Cutting the cord was supposed to save money. Eight streaming services now cost a combined $139 a month

Eight major streaming platforms now require a combined $139.41 monthly fee to access their ad-free catalog, according to calculations based on each service's standard pricing as of September 8, 2026. While this is technically cheaper than the average pay-TV bill in 2016, which would equate to around $143.00 in today's dollars, it no longer delivers the same affordability or value as it once did.

The price increase is particularly evident when examining individual platforms like Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Paramount+, all of which have seen significant rate hikes over the past few years. Apple TV, for instance, increased its price by 200% in just seven years, while Disney+ jumped 172% in a single year. Hulu and HBO Max also raised their ad-free plans around the same time, with HBO Max's Standard plan increasing by 40%.

Even Netflix, which initially offered a $7.99 ad-free plan, now charges $8.99, marking a 150% price hike since 2011. Amazon restructured its standalone Prime Video plan, raising the ad-free cost from $2.99 to $4.99 and rebranding it as Prime Video Ultra. Peacock also increased its ad-supported and ad-free Premium plans, while HBO Max's ad-free price rose by about 23% since its launch in 2020.

Despite the price hikes, streaming still provides more control to households compared to traditional cable packages. However, maintaining an affordable streaming experience now demands constant attention, such as downgrading plans, pursuing bundles, canceling unused subscriptions, or frequently cycling through different services.