Hulu's subscription plans come down to two different price points based on whether you want ads or not, with the ad-free option being more expensive. However, Hulu has a diverse selection of subscription options that also allows you to access live TV entertainment, bundles and sports content at an extra cost.
Hulu has a streaming library with thousands of fantastic television shows and movies, including original programming like The Bear, and Only Murders in the Building, acclaimed FX content such as Shōgun, and exclusive new releases fresh from theaters. In addition to on-demand content, its Hulu + Live TV plan gets you a roster of over 95 live channels that deliver 24/7 programming. With several different Hulu plans to choose from, there's something here for everyone and we've broken it out all down for you.
Our team of writers are always looking out for any upcoming changes to the Hulu price, so make sure to check this page and see all the latest information. If you've already got an account, then make sure to look at our best Hulu movies and Hulu shows to see what you can watch with your subscription.
But do the Hulu plans and prices offer the best deals available? Or would you be better served by another of the best TV streaming services like HBO Max, Netflix, Prime Video or Apple TV Plus? We put the most popular VOD services through their paces below.
Hulu prices at a glance
The most recent Hulu price hike was on October 17, 2024 as part of a larger subscription hike, which saw increases across both of Hulu's plans and bundles. This required members to fork out an extra $1-2 for Hulu with ads and Hulu without ads.
Hulu’s Live TV bundles, which include access to Disney Plus and ESPN, were also increased by $6. This meant that, Hulu + Live TV with ads for on-demand content jumped to $82.99 from $76.99, and that same bundle without ads for on-demand content is now $95.99 from $89.99.
| Plan | Price | Ads? | Free Trial? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu with ads | $9.99 a month/$99.99 a year | Yes | 30 days |
| Hulu no ads | $18.99 a month | No | 30 days |
| Hulu + Live TV with ads | $82.99 a month | Yes | 3 days |
| Hulu + Live TV no ads | $95.99 a month | No | 3 days |
Hulu plans at a glance
Much like Disney Plus, Hulu introduced a password crackdown on March 14, 2024 which prohibits users from sharing their accounts with people who aren't part of the same household.
If you want to get more from your on-demand services, going down the Disney Plus bundle route could be the way. However, these plans also saw an increase in fees after the Disney Plus price hike. Find out how much each Disney Plus plan costs for more information.
You can throw together Disney Plus and Hulu from $10.99 a month. There are now four bundle options, evolving from its previously quite inflexible plan in which it was all or nothing with all three streaming services, including ESPN Plus, under one payment of $14.99 a month.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Includes | Price | Ads? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duo Basic | Disney Plus and Hulu | $10.99 a month | Yes |
| Duo Premium | Disney Plus and Hulu | $19.99 a month | No |
| Trio Basic | Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus | $16.99 a month | Yes |
| Trio Premium | Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus | $26.99 a month | No |
As listed below, additional services can be included for an extra monthly fee:
- Unlimited Screens - $9.99
- Enhanced Cloud DVR - $9.99
- Unlimited Screens + Enhanced DVR - $14.98
- Entertainment Add-on - $7.99
- Español Add-on - $4.99
- Sports Add-on - $9.99
- Max - $15.99
- Cinemax - $9.99
- Showtime - $10.99
- Starz - $9.99
* Adverts will remain on live TV broadcasts, while a handful of shows are bookmarked by adverts, due to rights issues.
How does the Hulu price compare to other streaming services?
The best way to get a good indication of how the Hulu price compares to its competitors, we've put together a table of all its competitors with their ad-free plans.
| Streaming service | Ad-free rate |
|---|---|
| Hulu | $18.99 a month |
| Disney Plus | $15.99 a month |
| Netflix | $15.49-$22.99 a month |
| Max | $16.99-$20.99 a month |
| Paramount Plus | $12.99 a month |
| Apple TV Plus | $9.99 a month |
| Peacock TV | $11.99 a month |
How does the Hulu price compare to Netflix?
Hulu’s low cost for on-demand content was always going to be hard to beat. Netflix’s cheapest plan is now $6.99, loaded with ads and providing streaming to two devices at a time – to skip out on the ads, you'd need to pay for the $15.49 Standard plan, which is less than Hulu's own 'No Ads' plan, at $18.99 a month. If you're likely to be streaming on more than two devices, Netflix offers that flexibility with its $22.99 a month Premium plan, where you get a total of four streams, and even sharper Ultra HD quality content to stream all the best Netflix movies and best Netflix shows.
If you’ve got a large household with divergent viewing tastes, and want to combine your on-demand and cable requirements at a very respectable fee, then it’s worth trying out Hulu + Live TV. It’s $82.99 a month plan includes heaps of kid-friendly content under Disney Plus, live sports and shows via ESPN Plus, and you can add Unlimited Screens for only $9.99. That should keep your media-loving brood at home happy.
Netflix is also home to a diverse range of shows and movies that span across a variety of genres, with the likes of Arcane, Wednesday, Squid Game, and A Man on the Inside all becoming critically acclaimed hits for the streamer. You can also check out everything new on Netflix in December 2024 to see if the streaming giant is worth subscribing to.
