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Hulu has announced that it will increase subscription prices in October. This will impact all Hulu plans, including bundles. The streaming platform last hiked prices in October 2023. If you’re a Hulu customer, this upcoming change will affect your checking account balance.
It’s not a bad idea to review your finances so you can decide whether to remain a Hulu subscriber and pay more or rethink your streaming strategy to save money. Here’s what you need to know.
Your Hulu subscription will soon cost more
Hulu subscription costs will rise on Oct. 17, 2024. The streaming company has noted this on its website and is sending emails to current subscribers to inform them of the change.
In the past, announced price hikes only impacted select plans. Unfortunately, this time, most plans will rise in price. The only plan that won’t rise is the $1.99 per month student subscription. If you have another plan, you should expect to pay up in the coming weeks.
Let’s compare current pricing to the new increased prices that will go into effect this October. Here’s an overview of how the cost of non-bundled Hulu plans will change.
| Subscription | Current Price | Price as of Oct. 17, 2024 | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu with ads (monthly) | $7.99/month | $9.99/month | 25.03% |
| Hulu with ads (annual) | $79.99/year | $99.99/year | 25% |
| Hulu (no ads) | $17.99/month | $18.99/month | 5.55% |
The hikes don’t stop there. Streaming bundles offered through Hulu will also increase in price. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
| Subscription | Current Price | Price as of Oct. 17, 2024 | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu with ads + Live TV, Disney+ with ads, and ESPN+ with ads | $76.99/month | $82.99/month | 7.79% |
| Hulu (no ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (no ads), ESPN+ with ads | $89.99/month | $95.99/month | 6.67% |
| Hulu with ads, Live TV, Disney+ (no ads), ESPN+ with ads | $81.99/month | $87.99/month | 7.31% |
| Live TV Only | $75.99/month | $81.99/month | 7.89% |
Plan accordingly to avoid a costly surprise
If you’re a Hulu subscriber, now is a good time to decide whether you want to keep this streaming service, downgrade to a more affordable plan, or cancel your subscription.
Another option is to cancel your Hulu service in the coming weeks and then occasionally resubscribe to a monthly plan when it’s time to binge watch your favorite shows. For those with multiple streaming subscriptions, this is a good strategy.
While price increases are the norm these days, every time another subscription or membership becomes more costly, your finances are impacted. Over time, multiple price hikes can eat away at your budget and cause stress.
Before making any decisions, take a quick look at your finances so you can make a choice that will be advantageous for your wallet.
Do you need help reworking your budget to free up more money for entertainment costs like streaming subscriptions? Check out our list of the best budgeting apps. Digital solutions like these can make it easier to manage your money and stay on top of your financial goals.
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