Pricing
When it comes to choosing between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV, one of the key factors to consider is pricing. Hulu offers a variety of plans to cater to different viewing preferences and budgets, while Hulu + Live TV provides access to live television channels in addition to the on-demand content available on Hulu.
Hulu offers a basic subscription plan which includes access to their extensive library of on-demand TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals. This plan starts at $5.99 per month with limited commercials, or you can upgrade to the ad-free plan for $11.99 per month. This is a great option if you primarily want to catch up on your favorite shows and binge-watch past seasons.
On the other hand, Hulu + Live TV provides a more comprehensive television experience. In addition to the on-demand content, you get access to over 65 live TV channels, including popular networks like ESPN, CNN, FOX, and more. This plan is priced at $64.99 per month, making it a bit pricier compared to Hulu’s basic plan. However, it offers a complete package for cord-cutters who still want to enjoy live sports, news, and other TV programming without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
It’s worth noting that both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV offer a free trial period for new subscribers. This allows you to test out the service and see if it meets your needs before committing to a paid subscription. This is especially beneficial if you’re unsure about the additional features and benefits of Hulu + Live TV and want to explore its live TV options without any financial risk.
In terms of pricing, Hulu provides flexibility with its affordable basic plan and ad-free option, while Hulu + Live TV offers a more premium package with live TV access. Consider your budget and viewing preferences to determine which plan is the best fit for you.
Content Selection
When comparing Hulu and Hulu + Live TV, one of the major considerations is the selection of content available on each platform. Both options offer a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content, but there are some differences to take into account.
Hulu’s on-demand library boasts an impressive collection of TV shows, including current episodes from popular networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox. You can find a variety of genres and a vast selection of past seasons. Hulu also features an extensive catalog of movies, documentaries, and Hulu Originals. With its focus on on-demand content, Hulu is an excellent choice if you prefer to stream your favorite shows at your own pace.
On the other hand, Hulu + Live TV expands on Hulu’s offerings by providing access to live television channels. With over 65 channels available, you can enjoy a mix of sports, news, entertainment, and more. This means you can watch live events, catch up on the latest news broadcasts, and even tune in to popular cable networks like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. If you’re someone who enjoys the excitement of live TV and wants access to a wide range of channels, Hulu + Live TV offers a comprehensive solution.
It’s important to note that while Hulu + Live TV provides live television channels, there may be some regional variations in the availability of certain networks. This is due to licensing agreements and broadcast restrictions, so it’s advisable to check the channel lineup specific to your location before subscribing to the service.
In terms of original content, both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV offer a solid lineup of exclusive shows and films. Hulu Originals have gained popularity over the years, producing critically acclaimed series like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” and “Ramy.” These original productions provide unique and compelling content that sets Hulu apart from other streaming platforms.
When considering content selection, it’s important to assess your viewing preferences. If you prefer the flexibility of on-demand streaming and a vast library of TV shows and movies, Hulu is an excellent option. However, if you’re looking for a mix of live TV channels along with on-demand content, Hulu + Live TV offers a more comprehensive entertainment package.
Live TV Access
One of the distinguishing features of Hulu + Live TV is its live TV access, which sets it apart from the standard Hulu subscription. With Hulu + Live TV, you have the ability to stream live television channels directly to your devices, giving you a more traditional TV-watching experience.
Hulu + Live TV offers over 65 channels, including popular networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, CNN, and more. This means you can enjoy live sports events, catch up on the latest news broadcasts, and tune in to your favorite shows as they air. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, news junkie, or simply enjoy watching your favorite TV programs as they happen, Hulu + Live TV provides the convenience and flexibility of live TV streaming.
In addition to live TV channels, Hulu + Live TV also includes access to regional sports networks (RSNs), which allows you to watch local sports games and enjoy coverage of your favorite teams. This is a major advantage for sports fans who want to stay up-to-date with their hometown teams or follow specific regional sports programming.
Furthermore, Hulu + Live TV offers an interactive TV guide that lets you browse through upcoming programs, view what’s currently airing, and schedule recordings. This guide makes it easy to navigate and discover new content, ensuring that you never miss out on your favorite shows or events.
