Choosing the right streaming service can be overwhelming. How does Hulu compare to Netflix? At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we delve into a comprehensive comparison of Hulu and Netflix, examining content, pricing, features, and more to help you make an informed decision. Consider COMPARE.EDU.VN your resource for navigating the streaming landscape, uncovering streaming differences, and exploring subscription packages.
1. Hulu vs. Netflix: Content Quality
Content is a major differentiator between Netflix and Hulu. Netflix boasts a larger library, but Hulu focuses on current TV episodes and niche content.
Netflix offers a vast library with over 7,000 titles in its US library and nearly 20,000 worldwide. Hulu, while smaller, has approximately 2,500 titles. The key isn’t just quantity, but content curation and audience appeal. Netflix excels in original movies and series, appealing to a broad audience. Hulu shines with next-day TV episodes and specialized content, attracting a different viewer base.
1.1 What’s On Netflix?
Netflix provides a diverse range of content, including original series, movies, live events, and content for kids and young adults.
- 🍿 Netflix Originals: Netflix is famous for its original programming. Critically acclaimed titles like Stranger Things, The Witcher, Bridgerton, Don’t Look Up, and All Quiet on the Western Front attract a wide audience.
- 🍿 Variety: Netflix offers something for everyone. From new releases to classic films and exclusive content, its diverse genres cater to varied tastes.
- 🍿 Live events: Netflix subscribers can now enjoy live releases, including boxing matches, comedy shows, and NFL Christmas specials. Netflix secured exclusive rights to the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight.
- 🍿 Kids’ and YA content: Netflix features a robust library for children and teens. Cartoons, educational programs, and popular YA series like Riverdale, Wednesday, and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before ensure younger viewers are entertained.
- 🍿 Stand-up comedy: Netflix and stand-up comedy are inseparable. Offering the widest selection of comedy specials, Netflix consistently adds new shows each month.
The Netflix Original Series like Stranger Things are critically acclaimed and attract a wide audience.
1.2 What’s On Hulu?
Hulu focuses on providing current TV episodes, live music, anime, and live TV options.
- 🍿 Hulu Exclusives: While Hulu’s original content may not match Netflix’s volume, its exclusive titles provide strong competition. Popular titles include American Horror Story, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Fox’s Futurama.
- 🍿 Current episodes: Hulu is ideal for TV enthusiasts who want to stay current with their favorite shows but prefer streaming over traditional cable. New episodes of popular TV shows are available the day after they air.
- 🍿 Live music: Subscribers with Live TV supported devices can stream live music festivals at no additional cost. Events include Austin City Limits, iHeartRadio Festival and iHeartCountry Festival, and Lollapalooza.
- 🍿 Anime: Hulu features a dedicated anime hub, offering over 300 titles for anime fans. The selection includes subbed and dubbed versions, classic and new series, and popular shows like Bleach, Sword Art Online, Akira, Naruto, and One-Punch Man.
- 🍿 Live TV, News, and Sports: Hulu subscribers have the option to upgrade to a Live TV package. This provides access to 90+ TV channels without the need for a cable subscription.
2. Hulu vs Netflix: Pricing
Pricing is a critical factor when choosing a streaming service. Netflix and Hulu offer various plans with different features and price points.
Netflix prices vary by country, with the US rates detailed below. It’s essential to check your local Netflix site for accurate pricing if you’re outside the US. Hulu’s pricing structure is more complex, offering options with and without ads, as well as Live TV packages.
| Netflix | Hulu |
|---|---|
| Plans | |
| Standard with ads – $7.99/month | Ad supported – $7.99/month or $79.99 annually Includes Hulu’s full content library with ads. Student discount priced at $1.99 per month. |
| Ad-supported, most titles available, 2 simultaneous device connections, full HD. | |
| Standard – $15.49/month | Ad-free – $17.99/month No ad breaks, but ads are still shown before and after select shows. |
| Unlimited ad-free viewing, full HD, 2 simultaneous device connections. | |
| Premium – $22.99/month | Hulu + Live TV Access to 90+ TV channels, includes Disney+ and ESPN+. $76.99/month with ads or $89.99/month ad-free (Hulu and Disney+). |
| Unlimited ad-free viewing, 4 simultaneous streams, downloads on up to 6 devices, watch in Ultra HD, Netflix spatial audio. | |
| Add-Ons | Partner add-ons |
| N/A | Disney+ (with ads) – $2.00/month |
| ESPN+ – $10.99/month | |
| Premium add-ons | |
| Max – $15.99/month | |
| Cinemax – $9.99/month | |
| Paramount+ (with Showtime): $11.99/month | |
| STARZ – $9.99/month | |
| Live TV add-ons | |
| Español – $4.99/month | |
| Entertainment – $7.99/month | |
| Sports $9.99/month | |
| Unlimited Screens – $9.99/month | |
| Bundles | Disney Bundle |
| Streamsaver Bundle – $15.99/month | Disney+ subscribers can opt in to Hulu and ESPN+. |
| Available for Comcast Xfinity TV and broadband customers. | Duo Basic (Disney+ and Hulu) for $9.99/month Includes ads. |
| Includes: Peacock Premium, Apple TV+, and Netflix Standard with ads | Trio Basic (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+) for $14.99/month. Includes ads. |
| Trio Premium (Disney+ and Hulu ad free, and ESPN+ with ads) for $25.99/month |
2.1 Netflix Pricing Details
Netflix offers different pricing plans depending on the features and streaming quality you want.
