8 streaming services got more expensive in 2026, and Netflix isn't even the worst offender

Published Oct 6, 2026, 10:15 AM EDT After graduating from Marist University with a degree in communications and journalism, Dan Girolamo has over 10 years of experience writing about entertainment and sports. Dan's work can be seen in various publications, including Digital Trends, SportsCasting, and Tom's Guide. Throughout his career, Dan has interviewed several high-profile filmmakers and creatives, including Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Caitriona Balfe, Frank Grillo, Miranda Cosgrove, Jai Courtney, Chris Columbus and James Cameron. Dan joins How-To Geek as a Senior Editor. When he's not writing about entertainment, Dan is either watching a movie or praying for the New York Knicks to win a championship. Streaming was supposed to be a cheaper alternative to cable television. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed. Streaming has now become a necessity for major media companies. Between new originals, licensed content, live broadcasts, and sporting events, many streaming services have significantly expanded their content offerings. More movies and shows lead to bigger spending, which, ultimately, has resulted in higher subscription prices. At this point, which streaming service has not raised its prices this year? It's difficult to keep track. Thankfully, we compiled some of the notable streaming price increases in 2026. Netflix The most popular streamer raised its prices With the streaming wars essentially over, Netflix is still the top dog. Netflix has surpassed 325 million subscribers worldwide, including approximately 89 million in the U.S. Netflix continues to expand with the addition of video podcasts, NFL games, WWE broadcasts, and the upcoming women's World Cup. Unfortunately, your Netflix subscription is more expensive in 2026. In March, Netflix increased monthly prices for all three tiers: Standard with ads from $7.99 to $8.99, Standard from $17.99 to $19.99, and Premium from $24.99 to $26.99. With Stranger Things now over, I'm interested in seeing how Netflix tries to find its next major franchise to justify its price. Subscription with ads Yes, $8/month Simultaneous streams Two or four Hulu & Disney+ Disney makes changes to its streamers Hulu and Disney+ share an entry because Disney owns both services. Many people, including myself, bundle Hulu and Disney+ together. That saves a little money in the long term, but even some of those bundles have new prices. Subscription with ads Yes, the Disney Basic plan Simultaneous streams Up to 4 The most basic ad-tier standalone plans for Hulu and Disney+ went from $11.99 to $12.49 per month. The standalone ad-free plans jumped from $18.99 to $21.49 per month. While the Hulu and Disney+ ad-tier bundle remains at $12.99 per month, the ad-free bundle has moved from $19.99 to $21.99. Prices also increase when you add ESPN Select to the bundle. The ad-tier bundle for the three services is $21.99 per month (up from $19.99), and the ad-free bundle is $32.99 per month (up from $29.99). Before making a decision, make sure to check out the list of new shows and movies on Hulu to see if the streamer deserves your hard-earned money. Subscription with ads Yes, $10/month Live TV Yes, various plans available ​​​​​​​Prime Video Amazon has done an impressive job in recent years of strengthening its streaming service. Prime Video has become one of the top destinations for action, especially with shows like Reacher and Neagley. The Boys, Fallout, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are also worth mentioning as popular shows on the service. Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 per month. That hasn't changed. However, the price to experience Prime Video ad-free has gone up. The price of Prime Video Ultra, which removes ads from the service, increased from $2.99 per month to $4.99 per month, bringing your monthly bill to $19.99. Subscription with ads Yes, via Prime membership or $9/month Simultaneous streams 3 ​​​​​​​Apple TV Credit: Lucas Gouveia/How-To Geek Has this been Apple TV's best year yet? It's certainly in the conversation. Apple TV is coming off a dominant night at the Emmys, where Widow's Bay made history with 14 wins, the most awarded comedy season ever. Apple TV has also become a home for terrific sci-fi shows like Pluribus, Silo, and Severance. Remember when Apple TV cost $4.99 per month in 2019? Those days are long gone. In August, Apple TV announced a monthly price increase, raising the price from $12.99 to $14.99. The annual price also rose from $99 to $119. I believe Apple TV has some shows worth subscribing for, but that will ultimately be the decision you have to make.​​​​​​​ Subscription with ads No Simultaneous streams 6 Paramount+ Taylor Sheridan's streamer has a new price If you turn on Paramount+, it will become quite apparent that the streamer loves to promote Taylor Sheridan's shows. I can't blame the streamer because Sheridan's productions are extremely popular. ​​​​​​​1883, 1923, Mayor of Kingstown, The Madison, and Dutton Ranch have dedicated followings. To watch those shows, you'll need to pay a bit more than the usual rate. In January, Paramount+ announced price hikes for Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported) and Paramount+ Premium (ad-free). Essential went from $7.99 to $8.99 per month and from $59.99 to $89.99 per year. Meanwhile, Premium increased from $12.99 to $13.99 per month and $119.99 to $139.99 per year. Subscription with ads Yes, $8/month Simultaneous streams 3 Peacock It will cost more to enjoy The Office The Office is one of my favorite comedies of all time. Spending time with the eccentric employees of Dunder Mifflin is such a comforting watch. To watch The Office in the U.S., you'll need Peacock, which now has a higher monthly and annual price. Peacock raised the prices for all three plans: Peacock Select from $7.99 to $8.99 per month and $79.99 to $89.99 per year, Peacock Premium (ads) from $10.99 to $12.99 per month and $109.99 to $129.99 per year, and Peacock Premium Plus from $16.99 to $19.99 per month and $169.99 to $199.99 per year. Subscription with ads Yes, $8/month Simultaneous streams 3 YouTube Premium Your YouTube bill now looks different Credit: Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek | DenPhotos / Shutterstock YouTube Premium does not raise prices often, but the service did so earlier this year. YouTube Premium raised prices on three plans: Individual from $13.99 to $15.99 per month, Family from $22.99 to $26.99 per month, and Lite from $7.99 to $8.99 per month. YouTube Music Premium also raised its plans: Individual from $10.99 to $11.99 per month, and Family from $16.99 to $18.99 per month. I had never considered YouTube Premium until this year. The Peacock addition to YouTube Premium in 2027 makes a lot of sense, especially with how much I use Universal's streamer for movies and sports. YouTube Premium Subscription with ads No, all ad-free Live TV No Movies and shows to watch on streaming If you need some movies or shows to add to your lineup, I have some picks for you. My new movie pick of the week is Animals, a Ben Affleck thriller heading to Netflix. As for new shows on Hulu, Phony, a mystery comedy, is an intriguing option later this month.