Hulu Disney Plus Price Increase: 5 Ways To Save
Disney+ and Hulu prices are rising again—here's what you need to know about the latest hikes and how to save on streaming bundles in 2026.
Hulu Disney Plus Price Increase: What You Need to Know
Streaming services continue to adjust their pricing, and the latest wave of increases from Disney+ and Hulu has many subscribers searching for ways to cut costs. With Disney announcing the full integration of Hulu into the Disney+ app in early 2026, questions about future pricing and value are top of mind. This guide breaks down the recent price changes, current plans, bundling options, and practical strategies to save money without sacrificing your favorite shows and movies.
Recent Price Hikes on Hulu and Disney+
Disney+ and Hulu implemented price increases effective October 21, 2025, affecting most standalone plans and bundles. These hikes follow a pattern of annual adjustments, with Disney+ raising prices multiple times since its 2019 launch. The changes aim to offset rising content production costs, but they come at a time when consumers are increasingly price-sensitive, spending an average of $90 monthly on subscriptions.
- Disney+ with Ads: Increased to $11.99/month (up $2 from previous $9.99).
- Disney+ Premium (No Ads): Now $18.99/month (up $3).
- Hulu with Ads: Rose to $11.99/month.
- Hulu No Ads: Remained at $18.99/month.
- Hulu + Live TV: Jumped to $89.99/month (up $7 for some plans).
Not all bundles saw increases. For instance, the Disney+ Premium and Hulu No Ads bundle stayed at $19.99/month, providing stability for existing subscribers.
Disney+ and Hulu Integration in 2026
Disney CEO Bob Iger announced during the Q3 FY25 earnings call that Hulu will be fully integrated into the Disney+ app in early 2026, eliminating the standalone Hulu app. This merger combines Disney’s family-friendly content, Hulu’s general entertainment and live sports, and ESPN offerings into one platform, aiming for a ‘better consumer experience.’
While the integration promises convenience, it raises concerns about pricing. Iger mentioned ‘price elasticity,’ suggesting Disney will monitor how subscribers respond to changes. However, with Disney+ and Hulu reaching 183 million subscribers (up 2.6 million quarter-over-quarter), the company is unlikely to risk churn through aggressive hikes. Analysts predict no major increases tied directly to the merger, especially as Disney launches a new ESPN standalone service in August 2025.
Current Disney+ Pricing Plans (as of January 2026)
Disney+ offers flexible plans tailored to different needs, from ad-supported budget options to premium ad-free bundles. Prices reflect the October 2025 hikes and vary by bundling.
| Disney+ Plan | Price (Monthly) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+ with Ads | $12/month | Ad-supported, full library access |
| Disney+ Ad-Free | $19/month or $190/year | No ads, downloads enabled |
| Disney+ (Ads) + Hulu (Ads) | $13/month | Combined libraries, ads on both |
| Disney+ (Ads), Hulu (Ads), ESPN Select | $20/month | Sports added, ads included |
| Disney+ (Ad-Free) + Hulu (Ad-Free) | $20/month | No ads, premium experience |
| Disney+ (Ad-Free), Hulu (Ad-Free), ESPN Select | $30/month | Full bundle, 40% savings vs. separate |
Bundles with ESPN Unlimited start at $36/month (ads) or $45/month (ad-free), and including NFL Plus Premium pushes costs to $46-$55/month. Hulu + Live TV bundles incorporate these at $90-$100/month.
Hulu Standalone and Bundle Prices
Hulu’s plans emphasize next-day TV episodes, originals like The Bear, and live options. Post-hike prices include:
- Hulu (Ads): $11.99/month
- Hulu (No Ads): $18.99/month
- Disney+ + Hulu (Ads): $12.99/month
- Disney+ Premium + Hulu (No Ads): $19.99/month (unchanged)
- Disney+ Premium, Hulu, ESPN Select (No Ads): $25/month
Note: Paramount+ with SHOWTIME on Hulu rises to $13.99/month on January 15, 2026.
