Streaming prices in 2026: Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video and Apple TV compared, and how to pay less

Key figures

A year of price rises

Streaming is no longer the cheap alternative to cable. In the past twelve months, almost every major service raised its prices in the United States:

• Netflix raised every plan in March 2026, its second increase in just over a year, according to WAFB.
• HBO Max raised all its tiers from November 20, 2025, according to Paste Magazine.
• Amazon raised its ad-free Prime Video option from $2.99 to $4.99 a month in April 2026 and renamed it Prime Video Ultra, according to 9to5Google.
• Apple TV went from $12.99 to $14.99 a month at the end of August 2026, according to TheWrap.
• Disney+ and Hulu raised their prices again in late September 2026, according to Hawaii News Now.

The current prices (United States)

Monthly prices from WAFB, Hawaii News Now, Paste Magazine, 9to5Google, DealNews and TheWrap. Yearly plans, where offered, are cheaper per month: HBO Max Basic costs $109.99 a year.

What a full set really costs

If you subscribe to everything without ads (Netflix Standard, the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, HBO Max Standard, Prime with the ad-free option, and Apple TV), the bill reaches about $95 a month, or more than $1,100 a year.

With the ad-supported tiers (Netflix with ads, the Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads, HBO Max Basic, Prime Video only and Apple TV), it falls to about $57 a month, close to $680 a year.

Few households watch all of these services every month. That is where the savings are.

Six ways to pay less

• Rotate your services: keep one or two at a time, binge the shows you want, cancel and switch to another. Most services let you cancel at any time and keep access until the end of the paid month.
• Accept ads where you watch little: the ad tier of Netflix costs $11 less a month than Standard.
• Pay yearly for the services you keep: Apple TV costs $119 a year instead of about $180 paid monthly, and HBO Max Basic $109.99 instead of about $132.
• Use bundles: the Disney+ and Hulu bundle without ads costs $21.99, barely more than Disney+ Premium alone at $21.49.
• Check what you already have: Prime Video comes with an Amazon Prime membership, and some phone, internet or credit card plans include a streaming service.
• Audit your bank statement: forgotten trials and old accounts are common. Our older guide on what is worth paying for in home entertainment explains how to sort your subscriptions.

Which services to keep?

• For series and films for the whole family: Netflix, plus Disney+ if you have children.
• For prestige series: HBO Max, ideally a few months a year when your favourite shows return.
• If you already have Amazon Prime: Prime Video is already paid for; add Ultra only if ads bother you.
• For a few acclaimed original series: Apple TV, subscribed for the season you want, then paused.
• For sport: prices depend heavily on your league and region; compare carefully before adding a sports package.

Frequently asked questions

Do existing subscribers pay the new prices immediately? Not always. Services usually apply new prices to new customers first, then to existing members at their next billing date after a notice.

Is the ad tier really worth it? For services you watch occasionally, yes. Expect a few minutes of ads per hour and, on some services, fewer downloads or lower picture quality.

Can I share an account? Several services now charge for viewers outside your household. Check the rules before sharing a password.

Does a better TV need a more expensive plan? For 4K and Dolby Atmos, you often need the top tier, such as Netflix Premium or HBO Max Premium. If you are buying a big screen, see our 85-inch TV guide and our streaming stick comparison.

Verdict

Streaming has become a serious monthly expense: about $95 a month for the main services without ads, after a year of price rises. Few people need everything at once. Keep one or two services, rotate the others, choose ad tiers for occasional viewing and pay yearly for the ones you always use. With those habits, most households can cut their streaming bill by half without missing their favourite shows. Gamers can apply the same logic to subscriptions with our Game Pass vs PlayStation Plus guide.

This comparison is based on price announcements reported by the outlets cited. Prices vary by country, change often and may differ for existing subscribers; always check the service's own website.