Radical Transparency · Ad-free · Never paid by brands
The Subscription Cancellation Difficulty Index
We ranked 27 popular subscriptions by how hard they make it to leave. Built from our research on 27+ cancellation guides.
7
Predatory
Regulator-grade friction
7
Hard
Real obstacles, retention walls
6
Medium
Minor friction
7
Easy
Honest, two-click cancel
Top 3 Most Predatory
These services use the most dark patterns to prevent cancellation — phone-only cancellation, hidden buttons, or mailed forms.
- #1 Planet Fitness — score 92. No online or phone cancellation. Must visit home gym in person or send certified mail. Cancel before the 10th or pay another month.
- #2 LA Fitness — score 90. Cancellation requires printed form mailed to corporate HQ. No web cancel, no phone cancel. 30-day notice required.
- #3 SiriusXM — score 89. Phone-only cancellation. Agents use aggressive retention scripts (reported 30+ minute holds). Auto-renews at higher rates post-intro.
Methodology
Scores are opinionated and defensible. Each brand is scored 0–100, where higher = harder to cancel. We combine five signals:
- Dark patterns: +8 points per observed pattern (hidden cancel buttons, retention walls, etc.)
- Phone or mail-only cancel: +25 points.
- Retention wall: +10 points if the brand forces multiple "are you sure?" screens.
- Silent free-trial conversion: +5 points if the paid charge kicks in without a clear reminder.
- Public record: FTC actions, state-AG complaints, and class-action lawsuits push a brand into the "predatory" tier regardless of other signals.
Scores are reviewed periodically. If a brand publicly improves their flow, we lower the score and note the change. Spot a mistake? Email us.
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