Today’s top streamers are in perpetual competition, as they fight to balance new content with prices that consumers are willing to pay. Disney+ remains among the most-used streaming platforms out there, but with yet another alteration to its subscription options, that could change.
On Sept. 23, Disney+ announced its fourth price hike in as many years. The bad news extends to Hulu as well, which will likewise see an increase in what subscribers are expected to pay. Every tier of the services will see an increase, but how much depends on which version of the streamers you enjoy in your home.
Subscribers enjoying the lowest-priced option, which includes ads, will see their monthly price tag rise from $11.99 to $12.49. That’s a much smaller price hike than ad-free viewers will see, unfortunately. Higher-tier subscribers are facing a climb from $18.99 a month to $21.49 a month, an increase of 13%, according to Variety.
The move is clearly intended to turn subscribers toward bundled options, rather than individual subscriptions. The Disney+ bundle that includes Hulu Premium will only suffer a $2 increase, rising from $19.99 to $21.99 monthly. That’s far more valuable than subscribing separately. As is the non-premium Disney+ and Hulu bundle, complete with ads, which isn’t seeing a price change at all. It will remain at its $12.99 price point.
Bundles that include ESPN Select will likewise cost more, depending on which tier you subscribe to. The least-expensive option, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select with ads, will go up by $2, costing viewers $21.99 a month. The ad-free premium version will rise by $3 monthly, to $32.99. A rise is also coming for exclusive Hulu subscribers, who will see prices rise by a full $10 annually. Hulu + Live TV, which includes ads, now costs $99.99, while the ad-free version is rising to $109.99.
This is becoming commonplace for Disney, and it’s not a good look. The massive company generated more than $20 billion in revenue from its trio of streaming services in 2025, according to the Los Angeles Times, and that’s only likely to increase with the latest price hike. It’s yet another hit to consumers, who are already suffering sky-high prices at the gas pump. Disney is well aware that there is no substitute for its animated offerings, and with Marvel and Star Wars nestled alongside Disney classics, there’s truly no competition for the powerhouse streamer.
The price increase is effective as of Sept. 23 for any new subscribers, while those of us with an existing subscription will see the price change on our next bill.
