Disney+ Raises Prices for Third Straight Year: What You Need to Know

Disney+ Raises Subscription Price Again: What You Need to Know In a move that has left many of its subscribers reeling, Disney+ announced on September 25, 2025, that it will be increasing its subscription prices for the third consecutive year. The price hike affects almost all plans, including bundle options with ESPN, HBO Max, and Hulu. According to an official document from Disney, the new prices will take effect in October, with most tiers seeing a significant increase. For example, the monthly cost of the basic plan will rise by $2, while the premium plan will see a $5 price hike. The bundle options will also see increases, with the ESPN+ and Hulu combo rising by $3 per month. "We understand that this may not be the most ideal time for our subscribers to face another price increase," said a Disney spokesperson in a statement. "However, we believe that the value we provide through our streaming service justifies the additional cost." This latest price hike comes on the heels of two previous increases, which saw prices rise by 10% and 15%, respectively. The move has sparked concerns among industry experts and subscribers alike, with some questioning whether Disney+ is prioritizing profits over its loyal customer base. "Disney's decision to raise prices again will likely lead to a backlash from subscribers who feel that they are being nickel-and-dimed," said Marisa Kabas, a journalist who broke the news yesterday. "It remains to be seen how this will impact the company's subscriber growth and retention rates." The price increase is also raising questions about the sustainability of Disney+'s business model. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max, Disney+ faces increasing competition in the market. "Disney needs to be careful not to overprice itself out of the market," said industry analyst Michael Pachter. "With so many options available to consumers, they need to ensure that their service remains competitive and offers value for money." As the streaming wars continue to heat up, Disney+ will need to carefully balance its pricing strategy with the needs of its subscribers. The company has not yet announced any plans to introduce new features or content to justify the price increase. Background: Disney+ launched in November 2019 as a direct-to-consumer streaming service, offering a vast library of movies and TV shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Since its launch, the service has gained over 120 million subscribers worldwide, making it one of the most popular streaming services on the market. Additional Perspectives: Industry expert Michael Pachter notes that Disney+ needs to be careful not to overprice itself out of the market. "With so many options available to consumers, they need to ensure that their service remains competitive and offers value for money." Marisa Kabas, a journalist who broke the news yesterday, warns that the price increase may lead to a backlash from subscribers. "Disney's decision to raise prices again will likely lead to a backlash from subscribers who feel that they are being nickel-and-dimed." Current Status: The price hike is set to take effect in October, with most tiers seeing a significant increase. Disney+ has not yet announced any plans to introduce new features or content to justify the price increase. Next Developments: As the streaming wars continue to heat up, Disney+ will need to carefully balance its pricing strategy with the needs of its subscribers. The company may need to consider introducing new features or content to justify the price increase and maintain its competitive edge in the market. *Reporting by Zdnet.*