Last updated: October 19, 2026
The quick answer
Discovery+ has raised its US monthly prices: the ad-supported plan goes from $5.99 to $6.99, and the ad-free plan from $9.99 to $11.99. New subscribers pay the higher prices immediately, while existing subscribers are being notified in advance, with the new rates reported to show up on bills from around November 12. If you only watch a few shows, switching to the ad tier or pausing between seasons are the simplest ways to soften the increase.
What happened
The change was announced on October 13, 2026, and reported by outlets including Deadline, Time Out and ContentGrip. It is one of the first streaming moves by Skydance Corp., the company formed after Paramount’s purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery closed earlier this month. Discovery+ is the home of reality, lifestyle, food, home and true-crime programming from networks such as HGTV, Food Network and TLC.
| US plan | Old monthly price | New monthly price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| With ads | $5.99 | $6.99 | +$1.00 |
| Ad-free | $9.99 | $11.99 | +$2.00 |
Reports so far cover only the monthly US plans. Details for annual plans, bundles and other countries have not been confirmed, and ContentGrip noted that the official pricing help page still showed the older rates when it checked. Look at your own account page for the exact amount that applies to you.
What changes for you
Over a year, the increase adds about $12 for the ad-supported plan and about $24 for the ad-free plan. Taken alone that is modest, but it lands in a year when many streaming services have raised prices, so it is a good prompt to review all your subscriptions together.
The ownership change also brings uncertainty. Skydance’s leadership has talked about combining HBO Max and Paramount+, but no timeline has been announced, and nothing confirmed so far changes what Discovery+ subscribers can watch.
What to do now
- Check how you’re billed. If you pay through Discovery+ directly, look at the account settings. If you pay through an app store, a TV platform or a bundle, check there, since the price and timing may differ.
- Read the notice email carefully, but don’t click payment links in it. Price-change emails are a favorite disguise for phishing. Open the app or website yourself to review billing.
- Decide if ad-free is worth $5 more a month. The gap between the two plans has grown from $4 to $5. If you mostly have shows on in the background, the ad tier may be enough.
- Consider rotating. If you subscribe for one or two series, cancel when you’re caught up and come back when a new season arrives.
- Note the date. If you plan to cancel before paying the higher rate, do it before your billing date after the notice period ends.
For tips on spotting fake billing messages, see our guide to toll, package and tax scams. If you’re reviewing other subscriptions, our look at how Spotify audiobook access works by plan may also help.
Who is affected, and who isn’t
Affected: new US subscribers right away, and existing US monthly subscribers after their notice period.
Not confirmed: subscribers outside the US, annual-plan customers and people who get Discovery+ through a bundle or partner. The reports don’t cover these cases, so check your own billing details rather than assuming the same increase applies.
FAQ
When will I start paying the new price?
New subscribers pay it now. Existing subscribers receive advance notice, and the higher charge is reported to appear on statements on or after November 12, 2026, depending on your billing date.
Is Discovery+ still worth it?
It depends on how much you watch. At $6.99 with ads, it is still at the lower end of streaming prices. If you only open it for a single series, rotating your subscription is likely better value.
Will Discovery+ merge with HBO Max or Paramount+?
Nothing has been announced for Discovery+. Plans to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ have been discussed publicly, but without a timeline.
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