We’re Tracking Streaming Price Hikes in 2026: Spotify, Paramount Plus, Crunchyroll and Others

Streaming Services Raise Prices Again in 2026—Here’s What You’ll Pay More For

The start of 2026 has brought a fresh wave of price hikes across major streaming platforms, making it even more expensive to binge your favorite shows and movies. From anime to music, live TV, and beyond, several services have already increased their subscription costs—and more could be on the way.

Dubbed “streamflation,” the trend of rising streaming prices continues to affect millions of subscribers. Whether you’re a die-hard anime fan, a music lover, or a live TV streamer, here’s everything you need to know about the latest price increases—and how to keep your streaming budget in check.

2026 Streaming Price Hikes

Crunchyroll (February 2026)

Anime streaming giant Crunchyroll raised prices on February 2, marking its first increase since 2019. The ad-free Fan plan now costs $10 per month (up from $8), Mega Fan is $14 (up from $12), and Ultimate Fan is $18 (up from $16). The changes took effect immediately for new customers and will roll out to existing subscribers on March 4. Crunchyroll also shut down its free, ad-supported tier in January 2026.

Amazon Music (February 2026)

Amazon Music Unlimited saw a $1 increase for Individual plans, now $13 per month (or $12 for Prime members). Family plans rose by $2 to $22 per month. The changes went into effect February 3 for new customers and will apply to existing subscribers on or after March 5.

Paramount Plus (January 2026)

Paramount Plus quietly raised prices in mid-January, with ad-supported Essential plans jumping from $8 to $9 per month (or $60 to $90 per year). The ad-free Premium plan increased from $13 to $14 per month (or $120 to $140 per year).

Spotify (January 2026)

Spotify raised prices on January 15, with its Premium Individual plan increasing by $1 to $13 per month. Premium Duo is now $19, Premium Family is $22, and Premium Student is $7. New customers saw the change immediately, while existing subscribers will pay more starting in February.

Sling TV (January 2026)

Live TV streamer Sling TV increased prices on its Blue packages in select markets. In areas with local ABC, Fox, or NBC stations, Blue now costs $9 extra (up from $5) if you have all three locals, and $4 extra (up from no charge) if you have one or two. New customers saw the change in January, while existing subscribers will be affected on or after February 20.

2025 Streaming Price Hikes

HBO Max (October 2025)

HBO Max raised prices on October 21, coinciding with the launch of new series It: Welcome to Derry and I Love LA. The ad-supported Basic tier rose by $1 to $11 per month, the ad-free Standard tier increased by $1.50 to $18.50 per month, and the ad-free Premium tier jumped by $2 to $23 per month. The changes took effect immediately for new customers and on or after November 20 for existing subscribers.

Disney Plus, Hulu, ESPN Select, Hulu Plus Live TV (October 2025)

Disney’s price hike in October was one of the biggest of 2025, affecting standalone Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Select plans, as well as bundles and Hulu Plus Live TV. Notably, ad-free Hulu and the ad-free Disney Plus and Hulu bundle were not affected. The changes went into effect on October 21.

DirecTV (October 2025)

DirecTV customers may have seen price increases on or after October 5, though specific details were not disclosed. The company communicated the changes directly to customers.

Philo (September 2025)

Budget live TV streamer Philo increased the price of its Core plan by $5 to $33 per month on September 30. The increase included access to ad-supported HBO Max and Discovery Plus. Existing Core customers will pay more on or after October 30.

Apple TV (August 2025)

Before rebranding to Apple TV, the streamer formerly known as Apple TV Plus saw a $3 increase on August 21, bringing the ad-free service to $13 per month.

Peacock (July 2025)

Peacock raised prices by $3 in July, bringing Premium to $11 per month and Premium Plus to $17 per month. The streamer also introduced a new $8-per-month Select tier with current seasons of NBC and Bravo shows. Annual plans increased by $30, and changes took effect for existing customers on or after August 22.

Netflix (January 2025)

Netflix raised prices in January 2025, marking its first increase in over a year. The ad-based plan increased by $1 to $8 per month, the ad-free Standard plan rose by $2.50 to $18 per month, and the ad-free Premium plan increased by $2 to $25 per month.

Streaming Price Decreases

Fubo (January 2026)

In a rare move, Fubo initiated price cuts amid a carriage dispute with NBCUniversal. The Pro and Elite monthly subscriptions were reduced by $11 to $74 and $84, respectively. Existing customers will pay less on or after January 1.

How to Save on Streaming in 2026

With prices on the rise, here are a few tips to keep your streaming budget in check:

• Cancel unused services: If you’re not watching, don’t pay.
• Rotate services: Subscribe to one or two at a time and switch as needed.
• Look for discounts: Keep an eye out for promotions, student discounts, or bundle deals.
• Share accounts: Many services allow account sharing with family or friends (within their terms).

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Stay informed and keep your streaming budget in check as prices continue to rise in 2026!

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