Pricing
When it comes to choosing between Hulu and Hulu Plus, one of the most significant factors to consider is pricing. While both options offer access to a wide range of content, they differ in terms of the cost associated with each.
Hulu, the basic streaming service, offers a more affordable option for those looking to enjoy their favorite shows and movies without breaking the bank. With Hulu, you can enjoy unlimited access to their extensive library of content for just $5.99 per month. This includes popular TV shows, classic movies, and exclusive Hulu Originals.
On the other hand, Hulu Plus provides an enhanced viewing experience with additional features and benefits. Priced at $11.99 per month, Hulu Plus offers all the benefits of Hulu’s basic package, plus the ability to stream on multiple devices simultaneously and access to a larger selection of shows and movies. This makes it a great choice for those who want to share their account with family members or enjoy a more extensive content library.
In addition to the monthly subscription fees, it is worth noting that both Hulu and Hulu Plus offer the option of ad-free viewing for an additional cost. Hulu offers an ad-free experience for $11.99 per month, while Hulu Plus provides ad-free viewing as part of its standard package.
Ultimately, the choice between Hulu and Hulu Plus will depend on your budget and viewing preferences. If you are looking for an affordable option with a decent selection of content, Hulu may be the best choice for you. However, if you want access to a larger content library and the ability to stream on multiple devices, Hulu Plus is worth considering, despite its higher price.
Available Content
Both Hulu and Hulu Plus offer a vast array of content to cater to different interests and preferences. However, there are some differences in the availability of content between the two platforms.
Starting with Hulu, this streaming service provides access to a wide selection of current and past TV shows from major networks, including ABC, NBC, Fox, and more. It offers a great variety of popular TV series, allowing you to keep up with your favorite shows or discover new ones. Hulu also features a collection of movies, ranging from classics to recent releases, although the movie library may not be as extensive as some other streaming services.
On the other hand, Hulu Plus expands upon the content available on Hulu by providing a more extensive library of shows and movies. With Hulu Plus, you can access full seasons of several TV shows, giving you the opportunity to binge-watch to your heart’s content. Additionally, Hulu Plus offers a larger selection of movies, including a variety of genres and critically acclaimed films.
It’s important to note that while both Hulu and Hulu Plus offer a wide range of content, some shows or movies may require an additional subscription or rental fee. This means that certain premium channels or exclusive content may not be available on either platform without an additional payment.
Furthermore, both Hulu and Hulu Plus feature their own original content. Hulu Originals have gained significant acclaim and include popular shows such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “PEN15”. These original series add an enticing element to the streaming services and give viewers access to unique and compelling storytelling.
In summary, Hulu provides access to a decent collection of TV shows and movies, while Hulu Plus expands upon this selection with a larger library of content. Whether you choose Hulu or Hulu Plus will depend on the depth of content you desire and whether you’re willing to pay for the expanded offerings of Hulu Plus.
Ads
One factor that sets Hulu and Hulu Plus apart is the presence of advertisements during streaming. Understanding the differences in ad experiences can help you decide which option is best for you.
Starting with Hulu, their basic streaming service, ads are a part of the viewing experience. With a Hulu subscription, you will encounter commercials throughout the shows and movies you watch. However, the frequency and duration of ads can vary depending on the content you’re viewing. While some shows may have fewer ads, others may have more frequent interruptions. It’s worth noting that Hulu offers an ad-free upgrade option for an additional cost, which eliminates the commercials entirely.
On the other hand, Hulu Plus provides a different ad experience. With Hulu Plus, you can enjoy an ad-free streaming experience as part of the standard package. This means no interruptions during your favorite shows and movies, allowing for a more seamless viewing experience. However, it’s important to mention that certain programs may still have promotional messages or announcements integrated into the content itself, even without traditional commercials.
It’s also worth mentioning that both Hulu and Hulu Plus offer a “limited commercials” option for subscribers who want a compromise between the basic ad-supported service and the ad-free upgrade. This limited commercials option reduces the number of ads you see during shows and movies, resulting in a less disruptive viewing experience.
When deciding between Hulu and Hulu Plus, the ad experience is something to consider. If you are willing to tolerate occasional ads and want to save on subscription costs, Hulu’s basic service may be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience and are willing to pay a slightly higher monthly fee, Hulu Plus offers ad-free streaming as part of its standard package.
In the end, your preference for an ad-supported or ad-free experience will greatly influence your decision between Hulu and Hulu Plus.
Device Compatibility
Device compatibility is an important consideration when choosing between Hulu and Hulu Plus, as it determines the convenience and flexibility of accessing your favorite content. Both streaming services offer a range of options for watching on various devices, but with some differences.
Hulu ensures a wide reach by supporting a broad range of devices. You can enjoy streaming on popular platforms such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. Hulu’s app is available for both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to users regardless of their preferred operating system. Additionally, you can also stream Hulu on gaming consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox.
On the other hand, Hulu Plus takes device compatibility a step further. With Hulu Plus, you can access your favorite shows and movies on a wider range of devices compared to Hulu. In addition to smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs, Hulu Plus is also compatible with devices such as gaming consoles, streaming media players like Roku and Amazon Fire TV, and certain Blu-ray players. This expanded device compatibility allows you to enjoy your favorite content on more screens throughout your home.
Furthermore, both Hulu and Hulu Plus offer the convenience of streaming content directly from their respective websites. This means that if your preferred device is not natively supported by the Hulu or Hulu Plus app, as long as it has a web browser, you can still access and enjoy the streaming services.
Whichever service you choose, it’s important to make sure that your preferred devices are compatible. Checking the technical requirements and supported devices on Hulu’s or Hulu Plus’ official websites can provide you with the necessary information to ensure a seamless streaming experience on your preferred device.
