Hulu Plans, Pricing, and Bundles in 2026: The Complete Guide to Every Hulu Subscription Option

Last updated: March 2026 | Editor-reviewed monthly for accuracy

Hulu at a Glance: 2026 Quick-Answer Summary

Before diving into the details, here is a snapshot of what Hulu costs in 2026 and what each tier includes.

Hulu On-Demand Plans: Pricing and What You Get

Hulu offers two standalone on-demand tiers. Both provide access to the same library of original series, current-season network TV episodes, and a deep catalog of movies. The only difference is whether you watch with periodic ad breaks or without.

Hulu (With Ads) — $11.99/month

• Price: $11.99/month or $119.99/year (saves roughly $24 annually)
• Free trial: 30-day free trial for new subscribers
• Ad load: Brief ad breaks during most on-demand titles
• Student discount: Eligible college students pay just $1.99/month
• Military discount: Eligible U.S. military members receive 25% off

Hulu (No Ads) — $18.99/month

• Price: $18.99/month (no annual billing option)
• Free trial: No free trial currently available
• Experience: Commercial-free playback on nearly all titles; a small number of shows carry brief pre- or post-roll ads due to network licensing agreements

For viewers who primarily want next-day access to network shows and a solid library of Hulu Originals such as The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, and Shogun, the ad-supported plan at $11.99 represents one of the better values in streaming. The ad-free upgrade makes sense if you binge frequently and find interruptions disruptive.

Hulu + Live TV Plans: Pricing, Channels, and the Disney Bundle

Every Hulu + Live TV subscription now comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN Select at no extra charge. That three-in-one value proposition is the plan's biggest differentiator in 2026.

Our take on the Live TV Only plan: At $88.99, you save just $1 over the full bundle while losing access to three entire streaming libraries. Unless you have a very specific reason to avoid on-demand content, the $89.99 tier is the smarter pick.

What Channels Does Hulu + Live TV Include?

A Hulu + Live TV subscription delivers 95+ national and local channels spanning sports, news, entertainment, kids' programming, and lifestyle content. Here is the lineup organized by category.

News and Business

ABC News Live, Bloomberg Television, CBS News, CNBC, CNN, CNN International, Fox Business, Fox News Channel, HLN, Live Now from FOX, MSNBC, NBC News Now, NewsNation, and Newsmax.

Sports

ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, FanDuel TV, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, MLB Network, MotorTrend, NFL Network, SEC Network, T2 Live Tennis, and TUDN.

Entertainment and General

A&E, Bravo, Comedy Central, CW, Discovery Channel, E!, Food Network, FX, FXM, Game Show Network, Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, HGTV, History, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, MTV, OWN, Paramount Network, TBS, TCM, truTV, TV Land, USA Network, VH1, and more.

Family and Kids

Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., PBS, and PBS Kids.

Documentary, Nature, and Lifestyle

Animal Planet, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Smithsonian Channel, The Weather Channel, and Oxygen.

What Channels Are Missing?

Hulu + Live TV does not carry NBA TV, NHL Network, AMC, IFC, or BBC America. It also lacks most regional sports networks (RSNs), which is a notable gap for fans who rely on local broadcasts of NBA, MLB, or NHL games.

Hulu + Live TV Add-Ons and Premium Upgrades

Beyond the base channel lineup, Hulu + Live TV offers several optional add-on packages:

• Entertainment Add-on ($7.99/mo): Adds lifestyle-oriented channels such as Cooking Channel, Discovery Life, MTV2, Science, and Teen Nick.
• Sports Add-on ($9.99/mo): Adds NFL RedZone, FanDuel Racing, Tennis Channel, and other sports-centric networks.
• Unlimited Screens ($9.99/mo): Raises the simultaneous stream limit from two devices to unlimited on your home network.
• Premium channels: Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax are each available as separate monthly add-ons.

Disney Bundle Plans: Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ Pricing

If you do not need live TV but want to combine Hulu with Disney's other streaming properties, the Disney Bundle plans offer significant savings over subscribing to each service individually.

The Trio Basic at $19.99 is particularly strong for sports fans, since it includes ESPN+ coverage of the NFL, NHL, MLB, La Liga, Bundesliga, UFC, and PGA Tour events alongside Hulu's full on-demand catalog and everything on Disney+. Compared to subscribing to each service separately, the bundle saves up to 44%.

The Hulu and Disney+ Merger: What Changes in 2026

The single biggest story surrounding Hulu in 2026 is the ongoing merger with Disney+. Disney announced in August 2025 that it would fully integrate Hulu into Disney+, discontinuing the standalone Hulu app. Here is what we know as of March 2026:

• Disney began folding Hulu content into the Disney+ app in spring 2024 and has continued expanding integration throughout 2025.
• The standalone Hulu app on Nintendo Switch was shut down on February 5, 2026, marking the first platform-specific closure.
• Outgoing CEO Bob Iger indicated during Disney's Q1 2026 earnings call that the fully unified app experience would launch by the end of calendar year 2026, pushing back the original early-2026 target.
• Subscribers will still be able to purchase Hulu as a standalone subscription. All Hulu content, including originals, will remain accessible within the unified Disney+ app.
• The Hulu + Live TV service is also expected to integrate into Disney+ during 2026, with the live-TV operation additionally connected to the Fubo merger (Disney holds a roughly 70% stake in the combined Fubo/Hulu + Live TV entity).

