With the plethora of TV streaming providers on the market today, TV lovers have lots of fantastic options at their fingertips. This makes choosing the perfect TV streaming provider a little tricky.

And with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV and many others doing a fantastic job, the competition in the TV streaming industry has never been this fierce.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves as today’s post is specially written to explore Hulu and Hulu Plus.

Have you heard about Hulu and Hulu Plus and wondering which of these providers tick all your boxes and offer the kind of programming you’re looking for? Well, stay with us as today’s post has all the information you’re looking for and more.

After reading today’s post, you should be able to decide which of these streaming options is perfect for you and your loved ones.

Without further delay, let’s get into details, shall we?

Hulu

Are you curious about the best shows and TV programs airing right now and don’t want to miss a single episode of your favourite TV shows? Then now is the best time to jump on Hulu as they roll out access to some of the best shows ever to grace the big screens.

While Hulu may not have as many shows as Netflix, they have some superb titles that TV lovers have come to love and appreciate, so you’ll not be missing out on so much when you opt for Hulu.

More so, Hulu’s on-demand library will rival the best in this industry, little surprise why they have become the go-to option for people looking to keep up with their favourite TV shows and movies.

Our only real complaint about Hulu and its services is that you have to deal with many ads that pop up when streaming your favourite TV shows. And let’s not beat around the bush, these ads can be a bit annoying and can impact on your overall experience.

Thankfully, Hulu allows you to kiss goodbye to ads if you agree to upgrade. So if you think you can’t deal with all the annoying ads that pop up when streaming your favourite TV shows, you can simply opt for Hulu’s ad-free package, for an uninterrupted streaming experience.

While Hulu offers superb TV shows and movies you can stream on the go, Hulu’s claim to fame is in their fantastic originals. Today, some of Hulu’s original programming have become a lot of fans’ favourites.

With big names like The Handmaid Tales, Castle Rock, Casual, PEN15, Catch 22, Ramy, The Act and more featuring on Hulu’s long list of exciting originals, TV show lovers are in for a superb time when they give Hulu a try.

And we love the fact that Hulu gives you a lot of options in terms of packages, add-ons and extras. With Hulu, there is a package for everyone. So whether you’re an anime fan, a movie enthusiast or you just want to keep up with new releases of your favourite TV shows, rest assured that Hulu has you covered.

Pros and cons

Since making its way to the highly competitive streaming industry, Hulu has stayed on top of its game. Today, they are a force to reckon with in the TV landscape. That said, Hulu has a couple of shortcomings you should know. Here, check out some pros and cons.

Pros

Hulu features lots of exciting TV shows and originals

Offers competitive pricing for their basic package

Provides 50 hours of DVR storage that lets you record all your favourite TV shows

Cons

Hulu is ad-supported, and you may need to upgrade to get rid of ads.

Hulu’s extras and add-ons are a bit expensive.

Offers only two screens unless you upgrade

Hulu Plus

Hulu Plus is quite similar to Hulu; the only difference here is that Hulu Plus offers some exciting mix you don’t want to miss out on.

With Hulu Plus, TV watchers have exclusive access to more exciting contents and original programmings, so if you always wanted to get more from your TV subscription, now is an excellent time to get plugged to Hulu Plus.

Let’s take a moment to take you back to how Hulu evolved to what it currently is.

Before now, Hulu used to be a free streaming service that lets TV lovers stream their favourite content without any monthly commitment. But with the introduction of Hulu Plus in 2010, Hulu took a different trajectory as it became a fully-fledged paid subscription service.

Given this new role, it means people who previously streamed Hulu for free will have to opt for Hulu Plus if they wanted to keep streaming their favourite TV shows and movies.

And like we mentioned earlier, Hulu Plus isn’t very different from Hulu. With Hulu Plus, you still see ads and commercials pop up when streaming your favourite TV shows. The only exciting part is that you get exclusive access to more content, including new episodes from your favourite shows.

And just like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Hulu Plus features some amazing originals you can’t find anywhere else.

With Hulu Plus, you’ll enjoy access to some fantastic benefits, including access to the best extras and add-ons. Plus, you can switch things up a bit with their Live TV service. The only caveat here is that Hulu’s Live TV option is a bit pricey, but if you think that isn’t a big deal, you can subscribe to Hulu Live TV option for only $54.99 per month.

Also, Hulu provides a decent DVR that lets you record and store your favourite shows. With Hulu’s cloud DVR, you get 50 hours of storage space with the option to upgrade to 200 hours DVR storage for an extra $9.99.

Pros and cons

Like we stated earlier, Hulu Plus is an upgrade to Hulu’s free stream. That said, there aren’t many differences between Hulu and Hulu Plus. More so, they have very similar pros and cons, and we will get to that in a bit.

