Streaming services have become a staple in our entertainment consumption, and Hulu is one of the biggest names in the game. With its vast content library, original shows, and live TV option, it’s a popular choice among TV cord cutters.
But with so many streaming options out there is Hulu worth it in 2024? Our Hulu review takes a closer look at the streaming service to help you decide if its deserves a spot in your streaming lineup.
How much does Hulu cost in 2024?
Price hikes in the streaming industry are as common as nose jobs and rehab in Hollywood. So let’s start with seeing how much Hulu costs in 2024.
When counting the Disney Bundles, there are now a total of 6 on-demand plans available from Hulu. (And there are even more Hulu options when you add Hulu + Live TV to mix.) These are the Hulu on-demand plans available in 2024:
Hulu (With Ads): $7.99/month
- Full unlimited access to Hulu's on-demand library
- Ads: Yes
- User profiles: 6
- Downloads: No
- Simultaneous screens: 2
- Quality: Up to 4K
- Annual Plan: $79.99/year
Hulu’s Student Discount: $1.99/month
- Hulu (With Ads) at 75% off
- For students currently enrolled in eligible degree programs
- Must be directly billed by Hulu
- Can sign up for add-ons (ESPN+, Disney+, etc)
- Visit the Hulu Student page to enrol
Hulu (No Ads): $17.99/month
- Full unlimited access to Hulu's on-demand library
- Ads: no
- User profiles: 6
- Downloads: 25 downloads on 5 devices
- Simultaneous screens: 2
- Quality: Up to 4K
- Annual Plan: None
Disney Bundle Duo Basic: $9.99/month
- Disney+ (With Ads)
- Hulu (With Ads)
- Ads: Yes
- User profiles: 7
- Downloads: No
- Simultaneous screens: 4 on Disney+, 2 on Hulu
- Quality: Up to 4K
- Annual Plan: No
Disney Bundle Trio Basic: $14.99/month
- Disney+ (With Ads)
- Hulu (With Ads)
- ESPN+ (With Ads)
- Ads: Yes
- User profiles: 7
- Downloads: On ESPN+ only
- Simultaneous screens: 4 on Disney+, 2 on Hulu, 3 on ESPN+
- Quality: Up to 4K
- Annual Plan: No
Disney Bundle Trio Premium: $24.99/month
- Disney+ (No Ads)
- Hulu (No Ads)
- ESPN+ (With Ads)
- Ads: On ESPN+ only
- User profiles: 7
- Downloads: Yes
- Simultaneous screens: 4 on Disney+, 2 on Hulu, 3 on ESPN+
- Quality: Up to 4K
- Annual Plan: No
Legacy Disney Bundle: $18.99/month
The Legacy Disney Bundle is no longer available to purchase. It is only for existing subscribers to the plan. If you have and you like it, hang on to it. Because once you cancel or change it, you can't get it back.
However… it actually is still available. But you need to sign up for a Verizon plan in order to get it. Check out the Disney+ price plans for more on that deal.
💡 NOTE:
There is also Disney Bundle Duo Premium plan for $20/month, but it is not available through Hulu. See the Disney+ price plans for more about it.
Hulu vs. the alternatives
Value doesn’t exist in vacuum, so it’s important to compare Hulu to other streaming services in the market. Here’s how Hulu stacks up against the other major streaming services today:
| Streamer | With Ads | Ad-free | Premium | Annual Plan | Simultaneous Screens | 4K | Downloads | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMC+ | $4.99 | $8.99 | - | $83.88* | 5 | No | Yes | 7 Days |
| Apple TV+ | - | $9.99 | - | $99.99 | 6 | Yes | Yes | 7 Days |
| Disney+ | $7.99 | $13.99 | - | $139.99* | 4 | Yes | Yes | None |
| Hulu | $7.99 | $17.99 | - | $79.99** | 2 | Yes | Ad-free Only | 30 Days |
| Max | $9.99 | $15.99 | $19.99 | $99.99 / $159.99 / $199.99 | 2–4 | Premium Only | Ad-Free+ Only | None |
| MGM+ | - | $6.99 | - | $58.99 | 4 | No | Yes | 7 Days |
| Netflix | $6.99 | $15.49 | $22.99 | No | 2–4 | Premium Only | Yes | None |
| Paramount+ | $5.99 | $11.99 | - | $59.99 / $119.99 | 3 | Ad-free Only | Ad-free Only | 7 Days |
| Peacock | $5.99 | $11.99 | - | $59.99 / $119.99 | 3 | Yes | Ad-free Only | None |
| Prime Video | $8.99 | $11.98 | - | $139*** | 3 | Yes | Yes | 30 Days |
| Starz | - | $9.99 | - | $69.99 | 4 | No | Yes | None |
| * Annual plan is only for the Ad-free plan ** Annual plan is only for the With Ads plan *** Annual plan is only for the full Prime membership | ||||||||
What makes Hulu unique among on-demand streaming services is its live TV streaming option. It is the only service that currently offers one. If you’re looking for a complete cable TV replacement, Hulu + Live TV is definitely an option worth looking at.
👀 CHECK IT OUT
The Hulu + Live TV Review can help if you’re looking for a cable TV replacement
What kind of content does Hulu have?
You’ll find a diverse range of content on Hulu, from classic TV shows to movies, documentaries, and original programming. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of content available on Hulu.
Original content on Hulu
Hulu started making its own content in 2011 and became known for high-quality, original programming. It excels particularly well at creating limited series like Nine Perfect Strangers, The Looming Tower, and Little Fires Everywhere. Continuing series like The Handmaid’s Tale and PEN15 have received critical acclaim and garnered award recognition.
