Hulu Review 2024: Learn More about the On-Demand and Live TV Streaming Service

Content on Hulu

Hulu’s basic plan is a straightforward on-demand streaming service. It features around 2,500 movies and shows, many of which are currently airing and can be streamed the next day after they show on TV. Hulu’s lineup includes loads of classic and current popular shows and films, including the “Alien” trilogy, “The Shape of Water,” “New Girl” and “Schitt’s Creek.” The streaming platform, which is primarily owned by Disney, offers a fair amount of award-winning original content, from “The Handmaid’s Tale” to “Palm Springs.” Although Hulu doesn’t have quite as much on-demand content as Netflix, its closest competitor, it offers a more balanced mix of original and syndicated programming.

All Hulu subscribers get bonus access to 24/7 live news coverage from ABC News. Note that all on-demand content streams with ads on the basic Hulu plan, but you can upgrade to the Hulu (No Ads) plan for $17.99 per month to have most ads removed from your programs. You can also add more than 95 live TV channels by upgrading to Hulu + Live TV. See our Hulu + Live TV review of channels to learn more.

Hulu also offers several add-ons for subscribers to any of its plans. Thanks to Disney’s shared ownership of ESPN Plus and Disney Plus, you can bundle either or both of these with your Hulu plan to add Disney’s vast library of on-demand shows and movies along with tons of live sports on ESPN Plus. Adding Disney Plus only increases your subscription cost by $2 per month, or you can go for the full Disney Bundle for $14.99 a month (with ads) or $24.99 a month (without ads).

Hulu also offers third-party add-ons for premium streaming services, including Cinemax, Max, SHOWTIME and STARZ. These range from $9.99 to $15.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV subscribers can also add extra live sports, entertainment and Spanish-language programming, along with an Unlimited Screens add-on. 

Hulu's DVR capabilities

Since Hulu’s basic plan offers only on-demand content, there’s no DVR included. However, if you upgrade to the Hulu + Live TV plan, you’ll get unlimited DVR to record all your favorite shows and movies when they air. You can record shows as they air or set Hulu to automatically record new episodes or live sporting events from your favorite teams. Recordings stay in your Cloud DVR library for up to nine months, as long as your Hulu + Live TV subscription is active.

Viewing experience and video quality

Hulu offers a range of video quality for its content. Depending on your device’s capabilities and available internet bandwidth, you can stream in resolutions ranging from 720p to 4K Ultra HD with high-dynamic range (HDR), at up to 60 frames per second.

When you’re streaming from Hulu.com on your web browser, all content automatically plays in 720p. Video quality on other devices will depend on your bandwidth and device limitations. For a full list of supported resolutions on different devices, see Hulu’s help page. Note that each program’s info page will show its available resolutions for the device you’re using, and streaming quality will adjust automatically based on your device and bandwidth. 

Hulu user profiles

Hulu allows you to create up to seven different user profiles for your account. Each user can customize their viewing experience by selecting their favorite shows and genres. Keep in mind, however, that you can only stream on two devices at once.

For families with young children, Hulu does allow some parental controls on the platform, though they are somewhat hidden and limited. When you set up a new profile, you can set that profile as a kid’s profile and block access to adult profiles with a PIN number. This will restrict available material to content suitable for viewers ages 12 and under. Unfortunately, there’s no way to customize this setting for younger or older children. 

Sports content on Hulu

Hulu’s basic plan doesn’t include any live sports programming. Apart from a few sports shows, there’s not much here to satisfy fans. This is similar to other on-demand streaming services like Netflix but less than what you might find in some that also include live content, such as Apple TV Plus, Peacock and Paramount Plus. If you want a full live TV experience with a lot of national sports programming, you’ll need to upgrade to Hulu + Live TV, which includes channels like CBS Sports Network, ESPN, FS1 and NFL Network, or add the Disney Bundle for ESPN Plus content.