Yes, Hulu does fall short on quantity of content in comparison to Netflix: the streaming giant has just under 4,000 films to Hulu’s approximately 2,500. However, when it comes to live broadcasting, Netflix doesn’t even attempt to compete with Hulu's healthy roster of Live TV channels, which now also features the NFL Network.
Need more help to choose? Then take a look at our dedicated Hulu vs Netflix guide.
How does the Hulu price compare to Prime Video?
An Amazon Prime account will set you back $14.99 monthly, or $139 upfront if you pay an annual fee. However, it's much more than a streaming service - the fee also includes an Amazon Prime membership, which gives you access to same-day or one-day shipping on Amazon.com purchases, plus photo storage and access to exclusive deals at times like on Amazon Prime Day.
But when it comes to the streaming service Prime Video, you can set up separate accounts for other members of your household, and can stream to a maximum of three devices, but there's no option to increase this, unlike with Hulu’s Unlimited Screens add-on.
There’s even more incentive to join Amazon Prime if you’re a student. With an annual subscription, they get access to Amazon Prime Video and its cache of over 13,000 movies and TV series, including mega hits such as The Rings of Power, The Boys and Fallout, as well as unlimited music and more, which works out at $7.49 per month – and that’s after getting a mega 6 months free! However, Hulu are trying to woo the student population too, and those over 18 in full time education can get ad-supported Hulu for the ridiculously low price of $1.99 a month. If you just got a Hulu student discount, here are three shows with 100% on Rotten tomatoes to watch first.
There's even more incentives to subscribe to the streamer too as Prime Video added over 170 new movies to its content catalog in November alone and to make your decision even easier, we found the three movies you should watch first, including one with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. There's also even more free TV content coming as its partnered with PBS, following its recent decision to close the free streaming service Amazon Freevee.
As for live TV offerings? Amazon Channels provide an a la carte selection that can be individually added to your account. Channels include Epix, Showtime and Starz, and cost anywhere between $0.99 per month (The List) and $28.99 (NBA League Pass), with the average being around $7. If you’re looking to replicate the sheer breadth of cable and not break the bank, however, Hulu with Live TV might be your best bet.
If you're considering subscribing to Prime Video, have a look at the best Prime Video movies and best Prime Video shows to see what's on offer, as well as everything new on Prime Video this month.
How does the Hulu price compare to Disney Plus?
The Disney-owned Hulu now offers Disney Plus with its Hulu + Live TV plan. But if you had to choose? Well, Disney Plus brings a comprehensive library of Walt Disney content old and new, alongside feature length films and short form films from animation powerhouse Pixar such as Inside Out 2. You'll find almost every Marvel movie here too like Deadpool and Wolverine, as well as Marvel expansions such as Agatha All Along and Moon Knight. That's not all though, as Disney Plus also has new Star Wars movies and TV shows originals like The Mandalorian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew and Andor, in addition to National Geographic documentaries such as Free Solo and Endurance. Plus there's every season of The Simpsons.
Hulu has a broader scope and more adult content, while Disney Plus is aimed squarely at families, with no content exceeding a PG-13 rating - unless you’re an international subscriber, in which case the Star on Disney Plus hub provides access to TV-MA and R-Rated titles. It’s a touch more expensive than Hulu’s basic plan, so if you’re not a fan of Marvel, Star Wars, or animated features, US viewers might find its appeal limited.
The bundle, however, offers a tantalizing package with Hulu and ESPN Plus. This Hulu bundle is $16.99 a month for the plan that includes ad-supported Hulu ($26.99 a month without ads). Opt for Hulu + Live TV, though, and you can throw in the lot for $82.99. Whichever option you choose, you’ll make huge savings this way, rather than if you decided to sign up for each platform individually.
Fancy a Disney Plus subscription? Take a look at the best Disney Plus movies, best Disney Plus shows, and new Disney Plus movies to see what's on offer.
How does the Hulu price compare to Max?
WarnerMedia's streaming service Max, lets subscribers access quality films and TV shows from the revered HBO such as The Last of Us, The White Lotus and Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon. Plus content from studios, including Studio Ghibli, Cartoon Network, and New Line Cinema. Being a Warner company they can tap into the Warner Brothers archive too, which means access to the DC Universe with The Penguin and The Peacemaker.
With an impressive library of over 3,000 film and TV titles, it’s a case of quality and quantity here, which justifies the comparatively high monthly Max price tag. It’s $9.99 for the ‘With Ads’ plan, and $16.99 for the Ad-Free option, the latter of which provides the ability to download content to watch offline. Following its merger with Discovery Plus and brand to just 'Max', you now have to pay the hefty price of $20.99 a month if you want a 4K HDR stream.
In terms of streams, its With Ads $9.99 a month and Ad-Free $16.99 a month plans offer two devices at any one time. Upgrade to the Ultimate Ad-Free plan ($20.99 a month) and get four simultaneous streams. However, with Max's impending crackdown on password sharing, prices will rise too if you want to share your account.
