Disney is raising prices on its streaming services again, just a year after the last hike, with new rates taking effect October 21. The increases cover Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, and bundles that include HBO Max, affecting both ad-supported and ad-free tiers. For subscribers, that means paying more for the same plans, with annual costs climbing by roughly $24 to $36 depending on the tier.
Here’s how the new monthly pricing in the United States compares to the old rates:
– Disney+ (with ads): $11.99, up from $9.99
– Disney+ (no ads): $18.99, up from $15.99
– Disney+ and Hulu (with ads): $12.99, up from $10.99
– Disney+ and Hulu (no ads): unchanged at $19.99
– Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN (with ads): $19.99, up from $16.99
– Disney+ (no ads) with Hulu and ESPN (with ads): $24.99, up from $21.99
– Disney+ and Hulu (no ads) with ESPN (with ads): $29.99, up from $26.99
– Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Basic (with ads): $19.99, up from $16.99
– Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Basic (no ads): $32.99, up from $29.99
The company pushed through a round of increases in October 2024, around the same time it tightened rules on password sharing, and it shed roughly 700,000 subscribers during that period. This year’s bump arrives amid a broader trend across streaming: Netflix raised prices in January, Peacock followed in July, and Apple TV did in August.
What this means for you:
– If you’re on an ad-supported tier, expect an extra $2 to $3 per month.
– The popular Disney+ and Hulu no-ads bundle holds steady at $19.99 for now.
– Bundles that add ESPN or HBO Max see the steepest jumps.
Ways to manage the higher bill:
– Reassess which bundles you actually use and cut overlapping services.
– Consider switching to an ad-supported plan if you want to trim costs.
– Look for annual billing or promotional discounts if they’re available to you.
– Rotate services month-to-month around must-watch shows to avoid paying year-round.
With streaming prices trending upward across the board, some viewers may find it’s smarter to build a personal media library—buying or renting key films and shows—rather than paying rising monthly fees indefinitely.
