[2026 Latest] 3 Video and Audio Streaming Services I Actually Use as an Unemployed Person
*Includes PR
I realized something after becoming unemployed.
I have an insane amount of free time.
But I have no money.
I re-evaluated all the subscriptions I had when I was working after I became unemployed.
Surprisingly, there were a lot of things I didn't know or was losing money on.
I hope this serves as a reference for others who are in the same boat, thinking, 'I have free time, but what should I watch?'
*This article will be updated periodically. I'll add more recommendations as I find them.
1. ABEMA
Monthly fee: 960 yen (Premium)
Free trial: 14 days
ABEMA's strength is that you can watch quite a lot even for free.
Upgrading to Premium fully unlocks past works, anime, and sports.
I especially like their comedy and anime lineup.
Also, being able to watch combat sports and F1, which aren't on terrestrial TV, is a huge plus.
Many people think, 'Free is enough,' but
the moment you switch to Premium, the ability to watch smoothly without ads is just too comfortable.
Recommended for these people
Anime and comedy fans
People who like combat sports and F1 that aren't on terrestrial TV
People who want to try it for free first
Not recommended for these people
People who mainly want to watch movies (the lineup is limited)
People who are concerned about the short free trial period (14 days is shorter than others)
*Fees and service details are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
👉 Click here for a 14-day free trial of ABEMA
2. Audible (Amazon Audiobook)
Monthly fee: 1,500 yen
Free period: 30 days
It's not video, it's "listening".
This is what I got most hooked on after becoming unemployed.
You can listen to books while sleeping, lounging around, or taking a walk.
For those who think "I should read more" but never actually do,
switching to Audible can suddenly turn you into a reader.
They have everything from business books and novels to radio dramas and rakugo.
You get the illusion that your unemployed time has suddenly become meaningful.
Recommended for these people
People who want to read books but can't find the motivation
People who want to "learn while doing" chores, walking, or before bed
People who want to enjoy content with their ears rather than video
Not recommended for these people
People who prefer reading text over audio
People who feel 1,500 yen a month is a bit expensive
*Fees and service details are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
👉 Click here for a 30-day free trial of Audible
3. WOWOW On Demand
Monthly fee: 2,530 yen
First month: Free during the month of subscription
I'll be honest. It's expensive for an unemployed person.
But for a movie lover, it was the best.
Latest hit works, foreign dramas, boxing, tennis, and soccer,
it has a solid lineup of 'exclusive rights' content that you won't find on other subscriptions.
I've hopped between Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ before, but
in the end, WOWOW had the most 'stuff you can only watch here'.
The month you join is free, so a good strategy is to
subscribe only for the month when the series you want to watch is being streamed.
That's the wisdom of the unemployed.
Recommended for people like this
People who want to seriously watch the latest movies and foreign dramas
Fans of specific sports like boxing, tennis, and soccer
People who want to use services selectively for 'exclusive rights' content
Not suitable for people like this
People concerned about the 2,530 yen monthly fee (honestly, it's expensive for an unemployed person)
People focused on anime and comedy (ABEMA is a better fit)
People who just want to start casually
*Fees and service details are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
👉 Click here for WOWOW On Demand
Summary
You don't need to join everything.
To enjoy comedy, anime, and sports:
→ ABEMA (14 days free, 960 yen/month)
To enjoy with your ears or while doing other things:
→ Audible (30 days free, 1,500 yen/month)
To seriously watch movies, foreign dramas, and exclusive rights content:
→ WOWOW On Demand (Joining month free, 2,530 yen/month)
All of them have free trial periods, so it's smartest to try them before deciding.
The only way you lose out is by not using them.
There is only one thing I, an unemployed person, can say.
Since I have nothing but time, it's a waste not to use them.
*This article will be updated periodically. I will add new recommended services as they become available.
*Pricing and service details are current as of May 2026. Please check the official websites for the latest information as they are subject to change.
*This article contains affiliate links [PR]