According to a 2026 CNET survey, US adults spend an average of $111 monthly on subscription services, totaling $1,332 annually, and waste around $252 each year on unused subscriptions that go unnoticed in their budgets.
- 61% of US adults subscribe to streaming or video platforms
- Average monthly subscription spend is $111, up from $90 in 2025
- Unused subscriptions cost Americans about $21 monthly
What happened
In 2026, CNET conducted its annual survey examining American subscription habits and spending. It found US adults spend an average of $111 per month on a variety of subscription services, which totals to $1,332 per year. Despite this, consumers waste about $21 monthly on unused subscriptions that they often forget to cancel, accumulating to $252 annually in unnecessary expenses.
The survey shows streaming and video services such as Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video are the most common subscriptions, with over 60% of Americans using them. Other popular subscriptions include membership retail platforms like Costco and music services such as Spotify and Apple Music. Less common subscriptions include AI services, home security apps, meal kit deliveries, and software.
Why it matters
Subscription costs continue rising across nearly all categories, putting increased pressure on consumer budgets. Millennials spend the most on subscriptions, averaging $125 monthly, while Generation X spends the least, averaging about $100. These growing expenses can quietly impact financial health, especially as unused subscriptions add up unnoticed.
For many, subscribing to multiple streaming platforms and other services to keep up with content preferences can result in paying costs comparable to, or higher than, traditional cable packages. This proliferation of subscriptions complicates consumer spending decisions and heightens the risk of waste, making it crucial to monitor and control subscription use.
What to watch next
Consumers are encouraged to adopt strategies such as rotating streaming subscriptions to only pay for services during key periods, using slimmer live TV packages, or leveraging discounts and bundle deals to reduce costs. Budget streaming services like Philo and Sling offer cheaper alternatives, and selective subscription management can curb unnecessary spending.
Looking ahead, the trend suggests subscription creep will persist as services expand offerings and prices rise. Monitoring how consumers respond—whether they increase adoption of cost-saving approaches or continue subscribing broadly—will shape subscription market dynamics in the US.