For current subscribers, the practical impact so far has been minimal. Your Hulu plan, pricing, and login credentials continue to work as usual while Disney completes the technical migration. We will update this section as Disney announces firm dates.

Hulu Deals, Free Trials, and Discounts in 2026

Free Trials

• Hulu (With Ads): 30-day free trial for new subscribers.
• Hulu + Live TV: 3-day free trial for new and eligible returning subscribers. The trial includes full access to Disney+ and ESPN+.

Student Discount

Eligible college students can get the Hulu (With Ads) plan for $1.99/month, a significant discount from the standard $11.99 price. This deal does not include live TV or Disney+/ESPN+ access.

Military Discount

Eligible active-duty and veteran U.S. military members receive 25% off the Hulu (With Ads) plan.

Pause Subscription

If you need a break, Hulu allows you to pause your subscription for up to 12 weeks. You will not be charged during the pause, and your profiles, watch history, and DVR recordings remain intact. This is especially useful for sports fans who want to suspend a Live TV plan during the off-season.

Carrier and ISP Bundles

Check your mobile carrier or home internet provider for streaming perks. T-Mobile has historically offered free Hulu as part of premium unlimited plans, and Verizon frequently bundles Disney+ and Hulu with select subscriptions.

Hulu + Live TV vs. Competitors: 2026 Price and Feature Comparison

How does Hulu + Live TV stack up against the other major live TV streaming services? Here is a side-by-side comparison with March 2026 pricing.

Sling TV offers 50% off the first month instead of a traditional free trial. Fubo pricing reflects the current NBCU carriage dispute discount. DIRECTV base plan is the Entertainment tier.

Who Should Pick Hulu + Live TV?

Hulu + Live TV is best for households that want a true all-in-one package. The included Disney+ and ESPN+ access adds hundreds of dollars of annual value that competitors do not match. It is an especially compelling choice for families who watch a mix of kids' content on Disney+, live sports on ESPN, and current-season network TV on Hulu.

If you need regional sports networks, Fubo or DIRECTV's Choice plan are stronger options. If budget is the top priority and you can live with fewer channels, Sling TV remains the most affordable entry point. YouTube TV offers a slightly larger channel count and better interface, but lacks the bundled streaming libraries that Hulu provides.

Hulu + Live TV: Pros and Cons

Hulu + Live TV Full Channel Line-Up 2026

Editor's Note: We keep this channel list updated monthly.

A Hulu + Live TV subscription includes access to 95+ live and local channels, plus all the content included in the Disney+ and ESPN+ apps. Below is a full breakdown of every channel included in a Hulu + Live TV subscription. For more information on what is included in Disney+ and ESPN+, visit the Hulu website.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hulu in 2026

How much does Hulu cost per month in 2026?

The ad-supported on-demand plan is $11.99/month. The ad-free on-demand plan is $18.99/month. Hulu + Live TV with the Disney Bundle starts at $89.99/month (with ads) and goes up to $99.99/month for the fully ad-free experience.

Is there still a standalone Hulu app in 2026?

As of March 2026, the standalone Hulu app is still available on most devices. However, Disney has confirmed it will be discontinued and fully merged into the Disney+ app by the end of 2026. The Nintendo Switch Hulu app was already shut down on February 5, 2026.

What happened to the $49.99 Hulu + Live TV deal?

That was a short-term promotion from 2023 and is no longer available. Hulu has occasionally run limited-time discounts, but the current base price for Hulu + Live TV is $89.99/month.

Can I watch Hulu + Live TV when I travel?

Yes. You can stream on mobile devices anywhere in the U.S. Your account is linked to a home network location, which can be changed up to four times per year. To watch on a different smart TV while traveling, update your home location in the Hulu app settings before streaming.

Does Hulu + Live TV include local channels?

Yes. Hulu + Live TV carries local affiliates of ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and the CW in most U.S. markets. Enter your ZIP code on Hulu's website to confirm availability in your area.

How many devices can stream Hulu at once?

All Hulu + Live TV plans allow two simultaneous streams by default. You can add the Unlimited Screens add-on for $9.99/month to stream on an unlimited number of devices within your home network.

What is the best Hulu plan for sports fans?

The Hulu + Live TV plan at $89.99/month is the strongest option, since it includes ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NFL Network, MLB Network, and the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten networks, plus full access to ESPN+ for additional live events and 30 for 30 documentaries. Serious sports fans can add the Sports Add-on ($9.99/month) for NFL RedZone and Tennis Channel.