GoKawiilDo you know how many subscriptions you have and how much you're paying for them? It's easy to sign up for a monthly service, then be charged because you forgot to cancel it. Before you know it, those pesky monthly subscriptions balloon into its own line item in your budget. Exactly how much are we paying?
Every year, CNET dives into the state of subscriptions to find out how much US adults spend on subscriptions and on which types of services. This year, 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.
We may love the convenience and perks of our subscriptions, like Amazon's Prime Day sale for its subscribers. However, those costs can add up if you're not careful. Luckily, there are some tips and perks that can help you cut costs without giving up the services you love.
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.
... continue reading