It’s worth noting that live TV access on Hulu + Live TV is subject to occasional buffering or delays due to internet connection and network congestion. While Hulu strives to provide a seamless streaming experience, factors like internet speed and bandwidth limitations can affect the quality of the live TV stream. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a stable and reliable internet connection to ensure optimal performance when streaming live TV.
If you’re someone who values the convenience of streaming live television channels and wants the flexibility to watch events and shows in real-time, Hulu + Live TV is a great option. It allows you to enjoy a mix of live sports, news, and entertainment, all delivered directly to your devices, giving you the freedom to watch TV on your own terms.
Channel Lineup
When comparing Hulu and Hulu + Live TV, one important factor to consider is the channel lineup. The channel lineup refers to the selection of live television channels that are available to stream on each platform.
Hulu offers a vast library of on-demand content, but it does not include live television channels in its basic subscription. On the other hand, Hulu + Live TV provides access to over 65 channels, allowing you to watch live sports, news, entertainment, and more.
With Hulu + Live TV, you can enjoy popular networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and many others. This comprehensive lineup ensures that you have access to a wide range of programming from different genres. Whether you’re a sports fan, a news enthusiast, or enjoy watching reality TV shows, you’ll find a variety of channels catering to your interests.
In addition to major network channels, Hulu + Live TV also includes access to regional sports networks (RSNs) in select areas. This means you can catch local sports games and enjoy coverage of your hometown teams. It’s important to check the availability of RSNs in your location before subscribing to the service.
While Hulu + Live TV offers an impressive channel lineup, it’s important to note that there may be some variations in the availability of certain channels based on your geographical location. Licensing agreements and broadcast restrictions can impact the availability of certain networks in specific regions. Therefore, it’s advisable to review the channel lineup specific to your area to ensure that your preferred channels are included.
If you have specific channels that you absolutely must have access to, it’s a good idea to compare the channel lineups of different streaming services to determine which one offers the best selection for your needs. While Hulu + Live TV provides a substantial range of channels, it’s always beneficial to ensure that your favorite networks are included.
Overall, Hulu + Live TV offers a diverse channel lineup that covers a wide range of interests. It provides the convenience of live TV streaming, allowing you to access your favorite channels and programs wherever you are.
DVR Storage
When it comes to recording and saving your favorite TV shows and movies, DVR storage is a crucial feature to consider. Both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV offer DVR functionality, allowing you to store and watch your recorded content at your convenience.
With Hulu’s basic subscription, you have access to 50 hours of DVR storage. This means you can record up to 50 hours of your favorite shows and movies to watch later. This is a generous storage capacity and should be sufficient for most users. However, it’s important to note that recorded content will expire after 30 days, so it’s advisable to stay on top of your recordings and watch them within that timeframe to avoid losing them.
If you opt for Hulu + Live TV, you get an enhanced DVR feature with up to 200 hours of storage. This allows you to save a larger number of shows and movies without worrying about running out of space. In addition, recorded content in Hulu + Live TV also expires after 30 days, so it’s still important to watch your recordings within that timeframe.
Both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV also provide the option to fast-forward through recorded content, allowing you to skip commercials and get straight to the content you want to watch. This can significantly enhance your viewing experience, especially when catching up on multiple episodes or binge-watching your favorite shows.
It’s worth noting that DVR storage is tied to your subscription and account. This means that if you decide to cancel your Hulu subscription or switch to a different plan, your recorded content will no longer be accessible. Therefore, it’s important to consider this aspect before making any changes to your subscription.
Simultaneous Streams
Simultaneous streaming refers to the number of devices or screens on which you can watch content at the same time using a single Hulu or Hulu + Live TV account. This is an essential consideration, especially for households with multiple viewers or if you plan to share your subscription with family or friends.
Hulu’s basic subscription allows for streaming on one device at a time. This means that only one person can watch content on their device while using a Hulu account. If you try to stream on multiple devices simultaneously with a basic Hulu subscription, the service will prompt you to upgrade to a plan that supports simultaneous streaming.
