For many of us, cutting the cord from traditional cable TV promised freedom and savings. You embraced “streaming,” watching video content over the internet instead of cable or satellite, eager to simplify your entertainment choices and reduce monthly bills. However, the landscape of “streaming prices” continues to shift, with many services announcing regular “price increases.” This can make managing your “subscription costs” feel overwhelming and frustrating.

This comprehensive guide helps you understand the “current streaming service prices 2024,” detailing recent changes and offering practical strategies to navigate the evolving market. Our goal is to empower you to make smart, cost-conscious decisions about your entertainment, ensuring you get the most value for your money and continue to enjoy the benefits of “cord-cutting.”

Why Streaming Prices Keep Rising

You might wonder why, after years of relatively stable pricing, your favorite streaming services consistently raise their “subscription costs.” Several factors contribute to this trend. First, the cost of creating high-quality, exclusive content continues to climb. Services pour billions into original series and movies, competing for your attention and loyalty. These massive production budgets eventually translate into higher fees for subscribers.

Second, the streaming market has matured. Early on, services prioritized subscriber growth, often keeping prices low to attract new users. Now, with many services established, the focus shifts to profitability. Investors expect returns, pushing companies to increase revenue through higher prices and new “ad-supported” tiers. An “ad-supported” plan offers a cheaper or free option in exchange for showing commercials, while an “ad-free” plan costs more but removes advertisements.

Inflation also plays a role. Like other industries, streaming services face increased operational costs, affecting everything from infrastructure to staffing. These rising costs inevitably impact the prices you pay. According to Cord Cutters News, the era of dirt-cheap streaming is largely over, replaced by a more complex pricing structure designed to maximize profit in a competitive landscape.

Netflix: Navigating Tiers and Price Hikes

Netflix, a pioneer in “streaming,” frequently updates its pricing and plans. For years, Netflix offered simple, ad-free tiers. However, recent changes introduced an “ad-supported” option and adjusted costs for its standard plans.

Here is a breakdown of Netflix’s current tiers and their features for US subscribers:

• Standard with Ads: This plan costs $6.99 per month. It includes most of Netflix’s library, but shows commercials before and during content. You can stream on two devices simultaneously, and the video quality is up to 1080p. This option does not allow downloads.
• Standard: Priced at $15.49 per month, this tier is “ad-free.” It also offers streaming on two devices at once with up to 1080p quality. A significant benefit here is the ability to download content on two devices, letting you watch offline.
• Premium: The top-tier plan costs $22.99 per month and is “ad-free.” It provides the best video quality, up to 4K Ultra HD, and supports streaming on four devices simultaneously. You can also download content on up to six devices.

Netflix implemented its most recent “price increases” in October 2023, raising the Standard plan by $3 and the Premium plan by $2. The “Standard with Ads” plan remained at $6.99 per month, preserving a lower-cost entry point for viewers. In addition to these changes, Netflix also initiated a widespread crackdown on “password sharing,” requiring users to pay an extra fee for “Extra Member” slots if they want to share their account with someone outside their household. This move aimed to convert freeloaders into paying subscribers or at least contribute to the household’s revenue. What you need to do: Evaluate your viewing habits. If you rarely watch at home or are open to ads, the Standard with Ads plan saves you nearly $10 per month compared to the ad-free Standard plan. If 4K is essential for your “smart TV” or “streaming device,” Premium is your only option.

Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+: Bundle Value and Individual Costs

Disney’s strategy revolves heavily around bundling its popular services: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. While you can subscribe to each individually, the company actively promotes bundles to offer perceived value and reduce churn.

The “price increases” across these services have been notable. In October 2023, Disney+ Premium (ad-free) increased from $10.99 to $13.99 per month. Hulu’s ad-free plan also rose from $14.99 to $17.99 per month, and ESPN+ went up from $9.99 to $10.99 per month. The Disney Bundle, however, often provides a more cost-effective solution for those who want all three platforms.

Here are the common bundle configurations and their approximate monthly “subscription costs”:

• Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Disney+ & Hulu, both with ads): $9.99 per month. This is an excellent option if you are comfortable with “ad-supported” viewing and do not need ESPN+.
• Disney Bundle Trio Basic (Disney+, Hulu, & ESPN+, all with ads): $14.99 per month. This provides comprehensive content across entertainment, family-friendly, and sports programming at a competitive price.
• Disney Bundle Trio Premium (Disney+ & Hulu ad-free, ESPN+ with ads): $24.99 per month. This offers the best of Disney and Hulu without interruptions, while still including sports.

Individual prices are higher. For example, subscribing to Disney+ (ad-free) and Hulu (ad-free) separately would cost you $13.99 + $17.99 = $31.98 per month, making the Trio Premium bundle a clear saving if you want both ad-free. What you need to do: Assess which content you actually watch. If you only care about Disney+, pay for that. If you want two or more services, especially ad-free, a bundle likely saves you money.

