Monthly Cost Guide: How Much You’ll Actually Pay Each Month
Everyone wants to know exactly what they’ll spend every month. Whether it’s a streaming service, a home alarm, or a baby monitor, the bill can add up fast. In this guide we break down the most common monthly costs you’ll see in 2025 and give you simple tricks to keep the price down.
Streaming and Entertainment: Roku, Netflix and More
Roku itself is free, but most people pay for the channels they watch. The basic Roku Channel is free, while premium apps like Disney+ or HBO cost between £5‑£12 a month. If you bundle a few, expect around £15‑£20 total. Look for yearly deals – they often cut 10‑15% off the monthly rate.
Home Security Services: ADT, Smart Doorbells and Motion Sensors
ADT charges a monthly monitoring fee that ranges from £20‑£30, plus the cost of any add‑on cameras or sensors. Smart doorbells such as Ring or video doorbells usually need a subscription for cloud storage – about £3‑£5 per month. Motion sensors (PIR or dual‑tech) often come with a small service fee of £1‑£2 if they’re part of a larger security package.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can skip the cloud plan and store video locally on a micro‑SD card. That cuts the subscription to zero but means you’ll need to check the footage yourself.
Baby Monitors and Family Gadgets
Modern baby monitors that connect to your phone usually have a monthly app fee, roughly £2‑£4. Some premium models bundle video and sound with night‑vision and environmental sensors, pushing the cost to £6‑£8 per month. Again, look for a one‑time purchase option – many brands let you buy the hardware and skip the subscription entirely.
For families with multiple devices, a shared family plan can lower the per‑device cost. It’s worth asking the provider if they have a bundle for more than two monitors.
Tips to Reduce Your Monthly Bills
1. Audit your subscriptions every three months. Cancel anything you haven’t used in the last month.
2. Combine services. Some providers give discounts when you add a camera or a doorbell to an existing alarm plan.
3. Use free trials wisely. Sign up for a 30‑day free trial, test the service, and cancel before you’re charged if it’s not a fit.
4. Pay annually when you can. Most companies offer a 10‑20% discount for a one‑off yearly payment.
5. Look for local UK deals. Many UK security firms have regional promotions that aren’t advertised nationally.
By keeping an eye on these simple steps, you’ll avoid surprise charges and stay in control of your monthly spending.
Bottom line: know the exact price you’ll pay each month, compare alternatives, and use bundles or annual payments to shave off extra pounds. With a clear picture, you can enjoy your tech without breaking the bank.