Hulu and Disney+ Are About to Increase Their Prices
Watching “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” on Disney+ and “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu is about to get more expensive in the coming months.
The Walt Disney Co. has announced that its subscription fees will increase for both services, and Disney+ will gain a new ad-supported tier for more affordable viewing.
The price increases are a continuing trend for streaming services. Netflix recently raised its monthly cost to $19.99 and announced a crackdown on password sharing.
Hulu Increases Prices for Both Tiers
Hulu provides access to shows from networks including NBC, ABC and Fox, as well as its originals, such as “The Patient,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “American Horror Stories” and “The Bear.”
Hulu’s ad-supported tier will increase from $6.99 to $7.99 a month, while the ad-free tier will move from $12.99 to $14.99 a month. Hulu increases in the U.S. will go into effect Oct. 10, 2022.
Subscribers to Hulu’s live TV bundles will also be subject to an increase. The price of Hulu + Live TV, bundled with ad-free Disney+, ad-supported Hulu and ESPN+, will increase from $69.99 to $74.99.
An $82.99 a month bundle is also available for those who prefer Disney+ and Hulu without ads — ESPN+ remains ad-supported. The bundle currently costs $75.99.
Disney+ Introduces Ad-Supported Plan
Disney+ is home to content from Disney itself, in addition to Pixar, Marvel, “Star Wars” and National Geographic. The once cheap service will dramatically increase from its current $7.99 price tag to $10.99 a month.
If you want to stick with the current Disney+ price, the service will introduce an ad-supported tier for $7.99 a month. Price increases and the new ad-supported tier will launch Dec. 8 in the U.S.
Are you reconsidering what streaming services are worth the price? Check out our ultimate guide to the best TV streaming services.
The Disney Bundle
The Walt Disney Co. owns Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. Price increases for ESPN+ subscribers have already taken effect after they were announced in July, raising the cost from $6.99 to $9.99 a month. You’ll need to shell out a bit more to watch the big game.
Additionally, the Disney Bundle will also increase, including access to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. Depending on your subscription method, prices will increase as follows:
Disney+ Bundle Prices
| Plan | Included Services | Monthly Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Bundle: Basic (With Ads) | Disney+, Hulu | $9.99 | ||
| Disney Bundle: Basic (With Ads) | Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ | $12.99 | ||
| Disney Bundle: Legacy | Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu & ESPN+ (With Ads) | $14.99 | ||
| Disney Bundle: Premium | Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (No Ads), ESPN+ (With Ads) | $19.99 |
What Should I Do?
Hulu price increases will take effect Oct. 10, while Disney+ will see its prices increase Dec. 8. Your current plan will automatically receive a price hike, and you will be billed according to the new price on the effective dates.
If you wish to switch to a different tier, we suggest doing so before the price on your account increases to avoid being charged. As Disney+ with ads is unavailable currently, you will need to wait until Dec. 8 to make that switch.
If you don’t mind viewing ads with your programming, the new ad-supported tiers are a great way to continue watching your favorite shows without shelling out more money.
If you can’t stand ads, you’ll need to either pay up or cancel your subscription. Our guide on managing your subscriptions will help you determine what services are essential to you.
Michael Archambault is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.
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