For any self-respecting film and TV buff, HBO Max is a tantalizing proposal. However, it won't suit those looking to replicate the immediacy of Live TV’s cable-hopping experience, which is where Hulu + Live TV, with its 75 plus channels, excels.
Looking for the best of both worlds? You can purchase HBO Max directly through Hulu as a Premium add-on, but only the top-tier $15.99 plan is available to purchase currently.
Check out the best Max movies and best Max shows, as well as everything new on Max in November 2024 to see if Max is worth your money.
How does the Hulu price compare to Apple TV Plus?
A monthly subscription to Apple TV Plus is even more affordable than a basic Hulu plan, coming in at $9.99 a month or $99.99 for an annual membership following a price hike from $6.99. For that competition-beating price, you can share your account with five other people and get ad-free access to its excellent sci-fi show utopia, including Severance, Dark Matter, and Silo. Apple TV Plus isn't just known for its sci-fi juggernauts however, as it's also produced critically acclaimed series such as Ted Lasso, Sugar, Shrinking, and Slow Horses. Plus, all of these are available to stream in stunning 4K resolution, which is why we're canceling Prime Video for Apple TV Plus this month.
By comparison, Hulu plans are capped at two streams maximum (unless you decide to purchase Unlimited Screens for $9.99 per month). The best quality stream is HD for most titles, although a handful, including most Hulu Originals, can be streamed in 4K Ultra HD. And the only way to escape the adverts, is by paying extra money on top of your basic Hulu or Live TV plan.
A huge Pro for Hulu is that it has around 4000 on-demand titles. Apple TV Plus, largely hosting brand-new original features and debuting in late 2019, has a modest 90-odd. These bold and exciting shows are why Apple TV Plus was crowned TechRadar's Streaming Service of the Year, but if you’re looking to binge a deep library of films and TV series, you’ll want a Hulu subscription.
Thinking that an Apple TV Plus membership might be for you? Have a look through the best Apple TV Plus movies and best Apple TV Plus shows to see everything that's going on on the streamer.
How does Hulu Price compare to other streaming services?
While Hulu is not the cheapest subscription option overall, its various bundles offer heaps of TV shows and movies for everyone at different budgets. As well as gaining access to Hulu Originals like What We Do in the Shadows and American Horror Stories, the service can be boosted by the Hulu with Live TV package, which adds over 95 live TV channels, including live sports broadcasts.
This does come at an extra cost however and if you're looking for an online cable replacement, there are cheaper options available with the likes of YouTube TV at $72.99 a month, which brings you 85 channels or more spanning across news, sports, entertainment, and children’s TV (depending on your location). This is $10 cheaper than the Hulu + Live TV (with ads) package and $23 cheaper than the Hulu + Live TV (no ads) package, so you save a substantial amount of money going for YouTube TV.
Another cheaper alternative is FuboTV. At $74.99, the Pro plan provides over 150 channels across sport and entertainment. FuboTV has a variety of add-on packages available like Showtime and NBA TV so you can customize a package that suits your interests. This $12 saving prevents you from paying for channels you don't really use, which could be the case for some of the Hulu packages.
However there is an even lower cost option with Sling TV, where you can choose between two packages based on your television preferences. Sling Blue has 46 channels in total, including 19 exclusive news and entertainment channels which is priced at $45 a month. Meanwhile Sling Orange is $5 cheaper and has fewer channels, but incudes the Disney-owned Freeform, ESPN networks, and the Disney Channel. If you want all the channels, you can also go for the Sling Orange and Blue package, which costs from $55-60 a month. You do also have the option to add individual channels or themed add-on packs for an extra charge.
Opting for Sling TV saves you nearly half your money compared to Hulu, which is an ideal cost-effective solution if you want access to a broad amount of channels.
What can you watch on Hulu?
For details of what's worth watching on Disney Plus, visit our best Hulu movies and best Hulu shows guides.
Hulu has thousands of TV shows and movies including award-winning Originals like Abbott Elementary and The Handmaid's Tale, new releases such as the sci-fi blockbuster Alien: Romulus and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, as well as classic flicks. Of course, with the Disney Plus bundles, you can also access a catalog of content including classic Disney and Pixar movies.
To make Hulu even more tempting, Hulu added over 200 new movies and shows with the likes of Gladiator and Law & Order seasons 1-20 coming to the streamer in December. You can also have a look at everything leaving Hulu in November 2024 list in case you want to catch any of the titles before they are removed.
Hulu price: FAQs
Which countries can I sign up to Hulu?
Hulu is not available internationally and can only be accessed in certain US territories and US military bases. However, Hulu + Live TV is only available in the US. Subscribers with the Hulu and Hulu (No Ads) plans can stream anywhere in the US including Puerto Rico and US military bases.
There's also a Japanese version of Hulu which can only be accessed in Japan due to streaming rights restrictions.
Can you get Hulu for free?
Depending on your Hulu plan, you can get a free trial for 30 days or 3 days. For more information, check out how to get a Hulu free trial for 30 days.
