Disney has raised the prices of most of its streaming services, including Disney+ and Hulu, affecting millions of users. Whether you watch with or without ads, and whether you choose standalone or bundled options, most plans have seen a small increase—usually around a couple of dollars per month. A few bundles that remain the same price include ad-supported versions of Disney+ and Hulu, along with ESPN. However, even if you pay extra to avoid ads, Disney’s terms of service allow them to insert ads into any subscription tier they choose. This isn’t an isolated issue—streaming services have been raising prices frequently, with websites like The Verge tracking these changes regularly. Competitors like Apple have increased prices four times in four years, and Peacock subscribers have seen their bills go up by as much as $5 to $6 a month since 2025. Netflix, by contrast, hasn’t raised prices since March 2026. Consumers have taken notice, with an estimated 39% of Americans canceling a streaming service in the past six months due to what’s been called "streamflation"—a term for the rising costs of streaming subscriptions. Many people subscribe to at least three services, contributing to an average monthly spending of about $70 on streaming alone. Access to the six major platforms—Netflix, Disney+/Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount+, Apple TV, and Peacock—could push that total to around $120, not including the cost of a broadband internet connection. This has led some to call the combination of all these services "Cable+," a term highlighting the high cost and complexity compared to traditional cable packages. To retain subscribers without directly raising monthly fees, some companies offer discounted annual subscriptions. However, these are often significantly more expensive than paying monthly. For example, Disney+’s annual price has risen from $70 to $190, a 170% increase. Amazon Prime, which began as a perk for shoppers, has also raised its prices and reduced the quality of its streaming content, offering higher-resolution options for an additional $50 a year. The reasons for these price hikes are largely financial: Wall Street expects constant growth, and many services have reached a point where they can no longer easily attract more users. Netflix, for example, has 325 million global subscribers, and even smaller platforms like Peacock have over 40 million users in the U.S. alone. While paid streaming services have grown in popularity, free options like Tubi and PlutoTV have also gained traction. These platforms rely on ads and offer a mix of classic films and lower-budget content, often at no cost. They may not have the latest hits, but they do provide a wide selection of older, beloved movies and shows. However, they lack the convenience and variety of paid services. The shift from traditional cable to streaming has not delivered the promised simplicity or affordability. Instead, it has created a confusing landscape where consumers must constantly choose which services to keep, leading to a mix of financial strain and uncertainty. As the trend continues, the balance between access, cost, and content remains a challenge for both providers and viewers.