Disney's latest move in the crowded streaming arena hits subscribers right in the wallet. Starting October 21, the company is raising prices across most Disney+ and Hulu plans, including several popular bundles. It's the second hike this year, coming at a time when folks are already grumbling about costs. The ad-supported Disney+ jumps from $7.99 to $9.99 a month, while the no-ads version climbs to $15.99. Hulu follows suit, with its basic plan edging up to $9.99 and the ad-free option hitting $18.99.
However, not everything's getting pricier. The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle with ads stays at $10.99, a small mercy for sports fans. And the premium trio including HBO Max holds steady at $16.99 for the ad-supported tier. Indeed, these bundles are where Disney's pushing hardest now, trying to lock in viewers with combined libraries of Marvel epics, gritty dramas, and live games. But critics point out the timing feels off—right after a wave of cancellations tied to network drama over late-night hosts.
Moreover, bigger changes are afoot. Hulu's set to roll out fully on Disney+ worldwide starting October 8, replacing the old Star branding in international markets. This means a unified app experience by early 2026, blending everything under one roof. It's a smart play for retention, yet it raises questions about whether subscribers will swallow yet another fee bump. Disney claims the increases fund more original content, like upcoming series on both platforms. Still, with competitors like Peacock and Apple TV+ also nudging prices higher, the streaming market's starting to feel squeezed.
Key Price Changes at a Glance: Disney+ Basic (with ads): $9.99/month; Hulu (no ads): $18.99/month; Bundles mostly up 20-33% on standalone plans.
As these shifts unfold, one wonders how long before viewers start hunting for alternatives in this ever-escalating game.