4 reasons I gave up on Apple TV+ (and what I’d rather spend that $10 on instead)

If you’re like me, you’re probably already juggling several streaming servicesfrom Netflix To Hulu, Maxand everything in between. So where does it come from? Apple TV+ fit into the mix? At $9.99 per month, it’s one of the more affordable streaming options, but is it worth keeping year-round? Spoiler: Not for me.

Here’s what I learned after using it for the past few years but then finally quitting it last month.

1 Apple TV+ has limited selection

This is not a one-stop shop for streaming.

Let’s get this out of the way: Apple TV+ is not a one-stop streaming store. Its library is small compared to giants like Netflix or Max. The platform shines with the Apple Original show, but what else? Subtle fees.

I’ve used it to stream shows like For All Mankind, Ted Lasso, and Foundation – all of which are excellent, by the way. Apple also releases good movies from time to time (Coda, Finch), but most of its movie catalog requires paying a la carte. And honestly, if I want to rent or buy a movie, I’ll just use Amazon Prime Video since I already have a subscription.

2 I’d rather try other services

That $10 can be spent on many other options.

For general streaming, I turn to Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu long before I open Apple TV+.

When Apple TV+ was $7 a month, I could justify a subscription. But at $9.99, I began to question its value. For the same price (or less) I can try many other options. Hulu (with ads) is $9.99 per month for a huge library and even Netflix starts at $6.99 per month with advertising. Hell, I might try niche services like $5 shudder or AMC+ for $7. That’s the beauty of streaming: the freedom to try a service, cancel, and move on. I can test a new platform every month and not miss much from Apple TV+.

3 Apple TV+ is easy to return to

If I ever want it, it’s…

The simple truth is that I’ve learned that it makes more sense to unsubscribe and re-subscribe when I need it. Take, for example, the Foundation. When the next season comes out, I can wait for all the episodes to come out, pay $10 for a month, watch the show, and cancel again. There’s no need to keep the subscription active year-round since I rarely use it outside of major releases.

4 Free trials make this even less necessary

Apple is generous with free trials

You can get a long free trial when you purchase a new Apple device. As someone who writes about technology for a living, I typically upgrade my iPhone annually, and with it a few free months of Apple TV+. Naturally, I’ll use the trial version to catch up. When will the free period end? Cancel button, here I come.

Apple TV+ has its moments, thanks in large part to Apple Originals. But its limited selection and premium price make it hard to justify as a year-round subscription, especially given the plethora of other streaming options available. If you love Ted Lasso or For All Mankind, it might be worth diving into Apple TV+ for a month or two when the new season drops. Otherwise, I’d recommend keeping it in your back pocket in case of a free trial or review – and using that $10 to try something new in the meantime.