Max: The Evolution from HBO Max and Its New Structure

The “streaming” service formerly known as HBO Max officially rebranded to Max in May 2023, consolidating content from HBO, Warner Bros., DC, the Discovery library, and more. This change also introduced a new pricing structure designed to offer more choice, including a lower-cost “ad-supported” tier and a premium option with advanced features.

Max offers three primary plans:

• Max With Ads: At $9.99 per month, this “ad-supported” tier provides access to the full Max library. You can stream on two devices simultaneously, and the video quality is up to 1080p. There is no offline download capability with this plan.
• Max Ad-Free: For $15.99 per month, this plan is “ad-free” and offers the same streaming capabilities as the ad-supported tier: two simultaneous streams and 1080p video quality. Crucially, it includes 30 downloads for offline viewing.
• Max Ultimate Ad-Free: The premium experience costs $19.99 per month. It is “ad-free” and elevates your viewing with 4K Ultra HD video quality, HDR, and Dolby Atmos immersive audio on supported titles. You can stream on four devices simultaneously and get 100 downloads for offline use.

Max’s “price increases” occurred with the rebranding, effectively making the ad-free, 4K experience more expensive than the previous HBO Max ad-free plan. The introduction of the ad-supported tier gives consumers a cheaper entry point, but if you expect 4K or many downloads, you must opt for the Ultimate Ad-Free plan. What you need to do: If you value top-tier quality for blockbusters and HBO series, the Ultimate Ad-Free plan is necessary. If you primarily watch on a phone or tablet, or do not mind 1080p, the cheaper Ad-Free or With Ads plans are sufficient.

Peacock: Free, Premium, and Premium Plus Options

Peacock, NBCUniversal’s “streaming” service, stands out by still offering a limited free tier alongside its paid “Premium” and “Premium Plus” options. This allows you to sample content before committing to a “subscription cost.”

Here is how Peacock’s plans break down:

• Peacock Free: This tier offers access to a limited selection of movies, TV shows, and news with commercials. You do not need a credit card to sign up, but the content library is significantly smaller than the paid plans.
• Peacock Premium: For $5.99 per month, this “ad-supported” plan unlocks the full Peacock library, including current NBC shows, exclusive originals, live sports, and WWE content. It still includes commercials, though fewer than broadcast TV.
• Peacock Premium Plus: This “ad-free” option costs $11.99 per month. It includes everything from Premium, but most content is available without ads. Some live events and specific titles may still contain promotional breaks. Premium Plus also allows you to download select titles for offline viewing.

Peacock implemented a “price increase” in August 2023, raising its Premium plan by $1 and Premium Plus by $2. The free tier remains unchanged, making it a good way to test the waters. What you need to do: If you only want to catch up on a few NBC shows or watch an occasional movie, the Free tier might work. For comprehensive access to live sports (like Premier League) or current NBC/Bravo content, Premium is the minimum. If ads bother you, Premium Plus is worth the extra “subscription cost.”

Paramount+: Essential vs. Paramount+ with Showtime

Paramount+ offers a compelling mix of original series, movies, live sports, and local CBS channels. It simplifies its “subscription costs” into two main tiers, with the higher tier incorporating Showtime content.

Paramount+ implemented a “price increase” in June 2023, raising the prices for both of its tiers:

• Paramount+ Essential: This “ad-supported” plan costs $5.99 per month (up from $4.99). It includes a vast library of on-demand content, NFL on CBS, and UEFA Champions League matches. However, it does not include your local live CBS channel, and there are ads.
• Paramount+ with Showtime: Priced at $11.99 per month (up from $9.99), this is the “ad-free” premium tier. It grants you access to the entire Paramount+ library without ads, includes Showtime’s full catalog, and provides your local live CBS station. You also get download capability for offline viewing.

Both plans offer a significant amount of content, but the inclusion of Showtime and live CBS in the higher tier justifies its “price increase” for many. What you need to do: If you just want access to Paramount+ originals and some live sports without needing Showtime or live CBS, the Essential plan is suitable. If Showtime’s critically acclaimed series are a must-have, or if you want an ad-free experience with your local CBS channel, the Paramount+ with Showtime plan offers excellent value.

Amazon Prime Video: Ads Arrive, Ad-Free Costs More

Amazon Prime Video has long been a perk of an Amazon Prime membership, offering a vast library of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. However, a significant change arrived in early 2024, altering the experience for millions of subscribers.

Starting January 29, 2024, Amazon Prime Video introduced commercials on all content for standard Amazon Prime members. This means if you are paying for Amazon Prime (which costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year for the full suite of Prime benefits), you now see “ad-supported” content on Prime Video by default. To remove these ads, you must pay an additional $2.99 per month for an “ad-free” upgrade.

