Subscribing to eight major U.S. streaming services without ads or bundle discounts now costs $139.41 per month, or $1,672.92 annually, as of September 8, 2026, according to a calculation of published list prices by fortune.com. Choosing the ad-supported versions of these services lowers the monthly bill to $89.92. This pricing brings the cost of streaming close to the average cable bill that consumers originally cut from.
The comparison draws on data from the Leichtman Research Group, which reported the average pay-TV bill in 2016 was $103.10 per month. Adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index, that 2016 bill equates to about $143 in July 2026, just $4 more than the current $139.41 ad-free streaming lineup. The $89.92 ad-supported monthly cost matches what a similar set of eight services cost without ads four years ago, based on historical prices from The Hollywood Reporter.
This near parity in pricing highlights why streaming has lost its edge as a clear cost-saving alternative to cable. While streaming offers more control over content and viewing options, maintaining affordability now demands active management by consumers, including downgrading plans, seeking bundles, canceling unused subscriptions, or rotating services. The evolving pricing landscape challenges the perception that cutting the cord automatically reduces entertainment expenses.
The analysis underscores that streaming services have rebuilt a cable-like bundle through multiple subscriptions, with the full ad-free stack costing nearly as much as traditional pay-TV. This pricing data was compiled and published by fortune.com on September 9, 2026.