Disney+ and Hulu Hike Subscription Prices Starting October 21
Disney is set to implement a new round of price hikes across its streaming portfolio, affecting both standalone plans and bundle offerings for Disney+ and Hulu. The adjustments take effect on October 21, marking another shift in the company’s subscription strategy.
Breakdown of New Subscription Rates
The adjustments impact a variety of tiers, ranging from ad-supported options to premium, ad-free experiences. Key changes include:
- Disney+ (with ads): Increasing by $2 to $11.99 per month.
- Disney+ Premium (no ads): Rising by $3 to $18.99 per month.
- Disney+ Premium (annual): Increasing by $30 to $189.99 per year.
- Hulu (with ads): Increasing from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.
- ESPN Select: Rising from $11.99 to $12.99 per month.
While the standalone Disney+ and Hulu ad-supported plans face increases, the premium, ad-free version of Hulu will remain unchanged at $18.99 per month. For users who prefer bundled services, the Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) package will rise by $2 to $12.99, while the triple bundle—including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select—will cost $3 more, reaching $19.99 per month. Detailed information regarding all plan variations is available on the official support page.
A History of Rising Costs
Since its 2019 debut at a $6.99 monthly price point, Disney+ has consistently moved toward higher subscription fees, mirroring a broader trend across the streaming industry. This latest announcement follows a previous adjustment in October 2024, which saw the ad-free tier climb from $13.99 to $15.99 and the ad-supported tier move from $7.99 to $9.99.
The timing of these changes arrives during a period of consumer friction. Recent reports indicate that Disney+ subscribers canceled their memberships in significant numbers last week, driven by protests over the network’s decision to temporarily suspend Jimmy Kimmel from its programming.