This move effectively represents a “price increase” for an ad-free experience, as the ad-free option is no longer included in the base Prime membership. Many subscribers view this as a reduction in value for their existing Prime membership, forcing them to pay more for a feature they previously enjoyed without extra cost. What you need to do: If ads bother you significantly and you watch a lot of Prime Video, budgeting an extra $2.99 per month is necessary. If you are a casual viewer or primarily use Prime for shipping benefits, the ad-supported experience might be acceptable. Consider whether your overall Prime membership still delivers enough value to justify its “subscription costs.”

Other Key Streaming Services: Apple TV+, Sling TV, YouTube TV

Beyond the major players, several other services play crucial roles in the “streaming” ecosystem, each with its own “subscription costs” and value propositions.

• Apple TV+: Known for its high-quality original content, Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month (after a November 2023 “price increase” from $6.99). It is entirely “ad-free” and often included in Apple One bundles, which combine multiple Apple services. While its library is smaller than competitors, its critically acclaimed shows make it a strong contender for those valuing premium originals. You can also often get free trials with new Apple device purchases.
• Sling TV: One of the pioneers of “cord-cutting” for live TV, Sling TV offers more affordable bundles than traditional cable. Its two main plans, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each start at $40 per month, or you can combine them for $55 per month. These plans include channels like ESPN (Orange), Fox/NBC (Blue), and a basic “DVR” (digital video recorder) functionality. Sling TV experiences occasional “price increases,” but remains one of the cheaper live TV options.
• YouTube TV: A more comprehensive “live TV streaming” service, YouTube TV offers over 100 channels, including local sports networks and unlimited “DVR” storage, for $72.99 per month. While more expensive than Sling, it provides a closer alternative to a full cable package without a contract. YouTube TV has also seen its share of “price increases” over the years, reflecting the rising cost of licensing live channels.

What you need to do: If live TV is a priority, compare channel lineups and “subscription costs” for Sling TV and YouTube TV to see which best fits your viewing habits and budget. For exclusive, high-quality originals, Apple TV+ offers strong value, especially if bundled with other Apple services.

Streaming Price Comparison Chart (2024)

To help you compare “current streaming service prices 2024” at a glance, this table outlines the basic monthly “subscription costs” for key services in the US. Remember that features, available content, and “ad-free” options vary significantly.

Streaming Service	Lowest Ad-Supported Plan (Monthly)	Lowest Ad-Free Plan (Monthly)	Notes & Key Features
Netflix	$6.99 (Standard with Ads)	$15.49 (Standard)	Password sharing restrictions, 4K on Premium ($22.99).
Disney+	$7.99 (Basic with Ads)	$13.99 (Premium)	Bundles with Hulu and ESPN+ offer savings.
Hulu	$7.99 (with Ads)	$17.99 (No Ads)	Also available with Live TV for $76.99 (with Ads).
Max	$9.99 (With Ads)	$15.99 (Ad-Free)	Ultimate Ad-Free ($19.99) includes 4K UHD.
Peacock	$5.99 (Premium)	$11.99 (Premium Plus)	Free tier with limited content also available.
Paramount+	$5.99 (Essential)	$11.99 (with Showtime)	Essential does not include local live CBS.
Amazon Prime Video	Included with Prime ($14.99/mo)	+$2.99/mo (Ad-Free Add-on)	Prime membership includes other Amazon benefits.
Apple TV+	N/A (Always Ad-Free)	$9.99	High-quality originals, often bundled with Apple One.
Sling TV	$40 (Orange or Blue with Ads)	N/A (Live TV always has ads)	Live TV streaming, channel bundles, DVR included.
YouTube TV	$72.99 (with Ads)	N/A (Live TV always has ads)	Comprehensive live TV, unlimited cloud DVR.

Note: “Ad-supported” live TV services (Sling TV, YouTube TV) inherently contain commercials, similar to traditional broadcast TV, regardless of their “subscription costs.”

Strategies to Save Money on Streaming

Navigating these “price increases” requires a proactive approach to your “streaming” budget. You have several actionable strategies to minimize your “subscription costs” and ensure you are getting the best value.

