Discovery+ Raises Prices for Ad-Free and Ad-Supported Plans
In a move that’s sure to impact its growing subscriber base, Discovery+ has raised the subscription fees for both its ad-free and ad-supported plans. As of now, the ad-free plan has jumped by $1, increasing the price to $9.99 per month, up from the previous rate of $8.99. Similarly, the ad-supported plan will now cost $5.99 per month, also a $1 increase from its previous price.
These changes apply immediately for new subscribers, while existing customers will see the updated rates reflected on their first bill after February 7, 2025. The price hike marks the first increase for Discovery+ since October 2023, when the ad-free tier went up by $2, rising from $6.99 to $8.99 per month. Interestingly, while the ad-supported version didn’t see an increase in the U.S. in 2023, it did receive a $1 CAD price hike in Canada, bringing the cost to $5.99 CAD per month.
Discovery+ has seen significant changes in its programming lineup, with much of its content now available on the newly rebranded Max service. Originally, Warner Bros. Discovery planned to consolidate Discovery+ with Max, but they later decided to keep Discovery+ as a standalone service for users who prefer a more affordable option. This move allows Discovery+ to cater to a more budget-conscious audience while still offering top-tier content like Chopped, Ghost Adventures, Murdaugh Murders, and more.
In addition to the changes to Discovery+, Max also underwent a price increase last year. The Ad-Free Max tier rose to $16.99, up from $15.99, and the Ultimate Ad-Free plan (which includes 4K HDR streaming) went up to $20.99, an increase from $19.99. These price hikes across platforms come in the wake of ongoing inflation and operational costs, reflecting a broader trend within the streaming industry.
With shows like Gold Rush and Home Town, Discovery+ continues to offer an appealing service for fans of reality TV, crime documentaries, and home improvement shows. The recent price hikes may have some subscribers reconsidering their options, but the service remains a solid choice for viewers who enjoy its diverse range of content at an affordable price point.