With dozens of streaming platforms fighting for your attention—Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, YouTube Premium, Spotify, and more—it’s easy to lose track of what you’re actually using. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Wait, I’m still subscribed to that?”—you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are tools that can audit your subscriptions and help you cut costs without the hassle.
Why subscription audits matter
Streaming services often operate on auto-renewal, which means they quietly pull funds each month whether you’re watching or not. The average U.S. household spends over $200 annually on subscriptions they don’t use. A subscription audit shows you which services are active, what you’re paying, and which ones you can cancel without missing a beat.
Top tools to track and cancel streaming subscriptions
- Rocket Money (https://www.rocketmoney.com/)
Rocket Money (formerly Truebill) links to your bank account and identifies all recurring charges. You can cancel subscriptions in-app, and it provides reminders before renewals hit.
- Trim (https://www.asktrim.com/)
Trim is a financial assistant that can detect subscriptions and even negotiate bills on your behalf. It’s useful for spotting older or hidden charges you’ve long forgotten.
- Hiatus (https://www.hiatusapp.com/)
Hiatus combines budgeting, bill tracking, and subscription management. Its user-friendly dashboard gives you full visibility into recurring entertainment expenses.
- Bobby (https://bobbyapp.co/)
A privacy-focused mobile app for iOS users, Bobby lets you manually log and categorize subscriptions, helping you visualize your streaming spend.
What to look for when auditing
- Overlap: Are you subscribed to both Disney+ and Hulu, even though the bundle is cheaper?
- Usage: Have you used Paramount+ in the last 30 days? If not, pause or cancel it.
- Bundling opportunities: Could Spotify Premium Family replace your individual plans?
- Trial expiration: Free trials often auto-renew. Auditing helps you avoid getting charged.
Tips to simplify your subscription ecosystem
- Limit yourself to 2–3 core platforms at a time
- Rotate services monthly based on new releases
- Bundle services where possible (e.g., Disney Bundle, Amazon Prime + Freevee)
- Use a dedicated card or budgeting app for subscriptions only
Final word: automate your audit
Set a calendar reminder every 2–3 months to run a quick audit. Or better yet, let one of the tools above do it for you. Knowing what you’re paying for—and actually using—is the first step toward smarter streaming.