Netflix offers three main plans: Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium. The Standard with ads plan is the most affordable, but includes advertisements. The Standard plan provides ad-free viewing in full HD, while the Premium plan offers 4K Ultra HD streaming, more simultaneous streams, and downloads on multiple devices.
2.2 Hulu Pricing Details
Hulu’s pricing is more complex, with options for ad-supported, ad-free, and Live TV plans.
Hulu offers ad-supported and ad-free plans, as well as Hulu + Live TV options. The ad-supported plan is the most economical, while the ad-free plan eliminates most ad breaks. Hulu + Live TV provides access to over 90 TV channels, including Disney+ and ESPN+.
3. Hulu vs. Netflix: Apps & Features
User experience is critical for streaming services. Both Hulu and Netflix offer apps and features for various devices.
Device compatibility, streaming quality, download options, accessibility features, and user profiles are important considerations. Netflix and Hulu offer similar device compatibility, but differ in streaming quality and accessibility features.
| Netflix | Hulu |
|---|---|
| Device Compatibility | |
| All major devices including desktop, mobile, streaming devices, consoles, and browsers. | All major devices including desktop, mobile, streaming devices, consoles, and browsers. |
| Quality | |
| HD (Standard with ads, Standard) 4K Ultra HD (Premium) HDR (Premium, with compatible devices) | Standard Definition HD 720p and 1080p 4K Ultra HD HDR on select devices |
| Downloads | |
| Standard plans: 15 downloads per month Premium: 100 active downloads per device | Up to 25 downloads on 5 devices at one time. Only available on ad-free plans. |
| Accessibility features | |
| Assistive listening, audio descriptions, screen readers, subtitles and closed captions, voice commands, keyboard shortcuts; brightness, font size, and playback speed controls | Audio descriptions, closed captions and subtitles, keyboard shortcuts, screen readers, and voice commands. |
| Users | |
| Up to 5 profiles on home networks. 4 simultaneous streams with premium subscription. | Up to 7 profiles on unlimited devices. 2 simultaneous streams. Live TV subscribers can add unlimited screens. |
3.1 Netflix Apps and Features
Netflix excels in device compatibility, high-quality streaming, and extensive accessibility features.
Netflix provides apps for all major devices, ensuring users can stream content on their preferred devices. High-definition and 4K Ultra HD streaming are available, enhancing the viewing experience. Accessibility features like audio descriptions, screen readers, and customizable subtitles ensure content is accessible to all users.
3.2 Hulu Apps and Features
Hulu offers strong device compatibility and unique features like live TV options.
Hulu also offers apps for all major devices. While streaming quality is similar to Netflix, Hulu’s Live TV option is a significant advantage for viewers who want access to live channels without cable. Hulu also allows up to 7 profiles.
Hulu Live TV provides access to over 90 channels.
4. Hulu vs. Netflix: Pros and Cons
Both Netflix and Hulu have their advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each service can help you make an informed choice. Netflix offers a larger content library and diverse content. Hulu provides next-day viewing for network series and live TV options.
4.1 Netflix Benefits
Netflix provides an extensive content library, ease of use, and diverse content options.
- ✅ Extensive content library: Netflix offers more than double the titles available on Hulu.
- ✅ User-friendly: It’s easy to use and customize.
- ✅ Simultaneous streams: Netflix offers more simultaneous streams.
- ✅ Diverse content: Offers foreign entertainment and independent films.
4.2 Netflix Drawbacks
Netflix has some limitations, including varying content by country and extra costs for profiles outside your home network.
- ❌ Content varies by country.
- ❌ Extra cost for profiles outside your home network.
- ❌ Higher quality only on premium plans.