If you opt for Hulu + Live TV, you get the advantage of simultaneous streaming on two devices at the same time. This means that two people can watch different content on two separate devices simultaneously using a single Hulu + Live TV account. This is particularly beneficial for families or roommates who want to watch their favorite shows or live TV channels in different rooms or devices simultaneously.
In addition to simultaneous streaming on devices within your home, Hulu also offers the option to stream on an unlimited number of devices when using the Hulu app while connected to your home Wi-Fi network. This allows you to enjoy your favorite content on various screens within your home without any limitations.
It’s important to note that simultaneous streaming outside of your home network is more restricted. With Hulu, you can only stream on one device at a time when outside of your home Wi-Fi network. Similarly, with Hulu + Live TV, you can only stream on two devices simultaneously when away from your home network.
If you require more simultaneous streams for your Hulu + Live TV subscription, Hulu offers an add-on feature called “Unlimited Screens.” This add-on allows you to stream on an unlimited number of screens within your home and up to three devices simultaneously outside of your home network.
Consider your viewing habits and the number of devices you plan to use concurrently when deciding between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV. If you’re sharing your subscription with others or want the flexibility to watch on multiple devices simultaneously, Hulu + Live TV’s additional simultaneous streams can be a valuable feature.
Advertisements
Advertisements are an inevitable aspect of streaming services, as they provide revenue to support the availability of content. Both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV include advertisements in their plans, but the frequency and ad experience differ between the two options.
Hulu’s basic subscription includes limited commercials, which means you will encounter advertisements during your streaming experience. These commercials are generally shorter in duration and appear less frequently compared to traditional television broadcasts. The limited commercials help to keep the cost of the basic Hulu plan lower, making it an affordable option for users who don’t mind occasional ads.
If you prefer an ad-free experience, Hulu offers a premium plan without commercials. This upgraded plan eliminates interruptions, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows and movies without the annoyance of advertisements. However, it’s important to note that certain programs, especially current seasons of television shows, may still contain promos or short breaks due to contractual obligations with content providers.
On the other hand, Hulu + Live TV incorporates advertisements into the live TV channels just as you would encounter with cable or satellite television. These commercials are typically similar in length and frequency to traditional television broadcasts. The inclusion of advertisements helps to offset the costs associated with offering live TV channels and ensures a more comprehensive television experience.
It’s crucial to mention that Hulu + Live TV also provides a feature called “Enhanced Cloud DVR” that allows you to fast-forward through recorded content, including recorded live TV. This means you can skip commercials and enjoy your favorite shows and events without interruption. However, the ability to fast-forward through commercials is not available for certain on-demand programs or specific network content. It’s essential to check the specific terms and conditions for the shows and networks you’re interested in to understand the ad experience for those offerings.
Ultimately, the ad experience on Hulu and Hulu + Live TV depends on your preferences and willingness to accept occasional interruptions in exchange for cost savings. If you prioritize an ad-free experience, you may be more inclined to go for Hulu’s premium plan. If you’re comfortable with limited commercials or a traditional ad experience like that of cable or satellite TV, Hulu + Live TV still offers a comprehensive live TV package with access to a wide range of channels.
User Interface
The user interface (UI) plays a significant role in the overall streaming experience, as it determines how easy and enjoyable it is to navigate and discover content. Both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV strive to offer user-friendly interfaces that enhance the viewing experience.
Hulu features a clean and intuitive UI design. The homepage is organized neatly, allowing you to access your recently watched shows, continue watching where you left off, and discover new content recommendations based on your viewing history. The search functionality is robust, making it easy to find specific TV shows, movies, or genres. Additionally, Hulu provides personalized recommendations tailored to your preferences, helping you discover new shows and movies that you might enjoy.
When it comes to Hulu + Live TV, the user interface builds upon the foundation set by Hulu’s UI. The Live TV menu provides a seamless transition between on-demand content and live television channels. You can easily switch between watching live TV and accessing the on-demand library. The interactive TV guide allows you to browse through upcoming programs, view what’s currently airing, and schedule recordings, making it easy to plan your TV viewing experience.
