Disney is implementing significant price increases across its streaming services in the U.S., marking the second price adjustment in just a year.
Effective October 17, Disney+ subscribers will see a 25% hike in the ad-supported tier, rising from $7.99 to $9.99 per month. The ad-free version will increase by $2, reaching $15.99. Hulu will also experience price changes, with its ad-supported tier increasing by $2 to $9.99, and the ad-free version going up by $1 to $18.99.
The adjustments appear to push customers towards The Disney Bundle, which now costs $10.99—a $1 increase—offering both Disney+ and Hulu with ads. This bundle remains only $1 more than subscribing to either service individually.
ESPN+ with ads will see a $1 rise, reaching $11.99.
This move by Disney reflects a wider trend among streaming services striving to achieve profitability. After years of investing heavily in premium content and offering low subscription rates, these platforms are now facing pressure from investors to deliver financial returns.
Peacock, for instance, has already raised its prices starting July 19. Its ‘Premium’ service now costs $7.99 per month, up by $2, with the annual subscription increasing by $20, from $59.99 to $79.99—representing a 33% increase. Paramount+ Essential will also see a $2 increase to $7.99 for new customers beginning August 20, while current subscribers will retain their existing rates. Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery has recently raised the price of its ad-free Max subscription for the second time this year.
On Reddit, users are voicing their dissatisfaction. “Mathew” from Texas remarked, “These ongoing price hikes are not pocket friendly. It seems like every few months, we’re hit with higher costs for the same service.” Similarly, “Sara” from New York expressed concern over affordability, stating, “With prices climbing steadily, I’m thinking about discounts and cheap alternatives for streaming subscriptions altogether.”
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