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August is typically a quiet month in entertainment. Summer blockbusters have mostly come and gone, and fall TV hasn't arrived yet. That makes it the perfect time to take stock of which subscriptions you're actually using — and which are quietly charging your credit card every month.A Tom's Guide survey about streaming habits revealed that our readers are spending over $60 a month on seven or more subscriptions. Streaming has become an increasingly expensive habit. Instead of treating platforms as permanent, it's often smarter to rotate them based on what's worth watching each month. You'll save money without coming close to running out of great shows and movies.For August 2026, the two easiest services to hit pause on are Netflix and Peacock. Both have a handful of worthwhile titles, but neither offers enough must-watch programming to justify paying for another month. Here's why they're the best streaming services to cancel right now.Why I'd cancel NetflixNetflix is probably the most controversial pick on this month's list. In our survey, it was the streaming service people were least willing to cancel, easily beating every other platform. And it's not hard to see why: Netflix still has the biggest library, the most original programming and the broadest appeal.But popularity doesn't automatically make it worth paying for every single month. Netflix is also one of the most expensive mainstream streaming services, especially if you want an ad-free plan, and August's lineup doesn't do enough to justify the cost.The biggest title on deck is the return of "Outer Banks" for its fifth and final season on Aug. 20. The teen adventure mystery series picks up with the Pogues reeling from JJ's death and still chasing the Blue Crown in a desperate bid for revenge.
