Over 90% of U.S. households subscribe to a streaming service , but the once fixed costs are now incrementally rising — and will continue increasing next year. Ever since Netflix and Hulu kicked off the streaming wars in the mid-2010s, most major companies have thrown their hat in the ring, from Amazon launching Prime Video to HBO rebranding as Max — then pivoting back to HBO Max again .

Regardless, there are major problems with streaming that make consumers question whether the so-called cable replacement is still worth it. Free streaming services have popped up in an attempt to block a full-blown monopoly, but the original content produced by juggernauts like Apple TV persuaded customers to stay (and pay). Nevertheless, the unavoidable price gouging may be cause for reconsiderati

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