7 tech freebies you can get right now – if you hurry
Tech companies are fighting for your loyalty, and they’re using a tried-and-true tactic to lure in new customers: free stuff.
Yes, there’s almost always a catch — but for these freebies, the reward is worth it if you qualify. Tap or click here for our readers’ most-searched freebies: Alternatives to expensive software like Microsoft Office, Photoshop and InDesign.
We’ll show you how to get your hands on the hottest streaming services, smart speakers and even smart home tech for free. But you have to hurry; these deals won’t last long.
Stream it on the house
Streaming services are very popular, and binge-watching your favorite shows is a great way to spend a weekend. That’s why more and more companies are coming out with their own streaming services.
To help decide which services are best for you, we’ve put together a helpful guide. Tap or click here to read our article comparing Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and more.
The streaming service market is very competitive, and this is great news for consumers. Instead of just paying for services straight up, you can get some for free when you buy other services or gadgets. Let’s go over some ways you can stream for free.
1. Apple TV+
Apple fans are truly committed to the brand and usually have numerous gadgets and services within its ecosystem. This is why it’s important for Apple to draw in as many new customers as possible. Once you’re in, you’re most likely going to stay.
If you haven’t heard, the tech giant recently launched its own streaming service called Apple TV+. Tap or click here to learn all about it.
Now, as a way to bring in even more customers, Apple is offering Apple TV+ free for an entire year. To take advantage of this sweet deal, you just have to purchase a new iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or Apple TV. If you have a Student Plan for Apple Music, you can also access Apple TV plus free of charge.
The streaming service would normally run you $4.99/month. That’s a savings of nearly $60 over a full year. Not a bad deal if you were planning on upgrading your devices soon anyway.
Related: Guide to cutting the cord — 5 things you need to do.
2. Disney+
When Disney announced its new service, Disney+, it sent shockwaves through the streaming world. That’s because Disney+ will debut with a stacked library of films from Disney, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars and Pixar — an exciting base of programming, for sure. If you want to know all the details about the streaming service, tap or click here.
Disney+ will cost $6.99 per month or $69.99 for an entire year; however, there is a way to watch for free.
Verizon will offer its customers a year of Disney+ at no cost starting Nov. 12. New and existing Verizon wireless unlimited customers, as well as new Fios home internet and 5G home internet customers, will all get the free service.
Verizon customers who already pre-ordered Disney+ directly through Disney will not be left out in the cold. The company has worked out a deal in which its customers’ pre-orders will be paused until their free year through Verizon ends.
3. HBO Max
HBO already has a couple of ways to stream its content. HBO Go is a streaming service that comes with an HBO subscription through your cable or satellite provider. HBO Now is for people without cable or satellite. Just pay $14.99 per month and you can stream all of HBO’s content with HBO Now.
A few months ago, WarnerMedia announced it’ll be launching yet another streaming service called HBO Max in the spring of 2020. Prices for the new service have yet to be announced, but it’ll likely be in the $15/month range.
In a nice surprise announcement, the company said AT&T customers who already subscribe to HBO will have free access to HBO Max. According to HBOMax.com, there are potentially three ways to get HBO Max free:
- If you are an HBO NOW subscriber billed directly through HBO.
- If you are a subscriber to AT&T TV or U-Verse TV.
- Select AT&T wireless plans may also include HBO Max at no extra cost.
This is a great way to enjoy HBO’s newest service without having to shell out more money than you’re already paying. Not too shabby.
4. Netflix
This offer has been around for a while. A couple of years ago, T-Mobile started a program called “Netflix On Us” that offers free standard Netflix subscriptions to T-Mobile One unlimited data plan subscribers who have two or more voice lines.
Here is how the program works with these eligible plans:
- Magenta plan
- T-Mobile covers up to $8.99 towards Netflix Basic subscriptions priced at $8.99.
- You can watch on one screen at a time in standard definition and download videos on phones or tablets.
- Magenta Plus & T-Mobile ONE w/ONE Plus plans
- T-Mobile covers up to $12.99 towards Netflix Standard subscriptions priced at $12.99.
- You can watch on two screens simultaneously in high definition and download videos to two devices.
- T-Mobile ONE plans
- T-Mobile covers up to $10.99 towards Netflix Standard subscriptions priced at $12.99, which means you pay just $2.
- You can watch on two screens simultaneously in high definition and download videos to two devices.
To take advantage of this deal, log into your My T-Mobile account and select Manage add-ons under the I want to box. Follow the instructions on the page and select which Netflix subscription you want.
5. Hulu
Sprint now offers Hulu free to new and current Sprint Unlimited customers. The plan comes with Hulu’s ad-supported plan, which normally costs $5.99 per month. You’ll get unlimited access to the Hulu streaming library with limited or no ads. Enjoy full seasons of exclusive series, hit movies, Hulu originals, kids shows and more.
To get this offer, log into your Sprint account online and go to sprint.com/hulu. Follow the instructions on the page and you’ll be streaming in no time.
Any of the deals we’ve mentioned here would be a great way for beginners to join the world of streaming. Give it a shot, you might be surprised at how easy and fun it is.
Get smart
Free streaming services aren’t the only ways to save money. You can also get some free smart technology with your favorite music service subscription.
6. Google Home Mini
While smart speakers can be invasive at times, they also serve as a convenient way to listen to music, control smart appliances, get weather and traffic updates, and even order items with your voice.
Now, if you subscribe to a premium Spotify plan you can receive a Google Home Mini for free. But you have to act fast — the offer ends Nov. 15, 2019.
Here’s how you claim your Google Home Mini:
- Go to the Spotify website.
- Click on the type of paid Spotify account you have.
- Log in.
- Agree to a few standard terms of service.
- Spotify will send you an email with a link for your free Google Home Mini.
- After clicking the link, the Google Store will open with your Google Home Mini price reduced to zero.
- Choose your color.
Remember, the giveaway ends Nov. 15, or while supplies last. Good luck!
Related: Best Google Home tricks and Easter eggs to try
7. Echo Dot
Of course, you’ve heard about Amazon’s Alexa and all the great things she can help with. If not, here are 25 useful Alexa skills you’ll use time and again.
How would you like to get an Alexa-enabled device for your home for free? Now you can. Here’s how to qualify for a free Echo Dot:
- Switch from another wireless carrier to Verizon.
- Buy a new smartphone or trade up.
- Be on a Verizon Unlimited Plan.
If you meet any of the above criteria, Verizon will throw in a free Amazon Smart Plug as well. To redeem your free products:
- Wait about two weeks after you port in from a different carrier or buy or trade up for an email.
- If you have the Verizon Unlimited Plan, just wait to be contacted via email.
- In the email you receive, click Redeem Now and you’ll be redirected to Amazon.com.
- Choose the color of your Echo Dot and click Add to Cart.
- The Dot and Smart Plug will be added to your cart, so all you have to do is check out and the discount will automatically be applied.
- Complete the checkout to receive your items.
If you have further questions about the process or eligibility, visit Verizon’s site for more details.
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