In summary, Hulu offers compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. However, Hulu Plus takes it a step further by supporting additional devices such as gaming consoles and streaming media players. Consider your preferred devices and choose the streaming service that aligns with your device compatibility needs.
Offline Viewing
The ability to download and watch content offline has become an increasingly important feature for streaming platforms, and both Hulu and Hulu Plus provide options for offline viewing. However, there are some differences between the two services when it comes to this feature.
Hulu, the basic streaming service, does not currently offer the ability to download and watch content offline. This means that you will need an internet connection to stream the shows and movies available on Hulu. While this may be a minor inconvenience for some users, it is important to note that Hulu’s focus is primarily on providing on-demand streaming rather than offline access.
On the other hand, Hulu Plus recognizes the value of offline viewing and provides an option to download and watch content offline. With Hulu Plus, you have the flexibility to save your favorite shows and movies to your device and enjoy them without an internet connection. This is particularly useful for users who frequently travel or have limited access to reliable internet connections.
It is worth mentioning that there are certain restrictions and limitations when it comes to offline viewing on Hulu Plus. Downloads have an expiration date, meaning you need to have an active Hulu Plus subscription and periodically reconnect your device to the internet to renew the downloads. Additionally, not all content on Hulu Plus is available for offline viewing, as it depends on the licensing agreements with content providers.
If offline viewing is an essential feature for you, Hulu Plus would be the recommended choice. With the ability to download and watch content without an internet connection, it provides the convenience and flexibility that many users desire.
However, if offline viewing is not a priority and you primarily watch streaming content in locations with reliable internet access, Hulu’s basic streaming service may suffice.
Consider your personal preferences and needs when it comes to offline viewing and choose the streaming service that best fits your requirements.
Account Sharing
Account sharing is a common practice among streaming service users, allowing multiple individuals to access the same subscription. Both Hulu and Hulu Plus have their own policies and limitations when it comes to sharing your account with others.
Starting with Hulu, their basic streaming service allows for account sharing to some extent. With a Hulu subscription, you can stream content on up to two devices simultaneously, meaning that you can share your account with one other person. This makes Hulu a suitable option for individuals or small households looking to enjoy their favorite shows and movies together.
Hulu Plus, on the other hand, offers an even greater level of account sharing flexibility. With Hulu Plus, you can simultaneously stream content on up to six devices. This means that multiple members of a household or a larger group of friends or family can enjoy Hulu Plus at the same time, even if they’re in different locations.
While account sharing is allowed on both Hulu and Hulu Plus, it’s important to note that sharing your account credentials with individuals outside of your household is against Hulu’s terms of use. The service is intended for personal and household use, and sharing beyond that is not permitted.
It’s worth mentioning that account sharing on Hulu and Hulu Plus does not include unlimited profiles or individualized recommendations. Each account has its own preferences, viewing history, and recommendations. So while you can share the account, the personalized experience will differ between users sharing the same account.
When it comes to account sharing, Hulu Plus provides a more generous option by allowing simultaneous streaming on up to six devices. This makes it a better choice for families, roommates, or larger groups who want to enjoy Hulu Plus together.
However, it is essential to respect Hulu’s terms of use and only share your account with individuals within your household or immediate family to comply with their policies.
In summary, both Hulu and Hulu Plus allow for account sharing, but with some limitations. Hulu allows for simultaneous streaming on up to two devices, while Hulu Plus offers simultaneous streaming on up to six devices, making it the preferred choice for larger households or groups. Ensure that you adhere to Hulu’s terms of use and only share your account with individuals within your immediate circle.
Additional Features
When comparing Hulu and Hulu Plus, it’s important to consider the additional features that each streaming service offers. While the core functionality remains the same, there are some extra features that can enhance your overall streaming experience.
Hulu, the basic streaming service, provides users with a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. You can create personalized profiles within your account to keep track of your viewing history and receive tailored recommendations based on your preferences. Additionally, Hulu offers a feature called “My Stuff” where you can save your favorite shows and movies for quick access, making it convenient to find and resume watching your favorite content.
On the other hand, Hulu Plus offers several additional features that can enhance your streaming experience. One notable feature is the ability to stream content in 4K Ultra HD, provided you have a compatible device and a reliable internet connection. This ensures a higher quality viewing experience for those who have 4K capable televisions or monitors.
Another feature exclusive to Hulu Plus is the option to add Live TV to your subscription. With this add-on, you can stream live television from a variety of channels, including news, sports, and entertainment. This is ideal for users who want access to live broadcasts in addition to on-demand streaming.
Furthermore, Hulu Plus offers the ability to create and manage multiple user profiles within a single account. This is particularly useful for larger households where each member can have their own personalized preferences, watch history, and recommendations. It allows for a more tailored streaming experience for each individual.
Both Hulu and Hulu Plus also provide parental controls, allowing parents to restrict access to certain content based on age appropriateness. This feature ensures a safe viewing environment for families with young children.
Ultimately, Hulu Plus offers several additional features that set it apart from the basic Hulu service. From the ability to stream in 4K Ultra HD to including Live TV and multi-user profiles, these features enhance the overall streaming experience. However, it’s important to consider whether these additional features align with your specific needs and preferences.
In summary, Hulu Plus provides additional features such as 4K streaming, Live TV, and multi-user profiles that enhance the overall streaming experience. Hulu, on the other hand, provides a user-friendly interface, personalized recommendations, and the convenience of “My Stuff”. Consider your streaming preferences and requirements to determine which additional features are important to you when deciding between Hulu and Hulu Plus.
