Streaming services are increasing prices across the board, with major platforms like Spotify, Paramount Plus, and Crunchyroll raising rates in early 2026. This trend, dubbed “streamflation,” is forcing consumers to reassess their subscriptions or risk higher monthly bills. While canceling, rotating services, or seeking discounts are options, the reality is that most viewers will likely adjust rather than cut streaming entirely.
Recent Price Hikes (2026)
Crunchyroll raised its entry-level “Fan” subscription by $2 across all tiers in February, bringing costs to $10, $14, and $18 per month. The service also discontinued its free, ad-supported option. Amazon Music Unlimited followed suit, increasing individual plans to $13 (or $12 for Prime members) and family plans to $22. Paramount Plus increased its Essential plan to $9/month and Premium to $14/month in January. Spotify added $1 to its Premium Individual plan, now $13/month, and adjusted other tiers accordingly. Sling TV also raised prices on its Blue packages in select markets, increasing costs by $4–$9 depending on local station availability.
2025 Price Increases: A Precedent
The 2026 hikes are not isolated. In 2025, HBO Max (now Max) raised prices on its ad-supported and ad-free tiers by $1–$2 per month. Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus also saw increases, though ad-free Hulu and the Disney Plus/Hulu bundle remained unchanged. Philo increased its Core plan by $5 to $33/month, while Apple TV Plus raised its price to $13/month. Peacock increased its Premium tiers by $3, and Netflix raised prices on its ad-based, Standard, and Premium plans by $1–$2.50 per month.
Why This Matters
These price increases signal a shift in the streaming landscape. Platforms are now prioritizing profitability over rapid growth, suggesting that the era of cheap, unlimited content is over. The moves are driven by rising production costs, competition for exclusive content, and the need to justify investments in original programming. For consumers, this means higher monthly bills or difficult choices about which services to keep.
The trend also raises questions about long-term sustainability. As prices rise, some viewers may return to traditional TV or seek cheaper alternatives. Ultimately, the market will decide whether streaming services can maintain their dominance while increasing costs.
