Streaming service subscribers should brace for another price hike, as the cost of your favorite shows is about to get a little steeper. Hulu plans to increase its subscription costs in October 2024. The tier with the biggest price Hike is the ad supported tier, which is going from $7.99/month to $9.99/month, an increase of 25%. Other than that the increases are a bit more modest, with a $1 increase on the Ad-Free monthly fee ($17.99/month to $18.99/month) and the Hulu + Live TV bundle with ads jumping to $82.99 per month, up from $76.99/month.
Hulu is joining the ranks of streaming services raising their prices. This move, set to take effect on October 17, 2024 and with Hulu you can change plans at any time.
Fellow Disney owned service, Disney+ is also increasing pricing across the board. For example, the Disney Bundle Basic Duo, which includes ad-supported tiers of Disney+ and Hulu, will rise to $10.99 monthly from $9.99/month..
Subscribers have time to plan for these changes. The new prices take effect on October 17, 2024 for both Hulu+ and Disney+. Other plan increases may start as early as October 8. Viewers should review their current subscriptions and consider if the new costs fit their budget and viewing needs.
Streaming Costs on the Rise
Hulu subscribers are bracing for a price hike across several of their plans, set to take effect on October 17, 2024. These increases impact both ad-supported and ad-free tiers, as well as bundle options.
Hulu Price Adjustments:
| Plan | Old Price | New Price | Increase % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) | $7.99/month | $9.99/month | 25% |
| Hulu (No Ads) | $17.99/month | $18.99/month | 5.5% |
| Hulu + Live TV (With Ads) | $76.99/month | $82.99/month | 7.7% |
| Hulu + Live TV (No Ads) | $89.99/month | $95.99/month | 6.7% |
Other Disney Price Hikes:
The streaming landscape continues to evolve, and these price adjustments reflect a broader trend of increasing subscription costs across various platforms. For Hulu users, it means evaluating their viewing habits and budget to decide if the service remains a worthwhile investment.
But Hulu increases aren’t happening in isolation. Disney+ and ESPN+ are also raising their subscription fees this October, impacting both standalone plans and bundle options.
Disney+ pricing Increases
Prices for a Disney+ subscriptions are also going up. Here’s a summary:
| Disney+ plans | Price |
| Disney+ Basic | Monthly: $7.99 Price will increase to $9.99/month on 10/17/2024. |
| Disney+ Premium | Monthly: $13.99 Price will increase to $15.99/month on 10/17/2024. Annual: $139.99 Price will increase to $159.99/year on 10/17/2024. |
| Disney Bundle plans | Price |
| Disney Bundle Duo Basic | Monthly: $9.99 Price will increase to $10.99/month on 10/17/2024. |
| Disney Bundle Duo Premium | Monthly: $19.99 |
| Disney Bundle Trio Basic | Monthly: $14.99 Price will increase to $16.99/month on 10/17/2024. |
| Disney Bundle Trio Premium | Monthly: $24.99 Price will increase to $26.99/month on 10/17/2024. |
| Legacy Disney Bundle | Monthly: $18.99 Price will increase to $21.99/month on 10/17/2024. |
| Max Bundle plans | Price |
| Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (With Ads) | Monthly: $16.99 |
| Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (No Ads) | Monthly: $29.99 |
Does Hulu Have An Annual Plan For Their Ad-Free Tier?
No, Hulu doesn’t offer annual pricing for any tier other than their Hulu Ad-Supported option.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu + Live TV with ads will cost $82.99 monthly starting October 17, 2024
- Various Hulu and Disney+ plans face price increases in October
- Subscribers should review their plans to decide if the new prices meet their needs
Implications of Hulu’s Price Increase
Hulu’s upcoming price hike will affect subscribers’ wallets and shake up the streaming market. This change may impact customer retention and Hulu’s position among competitors.
Impact on Subscribers
The price increase for Hulu + Live TV will raise the cost to $82.99 per month for the ad-supported bundle. This jump may strain some viewers’ budgets. Subscribers might need to decide if the service still fits their needs. Some users may downgrade to cheaper plans. Others might cancel their subscriptions. Families could look for ways to share accounts to save money. The higher price could also lead people to review what they watch. They may realize they don’t use all the features they’re paying for.
Comparison With Competitor Pricing
Hulu’s new pricing puts it in a different spot compared to other streaming services. Let’s look at how it stacks up:
| Service | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV | $82.99 |
| Netflix Premium | $22.99 |
| Disney+ Premium | $15.99 |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99 |
Hulu + Live TV costs more but includes live channels. This makes it hard to compare directly with on-demand only services.
The price hike affects other Disney-owned services too. Disney+ and ESPN+ will also see increases. This could push some users to look at alternatives.
Market Position and Streaming Wars
The price change may shift Hulu’s place in the streaming market. It could lose some customers to cheaper options. But it might keep those who value its content mix.
Hulu’s move could trigger responses from rivals. Other services might adjust their prices or offerings to stay competitive. This could heat up the streaming wars even more.
The company may use the extra money to create new shows and movies. This could help it stand out in a crowded field. But it needs to balance quality with affordability to keep viewers happy.
Hulu’s choice to raise prices shows confidence in its product. It believes people will pay more for its service. Time will tell if this gamble pays off in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hulu subscribers will face price changes across various subscription tiers. The updates affect monthly and annual plans as well as bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+.
What will be the updated monthly cost for Hulu subscribers?
Starting October 17, 2024, the ad-supported Hulu plan will cost $9.99 per month. This marks a $1 increase from the previous price.
How does the price change affect the Hulu and Disney+ bundle rates?
The Hulu and Disney+ bundle rates will also see an increase. The Hulu + Live TV ad-supported bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ will rise to $82.99 per month from October 17, 2024.
Is there an anticipated increase in cost for Hulu’s ad-free service?
Yes, Hulu’s ad-free service will also see a price hike. The ad-free plan will now cost $18.99 per month, up from its previous price of $17.99.
