When it comes to streaming services, the venerable Hulu often takes a backseat to the juggernaut that is Netflix. However, the truth is that Hulu has been in the game since 2007, carving its own niche in the streaming landscape. Owned predominantly by The Walt Disney Company, with a stake held by Comcast through NBCUniversal, Hulu boasts a library of acclaimed content, from “Only Murder in the Building” to the dystopian drama “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Yet, with a myriad of subscription plans, Hulu’s interface can be daunting, especially if you opt for the Live TV plan. Fret not, as this guide aims to demystify the service, providing an in-depth exploration of how Hulu functions, encompassing prices, plans, channels, and more.
Unpacking Hulu’s 2024 Pricing
Hulu offers a smorgasbord of subscription options, with various add-ons to cater to diverse tastes. The service has undergone several price adjustments, and as of December 2023, here are the latest details:
- Hulu (Basic): Priced at $7.99/month (or $79.99/year), this plan grants access to the complete Hulu streaming library with limited ads. Students can enjoy the ad-based plan for a mere $1.99/month.
- Hulu (No Ads): At $17.99/month, this plan ensures uninterrupted streaming of the entire Hulu library without ads and supports viewing on two screens simultaneously.
- Disney+ Bundle:
- Duo Basic: For an additional $2/month (totaling $9.99/month), subscribers can access content from both Hulu and Disney+ with ads.
- Duo Premium: Priced at $19.99/month, this plan provides access to Disney+ (No Ads) and Hulu (No Ads), exclusively available for subscribers billed through Disney+.
- Trio Basic: At $14.99/month, this plan includes Disney+ (With Ads), Hulu (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads).
- Trio Premium: For $24.99/month, subscribers get Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads).
- Add-ons:
- ESPN+ Add-on: An extra $10.99/month allows users to watch live events and original ESPN+ programming on the Hulu app or website.
- Max Add-on: For an additional $15.99/month (totaling $23.98/month for Hulu Ad-based users or $33.98/month for Hulu Ad-free), users can stream HBO originals and recent movie releases through Hulu, gaining access to Max originals, exclusives, and fan favorites on the Max app.
- Cinemax Add-on: Priced at an extra $9.99/month, this add-on offers access to action-packed feature films and behind-the-scenes clips.
- SHOWTIME Add-on: For an additional $10.99/month, subscribers gain access to new episodes, films, fights, and more on SHOWTIME.
- STARZ Add-on: Available for an extra $9.99/month, this add-on provides access to hit original shows and a variety of theatrical releases.
- Live TV:
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): Available for $76.99/month, users can access on-demand ad-supported content and live streams from various channels, along with additional content from Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): Priced at $89.99/month, this plan offers ad-free streaming of most videos from the streaming library, along with content from Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): For $81.99/month, subscribers can access everything included in the Live TV plan, along with additional content from Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Live TV Only: Available for $75.99/month, this plan provides access to live content only and does not include the Hulu streaming library or access to Disney+ or ESPN+.
Exploring Hulu’s Live TV Channels
Hulu + Live TV is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of live sports, news, and entertainment programming. This streaming service seamlessly integrates an extensive on-demand library, allowing viewers to catch their favorite shows as they air. Whether you’re a sports aficionado, news buff, or TV connoisseur, Hulu + Live TV caters to diverse tastes. Here’s a comprehensive list of channels available on Hulu:
Unlocking Hulu’s 30-Day Free Trial
Curious but cautious? Hulu extends a welcoming hand with a 30-day free trial for new subscribers. Opt for either the Hulu (ad-supported) plan or the ad-free plan to explore the vast catalog. It’s recommended to try the ad-free plan for a truly immersive experience. Unfortunately, there’s no free trial for bundle plans, add-ons, or Live TV.
To embark on this trial, visit the Hulu website or download the Hulu app on your mobile device. The signup process involves creating an account with your email and password, selecting the free trial option, and providing valid payment information. Remember to cancel before the trial ends if you decide Hulu isn’t your cup of streaming tea.
Mastering Hulu Plan and Add-on Management
Switching plans or tweaking add-ons on Hulu is a breeze and can be done directly from the Account page on Hulu.com. However, if you’re billed through a third-party provider due to Hulu’s partnerships, the steps may differ. Here’s a quick guide:
On Hulu.com:
- Open the Hulu website and log in.
- Click on your account name, then select “Account.”
- To change your plan, click “MANAGE PLAN.” Toggle the desired plan from Off to On.
- For add-ons, select “MANAGE ADD-ONS” and confirm changes by selecting “Review Changes.”
On Roku:
- Open the Hulu app on your Roku device.
- Click on your Profile icon, then select “Account” > “Subscription.”
- Choose your new plan and review payment details before submitting.
On Xfinity:
- For Xfinity-billed subscribers, access the “Apps & Subscriptions Management” menu under “Apps & Subscriptions” in Flex or X1 Settings.
- Navigate to options such as “Launch Hulu,” “Change Plan,” or “Unsubscribe,” and confirm your choice.
On Apple:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your name, then tap “Subscriptions.”
- Select Hulu, tap “See All Plans,” and follow onscreen instructions to complete the purchase.
Hulu Across Devices: Where Can You Watch?
Hulu plays nice with an array of devices, ensuring you can binge-watch seamlessly. Whether it’s streaming media players, smart TVs, gaming consoles, or mobile devices, Hulu has you covered. Here’s a snapshot of compatible devices:
Movies |
| 50 First Dates |
| The Rocky Horror Picture Show |
| The Banshees of Inisherin |
| Barbarian |
| Call Jane |
| Plan B |
| Dazed and Confused |
| Die Hard |
| Prey |
| Disappearance at Clifton Hill |
| Enys Men |
| Fresh |
| Infinity Pool |
| Rye Lane |
| The Little Hours |
| Midnight in Paris |
| Sanctuary |
| Nightmare Alley |
| Support the Girls |
| True Lies |
| Nomadland |
| No One Will Save You |
| Trance |
| Palm Springs |
| Triangle of Sadness |
Shows |
| The Handmaid’s Tale |
| The Great |
| PEN15 |
| Shrill |
| Castle Rock |
| Only Murders in the Building |
| Little Fires Everywhere |
| Normal People |
| The Act |
| Atlanta |
| The Bear |
| Fargo |
| Ramy |
| Love, Victor |
| It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia |
| Reservation Dogs |
| Dopesick |
| Devs |
| High Fidelity |
| American Horror Story |
| Difficult People |
| Justified |
| Killing Eve |
| Futurama |
| This Month’s Critic’s Pick |