Hulu Review — Features, Pricing & Content
Want to know more about Hulu? Find out the subscription costs, standout features, and content offerings to see if it’s right for you.
In my review for Hulu, I wanted to share the facts that matter to a new subscriber. Of course, I will share my experience of the platform.
Still, in this review, I’ll cut through the fluff and give you the bottom line: Hulu is a top-notch service with an impressive library, original content, and a user-friendly interface.
But is it perfect? We’ll explore the pros, cons, and everything in between so you can decide if Hulu is the right fit for your streaming needs. Let’s stream into it!
Key Takeaway From Hulu Review 2024
- Hulu offers an extensive library of TV shows, movies, and original content at competitive prices.
- The service provides on-demand and live TV options, catering to diverse viewing preferences.
- Hulu’s user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to all users.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Hulu’s plans start at $9.99/month, with ad-free and live TV options available at higher price points. |
| Content | Hulu boasts many TV shows, movies, anime, documentaries, and critically acclaimed original series. |
| Streaming Quality | Hulu offers up to 4K content, with most shows and movies available in HD. |
| Device Compatibility | The service is accessible on various devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. |
How I Evaluated Hulu?
Apart from binging on Hulu’s content, to provide unique insights into Hulu’s offerings, I took a hands-on approach to evaluating the service.
Plus, to explore the platform’s features and content library, I conducted surveys among Hulu subscribers in my circle and neighborhood to gather their opinions and experiences.
This gave me a well-rounded perspective on the service’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that my review goes beyond the standard evaluation methods.
Hulu Pros And Cons
Before learning the details, let’s take a look at the ups and downs of Hulu:
Pros:
- Extensive library of TV shows and movies from various networks and studios
- High-quality original content, including critically acclaimed series
- User-friendly interface with personalized recommendations
- Live TV option available, offering access to popular channels
- Affordable pricing plans compared to some competitors
Cons:
- Some popular shows and movies may have limited seasons or episodes available
- Ad-supported plans may be disruptive to the viewing experience
- Live TV option is more expensive than the base plan
Who Is Hulu For?
Hulu is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys binge-watching TV shows and wants access to a wide variety of content. The service is particularly well-suited for:
- Cord-cutters who want to keep up with current TV shows without a cable subscription
- Fans of network TV series, as Hulu often has the latest episodes available the day after they air
- Viewers who enjoy high-quality original content, as Hulu has a growing collection of acclaimed original series
Who Is Hulu Not For?
While Hulu caters to a broad audience, it may not be the best fit for everyone. The service might not be ideal for:
- Viewers who primarily watch movies, as Hulu’s movie library is not as extensive as some competitors
- Those who prefer an entirely ad-free viewing experience, as Hulu’s base plan includes ads
- Subscribers who are looking for a comprehensive live TV solution, as Hulu’s live TV option may not include all desired channels, are available separately.
Hulu Overview
Hulu is a leading streaming service that offers a diverse collection of TV shows, movies, and original content.
Founded in 2007, the platform has become one of the most popular streaming options, thanks to its partnerships with major networks and studios.
Hulu provides both on-demand and live TV services, catering to different viewing preferences and budgets. The platform’s user-friendly interface and personalized recommendations make it easy for subscribers to discover new content and keep up with their favorite shows.
What All Does Hulu Offer?
Hulu offers a comprehensive streaming experience with a vast library of content that includes:
- Current and classic TV shows from major networks and cable channels
- A growing collection of original series, including critically acclaimed titles like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Ramy”
- Movies spanning various genres and decades
- Anime series and films
- Documentaries and docu-series
- Live TV channels, including news, sports, and entertainment (available with the Hulu + Live TV plan)
Hulu Features
Hulu provides a range of features to enhance the viewing experience for its subscribers via crisp picture quality and user experience features:
Streaming quality:
Hulu offers content in up to 4K Ultra HD resolution, with most shows and movies available in HD at 60fps high definition.
The platform automatically adjusts the video quality based on the user’s internet connection to ensure smooth playback. But, to stream 4K UHD, you will need a compatible device.
Cloud DVR:
With the Hulu + Live TV plan, subscribers can record limitless live TV and store it unlimitedly for up to 9 months.
This feature allows users to watch recorded shows and movies at their convenience and helps them make the most of the subscription even when they can’t watch a particular game or episode.
