With US adults spending an average of $111 monthly on subscriptions—most commonly streaming—bundling multiple services has re-emerged as a potential cost-saving strategy. Experts say its value depends heavily on usage and choice.
- Average US subscription spend hits $111 per month, with 61% on streaming.
- Bundles combine services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, HBO Max, and Apple One.
- Experts advise using services in the bundle fully to truly save money.
What happened
Subscription spending in the US has reached an average of $111 per month, driven primarily by streaming services, which constitute 61% of subscriptions. Entertainment companies like Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have introduced bundled offerings to provide multiple streaming platforms in a single package at a lower combined cost.
Examples include the Disney bundle combining Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, as well as partnerships offering HBO Max bundled with Disney services. Tech companies like Apple have also adopted bundling through Apple One, which consolidates music, TV, gaming, and cloud storage services into one monthly plan.
Why it matters
Bundling appeals as a way to reduce total subscription expenses and manage billing under a single payment system. However, the benefit depends on whether customers actively use all services in the bundle. CNET’s survey reveals many consumers are paying for subscriptions they do not utilize, resulting in an average monthly waste of $21 per person.
Streaming experts advise that’s the critical factor to consider: bundles provide value only if subscribers genuinely engage with the content across all included services. Otherwise, bundling can inadvertently increase costs for users who subscribe but do not consume the full range of bundled offerings.
What to watch next
Consumers should evaluate their viewing habits and consider trial periods or short-term subscriptions to test bundled offerings before committing long-term. The evolving streaming landscape also means streaming companies and telecom providers continue to create varied bundles and discount structures, some linked to mobile or retail subscriptions.
Subscribing selectively to bundles aligned with personal content preferences while exploring deals beyond traditional platforms—such as those from mobile carriers or retail memberships—will remain essential strategies. Careful comparison shopping and usage monitoring will help subscribers determine if bundling delivers genuine value or unnecessary cost.