GoKawiilSubscription fatigue is still real. There's a subscription for everything nowadays, from retail memberships to streaming services to software and even meal and grocery delivery services. Sure, monthly services are convenient -- but they also add up.
Every year, CNET dives into the state of subscriptions. We find out how much US adults spend on subscriptions each month and on which types of services. In our most recent survey, we found that US adults are spending an average of $111 per month on subscriptions, totaling $1,332 annually. Even more unsettling, US adults waste an average of $21 per month (or $252 annually) on unused subscriptions, with certain generations wasting even more.
But it's not all bad news. There are ways to cut costs, including bundling, opting for a streaming TV plan with fewer channels, such as a skinny package, or cutting back on your subscriptions altogether.
CNET's 2026 State of Subscriptions key findings US adults who have paid for a subscription within the past year spend an average of $111 per month , totaling $1,332 annually . Subscription spending is up 23% compared with last year's monthly average of $90 and annual average of $1,080 .
, totaling . Subscription spending is up compared with last year's monthly average of and annual average of . US adults waste an average of $252 a year on unused subscriptions. Millennials and Gen Z waste the most ($29 and $27 monthly, respectively).
on unused subscriptions. Millennials and Gen Z waste the most ($29 and $27 monthly, respectively). Streaming and video subscriptions are still the most popular paid subscription (61%), followed by membership retail platforms (48%) and music (35%).
Even though subscription costs have increased, there are ways to reduce how much you spend.
Streaming is the most popular subscription type among US adults
CNET found that among the types of subscriptions US adults have paid for since April 2025, streaming or video services are the most popular. Over half (61%) have paid for streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix and Prime Video. Other popular subscriptions include membership retail platforms such as Costco (48%) and music subscriptions like Spotify and Apple Music (35%).
The findings also show that fewer US adults paid for subscription services such as AI services, home security apps, meal kit deliveries and software management.
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