The streamer is releasing even more original content this year, including the highly anticipated 3rd season of Only Murders in the Building starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
Here are some best Hulu originals that make it worth trying it for at least a month.
- The Handmaid’s Tale (since 2017)
- Reservation Dogs (3 seasons, 2021–2023)
- American Horror Stories (since 2021)
- Pam & Tommy (2022)
- Reasonable Doubt (since 2022)
- Tell Me Lies (since 2022)
- Saint X (2023)
- Shōgun (2024)
Movies on Hulu
Hulu’s movie library is extensive and includes a mix of popular titles and lesser-known gems. From action film classics like Commando and Broken Arrow to newer releases like Palm Springs and Prey, there’s something for everyone.
Some of the top movies on Hulu right now are:
- American Psycho
- The Help
- Lincoln
- Moulin Rouge
- The Passion of the Christ
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes
- Shrek
- Triangle of Sadness
TV shows on Hulu
A vast selection of TV shows awaits you, including popular hits like Grey’s Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It also has a wide variety of classic TV shows like Seinfeld and The Golden Girls.
Here are some of the most popular TV shows on Hulu right now:
- 9-1-1
- Abbott Elementary
- American Idol
- American Dad!
- Family Guy
- The Good Doctor
- Snowfall
Live TV on Hulu
Hulu’s on-demand service does not have a live TV channel guide. You’ll need the (much more expensive) Hulu + Live TV if you’re looking for live feeds of broadcast television and linear programming.
But there’s still some live TV on Hulu in the form of sports and news. The News hub is in the main navigation bar and gives you a live feed of select ABC programming in addition to recorded on-demand news stories, shows, and specials.
Kids content on Hulu
The on-demand library has a decent selection of kids’ content, including popular shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and PAW Patrol. You can browse within the Kids hub by networks like Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network.
It offers a modest selection of educational shows and movies, but if you’re already getting Hulu, you may as well upgrade to one of the Disney Bundles. The Duo Basic bundle is only $2 more a month than Hulu (With Ads) and it get you the best streaming service for kids out there.
Sports on Hulu
Hockey on Hulu?
Yep. Hulu started streaming live NHL games in 2021. The NHL on Hulu hub is simply found under Hubs in the main navigation menu. You get at least a game a week, often more, and some of the 100 games that are exclusive to ABC and ESPN+ are simulcast on Hulu.
Hulu interface and usability
Navigation
The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The home screen offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences. The main navigation menu has 6 categories: Home, TV, Movies, News, My Stuff, and Hubs. It’s book-ended by a Hulu logo that takes you back Home on the left and a Search and Account buttons on the right.
The Hubs tab takes you to various content hubs based on topics and themes or major studios and networks like NBC, Searchlight Pictures, FX, and 20th Century Studios.
The Elevating Voices section offers specialized hubs, such as Black Stories Always, Hispanic & Latinx Stories, and Pride Never Stops featuring LGBTQ+ content.
Language settings
Closed captioning is available for most content. Users can also select their preferred language for audio and subtitles, but both options are often only English. This pales in comparison to Apple TV+ (with the most languages), Netflix, and Prime Video.
Parental controls
Like most streamers today, there are account settings to restrict access to mature content. This feature allows user to create a profile for children that limits access to age-appropriate content.
Parents can create a PIN code so their little ones can’t exit Kids Mode without mom or dad, but the parental controls are quite basic. They don’t let you select age ranges or ratings like you can do on Hulu’s sister streamer Disney+.
Hulu account sharing and simultaneous screens
Unlike Netflix, there doesn’t appear to be a crackdown on password sharing. In fact, they say go for it! However, you can only watch on 2 screens, which is effectively a built-in feature to discourage extensive password sharing.
How many people can watch Hulu at once?
You can only watch 2 screens at once, regardless of which plan you have. Hulu has an Unlimited Screens add-on for $9.99/month, but it’s only available for the (much more expensive) Hulu + Live TV service.
If you get the Disney Bundle you can watch Disney+ on up to 4 screens and ESPN+ on 3 screens at once.
How many profiles can you make on Hulu?
You can have up to 6 profiles on your account, including your main profile.
Profiles are easily created by simply going to Manage Profiles, then clicking Add Profile. Profiles don’t require an email address and each profile maintains its own preferences, favorites, and viewing history.
Hulu supported devices
The streamer is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
Streaming devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku
Phones & tablets: Android, iOS, Fire Tablets
Cable & satellite boxes: Cox, Xfinity
Smart TVs: Android, LG, Samsung, Vizio, Xumo TV
Smart home devices: Echo Show
Game consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
Desktops & laptops: All major browsers
Blu-ray players: Ended in 2019
Is there a Hulu free trial?
The free trial ranges from 7 days to a month, depending on what you sign up for and when. Keep in mind, that when you cancel your free trial, your access to Hulu ends immediately.
This is different than most free trials. You won’t be able to watch until the end of the trial period.
Verdict: Who is Hulu good for in 2023?
Hulu is the best streaming option out there for families with young (or old) kids — if you upgrade to the Disney Bundle. Everyone in the family is covered, from the sports fan to the Star Wars geek to the dedicated FX viewer and everyone in between.
But if you’re looking at just Hulu on its own, its 2-screen limit makes it not the best choice for families — especially large ones. That means Hulu is best for singles or couples, especially those who enjoy high-quality, dramatic miniseries or want a huge library of network TV shows.
And if you don’t mind ads.
Because the jump in price to lose commercials is huge. Hulu has the most expensive ad-free streaming service on the market today. Unless you’re specifically after Hulu’s original content, there are less expensive alternatives — like Paramount+ and Peacock — with similar content at much lower prices.
0 Comments