The days of streaming as a cheap cable alternative are fading fast. As 2025 kicks off, several major streaming platforms have already announced price increases, continuing a trend that’s been building for years. Let’s examine the latest price hikes and what they mean for your entertainment budget.
Netflix Leads the Pack with Across-the-Board Increases
Netflix wasted no time raising prices in 2025, implementing increases on all plan tiers effective January 28th:
- Ad-supported plan: Now $8/month (up from $7)
- Standard plan: Now $18/month (up from $15.50)
- Premium plan: Now $25/month (up from $23)
This marks Netflix’s fourth consecutive year of price hikes. The company is betting its expanding content library and new live events will keep subscribers on board despite the higher costs.
For budget-conscious viewers, the ad-supported tier remains the most affordable option. However, even this plan saw a $1 increase while still including commercial breaks.
YouTube TV Jumps $10, Nearing Cable Costs
YouTube TV, already one of the pricier live TV streaming options, raised its monthly rate from $73 to $83 on January 13th. This $10 jump pushes the service even closer to traditional cable package pricing.
While YouTube TV offers perks like unlimited DVR storage and a broad channel selection, the rising cost may have some subscribers reconsidering their options. However, some users report success in negotiating a temporary discount by attempting to cancel and citing cost as the reason.
Amazon Music Unlimited Increases for Prime and Non-Prime Users
On March 5th, Amazon Music Unlimited implemented its first price hike since 2023:
- Prime members: Now $11/month (up from $10) or $109/year (up from $99)
- Non-Prime members: Now $12/month (up from $11)
- Family plan: Now $20/month (up from $17) or $199/year (up from $169)
These increases affect both new and existing subscribers. While Amazon Music Unlimited offers perks like offline listening and unrestricted track skipping, the new pricing puts it on par with competitors like Spotify for individual plans.
Fubo Raises Rates Across English-Language Plans
Fubo cited rising programming costs as it announced a $5 increase on all English-language streaming plans. The changes took effect in two phases:
- New subscribers: January 23, 2025
- Existing subscribers: February 10, 2025
Updated pricing:
- Essential & Pro plans: Now $85/month (up from $80)
- Elite plan: Now $95/month (up from $90)
This increase pushes Fubo above YouTube TV’s new pricing and makes it more expensive than Hulu + Live TV. Subscribers will need to weigh the service’s offerings against these higher costs.
Late 2024 Set the Stage for 2025 Increases
The current wave of price hikes follows several increases implemented in late 2024:
- Max: Raised prices by $1-$20 depending on the plan
- Disney+ & Hulu: Both increased by $2 per month
- Sling TV: Implemented its first price hike in nearly two years
- Discovery+: Added $1 to monthly subscription costs
What This Means for Streaming Subscribers
As streaming costs continue to rise, consumers face tough choices. Options to consider include:
- Evaluating which services provide the most value for your viewing habits
- Exploring ad-supported tiers to reduce costs
- Rotating subscriptions seasonally based on must-watch content
- Bundling services where available for potential discounts
- Reconsidering traditional cable if the price difference narrows further
The landscape of streaming is evolving rapidly. While these platforms still offer flexibility compared to cable, the days of streaming as a universally cheap alternative are clearly behind us. Savvy consumers will need to regularly reassess their subscriptions to ensure they’re getting the best value for their entertainment dollars.
Streaming costs might be on the rise, but with some strategic planning, you can still craft an entertainment lineup that fits your budget and viewing preferences. Stay informed about pricing changes and don’t be afraid to make adjustments to your subscriptions as needed.