Paramount announced a rebuilt Pluto TV experience on September 23, 2026, making another pitch for free streaming as Disney’s US subscription prices climb. The contrast is straightforward: Disney charges a premium for viewing without ads, while Paramount wants a better app and a broader library to make its advertising-funded service more appealing.
That puts the two companies in different positions when viewers weigh the cost of another subscription. Disney’s pricing makes bundles more attractive than buying individual services. Pluto TV’s pitch starts with removing the subscription charge altogether.
Disney’s prices put the bundle front and center
Disney lists its standalone Disney+ Premium plan at $21.49 a month, with an annual option of $214.99. Hulu’s standalone plan without ads is also priced at $21.49 monthly.
The Disney+ and Hulu bundle without ads is listed at $21.99 a month. The bundle with ads costs $12.99 at the standard monthly rate. These are regular US prices, separate from introductory offers.
The gap is striking: adding Hulu to an ad-free Disney+ subscription costs just 50 cents more per month at those rates. That pricing gives viewers little financial incentive to choose Disney+ alone, even if they mainly watch one service.
Disney’s cheaper options still involve a monthly bill. Its standalone Disney+ plan with ads is listed at $12.49, only 50 cents below the two-service bundle with ads. The price structure suggests Disney is using bundles to make the overall subscription feel more valuable.
The timing also matters for existing customers. Disney says subscribers affected by its Disney+ price change will see the increase in their billing cycle on or after October 21, 2026. Third-party billing prices can vary.
Pluto TV puts its free model behind a rebuilt app
Paramount describes Pluto TV’s overhaul as its largest technology investment since the service’s founding. The company says the platform shares its underlying technology with Paramount+, bringing live channels and on-demand entertainment together with improved discovery and personalization.
Paramount is also promoting a larger selection of licensed programming. It puts the increase in third-party content investment at 63%, with titles from studios including NBCUniversal, Disney and Sony.
Paramount identifies adults aged 18 to 34 as Pluto TV’s fastest-growing audience, giving the service a younger demographic to court alongside its investment in familiar shows and movies.
Its accompanying campaign uses the invitation “Escape to Pluto TV.” Together, the product changes and marketing suggest Paramount sees room to compete on how easily viewers find something to watch, alongside the absence of a subscription fee.
Free streaming has competition of its own
Pluto TV still faces services with the same headline price. Tubi and The Roku Channel also compete for audiences watching free, ad-supported programming.
Fox announced an agreement in June 2026 to acquire Roku at an enterprise value of approximately $22 billion. The proposed deal would bring Roku and Fox-owned Tubi under the same corporate roof. Fox said it expected the transaction to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval.
That leaves Pluto TV with a challenge beyond attracting people who want a smaller streaming bill. Its investment needs to give them reasons to return. Free removes a payment decision; the library and the viewing experience still have to earn viewers’ time.