One in three UK households pay for streaming services they rarely or never use, survey shows
August 18, 2026 11.02 Europe/London By Robert Briel

A growing number of UK households are questioning the value of their TV and film streaming subscriptions, with new research revealing widespread overspending, forgotten cancellations and shifting attitudes toward ad‑supported plans.

According to a survey of 1,000 UK adults by Uswitch broadband experts, more than half (56%) say rising streaming costs have made them reconsider whether their subscriptions are worth it. And while streaming remains a staple of home entertainment, one in three households (34%) admit they are paying for at least one service they rarely or never use.

For some, the waste is significant: 8% say they spend around £240 a year on unused subscriptions. The survey highlights how easily streaming bills can spiral. 41% say they now have more subscriptions than they realistically need. 44% have signed up to a platform for a single show or film, only to stop using it afterwards. 34% have continued paying for a service simply because they forgot to cancel it.

These forgotten or abandoned subscriptions add up quickly. More than a quarter (26%) of households spend over £10 a month on unused services, and 4% spend more than £30 monthly — more than £360 a year.

With prices increasing across major platforms, affordability is becoming a priority. 57% of households say they would switch to an ad‑supported plan if it meant a lower monthly bill. The savings can be substantial. Netflix’s Standard with adverts plan costs £5.99, compared with £12.99 for its ad‑free equivalent — a potential saving of £84 a year.

Expert advice: review, rotate and rethink broadband. Max Beckett, Uswitch broadband expert, says households can cut costs with simple monthly habits: “It’s easy for subscriptions to build up over time without people realising how much they’re spending. Taking a few minutes each month to review your subscriptions can help identify services you’re no longer using.”

He suggests rotating subscriptions based on what people want to watch, rather than keeping every platform active year‑round. Beckett also recommends reviewing broadband packages to ensure households aren’t overpaying for internet speeds they don’t need. “With the right approach, households could cut unnecessary spending while still enjoying the content they love.”