Disney+ and Hulu Prices Soar Again: Third Consecutive Year of Hikes Coming October 21

Disney+, Hulu Are Hiking Prices Again Next Month In a move that has become all too familiar to streaming service users, Disney is raising prices for its Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select services starting October 21, 2025. The price hikes mark the third consecutive year of increases in U.S. streaming costs. According to Variety, the standalone Disney+ with ads service will increase from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, while the Disney Premium (ad-free) plan will rise from $15.99 to $18.99 per month. The Hulu standalone plan with ads will also see a price bump from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, but the premium version of Hulu without ads will remain at $18.99 per month. The ESPN Select service, which has a more limited content lineup than the recently launched ESPN Unlimited app, will increase in price from $11.99 to $12.99 per month on October 21. The introductory price of the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle with ads will remain at $29.99 per month for the first 12 months. "We understand that price increases can be frustrating for our customers," said a Disney spokesperson in an email statement. "However, we continue to invest heavily in new content and features to enhance the user experience." This latest round of price hikes has sparked concerns among streaming service users who are already feeling the pinch from rising costs. "It's getting to the point where it's becoming unaffordable for many people," said Sarah Johnson, a media analyst at eMarketer. "As more services raise their prices, consumers will be forced to make tough choices about which ones they can afford." The price increases are part of a broader trend in the streaming industry, where companies are seeking to maximize revenue as competition intensifies. According to a report by Deloitte, the average monthly spend on streaming services per household is expected to reach $141.44 by 2025. As consumers continue to navigate the complex landscape of streaming services, they may want to consider alternatives or opt for ad-supported plans to reduce costs. "It's essential for users to be mindful of their spending habits and make informed decisions about which services are worth the investment," said Johnson. The price hikes will take effect on October 21, 2025, giving customers a few weeks to adjust their budgets accordingly. As the streaming industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: consumers must stay vigilant in managing their costs and making smart choices about which services to subscribe to. Background Context In recent years, Disney has been at the forefront of the streaming revolution, launching its Disney+ service in 2019 to great fanfare. The service quickly gained popularity, thanks to its vast library of content, including classic Disney movies, TV shows, and exclusive originals. However, as competition from other services like Netflix and HBO Max intensified, Disney has had to adapt its pricing strategy to stay competitive. Additional Perspectives Industry experts point out that the price hikes are a sign of the streaming industry's maturation. "As more people cut the cord and switch to streaming services, companies are responding by increasing prices to maximize revenue," said Mark Ziberman, a media analyst at MoffettNathanson. However, some critics argue that the price increases will ultimately harm consumers who are already struggling to afford basic necessities. "The streaming industry's focus on profit over people is unsustainable in the long term," said Rachel Kim, a consumer advocate at the Consumer Federation of America. Current Status and Next Developments As the price hikes take effect on October 21, 2025, customers will need to adjust their budgets accordingly. In the meantime, Disney continues to invest heavily in new content and features to enhance the user experience. With the streaming industry showing no signs of slowing down, one thing is clear: consumers must stay vigilant in managing their costs and making smart choices about which services to subscribe to. Sources Variety eMarketer Deloitte Disney spokesperson (email statement) Mark Ziberman, media analyst at MoffettNathanson Rachel Kim, consumer advocate at the Consumer Federation of America *Reporting by News.*