Streaming has made television more flexible than ever. Viewers can subscribe, cancel, and rotate services on their own schedule. Free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms have expanded dramatically, reducing the need for paid subscriptions in many households.
But flexibility comes with a trade-off: subscription creep.
Over time, it becomes easy to accumulate multiple streaming services -- some of which may go unused for weeks or even months.
The Hidden Cost of Subscription Creep
The most recent available consumer research indicates that unused subscriptions remain a measurable expense.
According to survey data released in 2025, the average U.S. adult spends roughly $90 per month on subscriptions overall. Of that total, approximately $10 to $17 per month goes toward services respondents say they rarely or never use.
Separate industry reporting estimates that households spend about $50 per month on streaming services alone, though totals vary by household.
While the unused subscription figures apply to all subscription categories -- not just streaming -- the comparison is instructive. If streaming represents a substantial share of recurring subscription costs, then a meaningful portion of entertainment spending may be tied up in services that are underused in a given month.
Depending on household mix and viewing habits, that could represent roughly 20% to 30% of streaming-related subscription spending.
The broader point is not that every household is overspending. Rather, recurring monthly charges are easy to overlook. Without periodic review, small amounts accumulate into meaningful annual expense.
Why Streaming Bills Grow Quietly
Several factors contribute to underused subscriptions:
- Free trials converting automatically
- App store billing that masks service names
- Annual plans that obscure monthly cost
- Add-on channels bundled within primary platforms
- New releases prompting short-term subscriptions that never get canceled
Because streaming services are individually inexpensive compared to traditional cable, they rarely trigger immediate concern. Collectively, however, they can rival or exceed past cable bills.
How to Conduct a Streaming Subscription Audit
A subscription audit does not require specialized tools and can typically be completed in under 30 minutes.
1. Review Bank and Credit Card Statements
Examine the last two to three months of statements for recurring charges. Some services bill under parent company names rather than brand names.
2. Check App Store Subscriptions
If subscriptions are managed through Apple, Google, Roku, or Amazon, review active subscriptions directly within those accounts.
3. Identify Underused Services
Ask whether the service has been used in the past 30 days. If not, consider whether it needs to remain active.
4. Recalculate Annual Plans
Divide annual subscription fees by 12 to determine the effective monthly cost. This often clarifies the real budget impact.
Consider a Rotation Strategy
Many cord cutters rotate services rather than maintaining them year-round.
A common approach:
- Subscribe to one platform
- Watch desired content
- Cancel before renewal
- Activate another service as needed
Most major streaming platforms allow easy cancellation and reactivation. For households focused primarily on original series rather than live sports, rotation can significantly reduce annual costs without reducing content access.
When Multiple Services Make Sense
There are circumstances where maintaining several subscriptions is reasonable:
- Households with children who rely on specific content libraries
- Sports fans requiring live coverage across multiple platforms
- Bundled discounts that reduce total cost
- Shared family plans distributing expense
The key is intentional management rather than passive renewal.
The Bottom Line
The most recent available research suggests that unused subscriptions continue to represent a meaningful portion of consumer spending. Even conservative estimates indicate that households may spend $120 to $200 per year on services they rarely use.
Streaming remains one of the most flexible entertainment models available. That flexibility only delivers savings when households periodically evaluate what they are paying for -- and whether those services still provide value.
Cord cutting is not simply about replacing cable. It is about maintaining control over cost and choice. A brief subscription audit can ensure streaming remains aligned with both viewing habits and household budgets.
Sources
- CNET -- Americans Spend More on Subscriptions Than They Think, Survey Finds
- Self Financial -- Cost of Unused Paid Subscriptions
- Reviews.org -- Average Cost of Streaming Services