Streaming
Disney+ and Hulu Raise Prices Again, Pushing Premium Tiers Above Netflix
Both Disney streaming services increased subscription costs by up to 13 percent, with ad-free plans now commanding premium pricing comparable to competitors.
Ars Technica
Disney has announced its fourth price increase for Disney+ in four years, alongside a hike to Hulu subscriptions. The move brings both services closer to or above Netflix's pricing for equivalent tiers.
Core Price Increases#
The most significant jump affects subscribers seeking ad-free, premium viewing. Both Disney+ and Hulu's standalone ad-free plans—which include 4K and HDR support—will climb 13 percent, rising from $19 to $21.50 per month. The ad-supported versions of each service saw a more modest bump, moving from $12 to $12.50 monthly.
Disney also adjusted pricing across its bundled offerings. The combined Disney+ and Hulu package without advertising will increase from $20 to $22 per month, while the trio bundle covering Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN saw steeper increases: from $20 to $22 with ads, and from $29 to $33 without ads. Notably, the entry-level Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads remained at $13. Hulu + Live TV, the company's cable-streaming hybrid, experienced the largest dollar increase of $10 per month.
How Disney Compares#
The new prices position Disney's premium tier above Netflix's most popular offering. Netflix currently charges $20 per month for its standard ad-free plan and $27 for 4K access, whereas Disney+ and Hulu's ad-free plans now sit at $21.50—undercut only by Netflix's entry ad-supported tier at $9.
Why Now?#
The timing comes as Disney's streaming operations have stabilized financially after years of losses, with the company recently doubling its streaming profits, improving its margin outlook for the segment.
