Disney+ subscribers can stream on up to four devices at the same time, regardless of the devices used. This is a generous simultaneous streams policy, considering many other services either offer less streams at the same time or charge consumers an additional fee each month to upgrade the number of streams. In contrast, there’s no option to upgrade the number of streams on Disney+ with four devices at the same time the only option.
Disney+ is a newer streaming service compared to others. However, its popularity is already evident after having accumulated tens of millions of subscribers since its November 2019 launch. One of the reasons for this is likely to be the value on offer. A subscription is priced at $6.99 per month and provides access to not only the Disney catalog, but also Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic as well.
In a similar sense, Disney+ provides as much value when it comes to simultaneous streams.
Disney+ allows subscribers to stream movies and shows on up to four devices at the same time. As Disney+ only offers one subscription tier, this simultaneous streams allowance applies to all Disney+ subscribers equally. Likewise, the four streams at the same time are not affected by the type of device.
No home network restrictions
Some services not only limit the number of devices that can access the same subscription at the same time, but also place restrictions on the type of devices that can stream at the same time. For example, Hulu identifies many smart TVs and streaming players as ‘living room’ devices and prohibits two of these devices from accessing the service at the same time, unless they are connected to the ‘home’ network.
These home networks are typically understood as the home Wi-Fi reach, although some services define home as a zip code. Either way, once outside these home networks or areas, some services prohibit subscribers from accessing movies and shows on select devices.
This is not the case with Disney+ which allows subscribers to stream on up to four devices at the same time, regardless of whether a mobile phone, Roku player, or smart TV, and irrespective of whether connected to the home network or not.
No option to upgrade
Generally speaking, up to four devices at the same time should be more than enough for most subscribers and households sharing a subscription. However, the one major downside with the Disney+ approach to simultaneous streams is that there is currently no option to upgrade.
For those homes that simply need more than four streams at the same time, there is no option to upgrade. Unlike other streaming services, Disney+ does not offer any add-ons or any additional tiers that provide access to more streams. Due to this, the only real option for subscribers who require more than four devices at the same time is to start a second Disney+ subscription.
Disney+ bundle customers
A major selling point to Disney+ is that it can be bundled with other services, making each service even cheaper in the process. For example, Disney+ subscribers pay $6.99 per month but can bundle their subscription with ESPN+ (normally $5.99 per month) and basic Hulu (normally $5.99 per month) together for just $12.99 per month.
Considering all three of these subscriptions separately cost $18.97, the saving each month is the equivalent to getting one of the subscriptions for free.
However, the bundling of these services only applies to the payment. In all other respects these services continue to operate independently. Whether that’s how the content is accessed through their own separate apps, or how many devices can stream at the same time. As a result, having access to four Disney+ streams at the same time, does not mean that bundle customers will have access to four devices at the same time for ESPN+ or Hulu.
The opposite applies as well, as regardless of how many streams ESPN+ or Hulu decide to offer, Disney+ subscribers will continue to be limited to the same number of streams, regardless of whether just subscribing to Disney+ or to the bundle.
Disney+ simultaneous streams summary
Disney+ subscribers can stream movies and shows on up to four devices at the same time, and irrespective of whether streaming on a mobile or living room device. However, there is no option to increase the number of streams, making four the absolute limit.
In addition, Bundle customers will want to be aware that the number of services Disney+ can be streamed on at the same time is different to how many devices ESPN+ or Hulu can be streamed on at the same time.
Overall, Disney+ offers a generous number of streams, and enough that most households should find they don’t need more. Those that do, might have to consider a second Disney+ subscription to supplement the additional simultaneous streams.
Read more: Disney Plus: How to Cancel via Website, Android or iPhone