1. Rotate Your Subscriptions: This is arguably the most effective money-saving tactic. Instead of subscribing to every service year-round, rotate them based on what you want to watch. Finish a show on Netflix, then cancel it and subscribe to Max for a month. Most services offer a month-to-month subscription model, making this simple. For example, if you plan to watch the new season of a show on Disney+, subscribe for a month or two, binge the content, and then cancel until new content you want to see arrives.
2. Utilize Bundles: As seen with the Disney Bundle, combining services can significantly reduce your overall “subscription costs.” Evaluate if a bundle containing services you already use or plan to use offers better value than individual subscriptions. These bundles consolidate billing and can simplify management.
3. Embrace Ad-Supported Tiers: If you are comfortable with commercials, opting for “ad-supported” plans immediately lowers your monthly bill for many services. While ads can be inconvenient, the savings often outweigh the minor interruptions, especially on services like Netflix, Hulu, or Max.
4. Leverage Free Trials and Promotions: Always look for free trials before committing to a service. Many services offer 7-day or 30-day trials. Additionally, keep an eye out for promotions, such as discounted rates for new subscribers or bundled offers through your internet or mobile provider. Sometimes, buying a new “smart TV” or “streaming device” comes with a few months of a free streaming service.
5. Share Strategically and Responsibly: If a service allows it (and Netflix is increasingly restricting this), share accounts with trusted family members who live in different locations to split the “subscription costs.” Be mindful of each service’s terms of service regarding account sharing. For Netflix, you must pay an extra member fee if sharing outside your household.
6. Explore Free Streaming Options: Do not overlook completely free, ad-supported services like Tubi, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Freevee. These platforms offer vast libraries of movies and TV shows, some with live channels, without any “subscription costs.” They can supplement your paid services and help you cut down on subscriptions. According to CNET, free streaming services have dramatically improved their content offerings, making them a viable option for budget-conscious viewers.
7. Check Your Library: Your local public library often provides free access to “streaming” services like Kanopy and Hoopla with your library card. These platforms offer a curated selection of movies, documentaries, and even educational courses, all at no extra cost to you.

The Future of Streaming Costs: What to Expect

The trend of “price increases” in “streaming” will likely continue. The industry’s focus has shifted from rapid subscriber acquisition to achieving profitability, meaning companies will seek more revenue from their existing user base. You can anticipate a few key developments:

• More Tiered Options: Expect services to introduce even more plan variations, offering different levels of quality (HD, 4K), number of simultaneous streams, and download capabilities, each with its own “subscription cost.” This allows them to segment their audience and maximize revenue.
• Expansion of Ad-Supported Tiers: The success of “ad-supported” tiers for Netflix, Disney+, and Max confirms this model’s viability. More services will likely introduce or expand these options, providing a lower entry price point for budget-conscious viewers while generating additional advertising revenue.
• Further Password Sharing Crackdowns: Following Netflix’s lead, other services may implement stricter policies regarding “password sharing.” This aims to convert shared accounts into paying subscriptions, driving up overall revenue.
• Consolidation and Bundling: We could see further mergers or acquisitions within the industry, leading to new bundles and combined services. This offers potential savings but also limits choices if you only want one specific service.

The “streaming” landscape will remain dynamic. Your best defense against rising “subscription costs” is to stay informed, regularly review your expenses, and apply the money-saving strategies discussed here. Your ability to adapt and be flexible with your subscriptions gives you control in this evolving market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are streaming services getting more expensive?

Streaming services are getting more expensive due to rising content production costs, the industry’s shift from growth to profitability, and general inflation. Companies invest heavily in exclusive high-quality shows and movies to attract and retain subscribers, and these costs are passed on to you through “price increases” and new tiered pricing structures.

Is it still cheaper to cut the cord from cable TV?

Yes, for most people, “cord-cutting” is still cheaper than traditional cable TV. While “streaming prices” are rising, a curated selection of a few key streaming services or a single “live TV streaming” service like Sling TV or YouTube TV typically costs less than the average cable bill, which often includes hidden fees and equipment rental costs. Smart management, such as rotating subscriptions and using “ad-supported” tiers, maximizes your savings.

How often do streaming prices change for major services?

Major streaming services typically review their “subscription costs” annually or biannually. Companies often announce “price increases” around the same time each year, or when introducing new tiers or significant content changes. Staying informed about these announcements helps you adjust your budget and subscription strategy proactively.

What is the best streaming service for saving money?

The “best” streaming service for saving money depends entirely on your personal viewing habits and desired content. If you only watch originals, Apple TV+ might be economical. If you prioritize quantity and do not mind ads, Netflix’s “Standard with Ads” or Hulu’s “with Ads” plan offers value. The real savings come from actively managing your subscriptions, rotating them, and utilizing bundles or free tiers rather than sticking to one “best” option.

Will password sharing crackdowns continue across all platforms?

Yes, it is highly likely that “password sharing” crackdowns will continue and potentially expand across more “streaming” platforms. Following Netflix’s successful implementation, other services view this as a significant opportunity to convert non-paying viewers into subscribers or generate additional revenue through extra member fees. Expect more services to enforce stricter policies and technological measures to limit account sharing outside of single households.

Disclaimer: Streaming industry news changes rapidly. This article reflects information available at the time of publication. Check official service announcements for the most current information.