Discovery+ Announces Price Hike for Ad-Free and Ad-Supported Plans

Takeaways:

• Discovery+ raises prices for both its ad-free and ad-supported plans by $1.
• New prices are $5.99 (ad-supported) and $9.99 (ad-free), effective immediately for new users.
• Existing subscribers will see the new rates starting February 7, 2025.

Discovery+ has announced a $1 price increase across its ad-free and ad-supported streaming plans in the United States. Effective immediately for new subscribers, the updated monthly rates are $5.99 for the ad-supported plan and $9.99 for the ad-free tier. Existing customers will experience the new pricing during their next billing cycle on or after February 7, 2025.

Why the Price Hike?

The streaming service, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, last increased the price of its ad-free plan in October 2023, from $6.99 to $8.99. Until now, the ad-supported plan had maintained its original $4.99 monthly price since Discovery+ launched in 2021. This adjustment reflects the company’s strategy to invest in its growing library of niche content and keep pace with rising operational costs in the competitive streaming landscape.

What Does Discovery+ Offer?

Discovery+ continues to serve as a go-to platform for fans of lifestyle and reality programming. With an extensive catalog of popular shows from legacy Discovery brands—such as TLC, HGTV, Food Network, and Investigation Discovery (ID)—the platform caters to viewers seeking engaging, real-life stories. Some of the standout series currently available include:

• 90 Day: The Last Resort
• Moonshiners
• Gold Rush
• Evil Lives Here
• Home Town

Additionally, Discovery+ has kicked off 2025 with new seasons and premieres, including:

• My 600-lb Life (January 1)
• Worst Cooks in America Celebrity Edition: Heroes vs. Villains (January 5)
• The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: The Final Chapter (January 6)
• Baylen Out Loud (January 13)

Discovery+ vs. Max: Which Is Right for You?

Discovery+ operates as a niche streaming service focused on lifestyle and reality content, making it a more affordable option for fans of its flagship genres. Its sibling platform, Max, offers a broader range of content, including HBO originals, blockbuster movies, and additional Warner Bros. titles. While most of Discovery+’s content is also available on Max, the reverse is not true, positioning Discovery+ as the budget-friendly choice for those less interested in premium scripted programming.

Here’s a comparison of their pricing:

• Discovery+: $5.99 (ad-supported), $9.99 (ad-free)
• Max: $9.99 (ad-supported), $16.99 (ad-free)

Industry Context: Streaming Competition Heats Up

The price hike comes amidst an increasingly competitive streaming market. Major players like Netflix and Disney+ have also raised their subscription fees, citing rising costs and the need for enhanced content offerings. Discovery+, by focusing on its core audience and delivering fresh, engaging programming, aims to stay relevant in this crowded space.

What’s Next for Discovery+ Subscribers?

For current subscribers, the price change offers a chance to evaluate the service’s value. If you’re drawn to reality TV, home improvement, and other lifestyle genres, Discovery+ remains a strong contender in the streaming world. With its relatively low cost compared to other platforms, it’s still an attractive option for entertainment enthusiasts on a budget.