If you are reading this article, you might be wondering, “what is Hulu?”. If you haven’t heard already, Hulu is one of the top on-demand streaming platforms out there. Probably, when you think of the oldest streaming site, the first thing that comes to mind is Netflix. However, Hulu launched just a year later. This streaming service has been around us for longer than we can remember.
This in-depth guide will talk about everything Hulu-related, from its content to its prices and subscription options. Read on now because, after you learn more about Hulu, the need to subscribe and binge-watch won’t let you do anything else. Its extensive library of movie shows and even Live T.V. will for sure pull you into an immersive experience. You have been warned. That being said, grab some popcorn: the show is about to start.
About Hulu
Hulu has become one of the most popular streaming services in the U.S. With so many entertainment companies out there, keeping up the good stuff is quite a challenge. Nevertheless, Hulu has managed to remain successful. But what accounts for this success?
One main factor is that its library of T.V. shows, movies, and original content is endless. Are you afraid of running out of things to see? The joke is on you — no way could happen. Most users claim they get lost in the sea of options. Hulu brings a lot to the table. It has a library of around 2,500 movies and more than 40,000 episodes from thousands of T.V. shows.
Hulu’s original content is highly priced. Some of the best movies on Hulu are only available on their platform. They are Hulu originals, such as Palm Springs and Run. Some excellent original documentaries are also one of Hulu’s most acclaimed features, like Becoming Bond. The same thing goes for original T.V. shows.
Watch series on Hulu like Future Man and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. You will see what I am talking about. You can thank me later for the recommendation.
Another important reason is the number of subscription plans you can pick from. To use it, you have to pay either a monthly or annual subscription. There are four plans available with a range of different prices. These plans can be broken down into two categories. Hulu offers streaming or streaming with Live T.V.
The streaming plans have a vast library of shows, movies, and Hulu originals at a very affordable price. But, what is included with Hulu + Live T.V.? Users can access the same standard streaming catalog and more than 60 Live and On-Demand TV channels with these plans. With Live T.V., say goodbye to traditional cable.
Before you decide whether you want to subscribe or not, let’s answer all of your questions. Here’s everything you need to know about Hulu.
How Does Hulu Work?
Although explaining how to use a streaming service in the 21st century might seem silly, to start using it, Hulu has more steps than other platforms. Of course, it does work with a remote server, like any other streaming service. Essentially, you connect to this server on your device, and you can begin watching.
However, with Hulu, there are some extra steps before you can get started. You will have to answer some questions about what kind of content you’re interested in. This allows the app to give you recommendations based on your answers. If you are one of those people who see this as a waste of time, worry not! This questionnaire can be skipped.
Moreover, if you get Hulu + Live T.V., you need to set up a home network. With this, you will gain access to local T.V. channels. Please consider that you can only have one Home network, but you can change it up to four times a year for free.
What Devices Does Hulu Support?
You can watch Hulu on a wide range of browsers and devices. There are two Hulu apps: the modern version and the classic one. While the current version works on most modern devices, the classic version can be used on older devices. Besides, with the classic Hulu app, you don’t get access to Live T.V. Here, you have all the devices in which you can use the latest Hulu app:
- Most Android phones and tablets
- Apple T.V. (4th generation or later)
- Chromecast
- Echo Show
- Fire Tablets
- Fire T.V. and Fire T.V. Stick
- iPhones
- iPads
- LG TV (select models)
- Nintendo Switch
- Mac and P.C. browsers
- PlayStation 3, 4 and 5
- Roku and Roku Stick (select models)
- Samsung TV (select models)
- Windows 10
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One
The classic app is available on older devices and many Smart T.V.s, such as:
- Android T.V.
- Apple T.V. (2nd & 3rd generation)
- L.G. T.V.s and Blu-ray players (select models)
- Roku and Roku Stick (select models)
- Samsung T.V.s and Blu-ray players (select models)
- Sony T.V.s and Blu-ray players
- TiVo
- Wii UVIZIO TVs
How Much Does Hulu Cost?
Hulu is no longer free like it was in the good old days. In total, there are four Hulu plans, plus many add-ons to improve your experience further. As in most platforms, the price you pay depends on which plan you choose.
Hulu is one of the most affordable streaming services if you pick the cheapest option. Of course, the inexpensive a plan is, the minor benefits it offers. So, let’s go through Hulu’s pricing options, shall we?
Hulu counts with a basic and a premium subscription. The basic version runs $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year paid all at once. The other plan, the premium version, costs twice as much at $11.99 per month. We will discuss the differences within both plans later on. Keep reading to learn more about this topic!
