Hulu stands out in the crowded landscape of video streaming services by offering a compelling blend of on-demand content and live TV options, catering to a wide range of viewer preferences. With a strong emphasis on popular TV shows, Hulu boasts an extensive on-demand streaming library that appeals to subscribers seeking a diverse selection of entertainment options.
One of Hulu’s key strengths lies in its broad platform support, allowing users to access the service across various devices and operating systems, ensuring flexibility and convenience in streaming content. Additionally, Hulu’s integration with the Disney+ package provides subscribers with access to a comprehensive range of content, further enhancing the value proposition for consumers.
On the live TV front, Hulu delivers top-notch channel coverage, offering a robust lineup that caters to diverse interests, including news, sports, and entertainment. The service’s DVR features are also noteworthy, providing users with the ability to record and store their favorite programs for later viewing, comparable to offerings from competitors in the market.
Whether used as a standalone service or as part of the merged Disney+ package, Hulu’s combination of on-demand and live TV streaming content positions it as an Editors’ Choice winner. As competition in the video streaming industry intensifies, Hulu’s commitment to differentiation through its content offerings and user-friendly experience solidifies its status as a top choice for consumers seeking a comprehensive streaming solution.
On Hulu, subscribers can access a vast array of TV shows spanning multiple genres and networks. The platform’s on-demand library features hundreds of seasons and thousands of episodes from major networks, making it a go-to destination for television enthusiasts. While the emergence of network-specific streaming services like Paramount+ and NBC’s Peacock has impacted Hulu’s content library to some extent, its ownership by Disney and access to the extensive catalog of former 21st Century Fox content sets it apart.
Hulu’s on-demand content encompasses a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, thriller, sci-fi, reality TV, and more. From popular network series to critically acclaimed originals, subscribers can explore an extensive selection of shows catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Moreover, Hulu’s emphasis on TV shows is complemented by its live TV option, which provides access to a robust lineup of channels covering news, sports, entertainment, and other genres. This combination of on-demand and live TV content offers subscribers a comprehensive streaming experience, allowing them to enjoy their favorite shows and discover new ones seamlessly.
Overall, Hulu remains a prominent player in the streaming landscape, thanks to its extensive library of TV shows, diverse content offerings, and Disney’s ownership, ensuring continued access to compelling entertainment for subscribers.
Subscribers to both Disney+ and Hulu now have the convenience of accessing Hulu content directly within the Disney+ app, eliminating the need to switch between apps. However, if Disney’s content doesn’t capture your interest, opting for the standalone Hulu app can offer cost savings. It’s worth noting that while you can watch Hulu content on Disney+, the reverse isn’t possible—you can’t access Disney+ content through Hulu.
Hulu boasts an extensive collection of cable TV shows spanning various genres to cater to diverse preferences. Animation enthusiasts can enjoy popular series such as “Archer,” “Adventure Time,” “Bob’s Burgers,” and “Futurama.” For drama aficionados, Hulu offers shows like “Bones,” “Killing Eve,” “The Orville,” and “The X-Files.” Comedy fans have a plethora of options including “30 Rock,” “Broad City,” “Letterkenny,” “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Scrubs,” and “Abbott Elementary.”
It’s worth noting that while Hulu provides access to a rich selection of cable TV shows, some popular titles like “Parks and Recreation” have migrated to NBC’s Peacock, and “Seinfeld” is now available on Netflix. Despite these shifts, Hulu’s diverse content library continues to offer a compelling range of entertainment options for subscribers.
Hulu’s FX hub has become operational, offering exclusive streaming of FX shows like “A Teacher,” “Devs,” and “Mrs. America.” Additionally, full seasons of past FX hits such as “Archer,” “Atlanta,” “Better Things,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Justified,” and “Snowfall” are available on Hulu. As streaming libraries frequently change, users can stay updated on available content through PCMag’s monthly guide to what’s arriving on Hulu.
In addition to hosting content from other networks, Hulu produces its own original series, contributing to its unique content lineup. While not all original shows receive renewals, Hulu’s track record in this regard is improving. Some standout original releases include “Castle Rock,” “Harlots,” “Helstrom,” “High Fidelity,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” “Marvel’s Runaways,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “Veronica Mars.” Notably, “The Act” and “Ramy” have won Golden Globe awards. Recent releases like “Only Murders in the Building” and “The Kardashians” have further enriched Hulu’s original programming. Moreover, Hulu has been recognized as one of the top video streaming services for celebrating Black art.
While Hulu’s original content is notable, it faces stiff competition from platforms like Netflix, which boasts highly successful originals such as “The Crown,” “Bojack Horseman,” “Stranger Things,” and “The Witcher.” Similarly, Amazon Prime Video offers a compelling array of originals including “Bosch,” “Fleabag,” “The Boys,” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” HBO Max stands out for its extensive catalog of quality shows like “Barry,” “Big Little Lies,” “The Sopranos,” and “Westworld.”
Hulu’s film library includes a mix of mainstream movies such as “Black Swan,” “Parasite,” “Sonic The Hedgehog,” “Rocketman,” “Space Jam,” and “Taken.” Notably, Hulu secured same-day release premieres for acclaimed films like “Nomadland” and “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” both of which earned Golden Globe awards. However, dedicated movie streaming services may offer more comprehensive options for cinephiles. Platforms like The Criterion Channel and Mubi curate extensive and diverse film libraries.
