If Netflix is the queen of streaming, Hulu is the king of your TV. But many streamers like you would want to choose one platform to subscribe to. Which one should it be? It’s Hulu vs Netflix, and the competition is tough.
To help you decide the best platform for investment or get these simultaneous streams, we have shared a detailed comparison between the two. Take a look at this evaluation to find your best pick.
Content Library
Netflix’s content library differs significantly from that of Hulu’s. That’s why each has a different audience.
Netflix’s Library
If you are a Netflix subscriber or have explored the platform, you would know that Netflix is known to have original content. The platform has produced some incredible programs like Stranger Things and The Crown.
It has also invested heavily in movies with Netflix original content. What is your favorite Netflix show? Is it the Squid Game or The Witcher?
Netflix also has a large volume of licensed content available. You can also explore content related to other countries, such as Korea and India. The robust library of documentaries and family content available is also quite impressive.
Hulu’s Library
Hulu’s content library is no less attractive, depending on your taste. It doesn’t have as much original content as Netflix, but you can watch some great shows like Castle Rock and The Handmaid’s Tale.
While exploring Hulu, you will notice that this platform has a lot of licensed content from television channels in the USA. You can get next-day access to various current-season episodes currently showing up on networks such as ABC, NBC, and Fox.
Unfortunately, you may not find a lot of international content on Hulu. However, some interesting documentaries are worth watching.
Pricing and Plans
Here is what you have to pay to get a subscription to each platform.
Netflix Pricing
If you live in the US, you will find three streaming plans available on Netflix. These are Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium, and they range from $7 to $23 per month.
The Standard with Ads plan is worth $6.99 with a streaming quality of up to 180p/Full HD. Then comes the standard plan, which is for $15.49. This is Netflix’s most popular plan, which provides two simultaneous streams and 1080p HD video.
The Premium plan is available for $22.99 per month. This is an expensive deal but worth it if you wish to get up to 4K Ultra HD performance. Netflix’s Premium plan offers two extra streams for a couple of dollars more than Hulu’s no-ad plan.
Netflix streaming plans are loved by many because of their flexibility.
Hulu’s Pricing
Hulu’s cheapest plan is $7.99/month, while Netflix’s cheapest plan is $6.99 or $7/mo.
The Hulu basic plan with ad-support is worth $7.99/month and allows you to explore ad-supported libraries. Hulu’s no-ad plan is a couple of dollars more expensive than Netflix’s standard plan, which has the same number of streams. It is worth $17.99/month.
You can sign up for only $76.99/month for the Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ bundles. The Hulu annual plan is perfect for anyone who loves watching shows across these three channels.
There are many other Disney bundles available at Hulu, which work quite positively for most watchers. These bundles are perfect to get for the next holiday season.
Free Trials and Deals
Hulu offers a 30-day free trial to test its streaming waters, as well as various discounts and deals. Hulu’s 30-day free trial works best for new subscribers who may want to test the platform before paying for it. If you are a student, you can be a part of the Hulu student plan.
You can get the platform with ads for $1.99/month. Make sure that you read all the terms to find your eligibility.
Unfortunately, Netflix isn’t as generous as Hulu in this department. There are no free trials available. Plus, you may not get discounts as well. The platform also prohibits people from screen sharing.
So, while Hulu is a little more expensive than Netflix, not much though; it offers many deals and discounts to get your favorite plan at a reduced monthly cost.
User Experience and Features
Undoubtedly, both Hulu and Netflix offer excellent user experiences. That’s because they have excellent features that allow them to be accessible to all.
User Interface and Features
Both Hulu and Netflix have an easy-to-use interface with similar features and layouts. If this is your first time exploring platforms, you won’t find yourself struggling with the features.
Hulu’s interface has a “Hubs” tab, which categorizes movies and TV shows by TV channels.
Netflix’s interface has a “New & Popular” tab, which makes it easy to find new content.
Both platforms have applications that you can download on your phones. These apps are ideal for exploring the platforms on the go.
Compatible Devices
Both Hulu and Netflix are compatible with almost every device, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Apple TV.
However, Hulu suggests a minimum internet speed of 3 Mbps for SD streaming and 16 Mbps for 4K streaming.
If you are a Netflix user, you will get a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for HD-quality streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming.
It is safe to say that both Hulu and Netflix are designed to create optimum user experiences. Also, they have excellent customer support teams. This means that you can get the assistance you require.
Streaming Quality
If you want to enjoy good viewing, both Netflix and Hulu won’t disappoint you. However, each platform offers different audio and video qualities.
For instance, Netflix will offer you up to 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR. But this feature will depend on the subscription tier you plan to opt for. For instance, the basic plan would give you standard definition quality; the standard plan will provide HD quality, while the premium plan offers 4K UHD quality.
When it comes to the audio quality, expect Netflix to give you up to Dolby Atmos for a few titles. However, the perfect sound quality depends largely on your phone device.
Hulu, on the other hand, provides up to 4K UHD quality. However, that is only limited to a few movies and shows.
Most of the content available at Hulu has HD quality.