Didn’t we tell you there were four options? Don’t move on to the next section just yet! We still have two more plans to cover: the Hulu + Live T.V. ones. Here is where things get truly expensive. Hulu with Live T.V. costs $64.99 per month for the basic version.
If you are feeling like splurging, there is also a premium Live T.V. option. This bumps the price an extra $6, totaling $70.99 per month. If these options are beyond your means, you can always pick one of the cheapest plans.
Moreover, you can add Enhanced Cloud DVR to the Live T.V. plan for $9.99 per month and Unlimited Screens for $9.99 per month. Are you feeling like sparing no expense? Add both for $14.99 per month! Luckily, there is an option for every budget, and the add-ons are just that, something extra but not essential to enjoy. Also, if you want Hulu but are struggling to pay for it, check out their special deals on their website!
How Can You Stream Hulu?
Streaming Hulu is a piece of cake. Let’s go step by step:
- Go to hulu.com on your browser, create an account and log in. You can also download the app and access Hulu through it.
- Fill out your payment information and click on submit.
- Once you are on the home page, you will see many movies and shows available.
The last step is, you guessed it, clicking on something of your interest to start enjoying. Best of all, the only thing you need to do is a device that supports Hulu. Do you have that? Then, you are all set!
Is Hulu Worth Getting?
If you are as obsessed as I am with staying at home watching your favorite shows, getting Hulu might be the right choice for you. Not only is it quite affordable, but some of the best shows are only available on the platform.
The best Hulu original shows, such as The Handmaid’s Tale, American Horror Story, and Castle Rock, are worth the subscription. I highly encourage you to watch Hulu’s original shows!
Another essential detail to consider is that, with Hulu, you don’t have to wait for much to watch the newest episodes of the popular broadcast T.V. series you have been binge-watching. After they’ve aired, you usually only have to wait a week or, sometimes, just a day.
Besides, if shows aren’t your cup of tea, Hulu also offers a wide variety of old and new movies. It also has some movies that are Hulu originals. However, indeed, the movie catalog is not as deep as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Hulu focuses mainly on streaming original content, blockbuster, and independent films and documentaries.
Are you still unsure about subscribing? You don’t have to decide right away! You can sign up for a free 30-day Hulu trial and, after that period, decide if Hulu is genuinely worth it. This gives you enough time to test the service out without spending any money.
The Difference Between Hulu Basis and Hulu Premium
This top-shelf streaming site offers two main plans. You can either pay for the Hulu essential subscription or the more expensive premium version. The content library for each of these plans is the same. What are the differences within plans, then? One difference is that you can download your favorite shows and movies and watch them with the premium version whenever and wherever you want. Another crucial distinction is that, with the basic plan, ads will interrupt your viewing experience. Do you love binge-watching without interruptions? Then you have to pay for the premium version, which is ads-free.
Moreover, some of the discounts that apply to the basic plan aren’t available if you decide to upgrade to the premium version. Are you a college student? If so, you are in for some fantastic discounts. For a meager price, you can get Hulu Basis.
However, the student discount only applies to the basic version. Choosing to pay for Hulu Premium means expending way more money and losing your promotional deal.
There are also basic and premium versions of the Hulu + Live T.V. plan. Have you already guessed what the difference in this case is? The ads, duh! Once again, the premium option increases the price of the cheapest basic plan because of the no-ads feature.
All in all, the lesson here is simple: better streaming options mean more money. Are you willing to pay the price? If not, hang in there. Hulu’s ads are not that bad. They appear on your screen every once in a while and get you up-to-date with everything there is to watch on Hulu. Seeing the glass as half-full applies to everything in life, including Hulu.
Where is Hulu Available to Get?
Unlike many other platforms, Hulu is only available in the United States. You can also access its content in U.S. territories overseas, like Puerto Rico and military bases in Japan. However, Hulu Live T.V. is only available for users in the U.S.
Early in 2021, the service expanded internationally through its parent company, The Walt Disney Company. Through their offshoot service, Star, they have reached customers in Canada, Western Europe, Australia, the U.K., and the Asia Pacific.
Final Thoughts
Let’s recap some key elements. Against some of the big players in the industry, Hulu manages to catch up in the streaming war. They offer the best original content and the lowest prices out there. Also, their Live T.V. plan is drawing more and more people in.
Even though their library of T.V. shows and movies is not that large, Hulu has something for everyone. From dramatic dystopias, like The Handmaid’s Tale, to critically acclaimed time travel series, like 11.22.63. From Academy Award-nominated documentaries, like Minding the Gap, to unique zombie comedies, like Little Monsters. Whatever you are looking for, I can assure you, Hulu has it.