Documentary enthusiasts can explore Hulu’s documentary section, which features a range of biopics and documentaries covering various subjects. From music icons like The Beatles and B.B. King to fashion documentaries like “The First Monday in May” and “Dior and I,” Hulu offers a diverse selection. Notable titles include “Free Solo,” a gripping mountain-climbing documentary, and “March of the Penguins,” narrated by Morgan Freeman. However, for those seeking a broader range of documentary content, dedicated documentary streaming services may offer more extensive options.
Anime fans can find hundreds of titles on Hulu, including popular series like “My Hero Academia,” “Himouto! Umaru-chan,” and “One-Punch Man.” Classic anime like “Cowboy Bebop,” “FLCL,” “Ghost in the Shell,” and “Naruto Shippuden” are also available. While Hulu boasts a considerable anime collection, platforms like Crunchyroll offer a larger and more diverse anime library.
For live TV and sports enthusiasts, Hulu + Live TV offers a comprehensive channel lineup covering news, entertainment, and sports. News channels like ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC are available, alongside entertainment networks such as Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, Discovery, and Disney. Sports coverage includes channels like ESPN, CBS Sports, and Golf Channel, making Hulu + Live TV a top choice for streaming NFL games. However, regional restrictions and broadcast blackouts may apply for live sports, necessitating consideration of the available channels and team coverage before subscribing.
Hulu’s pricing options cater to various preferences and budgets. The ad-supported, on-demand plan starts at $7.99 per month, while the ad-free plan costs $17.99 per month. Bundled packages with Disney+ and ESPN+ offer additional savings. The Hulu + Live TV plan, which includes access to live channels and the on-demand library, starts at $76.99 per month. Additional add-ons, such as the Sports add-on for $9.99 per month, provide further customization options for subscribers.
If you’re considering modifying or canceling your Hulu subscription, you can refer to our guide on how to do so. Hulu offers various add-ons to enhance your streaming experience, including Cinemax, Max, Showtime, and Starz, which provide access to shows and movies from those networks along with live feeds. Additionally, Hulu offers add-ons like Unlimited Screens, Entertainment, and Español to cater to different preferences.
In comparison to other streaming services, Hulu’s pricing is competitive. Netflix recently introduced a basic ad-supported tier for $6.99 per month, while Paramount+ offers an ad-free tier for $11.99 per month, and Amazon Prime Video is priced at $11.99 per month without ads. Cable-replacement services like YouTube TV, Philo, Sling TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream offer alternatives to traditional cable TV, each with its own pricing and channel lineup.
For those seeking free streaming options, our roundup of the best free video streaming services includes platforms like Tubi, which offers both on-demand services and preprogrammed channels. Hulu is available across various platforms, including mobile devices, media streaming devices, smart TVs, game consoles, and the web.
Hulu’s web interface provides a modern and user-friendly experience, allowing users to personalize their preferences and easily navigate through content categories. The My Stuff section enables users to store and track their favorite shows and channels, while the Live TV section allows browsing of live streams with convenient filtering options. Users can also enjoy windowed picture-in-picture mode for multitasking.
Hulu’s performance on the web is generally solid, with streaming quality depending on internet speeds. Premium subscribers can download select TV shows and movies for offline viewing, with the ability to increase DVR storage and skip ads available as optional add-ons. Hulu also supports 4K streaming for select original shows and offers 1080p/60fps streams for certain channels on specific platforms.
With features like simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, support for up to six user profiles per account, and the availability of co-watching features like Watch Party, Hulu provides a comprehensive streaming experience. Whether you’re looking to modify your subscription, explore add-ons, or optimize your streaming settings, Hulu offers a versatile platform for entertainment enthusiasts.
Hulu provides standard closed captioning options for accessibility, but it offers relatively few titles with audio descriptions. However, you can customize subtitle text color, size, and style for any show or live broadcast. Hulu also offers parental control options, allowing you to designate a profile as a Kids Profile, which restricts access to kid-friendly content. While Hulu’s parental controls are not as extensive as those offered by Netflix and Prime Video, they still provide a level of content restriction.
On mobile apps for both Android and iOS, Hulu maintains a consistent and elegant interface. The app features large media elements, transparent navigation elements, and icons for easy navigation. You can access various sections like Home, My Stuff, Live, Browse, and Account, with smooth transitions between menus and content.
Hulu’s mobile app allows you to stream content seamlessly over Wi-Fi networks, with options to manage your DVR storage and customize subtitles/captions. While the account section may seem somewhat limited, you can still access plan settings and help resources.
Regarding VPN usage, Hulu, like many other video streaming services, may block access if you are connected to a VPN or proxy. While using a VPN for security and privacy is recommended, it may not always work with Hulu due to content licensing restrictions and geographical limitations.
In summary, Hulu offers a comprehensive entertainment experience with its combination of on-demand content and live TV. While other services may excel in specific areas like on-demand shows or live TV coverage, Hulu’s diverse content library and value proposition make it an Editors’ Choice winner alongside competitors like Netflix and YouTube TV.
