In a significant shift in consumer behavior, cord cutters—those who have ditched traditional cable and satellite TV—are now slashing the number of paid streaming services they subscribe to, according to a recent survey of over 1,400 cord cutters. The survey, conducted in early 2025, reveals that 53.1% of cord cutters now pay for three or fewer streaming services, while a striking 71% subscribe to four or fewer. This marks a notable departure from the streaming boom of 2020, when cord cutters piled on subscriptions, often juggling multiple platforms to access their favorite shows and movies.
The survey highlights a growing trend of cost-consciousness among cord cutters, with many now spending just $30 to $40 a month on streaming services. To keep bills low, cord cutters are increasingly skipping expensive live TV streaming platforms like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, opting instead for on-demand services such as Disney+, Hulu, Max, Paramount+, and Peacock. These platforms, which typically cost between $7 and $15 per month, offer vast libraries of content without the hefty price tag of live TV packages, which can exceed $70 monthly.
The pullback in subscriptions comes as no surprise to industry analysts, who point to a combination of subscription fatigue and rising economic pressures.
Indeed, free, ad-supported TV platforms are gaining traction among cord cutters looking to stretch their entertainment dollars. Services like The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV have seen a surge in popularity, offering thousands of hours of movies, TV shows, and even live channels at no cost. These platforms, supported by advertisements, provide a legal and budget-friendly alternative to paid subscriptions.
The shift toward fewer subscriptions and free streaming options reflects a broader reevaluation of entertainment spending. As cord cutters prioritize affordability, the days of stacking five or six streaming services may be fading. Instead, a leaner, more strategic approach to streaming is taking hold, proving that less can be more in the world of cord cutting.
Please follow us on Facebook and X for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help. You can find Luke on X HERE.