4.3 Hulu Benefits
Hulu provides access to live music, sports, news, and current TV episodes.
- ✅ Access to live music, sports, news, and Disney content depending on your plan.
- ✅ Next-day viewing for current network series.
- ✅ Live TV: Live TV subscribers get access to 90+ cable channels.
- ✅ No device limit.
4.4 Hulu Drawbacks
Hulu’s limitations include availability only in the US, higher costs for premium plans, and limited simultaneous streams.
- ❌ Only available in the US.
- ❌ Premium plans cost more than most other streaming services.
- ❌ Only 2 simultaneous streams.
5. Hulu vs. Netflix: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between Hulu and Netflix depends on your viewing preferences and needs.
There is no clear winner. Netflix is better for film buffs, families, and those who prefer diverse content. Hulu is ideal for TV addicts who want access to current episodes and live TV options.
Netflix is a better option for film enthusiasts, families, and viewers who prefer original, foreign, or independent content. Hulu is ideal for those who want next-day viewing of TV shows and access to live TV, sports, and news.
6. Enhance Your Streaming Experience with a VPN
Using a VPN can enhance your streaming experience by providing access to content that may not be available in your region and ensuring online privacy.
Netflix and Hulu offer different content libraries in different countries. A VPN allows you to bypass these geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world.
6.1 Access Geo-Restricted Content
A VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different regions.
Netflix offers different libraries in different countries. As an example, Slovakia has a larger Netflix library compared to Georgia. This means that even if a film or show is available on Netflix, it might not be available to you in your current location. A VPN lets you digitally relocate back to your home country.
6.2 Secure Your Streaming on Public Wi-Fi
A VPN encrypts your data and hides your activity, allowing you to stream safely on public Wi-Fi.
When you travel abroad, you could miss out on your favorite titles that are normally available to you at home. It’s even worse with Hulu, since it’s only available in the US, so you’ll lose access to your whole account. A VPN ensures your data is encrypted and your online activities are hidden, providing a safe streaming experience on public networks.
7. COMPARE.EDU.VN: Your Go-To Resource for Informed Decisions
Choosing between streaming services can be tough, but COMPARE.EDU.VN simplifies the process. We offer detailed, objective comparisons to help you decide.
COMPARE.EDU.VN provides comprehensive comparisons of various products, services, and ideas, empowering you to make informed decisions. Our detailed analyses, pros and cons lists, and feature comparisons help you identify the best options for your needs.
Do you find it challenging to compare different streaming options objectively? Are you overwhelmed by the amount of information available? At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we understand these challenges and offer detailed, unbiased comparisons to help you make informed decisions.
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8. FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about comparing Netflix and Hulu.
These questions cover content, features, accessibility, and more.
8.1 Is it better to get Netflix or Hulu?
Both Netflix and Hulu are excellent streaming services, and the best one for you depends on what you’re looking for. Netflix has more titles, more original content, and more films, while Hulu has a wider variety of niches to choose from including sports. Hulu also has next-day viewing for select network series.
8.2 What does Hulu offer that Netflix doesn’t?
Depending on your subscription, Hulu gives you access to 90+ network channels; live television, sports and music festival coverage, as well as Disney and ESPN+ exclusives.
8.3 Can you get Netflix and Hulu together?
Most smart TVs, consoles, and streaming boxes, like Roku, allow you to add both Netflix and Hulu, but they are independent from each other, and unfortunately they cannot be bundled together. You’ll have to subscribe to them separately.
8.4 Is Hulu available in the UK?
Hulu is only available in the US. If you’re traveling to the UK, you’ll need a VPN to access your account.
8.5 Is Hulu free for Amazon Prime members?
Unfortunately not. Hulu and Amazon Prime are competitors and can’t be purchased together or added on to one another. The only way you can bundle Hulu with other services is if you sign up for the Disney Bundle through Disney+.
8.6 Does Hulu offer 4K content?
Yes, Hulu offers 4K Ultra HD and HDR on select devices for certain content.
8.7 Can I download content for offline viewing on Hulu?
Yes, but only on ad-free plans, with up to 25 downloads on 5 devices at one time.
8.8 How many simultaneous streams does Netflix offer?
Netflix offers up to 4 simultaneous streams with the premium subscription.
8.9 How many profiles can I have on Hulu?
Hulu allows up to 7 profiles on unlimited devices.
8.10 Which streaming service has better original content?
Both services have excellent original content, but it depends on personal preferences. Netflix has a larger library, while Hulu has critically acclaimed shows like The Handmaid’s Tale.
