Disney has officially increased monthly subscription rates for both Disney+ and Hulu in the United States, effective immediately for new users. The ad-supported tier for Disney+ now costs $12.49, while the ad-free Premium tier has climbed to $21.49. Similar adjustments have been applied to Hulu’s standalone plans and various bundle offerings, including the Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select packages, which now range from $21.99 to $32.99 depending on the tier.
For current subscribers, these new rates will be reflected on billing cycles occurring on or after October 21. This move continues a trend of annual price hikes for the service, following similar adjustments in October 2024 and October 2025. The company also previously implemented measures to restrict password sharing in late 2023.
While the platforms remain distinct subscription services, Disney is moving toward a more unified experience. The company plans to launch a singular app in 2026 that will house both Disney+ and Hulu content. This integration follows Disney’s full acquisition of Hulu in 2023 and the ongoing consolidation of their respective libraries, which has already made a significant portion of Hulu's anime catalog accessible directly through the Disney+ interface for bundled subscribers.
Why it matters: As Disney continues to merge its streaming infrastructure, the rising costs reflect a broader industry shift toward prioritizing profitability over subscriber growth. With the unified app launch slated for 2026, it remains to be seen how the platform will balance its expanded library of licensed anime and original content against these recurring price increases.
