Disney raises Disney+ and Hulu prices starting September 23, with ad-free plans jumping to $21.49 per month. Compare all new subscription rates here!
Media powerhouse The Walt Disney Company has officially rolled out another round of subscription rate hikes, raising prices across Disney+ and Hulu standalone and bundle tiers. Effective September 23 for new subscribers and taking effect on the next billing cycle for existing members, the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan jumps 13 percent from $18.99 to $21.49 per month. This represents Disney's fourth price increase in four years as corporate strategy leans heavily into streaming profitability, app integration, and expanded digital ecosystems.
How Much Are Disney+ and Hulu Prices Increasing?
The standalone rates for both major entertainment services are seeing notable adjustments across both ad-supported and ad-free tiers:
- Disney+ Premium (No Ads): Rises by $2.50 to $21.49 per month (previously $18.99).
- Disney+ Basic (With Ads): Increases by 50 cents to $12.49 per month (previously $11.99).
- Hulu Premium (No Ads): Rises by $2.50 to $21.49 per month (previously $18.99).
- Hulu Basic (With Ads): Increases by 50 cents to $12.49 per month (previously $11.99).
What Are the New Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Bundle Costs?
Disney continues to encourage multi-service bundles by keeping combined packages priced competitively against standalone subscriptions:
- Disney+ and Hulu Duo Bundle (No Ads): Increases by $2 to $21.99 per month. At just 50 cents more than a single ad-free service, this remains the primary option pushed to subscribers.
- Disney+ and Hulu Duo Bundle (With Ads): Holds steady at $12.99 per month.
- Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Trio Bundle (With Ads): Rises to $21.99 per month.
- Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Trio Bundle (Premium No Ads): Increases to $32.99 per month.
- Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited Tier: Remains unchanged at existing price points.
Why Is Disney Raising Streaming Subscription Prices Again?
The rate hike arrives as entertainment giants shift focus away from aggressive subscriber acquisition and toward maximizing operating margin and direct-to-consumer profitability. Disney reported strong gains in entertainment operating income in recent quarterly earnings, fueled directly by revenue growth in its streaming division.
Looking ahead, CEO Josh D'Amaro has highlighted broader initiatives for the direct-to-consumer brand, including tighter integration between Hulu and Disney+ toward a unified standalone application experience. Furthermore, Disney aims to expand Disney+ beyond traditional TV and film, forging connections with video games, physical merchandise, and theme park experiences.