The brand-new Disney/Fox/Max bundle has now been launched, so find out how much it will cost to get all three streamers in one go!
"The streaming wars" have become a big deal as everyone wants a piece of the big pie of streaming services. Disney has had some issues with Disney+ finding customers, not helped by controversial decisions such as dumping several original shows from the streamer, as well as Hulu, to save some money.
For a while, folks had the choice of having Hulu, Disney+ or ESPN+ separate or part of bundle packages. A big move was Disney deciding to integrate Hulu and Disney+ together to offer viewers a better experience.
Now, showing how wild things have gotten, Disney and Warner Bros, usually major rivals, are working together for a new bundle with HBO's Max added on. HBO has likewise seen some "program purges" of its library while enduring some behind-the-scenes shifts.
This is really Disney and HBO thinking they're better off working together to fight off the likes of Netflix and Amazon than risking losing more customers to those rival streamers. Consolidating their popular apps can help build a larger customer base and increase profits.
After some testing, the new bundle launched on July 25, so how much will it cost you?
What are the prices for the Disney/Hulu/Max bundle?
As reported on Disney+'s site, the bundle prices break down to $16.99 a month for the ad-supported bundle and $29.99 a month for the ad-free version. According to the site, members of both tiers can access "select Hulu content" on the Disney+ app while "select HBO content" will be accessible on the Hulu app.
Members of the ad-free tier can also download titles to their mobile devices for on-the-go streaming of hit shows and movies, though "select live and linear content" will still have ads (meaning sports and news).
Disney+ still has the usual bundles of Hulu for $9.99 a month (with ads) or $14.99 with ESPN+ included.
How does the new bundle break down?
For those wondering, this new bundle means you can get all three streamers together for 35% less than having each separately ad-supported and 43% for add-free separate subscriptions. There is the drawback in that you would still need to go to the Max app/website to access that programming and the Disney+/Hulu app/site for theirs rather than putting it all in one place.
However, given what's offered, that can still seem a cheap price. HBO in particular has a fantastic library of programming from not just the cable network but other channels, combined with their award-winning sports and news coverage and legendary array of original series. That's also with the latest Hollywood blockbusters debuting on Max you can't find elsewhere.
Combine that with the usual Disney+ and Hulu fare and all three streamers for such a low price is an excellent deal that should increase subscribers.
It's a big move for the three streamers to be working together but for those wanting to cut costs for the streaming battles, this new bundle may be the way to go.