Simultaneous Streams:
Hulu allows users to stream content simultaneously on multiple devices. The number of concurrent streams depends on the subscription plan, with the base plan allowing for two simultaneous streams and the Hulu + Live TV plan offering unlimited streams on the home network.
Furthermore, users can stream on unlimited screens at an additional $9.99/month within a particular home network and on a maximum of three devices when out of the home.
Hulu Interface
Hulu’s user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for users of all ages and technical skill levels. Check out how the Hulu interface looks:
The platform’s home screen features personalized recommendations based on the user’s viewing history and preferences, as well as curated collections and featured content.
The search function is robust, allowing users to find specific titles, genres, or actors quickly. Hulu also provides a “My Stuff” section, where subscribers can save shows and movies for later viewing and keep track of the content they have watched.
What Content Can You Watch On Hulu?
I particularly liked Hulu because of the TV show collection offered by different production houses more than anything else. Check out the Hulu content library breakdown that you get access to with a subscription.
1. TV Shows
Hulu’s TV library is one of its strongest assets, offering a wide range of current and classic shows from major networks and cable channels.
It includes some of the most popular TV Shows, including recent Emmy award winners Shogun, The Bear, Simpsons, and more!
Other Hulu TV Show top picks include:
- “Saturday Night Live”
- “This Is Us”
- “The Golden Girls”
- “The X-Files”
- “The Good Place”
2. Movies
While Hulu’s movie library without a bundle package is not as extensive as some competitors, it still offers a solid selection of films across various genres.
However, to watch good movies, you will be required to subscribe to a bundle deal to watch popular movies from Disney, HBO, and from other add-ons like Cinemax and STARZ.
Some notable Movie titles on Hulu include:
- “Parasite”
- “Palm Springs”
- “The Farewell”
- “Booksmart”
- “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”
3. Anime
Hulu has a growing collection of anime series and films, appealing to fans of the genre.
While I don’t watch anime, I saw many popular anime shows in the library with both dubbed and subtitled episodes!
Some popular anime titles available on Hulu include:
- “Attack on Titan”
- “One-Punch Man”
- “My Hero Academia”
- “Naruto Shippuden”
- “Death Note”
4. Documentaries
For drama lovers and binge-watchers like me, Hulu offers diverse documentaries and docu-series covering topics such as true crime, nature, and social issues.
Top Hulu documentary picks include:
- “Forged in Fire”
- “Body Cam”
- “Undercurrent”
- “McMillion$”
5. Hulu + Live TV
In addition to its on-demand content, Hulu offers a live TV option called Hulu + Live TV. You can watch the NFL Network, MLB Network, ESPN, and FS1 networks with Live TV.
Additionally, you can watch the latest big events like the Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globe Awards, and Emmy, along with live sporting events.
However, a Live TV subscription with Hulu comes with a separate Hulu + Live TV subscription starting from $59.99 for the first 3 months.
This plan provides access to over 95+ live TV channels, including:
- ABC
- CBS
- FOX
- NBC
- CNN
- ESPN
- HGTV
- TNT
Hulu Pricing Details
Hulu offers a range of subscription plans to cater to different budgets and viewing preferences. But this can get a bit complicated to understand.
Have a look at the below table to understand the price of just subscribing to Hulu:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (with ads) | $9.99 | $99.99 |
| Hulu (no ads) | $18.99 | N/A |
Hulu Bundled Packages
Hulu offers bundled packages that include access to Disney+ and ESPN+, providing subscribers with even more content options:
| Bundle | Price (Monthly) | Included Services |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Bundle Duo (with ads) | $10.99 | Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads) |
| Disney Bundle Duo (no ads) | $19.99 | Hulu (no ads), Disney+ |
| Disney Bundle Trio (with ads) | $16.99 | Allows Disney Plus and ESPN+ access |
| Disney Bundle Trio (no ads) | $26.99 | Allows Disney Plus and ESPN+ access without ads |
| Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) | $16.99 | Unique bundle of Hulu, Disney Plus and Max |
| Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) | $29.99 | Unique bundle of Hulu, Disney Plus, and Max without ads |
| Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, ESPN+ Bundle (with ads) | $72.99 | Hulu + Live TV (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), ESPN+ |
| Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, ESPN+ Bundle (no ads) | $78.99 | Hulu + Live TV (no ads), Disney+, ESPN+ |
While there are many options, you can choose the bundles that aptly suit your needs and can fulfill your entertainment requirements.
Hulu provides a straightforward refund policy. You’ll receive a full refund only at Hulu’s discretion. You can cancel the Hulu subscription if you’re not happy with the service or have other questions.
Does Hulu Offer A Free Trial?
Only for its basic plan with ads is there a Hulu free trial offered to new subscribers, which includes an entire first month of free access. Unfortunately, Hulu does not offer a free trial for other plans or bundles.
Available Discounts On Hulu
Hulu occasionally offers discounts and promotions for new and existing subscribers. These may include limited-time price reductions, bundle deals, or extended free trial periods.
For example, the Hulu+Live TV plan allows $23 in savings for the first three months, totaling $69 in savings.
Additionally, bundled packages can offer up to 46% savings depending on the plan and your chosen bundle.
Hulu Student Discount
If you’re a student looking to save on streaming entertainment, Hulu has you covered with a massive 75% student discount and a price of just $1.99/month. The platform offers a special discount for eligible students, allowing them to enjoy the ad-supported plan at a significantly reduced price.
To qualify for the Hulu Student Discount, you must get verified on SheerID and should be from an accredited college or university in the United States.
This offer lets students access Hulu’s extensive library of TV shows, movies, and original content without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious scholars.
Hulu Support
While I did not face any trouble during the period I used Hulu, it does provide various support options for subscribers, including:
- An extensive help center with articles and guides addressing common issues and questions
- Social media pages @hulusupport on X and @hulusupport on Facebook allow users to interact with each other and share solutions.
- Live chat support for immediate assistance
- Phone support for more complex issues or billing inquiries via – 855-738-6978
However, you will see yourself using the Hulu support channel on YouTube the most, which has short videos explaining the basics.
Hulu Compared With Its Competitors
To help you make an informed decision, let’s compare Hulu with three of its main competitors:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
| Feature | Hulu | Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Disney+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (Monthly) | $9.99 | $6.99 | $8.99 (with Prime membership) | $9.99 |
| Ad-Free Plan | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Originals | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live TV | Yes (with Hulu + Live TV) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 (base plan), Unlimited (Hulu + Live TV) | 1-4 (depending on plan) | 3 | 4 |
| Offline Downloads | Yes (with ad-free plan) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
To place these alternative features, the best Hulu alternative turns out to be Netflix. It is:
- More affordable
- Has a larger content library and
- Access to the latest hits
Would I Choose Hulu Over Competition?
As a subscriber, I find Hulu to be an excellent choice for my streaming needs. The platform’s extensive library of TV shows, including current seasons of popular series, is a major draw.
Hulu’s original content and access to FX content have impressed me with its quality and diversity.
While some competitors may have more extensive movie libraries or more comprehensive live TV offerings, Hulu strikes a balance that works well for my viewing habits. The option to bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ is also a significant advantage, providing even more value for my subscription.
Conclusion: Hulu Is A Good Choice If Taken With A Bundle
In conclusion, Hulu is a top-tier streaming service that offers a compelling mix of TV shows, movies, and original content.
With its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and bundle options, Hulu caters to various viewing preferences and budgets. While no streaming service is perfect, Hulu’s strengths make it a strong contender in the market.
If you’re looking for a platform that keeps you up-to-date with current TV series, provides high-quality original programming, and offers the convenience of live TV, Hulu is worth considering.
Sign up with the 30-day free trial today and start exploring the vast world of entertainment that Hulu has to offer.
FAQs
Hulu allows for simultaneous streaming on multiple devices. The number of concurrent streams depends on your subscription plan. The base plan allows for two simultaneous streams, while the Hulu + Live TV plan offers unlimited streams on your home network.
Hulu offers select content in 4K resolution. To access 4K content, you’ll need a compatible device and a strong internet connection. Keep in mind that not all shows and movies are available in 4K.
Hulu allows subscribers to download select shows and movies for offline viewing. However, this feature is only available with the ad-free plan. Downloaded content can be viewed for up to 30 days or until it expires, whichever comes first.
Hulu provides parental control options to help you manage what content is accessible to your children. You can create a kid-specific profile that only includes age-appropriate content, and you can set a PIN to prevent access to mature content on adult profiles.
Hulu allows you to cancel your subscription at any time. If you cancel within the first month, you’ll receive a full refund. After the first month, you’ll be charged for the full month, and your subscription will be canceled at the end of that billing cycle.