In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ video subscription and rental price category rose 19.5% in the 12 months ending December 2025, compared with a 2.7% rise in all-items CPI. That is a sharp gap—but the BLS category includes video games, so it is not a streaming-only measure. Separate tracking of major services also found widespread, though not universal, price changes during 2025.
How much faster did video subscription prices rise than inflation?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 19.5% year-over-year increase for “Subscription and rental of video and video games” in the 12 months ending December 2025. Over the same period, all-items CPI increased 2.7%. The video category’s increase was therefore substantially greater than the overall inflation rate, but it should not be described as a streaming-only index: its scope also includes video games. BLS December 2025 CPI release.
Which streaming services raised prices in 2025?
Streaming Price Tracker recorded 21 price changes across 14 major U.S. services during 2025: 19 increases and two decreases. It lists increases at Netflix, fuboTV, Peacock, Apple TV, Philo, DirecTV Stream, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, and Hulu + Live TV. This is the tracker’s coverage, not a census of every streaming service, plan, or offer in the market. See the 2025 price-change tracker.
A standout increase: Peacock Premium with ads
The tracker lists Peacock Premium with ads rising from $7.99 to $10.99 per month in July 2025, a 38% increase. That is one specific plan change—not the average increase for Peacock or for streaming services overall.
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Other reported plan examples
Scripps News reported that Netflix Standard moved from $15.49 to $17.99, Disney+ ad-free from $13.99 to $18.99, and Apple TV+ from $6.99 to $12.99 in 2025. These are secondary-source examples; a plan’s price can vary with tier, billing cadence, location, and date. Scripps News’ report on 2025 streaming costs.
Why did streaming prices go up?
There is no single explanation established for every service’s increase. Netflix says its plans and pricing may change as it improves the service and adds shows and movies; it also cites local market changes, including taxes or inflation. Netflix says it emails affected customers one month before a price increase. Those are Netflix’s stated reasons and notification policy, not a universal explanation for the industry. Netflix Help Center: plans and pricing.
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Netflix’s 2025 Form 10-K provides company-specific financial context: it says revenue increased 16% over 2024, primarily because of membership growth, price increases, and increased advertising revenue, partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange changes. That filing describes Netflix, and does not establish why other services changed prices. Netflix 2025 Form 10-K.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the price increases mean for household budgets
A December 2025 affordability document from the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee reported average U.S. streaming spending of $69 per month, based on consumer reports cited in the document. It said that amount was 13% and almost $100 more than in 2024. The same document said nearly half of subscribers reported paying too much for the services they used, while 40% thought the content was not worth the price. These are figures attributed to the committee document and consumer reports it cites, not BLS CPI measurements. Senate Commerce Committee affordability snapshot.
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When comparing subscriptions, monthly price alone can mislead. A useful comparison considers:
Quick Recap
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- What you watch: Whether a service regularly carries films, series, or documentaries your household actually uses.
- Advertising: Whether a lower-priced ad-supported plan’s ad load is acceptable to you.
- Bundles: Which services are included, what the bundle costs, and whether its terms require another subscription.
- Live TV: Whether the plan includes live channels, which can make it unlike an on-demand subscription.
- Billing and tier: The exact plan, billing cadence, and location, since prices and offerings can differ and change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
