
Apple Music offers different subscription plans. Picking the right one can make a big difference in how much you spend.
- Individual Plan: Costs $10.99 per month. Best for solo users.
- Family Plan: Costs $16.99 per month. Covers up to six people, making it cheaper per user.
- Student Plan: Costs $5.99 per month. Available for verified students, cutting costs nearly in half.
- Apple One Bundle: Combines Apple services like Music, TV+, and iCloud. Can be cost-effective if you already use multiple Apple services.
If you’re sharing an account with family members, the Family Plan is the best deal. If you’re in college, the Student Plan is a great way to save money. If you use other Apple services, bundling with Apple One might bring extra savings.
Take Advantage of Free Trials and Promo Deals
Apple offers free trials to new users. If you’ve never used Apple Music, you can typically get one month free.
Occasionally, Apple partners with other companies to offer longer free trials. Promotions like “Get six months of Apple Music free” have been available with purchases of AirPods or other Apple products.
To find current deals, check Apple’s website or promotions from companies like Verizon, Best Buy, or Target, which sometimes offer extended Apple Music trials.
Use Gift Cards and Discounts
Discounted Apple gift cards can help you save on Apple Music. Retailers like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Amazon sometimes sell Apple gift cards at a lower price.
Another trick is to use credit cards that offer cashback on streaming services. Some cards provide 3% or more back on Apple Music subscriptions.
Switch to an Annual Plan
Apple Music charges monthly, but there’s a way to pay yearly and save. If you’re on an individual plan, switching to a $109 per year payment instead of $10.99 per month saves you about $22 yearly.
To change to the annual plan:
- Go to your Apple ID settings.
- Select “Subscriptions.”
- Find Apple Music and switch to the yearly option.
It’s a simple way to save if you plan to use the service long-term.
Use Carrier Bundles
Some mobile carriers include Apple Music in their plans. If you have Verizon, T-Mobile, or other major carriers, check if your plan offers free or discounted Apple Music.
For example:
- Verizon Unlimited Plans: Some include Apple Music at no extra charge.
- T-Mobile: Offers Apple One as part of select plans.
These deals change frequently, so check with your carrier to see if you can reduce your streaming bill.
Share a Family Plan with Trusted People
Apple’s Family Plan allows up to six people to share one subscription, reducing the per-person cost significantly.
Here’s how the savings work:
- An individual plan costs $10.99 per person.
- A family plan costs $16.99 total for six people.
- If six join, each person pays about $2.83 monthly.
You don’t have to be related to share a Family Plan. You only need to be part of the same Apple Family Sharing group.
Look for Special Offers Through Apple and Partners
Apple sometimes includes Apple Music in limited-time offers. If you’re buying a new iPhone, Mac, or an Apple product, check if a free trial or extended subscription is included.
Music festivals, concerts, and retailers have also given out free months of Apple Music as part of promotions. Check major brands and Apple’s official announcements to take advantage of these offers.
Cancel When Not Using It
If you find yourself streaming less or using competing services, canceling Apple Music for a few months can save money. Since it’s a month-to-month subscription, you can stop and restart anytime.
Alternatives like YouTube Music or Spotify have free versions with ads. If you’re on a break from Apple Music, using a free service for a while can help cut costs.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to overpay for Apple Music. Small tweaks like switching to the right plan, using bundled deals, or taking advantage of promotions can significantly lower your streaming expenses.
How much do you currently pay for streaming music? Could one of these saving tips work for you?
