India’s streaming market is getting more competitive and more expensive for some users. JioHotstar, the entertainment platform formed after last year’s JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar merger, has announced a major price update for its paid subscription plans.
As per the latest changes, JioHotstar has increased the prices of its Super and Premium plans by up to 47%, while also introducing new low-cost monthly options starting at ₹79. The revised pricing will come into effect for new subscribers from January 28.
The platform says the changes reflect rising demand for big-screen viewing and increased spending on sports, content libraries, and originals.
JioHotstar Price Revision: What Exactly Has Changed?
JioHotstar has restructured its subscription pricing in a way that offers both budget-friendly entry points and premium upgrades, depending on how users prefer to watch content.
The biggest changes are:
- New monthly packs introduced (starting ₹79)
- Annual Super and Premium plans become more expensive
- Mobile plan prices remain unchanged
- Existing customers keep their current pricing (for now)
This means the platform is aiming to cater to both types of audiences those who want low-cost streaming on mobile and those who prefer a premium, ad-free experience on TV and multiple devices.
New Subscription Pricing (Highlights)
According to the details shared in the update:
- Super Plan (Annual) Now Costs ₹1,099
The Super annual plan price has been increased to ₹1,099. This plan is positioned as a mid-tier option for families or users who want streaming across more than one device.
- Premium Plan (Annual) Now Costs ₹2,199
The Premium annual plan has been raised to ₹2,199, making it the highest-priced plan on the platform. This plan targets users who want a premium, high-quality streaming experience without ads.
- New Monthly Plans Start at ₹79
To balance the annual price hike, JioHotstar has also introduced new monthly options starting at ₹79, making the platform more accessible for users who don’t want yearly commitments.
Mobile Plans Stay Unchanged: A Big Relief for Budget Users
One of the biggest takeaways from the announcement is that mobile plans will remain unchanged, keeping them affordable for users who prefer watching content on smartphones.
JioHotstar continues to position its mobile plan as a budget entry option, especially for:
- students
- daily commuters
- first-time paid subscribers
- users who mainly stream on smaller screens
These plans are designed for single-device viewing with ads, which helps keep the price low while still allowing access to a wide content library.
Plan Features Explained: Super vs Premium
JioHotstar has kept the differences between its tiers clear, especially when it comes to device support, ads, and picture quality.
- Super Plan: Two Screens + Hollywood Content
The Super plan supports two screens, which makes it suitable for couples or small families. It also includes Hollywood content, which is an important attraction for users who watch international series and films.
This plan is expected to be popular among people who want more flexibility than a mobile-only plan but don’t want to pay for the top tier.
- Premium Plan: Ad-Free 4K Streaming on Four Devices
The Premium plan offers the most complete experience, including:
- Ad-free streaming
- 4K viewing support
- Streaming on up to four devices
This makes Premium ideal for households watching on smart TVs, tablets, and multiple phones especially during major sports events or new show releases.
When Will the New Prices Apply? Important Date to Remember
JioHotstar has confirmed that the updated pricing will apply to new subscribers starting January 28.
That means:
- If you subscribe after January 28, you may see the revised prices
- If you are already a subscriber, you may continue with your current plan pricing
This kind of pricing strategy is often used by platforms to avoid upsetting existing customers suddenly, while gradually shifting the platform towards a higher revenue model.
Good News for Existing Subscribers: Old Pricing Stays (For Now)
For current JioHotstar users, the price update comes with a key relief:
- Current subscribers are anticipated to keep their current rates
This means if you have already subscribed to Super or Premium earlier, you may not be forced to pay the new higher rates immediately.
However, many streaming companies follow a phased approach, where pricing is eventually updated for renewals too. Users who want to avoid higher rates may consider renewing early if that option is available.
Why JioHotstar Raised Prices: Platform Cites Content and TV Demand
According to the platform, the decision to increase prices is connected to:
1. Rising Demand for TV and Multi-Screen Viewing
Streaming habits in India have expanded beyond mobile phones. More people now prefer watching:
- films on smart TVs
- live sports on big screens
- web series on shared family accounts
Multi-device plans naturally cost more due to server demand, licensing agreements, and user convenience.
2. Bigger Spending on Sports Rights
Sports streaming in India has become extremely competitive. Platforms invest heavily in securing rights, production quality, and live streaming infrastructure.
Sports fans also expect smooth HD/4K streams, low buffering, and real-time coverage which requires a strong and expensive tech backbone.
3. Investments in Originals and Exclusive Shows
Another major reason for rising subscription prices across platforms is the cost of creating originals.
Premium-level content especially high-quality Indian originals and international titles requires bigger budgets, bigger teams, and stronger marketing.
450 Million Monthly Users: JioHotstar’s Massive Scale
JioHotstar is reported to have around 450 million monthly users, placing it among the biggest entertainment platforms in India.
This scale also explains why even small pricing changes can make a significant impact. With such a large audience, the platform can generate strong revenue especially from premium subscribers who want ad-free, high-quality streaming.
At the same time, a huge user base means increased demand on servers, content delivery networks, and customer support costs that many platforms try to balance using price revisions.
How This Impacts Indian Consumers: More Choice, But Higher Premium Costs
For viewers, the updated plans bring mixed reactions.
What Users Will Like
- New budget monthly plans starting ₹79
- Mobile plans remain affordable
- Feature-based plan tiers are clearly defined
- Existing users are protected from immediate price hikes
What Users May Dislike
- Premium and Super annual plans now cost more
- 47% hike feels steep for some users
- Families may rethink upgrading unless they really need 4K and ad-free viewing
In short, casual viewers may stick to mobile plans, while serious binge-watchers or sports fans may consider Premium despite the higher cost.
JioHotstar Targets Both Budget and Premium Viewers
JioHotstar’s latest move shows a clear strategy:
Keep entry-level plans affordable, but push premium users toward higher value pricing.
By introducing monthly plans starting at ₹79 and keeping mobile plan pricing unchanged, JioHotstar is still staying accessible to mass-market India. At the same time, higher Super and Premium pricing signals that the platform is investing more in sports, originals, and big-screen streaming experiences.
With the changes going live for new users from January 28, viewers now have a key decision to make upgrade for a better experience or stay on budget streaming options.
