Hulu's Price Hike: Is it Still Worth Cutting the Cord?

Cord cutters, brace yourselves!  Hulu, one of the most popular streaming services for those who've ditched cable, is raising its prices again. Effective October 17th, 2024,  we're seeing increases across the board. So, what does this mean for us, and is Hulu still a good value? Let's dive in.

Breaking Down the Price Changes:

• Hulu (With Ads): $7.99/month to $9.99/month
• Hulu (No Ads): $14.99/month to $18.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV (With Ads): $76.99/month to $82.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV (No Ads): $89.99/month to $95.99/month
• ESPN+: $10.99/month to $11.99/month

Ouch! Those are some significant increases, especially for the ad-free plans and the Live TV bundles. It's starting to feel like cable all over again!

Why is Hulu Raising Prices?

Hulu, like many other streaming services, is likely facing increased costs for content acquisition and production. As competition heats up in the streaming wars, the price of securing popular shows and movies is going up. Plus, Hulu is investing in its own original content, which isn't cheap.

Is Hulu Still a Good Value?

This is the million-dollar question. For some, the answer may be a resounding "no." If you're on a tight budget, these price increases might be the final straw. There are other streaming services out there that offer a lot of content for less money.

However, Hulu does still have some unique selling points:

• Vast library of on-demand content, including next-day access to many network shows
• Live TV option with a good selection of channels
• Original programming like "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Only Murders in the Building"
• Bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+

If you value these features and are willing to pay a bit more, Hulu might still be a good fit for you. But it's definitely time to re-evaluate your streaming budget and see if there are any areas where you can cut back.

I use the standard Hulu plan, and mine will go up from $8/month to $10/month. The $2 cost is something I don't like, but will deal with for now.

Tips for Cord Cutters:

• Shop around: Don't be afraid to switch streaming services if you find a better deal.
• Consider ad-supported plans: They're cheaper, but you'll have to sit through commercials.
• Rotate your subscriptions: Subscribe to one or two services at a time and switch them out every few months.
• Take advantage of free trials: This is a great way to try out new services without committing.

Conclusion:

Hulu's price increases are a bummer, but they're not the end of the world for cord cutters. With a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can still enjoy your favorite shows and movies without breaking the bank.

My Streaming Life will accept the increase for the basic $8 (soon to be $10) plan. But what about you? What do you think of the Hulu price increases? Are you planning to keep your subscription, or are you looking for alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comments below.