Both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV offer customizable profiles, which allow different users to have their own personalized content recommendations and watch histories. This is particularly useful for households with multiple viewers, as it ensures a tailored experience for each individual.
In addition to the user interface on the streaming platform itself, both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV also provide mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. These mobile apps offer a similar user experience, allowing you to access and stream your favorite shows and movies on the go. The mobile apps provide a seamless extension of the desktop interface, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience across different devices.
In terms of usability and navigation, both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV prioritize simplicity and accessibility. Whether you’re a frequent streamer or new to the world of streaming services, you’ll find their interfaces easy to navigate and enjoyable to use.
Ultimately, the user interface of Hulu and Hulu + Live TV is designed to enhance the viewing experience and make it as convenient as possible to access and enjoy your favorite content. Whichever option you choose, you can expect a user-friendly interface that allows for easy content discovery, personalized recommendations, and seamless navigation.
Device Compatibility
When choosing a streaming service, it’s crucial to consider device compatibility to ensure that you can access your favorite shows and movies on the devices you own. Both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV offer wide-ranging device compatibility, allowing you to stream content on various platforms.
Hulu is compatible with a wide range of devices, including streaming media players such as Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV devices. It is also compatible with smart TVs from major brands like LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio. Additionally, you can access Hulu on your computer through the web browser or download the Hulu app on your iOS or Android mobile device to stream on-the-go.
Similarly, Hulu + Live TV is supported on most of the same devices as Hulu. This means you can stream live TV channels and access the on-demand content on your preferred device, whether it’s a streaming media player, smart TV, computer, or mobile device.
It’s important to note that while both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV are available on a wide range of devices, device compatibility may vary slightly. It’s always advisable to check the official Hulu website for the most up-to-date list of supported devices to ensure that your device is compatible.
In addition to device compatibility, it’s worth mentioning that the streaming quality may differ based on the capabilities of your device and the strength of your internet connection. To enjoy a smooth streaming experience, it’s recommended to have a stable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth, especially for high-definition content and live TV streaming.
If you have multiple devices, it’s useful to know that both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV offer the flexibility to switch between devices seamlessly. You can start streaming on one device and pick up where you left off on another, ensuring a consistent viewing experience regardless of the device you choose to use.
Whether you prefer to stream on a big screen TV, a computer, or a mobile device, both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV provide a wide range of device compatibility options. As long as your device is supported, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies wherever you are, ensuring maximum accessibility and convenience.
Customer Support
Customer support is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a streaming service, as it ensures that any issues or concerns you may encounter are addressed in a timely and efficient manner. Both Hulu and Hulu + Live TV offer customer support options to assist users with their inquiries or technical difficulties.
Hulu provides comprehensive customer support through its Help Center, which serves as a knowledge base containing frequently asked questions and troubleshooting guides. The Help Center covers a wide range of topics, including account management, billing, streaming issues, and device compatibility. It provides step-by-step instructions and answers to common issues, allowing users to find solutions on their own.
In addition to the Help Center, Hulu also offers email support and a dedicated customer support Twitter account. Users can reach out to Hulu’s support team via email or Twitter if they require personalized assistance or have specific questions that are not covered in the Help Center. However, it’s important to note that the response time for email and social media support may vary.
Similarly, Hulu + Live TV provides a Help Center with a comprehensive knowledge base for resolving common issues. This includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and detailed instructions on various topics such as setup, billing, and channel availability. The Help Center is a valuable resource for users to find answers to their questions quickly.
If you need additional support for Hulu + Live TV, users have the option to contact Hulu’s customer support team via phone. Calling Hulu’s customer support provides a more direct and personalized assistance experience for resolving complex issues or inquiries related to the live TV streaming service.
It’s important to keep in mind that customer support availability and contact options may vary depending on your subscription plan and location. It’s advisable to visit Hulu’s official website and review the available support channels specific to your subscription plan to ensure you have access to the appropriate customer support options.
Whether you encounter issues with streaming, billing, or account management, Hulu and Hulu + Live TV prioritize customer support and offer various resources to assist you. The Help Centers, email support, social media support, and phone support options ensure that you have access to the necessary assistance to resolve any issues that may arise during your streaming experience.
