When it comes to streaming services, you have more options than ever before. Whether you want live TV, the best new original programming, or you’re hoping to rewatch your favorite shows, at least one streaming service can get the job done. However, trying to subscribe to everything may not be in the budget. If you want the service that gives you the most bang for your buck, then it’s worth comparing the two biggest players in the game: We’re talking Netflix and Hulu.
Both services have a massive catalog filled with familiar favorites, recent releases, and new original programming. But there are significant differences between the two that are worth knowing about. For a well-rounded viewing diet you’ll probably want both, but if you have to choose, we have the details to help you make the choice that best fits your streaming habits and won’t break the budget.
Content
A streaming service isn’t worth anything if you don’t like the movies and television shows on offer, so your biggest challenge is going to be figuring out whether Netflix or Hulu has more of the content you’re interested in.
In terms of quantity, Netflix is second only to Amazon Prime Video but is ahead of Hulu. That’s what happens when you spend an estimated $17 billion a year on content. As a result, Netflix hosts some of the very best movies and complete seasons of many of the all-time most popular television shows, from Seinfeld to Breaking Bad. Netflix’s original programming also includes tons of huge shows and movies, from Oscar-nominated dramas like Marriage Story and Roma to Stranger Things, 3 Body Problem, Baby Reindeer, and countless others.
On the other hand, while Hulu has a number of great films on offer, its biggest draw is its up-to-date television content. Typically, Netflix only gets the newest episodes of a television show three months to a year after the entire season ends. On the flip side, networks and cable channels like NBC, FOX, ABC, and others put new episodes of many of their shows on Hulu the day after they air. Hulu has also been making big gains in original content, thanks to critically acclaimed projects like The Handmaid’s Tale, Shogun, and The Bear, although it still pales in comparison to Netflix.
There’s also the Disney factor to consider. Disney has full ownership of Hulu as of December of 2023, and while no Disney+ content is available through Hulu, you can bundle Hulu into the Disney Bundle to get both services starting at $10 per month.
Hulu will be getting some of that Disney and Fox content, too: Reportedly, films like Deadpool and Marvel’s animated adult comedies, which don’t fit with the Disney+ family-friendly mandate, will make their way to Hulu instead. Netflix still has plenty of content to keep you busy, but if you’re a fan of properties that Disney owns, it may be worth picking up the bundle to access everything. Finally, Hulu also offers its Hulu Plus Live TV service you can add to its on-demand service, though it’ll cost you a pretty penny.
Price
Here is where things get tricky. Both Netflix and Hulu are available at a variety of different prices, and how much you’re going to spend on each depends on a combination of what features you want, how important image and sound quality are to you, and whether you’re willing to put up with ads.
For $7/month you can get a Standard with Ads Netflix subscription that runs in 1080p, and allows you to stream video on up to two devices. The $15.50/month Standard plan eliminates having to deal with pesky ads, lets you stream video to two devices, and allows you to add a extra member who doesn’t live with you. For $23/month, you’ll get 4K Ultra HD resolution, four simultaneous streams, the option to add two members who don’t live with you, and access to Netflix Spatial Audio.
Once a more budget-friendly option, Hulu is increasing prices yet again on October 17, 2024. For now, Hulu’s basic subscription costs $8 per month/$80 per year (increasing to $10/$100) but comes with ads that run during scheduled commercial breaks. If you want to watch Hulu ad-free, you’ll need to pay $18 a month ($19 come October), but if you can afford it, the higher tier is the way to go. Hulu seems to be adding more ads as time goes on, and individual ads are tied to specific programs. If you’re binge-watching a particular show, you’re going to see the same ads over and over, which is a very easy way to ruin your viewing experience.
When it comes to Hulu Plus Live TV, you can snag access to only live TV for $76/month (going up to $82) , but keep in mind this plan does not include access to Hulu’s streaming library. For $77/month (going up to $83) you can snag access to Hulu (with ads) Plus Live TV, Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads). If you want to avoid ads on Hulu’s streaming content, it’ll run you $90. You should note, though, that the ad-free option only removed ads from Hulu’s regular on-demand content — you’ll still see ads while watching live TV. You can add more to Hulu Plus Live TV with extras too, although each one will cost a bit more. For example, the ability to stream Hulu Plus Live TV on an unlimited number of devices will set you back $10 per month, and the Español Add-on for $5 per month.
You can also get great add-ons for Hulu, including Max (no ads) for $17, Cinemax for $10, Paramount+ with Showtime for $13, and Starz for $10. Check the full list of prices on the Hulu website.
Supported devices
Here’s the good news: If you have a smartphone, a tablet, a streaming box, a video game console, or a home computer, you should be able to watch both Netflix and Hulu without any trouble. Both services are extremely popular, which means they’re supported by almost every video-playing device. It’s probably worth checking each service’s compatibility list before signing up (here’s Netflix’s, and here’s Hulu’s), but unless your hardware is extremely old or phenomenally obscure, you’re probably set.
Sound and picture quality
If you’re an audiophile or home theater enthusiast, Netflix is the clear winner, although you’ll pay extra for the high-quality streams. Both of Netflix’s Standard plans offer up content in 1080p definition, or Full HD. However, the $23 Premium plan delivers 4K quality. Netflix also offers Dolby Atmos soundtracks for some of its content, in addition to 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound offerings.
By contrast, Hulu streams in HD at all subscription tiers but doesn’t currently offer 4K resolutions. Hulu programming only broadcasts with stereo sound, too, so if you’re looking to show off your fancy home theater setup, skip Hulu. It simply won’t get the job done.
Interface and accessibility features
Both Netflix and Hulu look great and are easy to use, and if you’ve used a modern smartphone app, neither should give you much trouble. Netflix’s recommendation engine can be a great way to find new stuff to watch (although it seems to favor original Netflix content), while Hulu’s interface is fast and snappy, and, if you subscribe to premium channel add-ons like Max or Showtime, the service helpfully consolidates all of your various channels into a single package.
If you rely on subtitles, Netflix has a slight edge: In 2014, the company announced that all of its content would have closed-captioning, while Hulu’s library still only features them in a “wide variety” of its content. Netflix also has more robust parental controls, including the option to block certain profiles out of any content with a rating harsher than PG. If you’re worried about what your little ones are watching, Netflix is the safer option.
Conclusion
If you love feature films and you love original content Netflix is going to work perfectly for your preferences. Netflix Studios produces some of the highest quality content available in addition to their extensive library of licensed movies and TV shows to choose from. If an extensive library wasn’t enough to convince you, you should know that you also get 4K resolution, and surround sound features that can take your viewing experience to the next level. If you love movies and don’t have a Netflix subscription yet, we highly encourage you to reconsider.
If you prefer broadcast TV over movies, Hulu may be a more fitting option for you. Hulu gives you on-demand access to your favorite TV shows, within a day or two after their original air date. So the next time you miss your favorite episode, you don’t have to be disappointed. It also means you won’t have to wait around for six months for it to show up on Netflix. If you want to end your relationship with your cable company, Hulu + Live TV is a great alternative. While the details of the merger are unknown, it might still be worth adding Hulu to your list of streaming services because of this feature.
There truly isn’t a downside of going with Hulu or Netflix as your next streaming service. Both of these services provide hours of entertaining content. Serious binge-watchers or those who have must-see exclusives on each platform may consider subscribing to both. If two subscriptions would max out your monthly budget, consider reviewing each provider’s libraries before you pick. That way, you can select the service that gives you the best content for you.
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