These 6 Subscription Services Raised Their Prices in 2026
Streaming is getting expensive. According to a DepositAccounts study, digital subscription costs increased by 49% over the past six years, and Gen Z spends an average of $94 each month on them — or $1,128 a year.
Fittingly, six major subscription services decided 2026 was the year to significantly boost their prices. If you're not paying attention, those monthly charges could sneak right past you.
Learn More: 3 Cable TV and Internet Bundles That Could Cut Your Bill by $600 a Year
Sign Up Today: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking
We've mapped out exactly which services are squeezing your wallet the hardest and how to fight back. Whether you're canceling outright or gaming the system with promos and deals, here's your tactical guide to subscription survival.
1. Disney+
Disney+ has seen one of the steepest overall price hikes. KeepingUpWithInflation.com reported that an ad-free subscription jumped from $6.99 in 2019 to $18.99 today. That's a 172% increase. And that's just the headline number; the service has jacked up prices by $1–$3 every single year since launch.
If you want to keep your subscription but pay less, your best bet is to cancel and then wait for a promo or Black Friday deal. For example, there was a Disney+ and Hulu bundle (with ads) last year that cost just $4.99 a month and lasted an entire year. You just needed to sign up during the promo period.
2. YouTube Premium
According to PriceTimeline, a monthly YouTube Premium subscription cost between $7.99 (students) and $13.99 (individuals) last year. Now, it costs $8.99 for students and $15.99 for individuals.
If you're a student, take advantage of the free 30-day trial, then cancel before it charges. For individuals, the annual plan offers 15% savings and doesn't auto-renew, so you won't wake up to surprise charges.
3. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video went from $2.99 to $4.99 per month recently, per PriceTimeline. While Amazon does have the largest streaming library, if you're already drowning in subscriptions, this is an easier cut than you might think.
The AmazonPrimeVideo subreddit users recommend free alternatives like Tubi or Roku (they run ads, but they're free). You could also cancel until something you actually want drops, then resubscribe for a month.
4. Netflix
Once upon a time, Netflix cost $9.99/month according to KeepingUpWithInflation.com data. Netflix's Standard plan is now $19.99 per month, up $2 from last year. The service has thousands of titles, but the library isn't as extensive as it once was. If you're choosing between Netflix and other options, the free ad-supported alternatives like Tubi or Pluto TV might be worth the tradeoff.
5. Spotify
Spotify Premium (ad-free) has crept from $9.99 in 2015 to $12.99 today, per KeepingUpWithInflation.com. This isn’t a massive increase on its own, but it might be worth cutting. If you already have a paid plan, like YouTube Premium, consider keeping one and canceling the other. Or you could create a new Spotify account for $0 for the first three months. Just be sure to cancel before you get charged.
6. The New York Times
The New York Times's paywall went from just over $20 to just over $30 per month.
For a lower price, cancel your plan and resubscribe with a different email address. Depending on when you do this, you could get all-access for just $4 a month for the first six months. After that, you’ll have to pay the full price.
If you’re a San Francisco Public Library cardholder, you can also access the full digital version for free with a special code. This only lasts 72 hours, however.
The Bottom Line
Stop treating subscriptions like permanent fixtures. Pick the three or four you actually use and ax the rest without guilt. That one move could free up $30-$50 in your monthly budget. And when you genuinely want to watch something on a service you quit, you can always come back for a month.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: