Hulu is a streaming service with over 4,000 shows and movies in their on-demand library. Cable cutters can upgrade to Hulu + Live TV to also get access to over 50 live TV channels. Monthly subscriptions for Hulu start at $11.99/month for its base service up to $99.99 for Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN Select (With Ads).
With a great library of content that includes in-season network shows, movies, and other on-demand entertainment, Hulu is one of the best services for anyone looking to cut the cord. In this article, we’ll give you the ins and outs of the service and what makes it so great.
What is Hulu?
Hulu is an on-demand streaming video service, one of the first big names in the space. Now Hulu is also known for streaming popular documentaries, movies, and their own original content. You can also watch live TV with Hulu + Live TV.
How much does Hulu cost?
Signing up for Hulu is easy. Simply go to Hulu’s website and click on “Start Your Free Trial.” Both of Hulu’s on-demand plans come with a free trial month, while Hulu + Live TV comes with a free week.
Hulu offers two streaming plans ranging in price from $11.99-$18.99/month:
- Hulu: $11.99/month (119.99/year)
- Hulu (No Ads): $18.99/month
Hulu offers four Live TV packages ranging in price from $82.99-$95.99/month:
- Live TV Only: 89.99/month
- Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN Select (With Ads): $89.99/month
- Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN Select (With Ads): $94.99/month
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN Select (With Ads): $99.99/month
Hulu will not play any commercials for the shows and movies you watch from their on-demand library. However, when you’re watching live TV, you will see any commercials that are aired on the channel you are watching. In other words, Hulu never removes ads from live TV channels.
What shows are on Hulu?
Hulu has a library of content consisting of over 1,600 shows and 2,500 movies. While it’s not quite as big as Prime Video’s or Netflix’s, Hulu stands out from these competitors by providing streaming access to current and in-season shows from some of the biggest networks. Additionally, Hulu has many classic shows and original content.
Network shows
Hulu has current and in-season shows from all four of the major TV networks: ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. In addition to shows from the major national TV networks, Hulu has current and older shows from A&E, AMC, Comedy Central, E!, National Geographic, and many more.
Hulu originals
Hulu beefs up its library with original content. Hulu Originals are highlighted by fan favorite The Handmaid’s Tale, which became the first streaming TV series to earn the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. Other fan favorites and critically-acclaimed Hulu Originals include Shrill, Castle Rock, Pen15, The Act, Future Man, and others.
Movies on Hulu
Hulu also has tons of movies available for streaming. Their collection of movies consists of both contemporary and classic films, such as National Lampoon’s Vacation, Creed 2, Booksmart, When Harry Met Sally, A Quiet Place, Say Anything, and an assortment of other titles.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV combines all you get from Hulu’s on-demand streaming service with 50+ live TV channels. Cable cutters can take advantage of this great alternative to standard cable and satellite TV options.
Live TV channels available with Hulu + Live TV include:
- Local affiliates of:
- ABC
- CBS
- Fox
- NBC
- Fox Sports 1 and 2
- Local Fox Sports channels
- ESPN, ESPN 2, and ESPNEWS
- CNN
- Food Network
- Fox News
- FX
- HGTV
- MSNBC
- TBS
- TNT
- Vice
What Devices Are Compatible with Hulu?
Hulu is compatible with nearly all major streaming devices, including popular plug-and-play devices such as Roku and Amazon Fire.
Take a look at the following table to see if your device is compatible with Hulu and other popular streaming services. If you're using a mobile device such as an Android, iOS, or FireOS device, you can download shows on Hulu for offline viewing.
Streaming Device Compatibility
| Device | Netflix | Amazon Prime Video | Hulu | Disney + | Apple TV+ | HBO Now | HBO Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCs/Macs | |||||||
| Apple TV | |||||||
| Chromecast | - | ||||||
| Nvidia Shield | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| iOS Devices | |||||||
| Android | |||||||
| Roku | - | ||||||
| Fire TV | - | ||||||
| PlayStation | - | ||||||
| XBOX | - | ||||||
| Cox Box | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Dish Box | - | - | - | - | - |
Best internet plans for Hulu
You’ll need an internet connection to watch Hulu’s shows, movies, and live TV. Hulu recommends that you have the following minimum internet speeds to use its service:
- 3Mbps to watch Hulu’s on-demand content
- 8Mbps to watch live streams
- 16Mbps to watch any content in 4K UHD
The majority of internet plans available today meet these requirements. The following are just some popular internet plans with a minimum speed of 16Mbps. You can also use our internet search tool to enter your ZIP and find the best internet plans available in your area.
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Mercury Broadband
Mercury Foundation
$25/mo
with AutoPay
+ $45 Upfront
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Armstrong
Zoom Express
$34.95/mo
Available in select locations
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Hughesnet
Lite
$49.98/mo
($39.99 plan + $9.99 modem)
for 12 months. Service plan availability varies based on geographic area. All plans are subject to the Hughesnet Subscriber Agreement.
+ $99 Upfront
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CenturyLink
Simply Unlimited 30 Mbps
$55/mo
Available in select locations. Paperless billing required.
+ $25 Upfront
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AireBeam Intenret
Residential Fixed Wireless - 20MB
$59.95/mo
for 12 months then $69.95/month
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Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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