Your Ad-Free Hulu Plan Will Cost More on Oct. 12

Many U.S. households subscribe to multiple streaming services. Being able to stream movie and TV content from anywhere for a set monthly fee is a worthwhile convenience. But streaming service costs can add up quickly, impacting your budget more than you think.

This is especially true as more streaming platforms become more costly due to price increases. Hulu subscribers who pay for a commercial-free plan should prepare for a rise in subscription costs. Here's what you need to know to prepare your budget accordingly.

Hulu's ad-free plan will increase 20% on Oct. 12

It's not unusual to pay more to access streaming platforms without advertisements. But soon, an ad-free Hulu plan will become even more expensive. On Aug. 9, The Walt Disney Company announced new pricing for some Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ plans in the U.S.

Hulu with ads will continue to cost $7.99 a month or $79.99 per year. However, those who subscribe to Hulu without commercials should expect to pay more. The current price for Hulu's ad-free plan is $14.99 monthly. On Oct. 12, the price will increase to $17.99 per month.

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time the ad-free Hulu plan has increased in price. In October 2022, the monthly price rose from $12.99 to $14.99. With the latest planned increase, subscribers should prepare to pay an additional $3 per month, a 20% increase. That's $36 more per year.

It's also worth mentioning that Hulu with Live TV plans will increase in price on Oct. 12. Hulu with Live TV with ads will increase from $69.99 to $76.99 per month, and Hulu with Live TV without ads will increase from $82.99 to $89.99 monthly. Knowing this news before October is best to avoid a surprise larger charge on your credit card bill.

What to do if these price changes impact you

If you subscribe to a Hulu plan that will soon be more expensive, you'll need to decide if it's still worth the subscription cost for your service. Here are four possible solutions to explore.

1. Downgrade your plan

If you can no longer afford the new higher fee, you may want to consider downgrading to an ad-supported plan. Doing this can help you keep more money in your checking account without ditching the service for good.

2. Rotate the streaming apps you use

Another option is to rotate some of your streaming subscriptions. Instead of paying for multiple services each month, you can pause some and use one at a time, so you save money on subscription fees. As more streaming platforms rise in price, this technique can help those working on important personal finance goals.

3. Bundle your streaming services

The ad-free Disney+ plan also increases on Oct. 12. From $10.99 to $13.99 monthly. The cost of the ad-supported Disney+ plan won't change. If you subscribe to Disney+ and Hulu without ads, a new plan will soon be available and could help you keep more money in your pocket.

The Walt Disney Company will begin offering its Duo Premium plan on Sept. 6 for $19.99 monthly. Subscribing to this plan instead of both commercial-free plans separately will save subscribers $11.99 per month once the price increases go into effect. That could be a win for your wallet if you want to continue using both streaming platforms without commercials.

4. Revise your budget

Don't want to switch plans or get rid of your service? Another option is to rework your budget. By using a budgeting app, you may be able to reduce spending in some areas so you can free up more money to cover the rise in subscription costs. Check out our list of the best budgeting apps to discover how these digital tools can help you better manage your money.