In an era where convenience often comes with a recurring price tag, subscriptions have become a staple for millions of Americans, covering everything from streaming services to meal kits. However, CNET’s second annual subscription survey, conducted by YouGov Plc from April 28-30, 2025, reveals a growing concern: Americans who have paid for subscriptions in the past year are spending an average of $205 annually on services they don’t even use. With inflation and rising living costs squeezing budgets, over 60% of subscribers are reevaluating their paid subscriptions, signaling a shift in consumer behavior.
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The survey, which polled 2,440 US adults—including 1,932 who have paid for subscriptions in the past year—shows that four in five adults have subscribed to at least one service since April 2024. Streaming and video services like Netflix and Hulu remain the most popular, with 61% of respondents paying for them, followed by e-commerce sites like Amazon Prime (37%) and music services like Spotify (33%). Less popular subscriptions include meal kits and food delivery services (12%), security apps (11%), software management tools (9%), and financial apps (6%). Meanwhile, 20% of respondents reported not paying for any subscriptions in the past year.
Economic pressures are driving significant changes in subscription habits. With tariffs and inflation pushing up the cost of essentials, 61% of subscribers are rethinking their subscriptions. Of those, 26% have already canceled a service, 24% are considering cancellations, and 11% are adopting a “rotation method,” canceling and resubscribing based on immediate needs. Only 34% say the economy hasn’t impacted their subscriptions, while 5% are unsure. “Prices for everyday essentials are still high, but nowadays, we’re paying close attention to where our money is going,” said CNET Consumer Insights Editor Dashia Milden. “Cutting back and canceling subscriptions we don’t use is one small way to start reining in our budget, but it can make a big difference.”
The average monthly subscription spend is $90, a slight decrease from $91 in 2024. Millennials lead in spending, averaging $101 per month, though this is down $18 from last year. However, unused subscriptions remain a financial drain, with subscribers spending $17 monthly—or $205 yearly—on services they don’t use. Gen Z stands out, averaging $23 per month on unused subscriptions, totaling $272 annually. “Even though we’re seeing a slight dip in what we’re spending on subscriptions, it all still adds up,” Milden noted. “Most of us are still spending over $1,000 a year. That’s a good reminder that we need to check what we’re actually using and cancel the rest.”
If you think you’re paying for subscriptions you aren’t using every month, Rocket Money‘s service can help you by scanning your accounts, listing your subscriptions, and allowing you to cancel anything you don’t use.
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