Disney to Raise Prices on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select as Streaming Costs Climb

Disney is once again increasing the cost of its streaming platforms in the United States. Beginning October 21, 2025, subscribers will see higher monthly fees for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select, along with adjustments to several bundles.

This marks the third straight year that Disney has raised its streaming prices every October, a pattern that reflects both the rising costs of content production and the company’s broader strategy to reshape its digital entertainment business.

Higher Costs for Disney+ and Hulu

The most noticeable changes are hitting Disney’s two flagship streaming services.

• Disney+ with ads will rise from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.
• Disney+ Premium (ad-free) will increase from $15.99 to $18.99 per month.
• Hulu with ads will jump from $9.99 to $11.99.
• Hulu Premium (ad-free) will remain unchanged at $18.99 per month.

Disney began notifying customers through its help and support channels earlier this week. While the company did not issue further comment, the new rates underline Disney’s reliance on its streaming division to drive revenue at a time when subscriber growth across the industry has slowed.

ESPN Select Joins the Price Increases

Sports fans will also feel the pinch. ESPN Select, which was rebranded from ESPN+ earlier this year, will now cost $12.99 per month, up from $11.99.

Unlike the broader ESPN Unlimited all-in app, ESPN Select offers a smaller lineup of games and shows. The modest price bump highlights Disney’s effort to carve out distinct tiers of access for sports audiences, offering budget and premium choices.

Bundles Offer Mixed Relief

Disney’s bundles—popular with households that subscribe to multiple platforms—are also being reshuffled.

• The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle with ads will stay at $29.99 per month for the first year, giving new customers a temporary reprieve.
• Other bundles will get more expensive:
  • Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select with ads will rise to $19.99 (up from $16.99).
  • The ad-free version will move to $29.99 (up from $26.99).
  • The Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max bundle will climb to $19.99 with ads and $32.99 without ads.

Hulu + Live TV subscribers will see the steepest increases. The ad-supported plan that includes Disney+ and ESPN Select will rise from $82.99 to $89.99, while the ad-free version with Disney+ Premium will climb from $95.99 to $99.99.

Rising Prices Amid Controversy

The timing of the announcement has sparked criticism. The hikes were revealed shortly after ABC, owned by Disney, suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following his comments about the killer of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.

The suspension prompted the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to signal possible scrutiny of ABC affiliates that continued to broadcast Kimmel’s show. Major station groups Nexstar Media and Sinclair opted to preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in response.

Although Disney later confirmed the show would return to ABC, Nexstar and Sinclair have said they will continue to withhold it from their networks for the time being. On social media, some subscribers cited the controversy as a reason for canceling Disney+ and Hulu, adding to the company’s reputational challenges just as it announced higher fees.

Why Disney Is Raising Prices

The repeated increases reflect a broader shift in Disney’s streaming strategy. Rather than relying solely on new sign-ups, Disney is placing more weight on how much revenue it earns per subscriber.

Rising costs of producing original shows and movies, combined with stiff competition from rivals like Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Amazon Prime Video, have forced Disney to balance quality programming with profitability.

The company also sees the hikes as part of its plan to simplify its streaming ecosystem. After completing its acquisition of Hulu from Comcast in June 2025, Disney now fully controls the platform and is preparing to merge Hulu’s content into Disney+ by 2026. While standalone subscriptions will still be offered, the combined platform is expected to be Disney’s primary streaming home.

Full Pricing Breakdown

Here’s the updated monthly pricing for Disney’s streaming services in the U.S.:

What It Means for Consumers

For many U.S. households, these price hikes may feel like an annual ritual. Every October since 2023, Disney has pushed subscription costs higher, raising concerns about affordability as more families juggle multiple services.

Still, Disney is betting that its deep catalog—from Marvel blockbusters and Pixar films to Star Wars series, Hulu originals, and ESPN sports—will convince most subscribers to stay. Bundles, though more expensive, continue to offer savings compared to paying for individual platforms separately.

The question remains whether consumers will accept these rising costs or begin scaling back on subscriptions in the face of “streaming fatigue.”