The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Some U.S. streaming prices rose in 2026, but the available confirmed figures do not support a reliable ranking of eight services or a claim that Netflix was—or was not—the “worst” offender. The clearest like-for-like example is Peacock Premium Plus, up $3 per month. Amazon’s increase applies to an optional ad-free Prime Video add-on, not to Prime membership. Here is what the published information establishes, what it does not, and how to check whether a notice changes your bill.
What the confirmed 2026 changes show
Price changes need to be compared by the same measure: U.S. geography, plan, billing cadence, and the price before and after the change. The percentage below is calculated from the stated prior monthly price; it is not a year-over-year comparison across different services.
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| Service and item | What changed | Timing and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock Premium Plus | $16.99 to $19.99 per month: a $3 increase, or about 17.7% of the prior monthly price. | Peacock’s official help page says plan price changes took effect August 18, 2026. This is the standalone Premium Plus plan, not the separately listed Apple TV and Peacock bundle. |
| Prime Video Ultra | $2.99 to $4.99 per month for the ad-free add-on: a $2 increase, or about 66.7% of the prior add-on price. | Amazon says the U.S. add-on began April 10, 2026, and that Prime membership cost did not change. Fortune reports the prior $2.99 add-on price. This is not a Prime membership increase. |
The percentage comparison makes the Prime Video add-on’s increase larger relative to its former price, while Peacock’s increase is larger in monthly dollars among these two examples. Neither comparison establishes the largest increase across all streaming services: the plans and product types differ, and complete before-and-after figures are not available here for every service.
What is—and is not—established for other services
Netflix and Paramount+
S&P Global reports that Netflix announced U.S. price increases across tiers in March 2026 and Paramount+ rolled out increases in January 2026. The available figures do not provide a complete before-and-after table with primary announcement details for either service. Without those values, it is not possible to calculate consistent dollar and percentage increases or responsibly declare which company had the “worst” increase.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Disney+ and Hulu
Disney+ says its listed prices apply to new U.S. subscriptions beginning August 20, 2026; customers who subscribed earlier see the change on or after October 21. Hulu says its listed prices apply to new subscriptions from September 23, 2026, with existing subscribers seeing the change on or after October 21. Those timing notices distinguish new and existing customers, but the available excerpts do not give the prior prices needed to quantify a 2026 increase.
Do not mistake Hulu’s earlier increase for a 2026 change: Fortune reports that Hulu’s ad-supported plan rose to $11.99 on October 21, 2025.
Rank #2
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Apple TV and HBO Max
Tom’s Guide reports that Apple TV increased to $14.99 per month on August 29, 2026. That is secondary reporting in the available information, not a confirmed primary Apple announcement with a prior price, so it is insufficient for a settled before-and-after comparison. Fortune’s comparison refers to an October 2025 HBO Max increase, including Standard ad-free reaching $18.49; that does not establish an HBO Max increase in 2026.
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“Worst” can mean the biggest monthly dollar increase or the biggest percentage increase. Those rankings can differ, as the Peacock and Prime Video examples illustrate. A fair ranking also needs to avoid comparing unlike products: a standalone subscription is not the same as a bundle or an optional ad-free upgrade.
Rank #3
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
- Match the product: Compare the same service tier, rather than a basic plan at one service with a premium plan at another.
- Match the billing period: Compare monthly prices with monthly prices; treat annual plans separately.
- Use a named baseline: State the previous price and the effective date, then calculate both the dollar increase and percentage change.
- Separate customer timing: A price for new subscribers may take effect before an existing customer’s billing changes.
- Label bundles and add-ons: Say whether the charge is for a standalone service, a bundle, or an optional feature.
S&P Global Market Intelligence estimates that entry-level monthly streaming prices grew at a 4.6% compound annual growth rate from 2020 through 2026. Its service-specific rates—14.6% for Apple TV, 11.9% for Peacock, and 10.4% for Hulu—cover the full 2020–2026 period, not just 2026.
How to check whether your bill is changing
- Identify the exact product on the notice. Check whether it names the streaming plan itself, an ad-free add-on, or a bundle.
- Check the price page for your country and plan. Confirm the billing cadence and whether the displayed price is for new subscriptions or existing customers.
- Find the effective date for your account. A published change may apply to existing subscribers later than to new sign-ups.
- Compare your next bill with the old one. If the amount differs, check whether the billing intermediary or bundle—not just the service—sets the charge.
- Decide based on use and the new cost. If you rarely watch the service, cancel or pause it before the next renewal; if you keep it, verify that you are on the tier you intend to pay for.
How much are viewers spending overall?
A December 2025 affordability snapshot from the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation reported a figure from consumer reports of $69 per month in average U.S. streaming spend in 2025, described as 13% and nearly $100 more than in 2024. The Committee document cites consumer reports; it is not presented here as a survey conducted by the Committee. This aggregate spending figure offers context, but it does not measure the 2026 price change for any one service.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
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.
