New Proof Americans Are Getting Tired of Streaming Services

Streaming new and old content online has never been easier, but it's also never been this pricey. According to new data, Americans are more than fed up.

Media streaming has come a long way since the early 2000s, with YouTube and Netflix leading the way in easy access to your favorite shows and films. Several other companies have also hopped aboard the streaming train in the last few decades, creating new original content. However, prices in recent years have skyrocketed to all-time highs, leaving many to wonder if the whole thing is even worth it.

Which Streaming Services Have the Highest Prices?

The most expensive streaming service on the market is undoubtedly Netflix. When the company launched their video streaming option in 2007, the ad-free service only cost customers around $8 per month. However, in 2025, that price has since jumped to $17.99 per month, or $24.99 a month if you want to watch shows in 4K Ultra HD. Given the rate hike, consumers would expect to see more content, but instead, they're seeing less.

Following Netflix are Max, Hulu, and Disney+. The latter has had steep rate increases over just the past six years, with the ad-free version jumping from $6.99 in 2019 to $15.99 in 2025. According to Statista, Disney+ has not only increased subscription fees during that time but also announced several cost-cutting measures, such as laying off employees and reducing content. In essence, like Netflix, you're now paying more for less.

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Are Streaming Services Still Reliable?

When it comes to live-streamed events, it seems the technology still has a lot of ground to cover in terms of reliability. One of the most anticipated live-streamed events of 2024 was undoubtedly the mega boxing event featuring Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. While Netflix claimed over 108 million people tuned in to watch the spectacle, it's safe to say some had a little trouble. Fans everywhere reported major buffering issues, which only added to Americans' growing fatigue with these platforms.

How Much Are Americans Spending on Streaming Services?

New data suggests Americans are growing more and more weary of the latest streaming trends. In fact, TechSpot reports Americans spent 23% less on streaming services in 2024 compared to 2023. Last year, the average person spent $42.38 a month on their various subscriptions, which equates to about $500 a year.

Personally, I'm honestly quite tired of the unreliability and rate hikes. Nobody wants to pay more money for a diminishing product. While stocking up on physical media isn't likely to be any cheaper, it seems we'll all just have to wait and see what the market does in the coming year. Hopefully, if anything else, there will be some future deals, or at the very least, more original content.