Disney+ and Hulu have raised prices across multiple tiers, with the most significant increases affecting their premium ad-free plans. According to Ars Technica, Disney+ and Hulu’s standalone ad-free plans—which include 4K and HDR support—each increased 13 percent, rising from $19 to $21.50 per month. This marks Disney+’s fourth price hike in four years.
The company also adjusted pricing on its ad-supported tiers, though more modestly. Disney+ and Hulu’s standalone plans with ads increased from $12 to $12.50 per month. Bundle offerings saw varied adjustments: the Disney+ and Hulu bundle without ads rose from $20 to $22 per month, while the bundle with ads remained unchanged at $13.
More substantial increases hit bundled services that include ESPN. The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select bundle with ads climbed from $20 to $22 per month, while the ad-free version jumped from $29 to $33—a significant $4 increase. Hulu + Live TV, which provides cable channels streamed over the internet alongside on-demand content, saw a $10 price increase, though the source does not specify its new total price.
These increases position Disney’s streaming services above Netflix’s pricing in several tiers. Netflix currently charges $9 per month for its ad-supported plan and starts at $20 monthly for ad-free viewing, with a $27 option for premium features including 4K. This means Disney+ and Hulu’s ad-free plans at $21.50 are now more expensive than Netflix’s base ad-free tier, and comparable to Netflix’s premium option despite potentially lacking some features.
The Walt Disney Company did not comment on specific profit figures in the reported price announcement, though the trend term references doubled profits as context for the increases. The timing reflects broader industry patterns of streaming services raising prices as they mature and seek profitability.
Key facts
- Disney+ and Hulu ad-free plans increased 13% to $21.50/month, Disney+’s fourth price hike in four years
- Ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu plans rose slightly from $12 to $12.50/month
- Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select bundle without ads increased from $29 to $33/month
- Hulu + Live TV subscription increased by $10/month
- Disney+ and Hulu’s ad-free tiers now exceed Netflix’s $20 base ad-free price