When it comes to streaming services, you have more options than ever. Whether you want live TV, the best new original programming, or want 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 huge catalog full of familiar favorites, recent releases, and new original programming. But there are significant differences between the two that are worth knowing. For a complete viewing diet, you'll probably want both, but if you have to choose, we've got the details to help you choose the one that best fits your streaming habits and doesn't break your budget.
Content
A streaming service is worthless if you don't like the movies and TV shows on offer, so your biggest challenge will be determining whether Netflix or Hulu has more content that interests you.
In terms of quantity, Netflix is second only to Amazon Prime Video but ahead of Hulu. That's what happens when you pass an estimate $17 billion one year in content. As a result, Netflix is home to some of the best movies. and complete seasons of many of the most popular television shows of all time, from Seinfeld to Breaking Unhealthy. Netflix's original programming also includes tons of great shows and movies, from Oscar-nominated dramas like Marriage history and Roma to stranger things, 3 Body problem, baby reindeerand many others.
On the other hand, while Hulu has several great movies On offer, its greatest attraction is its updated television content. Typically, Netflix only receives the most recent episodes of a TV show between three months and a year after the entire season ends. On the other hand, networks and cable channels such as NBC, FOX, ABC and others put new episodes of many of their shows on Hulu the day after they air. Hulu has also made great strides in original content, thanks to critically acclaimed projects like The Handmaid's Tale, shogunand the bearalthough it still pales in comparison to Netflix.
You also have to consider the Disney issue. Disney has full ownership of Hulu as of December 2023, and while there is no Disney+ content available through Hulu, you can bundle Hulu with the Disney bundle to get both services starting at $10 per month.
Hulu will also receive some of that content from Disney and Fox: movies like Lifeless pool and Marvel's adult animated comedies.that don't fit with Disney+'s current mandate, will come to Hulu. Netflix still has plenty of content to keep you busy, but if you're a fan of the properties Disney owns, it may be worth purchasing the package to access everything. Finally, Hulu also offers its Hulu Plus Dwell TV service that you can add to its on-demand service, although it will cost you a pretty penny.
Price
This is where things get complicated. Both Netflix and Hulu are available at a variety of different prices, and how much you'll spend on each depends on a combination of the features you want, how important picture and sound quality are to you, and whether you're willing to put up with advertisements.
For $7 a month you can get a Standard with Netflix Ads subscription that runs in 1080p and lets you stream video on up to two devices. The $15.50/month Standard plan eliminates the need to deal with annoying ads, lets you stream video to two devices, and lets you add an additional member who doesn't live with you. For $23 a month, you'll get 4K Extremely HD resolution, four simultaneous streams, the option to add two members who don't live with you, and access to Netflix Spatial Audio.
Hulu, once a cheaper option, raised its prices once again on October 17, 2024. Hulu Basic Subscription Now It costs $10 per month/$80 per year but comes with ads that show during scheduled commercial breaks. If you want to watch Hulu without ads, you'll have to pay $19 a month, but if you can afford it, the highest tier is the way to go. Hulu appears to be adding more ads as time goes on, and individual ads are tied to specific shows. If you're watching a show explicitly, you'll see the same ads over and over again, which is a very easy way to ruin your viewing experience.
When it comes to Hulu Plus Dwell TV, you can get access to only Live TV for $82 a month, but note that this plan does not include access to Hulu's streaming library. For $83 a month you can get access to Hulu (with ads) Plus Dwell TV, Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads). If you want to avoid ads on Hulu streaming content, it will cost you $96. However, you should note that the ad-free option only removed ads from Hulu's regular on-demand content; You will still see ads while watching live TV. You can also add more to Hulu Plus Dwell TV with extras, although each will cost a little more. For example, the ability to stream Hulu Plus Dwell TV on an unlimited number of devices will cost you $10 per month, and the Spanish add-on will cost you $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 price list on the Hulu website.
Compatible devices
Here's the good news: If you have a smartphone, tablet, streaming box, video game console, or home computer, you should be able to watch Netflix and Hulu without any problems. Both services are extremely popular, meaning they are compatible with almost all video streaming devices. It's probably worth checking each service's compatibility list before signing up (here it is Netflixand here it is Hulu), but unless your {hardware} is extremely old or extremely obscure, you're probably good to go.
Sound and image quality
If you're an audiophile or home theater enthusiast, Netflix is the clear winner, although you'll pay more for high-quality streams. Both standard Netflix plans offer content in 1080p or Full HD definition. However, the $23 Premium plan offers 4K quality. Netflix also offers Dolby Atmos soundtracks for some of its content, in addition to 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound offerings.
In contrast, Hulu streams in HD at all subscription levels, but does not currently offer 4K resolutions. Hulu programming also streams in stereo sound only, so if you're looking to show off your fancy home theater setupskip Hulu. It just won't do the job.
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 things 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 o Showtime, the service helpfully consolidates all of its various channels into one package.
If you rely on subtitles, Netflix has a slight advantage: In 2014, the company announced that all of its content would have subtitles, while Hulu's library still includes them in a “wide variety” of its content. Netflix also has stronger parental controls, including the option to block certain profiles from any content with a stricter rating than PG. If you're worried about what your little ones watch, Netflix is the safest option.
Conclusion
If you love feature films and you love authentic Netflix content It will work perfectly according to your preferences. Netflix Studios produces some of the highest quality content available, in addition to its 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 already have a Netflix subscription, we recommend you reconsider.
If you prefer broadcast television to movies, Hulu It may be a more suitable option for you. Hulu gives you on-demand access to your favorite TV shows, a day or two after their original air date. So next time you miss your favorite episode, don't be disappointed. It also means you won't have to wait six months for it to appear 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, Hulu could still be worth adding to your list of streaming services because of this feature.
There's really no downside to choosing Hulu or Netflix as your next streaming service. Both services provide hours of entertaining content. Serious watchers or those with can't-miss exclusives on each platform may want to consider subscribing to both. If two subscriptions would maximize your monthly budget, consider reviewing each provider's libraries before choosing. That way, you can select the service that provides you with the best content.
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