Hulu compared to other streaming services

If you’re wondering if Hulu is worth it compared to other streaming services, here’s a look at how it holds up against other options in its class. For its price point, Hulu offers a more diverse library of original and syndicated content than many other competitors, but it does have some limitations.

Based on our Hulu review, it holds up quite well next to its top competitors. It’s probably the best all-around option of the bunch, thanks to a strong lineup of originals and shows from networks like ABC, FX, Fox and more. It has more range than services like Apple TV Plus, Netflix, Paramount Plus and Peacock, but it doesn’t have as much critically acclaimed content as Max. Its library is also quite a bit smaller than Netflix’s, which boasts more than 5,000 titles. 

Ultimately, the right choice for you depends on the types of programs you want. All of these services have a lot to offer at a similar price point, so it's worth exploring each library to determine which is the best fit. Thankfully, Hulu allows you to try it out for a full month for free. Note that Apple TV Plus, Paramount Plus and Peacock are the only ones that offer some live TV at this price level.

How to sign up for Hulu

Setting up a Hulu subscription is a relatively easy process. You may have opportunities to sign up through third-party services such as your Amazon account or cell phone provider, but the steps for signing up through Hulu are as follows:

1. Visit the signup page and select your plan.
2. Enter your contact and account information.
3. Verify your account.
4. Provide your credit card information.

Your card won’t be charged until your 30-day Hulu free trial ends if you choose the basic plan (the No Ads and Hulu + Live TV plans don’t offer a free trial). From there, you’ll automatically be charged each month. You can cancel anytime, and you’ll have access to your account until the end of the billing cycle.

Hulu also added a three-day free trial for its Live TV plan. Like the trial for the basic Hulu plan, just go to the Hulu homepage, choose the plan you'd like to subscribe to, choose the free trial option and enter your payment information which won't be charged until the end of the trial period.

Hulu's student discount

Hulu has a special deal, just for college students. With the Hulu Student Deal, you can get the Hulu (With Ads) plan for 75% off the regular price, bringing the monthly price down to just $1.99 per month. (Only students enrolled at a US Title IV accredited college or university are eligible for our Hulu Student discount.)

To get the deal, click on “Sign Up Now” on the Hulu Student page and create an account. You’ll be redirected to Sheer ID to verify your student status. Then, you can start streaming Hulu content on a smart TV, computer, tablet, mobile device, or game console.

How to cancel a Hulu subscription

It’s also easy to cancel your Hulu service at any time. Simply visit your account page in the settings menu in your internet browser, then follow these steps:

1. Select Cancel under Your Subscription.
2. You’ll have the option to pause your subscription for up to 12 weeks, so choose whether you want this option or proceed to full cancellation.
3. Select Cancel Subscription.

If you subscribed to Hulu through a third party, you’ll need to visit that provider to find out how to cancel your subscription.

Final Take: Is a Hulu subscription worth it?

As many Hulu reviews point out, this is one of the most well-rounded on-demand streaming services you can find. Although other streaming platforms may have more top-caliber content or larger libraries, Hulu offers a balanced library of high-quality original and syndicated programming. There are frequently new shows and movies being added, and you always have the option to enhance your subscription with live TV. If you want to see for yourself, Hulu’s 30-day free trial is one of the best offers available.

FAQ

Can I watch Hulu for free?

Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for new subscribers to its basic plan and a 3-day free trial to the Live TV plan. 

Is it better to get Hulu or Netflix?

Hulu and Netflix are long-time competitors. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Hulu offers more syndicated programming from some of today’s top networks, while Netflix offers a larger library of acclaimed original content at a slightly lower starting price point. We recommend exploring both libraries to determine which is best for you.

How much does Hulu cost?

Hulu’s basic plan is $7.99 per month. You can upgrade to Hulu (No Ads) for $17.99 per month or choose one of the Hulu + Live TV plans For $76.99 to $89.99 per month. Eligible college students can also get Hulu for $1.99 per month.