Need good sound quality at Hulu? Hulu doesn’t shy away from offering stereo sound quality for most movies and shows on the platform.
However, some selected content may have 5.1 surround sound for better audio quality. Unfortunately, Hulu doesn’t support Dolby Atmos as well as Netflix does.
So, what can we conclude? If you are looking for a platform with high-quality sound for a memorable experience, Netflix takes the lead. But for that, you will have to subscribe to its higher-tier plans.
Live TV and Niche Services
The distinct offerings of both platforms in this department will leave you a little overwhelmed. However, you can always analyze your requirements to see what you want.
Live Channels
If you love live programming, Hulu is your best partner. Hulu does have a live streaming service called Hulu + Live TV.
You can use it to access more than 85 live channels. The service cost of the plan is $44.99 per month and includes all the regular Hulu on-demand programs as well.
The plan offers Hulu’s on-demand library, allowing you to enjoy a vast combination of live broadcasts. You can also benefit from 50 hours of DVR storage. This is a perfect feature to save or record live shows and events so you can watch them later.
As a Hulu user, you can add extra channel packages. But you will have to pay an additional fee for this.
Netflix doesn’t offer live TV and hasn’t announced any plans to do so. The platform works on an on-demand streaming business model.
Niche Services and Add-ons
Hulu gives you access to 90+ network channels, live television, sports, and music festival coverage, as well as Disney and ESPN+ exclusives.
You can enjoy specialized content from platforms like BBC America and FX. What’s more, Hulu allows you to view shows that may have currently aired. That’s a plus because it is quite tough to find new shows online.
Netflix, on the other hand, has a more limited selection of live TV channels but offers a wider range of on-demand content.
However, unlike Hulu, Netflix does not offer premium channel add-ons. Therefore, the content that you mostly view on Netflix is what’s licensed or produced by the platform itself.
VPN and International Streaming
VPN usage for both platforms varies. Netflix has very strict VPN detection measures. However, there are many providers that allow you to watch Netflix, even from countries where the platform is banned. For example, with the help of a safe VPN, you can watch European films and Japanese shows with ease.
You can use a trusted VPN to access the Netflix library from various countries. But before you do that, know that Netflix keeps updating its detection algorithm. So, the VPN performance may not be the same.
You can’t access Hulu outside America and Japan. To do so, you will have to use a VPN. Just like Netflix, Hulu doesn’t appreciate the use of VPN. It aggressively blocks VPNs, and that is mainly done to maintain the U.S.-specific rights to some shows and live content available.
However, there are many VPN services that easily bypass these restrictions on Hulu. If you plan to use VPN to access Hulu or Netflix content, make sure to opt for a trustworthy provider. Plus, avoid using illegitimate methods to obtain viewing.
Ad-Free vs Ad-Supported Plans
We have already discussed all the ad-free and ad-supported plans available on Netflix and Hulu. But how are they different from each other?
Ad-supported Plans
These plans feature regular commercial breaks during movies and shows. These plans work like traditional TVs where there are ads before, after, and during a show.
The Hulu ad-supported plan is for $7.99, while Netflix’s plan is worth $6.99/month. The plan at Netflix has 4-5 minutes of ads per hour, often played before or during the shows.
An ad-supported plan is the best choice for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly option and doesn’t mind seeing ads between the shows.
Ad-free Plans
Ad-free plans are perfect for anyone who doesn’t wish to add commercials hacking their shows or movies. The plan is offered by both Hulu and Netflix.
At Hulu, this plan costs $17.99/month. You must know that some shows may still feature ads due to their agreement. So, don’t expect to go entirely ad-free when using Hulu.
Netflix also offers ad-free plans in different categories. The rates are:
- Basic Plan ad-free: $9.99/month
- Standard Plan ad-free: $15.49/month
- Premium Plan ad-free: $19.99/month
These plans offer uninterrupted viewing of Netflix shows, movies, and documentaries.
Offers and Extra Perks
As of 2024, Netflix bundle plans aren’t many. When compared to Hulu, this platform doesn’t offer much.
However, you may get T-Mobile’s Magenta and Magenta Max plans that may include Netflix as part of your mobile package. Sometimes, Netflix is provided temporarily with smart TV or streaming device purchases.
On the other hand, Hulu has several bundles to offer. The Hulu Disney bundle is quite popular and allows you to access Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ streaming at a discounted price. This is an incredible Hulu family plan for someone who has people of different age groups in their household.
If you are a student, you can also avail of student discounts at Hulu. You can get hold of a Hulu promo code to get a significant discount on the final subscription.
Hulu vs Netflix Recap
We hope you had a good time reading a detailed comparison between Hulu and Netflix. So, in Hulu vs Netflix, which one won? Netflix is a great platform for people who wish to watch large volumes of original content from around the world. It is also slightly cheaper than Hulu and offers incredible voice and video quality.
However, Hulu is no less. The best streaming service has some worth-watching content, too.
Plus, if you like saving from bundles, Hulu has a lot to offer. You can also use Hulu coupons to get discounts on the final subscription bill.
So, it all comes down to you and your preferences. So, without any more delay, pick a platform and enjoy viewing great content online.
