Disney+ Ad-Free Hits $21.49: Cancel, Downgrade, or Switch?
Disney+ Ad-Free Now Costs $21.49: Should You Cancel, Downgrade, or Switch?
Disney raised streaming prices again. As of September 23, 2026, Disney+ Premium (no ads) and Hulu Premium (no ads) each cost $21.49 per month, up from $18.99. New subscribers see the new rates now; Disney says subscribers who signed up earlier will see the change in a billing cycle on or after October 21, 2026.
It's the fourth straight year of Disney streaming increases, and the ad-free Disney+ tier now costs nearly twice what it did in 2023. If you're staring at a higher bill, here's how to decide whether to keep paying, downgrade to ads, bundle, or switch.
New Disney+ and Hulu prices
| Plan | Old price | New price |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+ Premium (no ads) | $18.99 | $21.49 |
| Hulu Premium (no ads) | $18.99 | $21.49 |
| Disney+ (with ads) | $11.99 | $12.49 |
| Hulu (with ads) | $11.99 | $12.49 |
| Disney+ & Hulu bundle (no ads) | $19.99 | $21.99 |
| Disney+ & Hulu bundle (with ads) | — | $12.99 |
| Disney+, Hulu & ESPN bundle (with ads) | $19.99 | $21.99 |
Look closely and you'll see Disney's strategy: the ad-free Disney+ and Hulu bundle costs just 50 cents more than either ad-free service on its own, and the ad-supported bundle is only 50 cents more than a single ad-supported app.
Option 1: Keep Disney+ Premium
Staying put makes sense if you watch Disney+ daily, hate ads, and don't want Hulu. But at $21.49 a month, you're paying about $258 a year. If that's the case, at least consider the next option.
Option 2: Switch to the ad-free bundle
If you pay for ad-free Disney+ or ad-free Hulu alone, the $21.99 Disney+ and Hulu Premium bundle gets you both for 50 cents more. If you already pay for both separately, switching to the bundle could save you around $21 a month compared with buying both ad-free apps individually.
Streaming more? Make sure your internet keeps up
If you're rethinking your streaming lineup, it's a good time to check whether your internet plan fits too. Compare plans at your address.
Option 3: Downgrade to ads
The biggest savings come from accepting ads:
- Disney+ with ads ($12.49) saves $9 a month, or $108 a year, compared with Premium.
- The Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads ($12.99) gets you both services for less than half the cost of ad-free Disney+ alone.
Keep in mind that ad-supported tiers can have fewer features, such as download limits for offline viewing. Check what matters to you before downgrading.
Option 4: Rotate or cancel
Many households don't need every service every month. A rotation strategy can cut costs dramatically:
- Subscribe when a show or movie you want arrives.
- Binge it.
- Cancel before the next billing date and move to a different service.
When you cancel Disney+, you generally keep access until the end of the billing period you already paid for.
Option 5: Get Disney+ through your internet or TV provider
This is the option many people overlook. Some internet and TV providers now include Disney+ or offer it as a perk:
- Pay-TV bundles: Some cable TV plans include ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu access at no extra charge as part of the package.
- Internet perks: Some home internet providers offer streaming credits covering Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundles for a period when you sign up for select plans.
These perks usually cover ad-supported tiers and may renew at full price after a promo period, so read the terms. But if you're shopping for internet or TV anyway, a bundled perk can take Disney+ off your monthly bill entirely.
How to decide: a quick checklist
- How often do you actually watch? Check your viewing history for the last month.
- Do you pay for Hulu too? If so, the bundle is almost always cheaper.
- How much do ads bother you? Ads save $9 or more per month per service.
- Are you due for an internet or TV change? Look for plans with included streaming apps.
- Are you paying twice? If your TV plan already includes Disney+, cancel the separate subscription.
Don't forget your internet speed
Whatever you choose, streaming quality depends on your connection. Disney+ supports 4K Ultra HD on eligible plans and devices, which calls for a steady connection. A household streaming on several TVs at once should look for a plan with enough headroom. For most families, 300 Mbps or more is comfortable.
Bundle TV, streaming, and internet the smart way
Some internet and TV plans include streaming apps. We can help you compare options at your ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Disney+ ad-free now?
Disney+ Premium (no ads) costs $21.49 per month as of September 23, 2026.
When will existing subscribers pay the new price?
Existing subscribers see the new price on their next monthly bill after September 23, 2026.
What is the cheapest way to get Disney+?
Disney+ with ads at $12.49, the Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads at $12.99, or a TV or internet plan that includes Disney+ at no added cost.
Is the Disney+ and Hulu bundle worth it?
If you'd pay for either service ad-free, yes. The ad-free bundle is $21.99, just 50 cents more than one ad-free service.
Can I switch plans without losing my profiles?
Changing plans within your Disney account generally keeps your profiles and watch history, but review the plan-change screen before confirming.
Bottom line
At $21.49, ad-free Disney+ is a hard sell on its own. Most households will save by moving to the ad-free bundle, dropping to an ad-supported tier, rotating services, or getting Disney+ through an internet or TV plan that already includes it.