8 Tech Subscriptions Costing You $1,300+ Every Year

By Elizabeth KartiniDecember 23, 2024

The average household wastes $394+ yearly on unused tech subscriptions. Here's exactly what to cut and how much you'll save.

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1. Multiple Streaming Services

Research from Self Financial shows that Americans spend an average of $394 per year on forgotten or unused subscriptions. Here are some lesser-known tech subscriptions you might be paying for without realizing it - cutting these could save you up to $1,200 annually.

You're likely paying for Netflix ($15.49), Hulu ($18.99), and Disney+ ($15.99) monthly. That's $50.47/month for overlapping content. Pick your top service and rotate others seasonally for specific shows. Save $34 monthly by keeping just one service year-round.

Cancel two services = Save $419.76/year

2. Cloud Storage Overlap

Using both iCloud ($2.99) and Google One ($1.99)? You're paying double for storage. Pick one based on your phone: iCloud for iPhone, Google for Android. Most people need just 100GB ($1.99/month) on one service.

Cancel duplicate storage = Save $35.88/year

3. Music App Redundancy

Spotify ($11.99) and Apple Music ($10.99) have nearly identical music libraries. Choose based on your main device. Family plans ($16.99) save money if you have 3 or more users. YouTube Music is free with YouTube Premium.

Drop one music service = Save $143.88/year

4. Gaming Subscriptions

Xbox Game Pass ($14.99), PlayStation Plus ($9.99), and Nintendo Online ($3.99) add up to $28.97 monthly. Most gamers only actively use one platform. Cancel unused gaming subscriptions.

Cut unused gaming subs = Save up to $179.88/year

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5. Premium App Features

Weather apps ($3.99), calculator plus ($2.99), and scanner apps ($4.99) charge monthly for features available free elsewhere. Your phone has these tools built-in. Cancel premium versions.

Remove premium apps = Save $143.64/year

6. Forgotten Free Trials

The average user has 2-3 expired free trials charging $9.99 each monthly. Check your app store subscriptions and bank statements. Cancel trials immediately after testing.

Cancel forgotten trials = Save $239.76/year

7. Security App Bundles

Paying for Norton ($99.99/year) or McAfee ($89.99/year)? Built-in Windows Defender and iOS security work well. Most paid antivirus apps are unnecessary for regular users.

Drop security software = Save $100/year

8. Duplicate Photo Storage

Using both Google Photos (One) ($1.99) and Amazon Photos (with Prime)? Pick one: Amazon Photos if you have Prime, Google Photos (One) if not. Don't pay twice for backup.

Choose one photo service = Save $23.88/year

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