How Bundles Can Save You Money
Bundling remains the smartest way to combat price hikes. The Disney+ (Ad-Free) + Hulu (Ad-Free) at $20/month offers over 40% savings compared to separate subscriptions ($19 each = $38 total). Adding ESPN Select for $30/month bundles sports without breaking the bank.
Compare ad-free standalone prices:
| Service | Ad-Free Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Disney+ | $19 |
| Hulu | $19 |
| HBO Max | $18.49-$23 |
| Netflix | $18-$25 |
| Peacock Premium Plus | $17 |
Disney bundles undercut competitors, especially with integration on the horizon.
Why Are Streaming Prices Rising?
Price increases stem from escalating content costs, including blockbuster films, original series, and live sports rights. Services like Netflix, Peacock, and Apple TV+ have followed suit in 2025. Subscribers often pay for unused services, averaging $90/month across platforms, prompting calls for better usage tracking.
5 Ways to Save Money on Disney+ and Hulu
Don’t cancel yet—try these proven strategies:
- Switch to Annual Plans: Disney+ ad-free annual at $190 saves ~17% vs. monthly ($19 x 12 = $228).
- Opt for Ad-Supported Tiers: Save $6-7/month on Disney+/Hulu bundles while enjoying most content.
- Bundle Strategically: Disney+ Premium + Hulu No Ads at $19.99 is a steal for dual access.
- Share Accounts: Eligible plans allow multiple profiles; check household rules.
- Rotate Subscriptions: Subscribe monthly to binge, then pause/cancel during off-periods.
With integration, expect more value-adds like unified profiles and recommendations.
Will Prices Increase Again in 2026?
The app merger might stabilize rather than raise prices. Disney prioritizes subscriber growth (aiming for 10 million more in Q4 FY25) and won’t alienate users post-integration. Watch for ESPN’s new service impacts. Previous hikes (October 2024, October 2025) skipped some bundles, a trend likely to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the current price of Disney+ with Hulu?
The Disney+ (Ads) + Hulu (Ads) bundle is $13/month; ad-free version is $20/month.
Is Hulu shutting down its app?
Yes, Hulu will fully integrate into Disney+ in early 2026, but all content moves over—no losses expected.
When was the last Disney+ price increase?
October 21, 2025, with most plans up $2-3/month.
Are there Disney+ annual plans?
Yes, ad-free annual at $190/year, saving on monthly billing.
How much is Hulu + Live TV now?
$89.99/month base, up to $100 with ad-free Disney+/Hulu.
Will bundles get more expensive with integration?
No announcements yet; focus is on retention amid 183M subscribers.
Stay ahead of streaming costs by reviewing your plan annually. The Disney+ and Hulu ecosystem offers unmatched variety—bundle smartly to maximize value in 2026 and beyond.
References
- Disney+ and Hulu will become a single app in early 2026 — TechRadar. 2025-11-15. https://www.techradar.com/streaming/disney-plus/disney-and-hulu-will-become-a-single-app-in-early-2026-but-worrying-price-elasticity-claims-may-not-mean-a-subscription-hike
- Disney Plus Price: Plans, Cost, and Ad Tier Differences in 2026 — Business Insider. 2026-01-10. https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/streaming/disney-plus-price
- Streaming prices jump as Hulu, Disney Plus and HBO Max raise rates — WCPO. 2025-10-25. https://www.wcpo.com/hulu-disney-hbo-max-raise-prices-october-2025
- Another Disney+ Price Hike Leaves Subscribers Canceling Their Plans — Inside the Magic. 2025-12-01. https://insidethemagic.net/2025/12/another-disney-price-hike-leaves-subscribers-canceling-their-plans-sb1/
- Hulu plans and prices — Hulu Help Center. 2026-01-12. https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-how-much-does-hulu-cost
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