Pros

Hulu Plus features lots of exciting TV shows and originals you can stream on the go

Hulu Plus packages are reasonably priced

Offers lots of fantastic extras and add-ons you can bundle

Cons

Get ready to see ads unless you upgrade to their premium package.

You’re limited to two simultaneous streams unless you upgrade

Hulu with Live TV can be a bit pricey.

Installation process and Bundled services

Are you fed up with all the hassles that come with installing cable and satellite and looking for something that is way easy to set up? Then now is the perfect time to jump on Hulu or Hulu Plus. With Hulu and Hulu Plus, there is no need to install fancy equipment or hardware.

More so, their easy installation process means you can have everything nicely set up and ready to roll within a few minutes. And you know what, you can do it all by yourself. With this, you’ll not incur equipment or professional installation charges.

All you’ll ever need to enjoy a hassle-free stream is a decent internet connection and a compatible streaming device. And there is a considerable chance you already own one or more compatible devices so you may not need to invest in a new one.

Compatible devices

When it comes to compatible devices, there is no shortage of devices you can use to stream Hulu and Hulu Plus, and there is every likelihood that you already have a couple you can use to start streaming Hulu or Hulu Plus right away. Here, check out a range of devices that lets you seamlessly stream Hulu and Hulu Plus.

Roku

Amazon Fire TV

Amazon Firestick

iPad, iPhone, iOS

Web interface

Android TV

Game consoles

Smart TVs

Bundled Services

Do you want to get more than the regular on-demand options offered by Hulu and Hulu Plus? Then never miss out on the opportunity to bundle. Thanks to bundling, you’ll unlock some fantastic perks you’ll not get with regular Hulu or Hulu Plus packages.

For starters, Hulu and Hulu Plus let you switch things up with their awesome Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN+ bundle. So if you’ve always wanted to stream Hulu’s exceptional on-demand library with Disney Plus amazing show collections including family-friendly shows, then you’ll not go wrong to opt for Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN+ bundle for only $12.99.

For those who love premium channels, Hulu and Hulu Plus offer some exciting options you’ll want to check out. With Hulu and Hulu Plus, you’ll get exclusive access to some of the best premium channels, including HBO, Cinemax, Starz, Showtime and more. And just so we don’t forget, Hulu’s premium channels come at an extra cost. But considering what you get, we doubt you’ll want to miss out on the opportunity.

Content offering

Hulu and Hulu Plus feature all the exciting content that TV lovers want. From an impressive on-demand library to an impeccable Live TV service with access to over 65 channels, Hulu and Hulu Plus feature exciting contents that will keep you glued to your screens all day long.

When it comes to content offering, the quantity of accessible content is what primarily differentiates Hulu from Hulu Plus. And although both streaming platforms offer a similar selection of TV shows and movies from almost the same networks, Hulu Plus takes things up a notch by allowing users access to a well-rounded catalogue that features their favourite programs.

With the Hulu free option, TV lovers can do very little as they have access to a limited selection of TV shows and movies they can stream. On the flip side, Hulu Plus provides access to the latest releases of televised episodes. Not just that, Hulu Plus also lets users stream every single episode of their favourite shows from every past season.

From currently airing shows like the Modern Family and The Mindy Project to old classics like The X-Files and The Twilight Zone, Hulu Plus bombards you with loads of TV shows and movies you can barely keep up with.

Besides featuring popular shows from major networks on its on-demand catalogue, Hulu Plus ushers users into a world of mind-blowing entertainment with their original programmings. While the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are already doing so well with their original shows, Hulu Plus will wow you to a thrilling time with their exclusive original shows.

Some of the most successful originals on Hulu Plus include big names like Kevin Smith, Moone Boy, Spoilers and Deadbeat. Plus, the company only recently saved the Mindy Project from Network cancellation, so for fans of Mindy Projects, you have a lot to be grateful for.

Although none of these shows and movie titles has achieved the type of critical acclaim that original content from Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have, Hulu Plus commitment to rolling out impressive originals, including more kids based content, goes to show that Hulu Plus means business.

While Hulu primarily focuses on TV shows, the company is expanding its content and is looking to include feature-length movies. So for movie buffs, Hulu’s exciting movie library will not disappoint.

The only difference between Hulu and other TV streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix is that Hulu’s movie selection is a bit limited to titles that have been featured on the home video market for some time.

What this means is that fans of new releases may not be too excited as they have to wait a while to catch trending movies. Nevertheless, if you love classics, then Hulu’s library of classic shows will keep your and your loved ones super entertained.

According to Hulu Plus, the company features the most comprehensive library of Criterion Collection releases. While users can still view some movies directly on Hulu.com for free, the majority of feature-length movie libraries including Criterion Collection is only available to Plus subscribers.

Sports offerings

Do you want to keep up with your favourite sporting events? Then Hulu Plus is just what you need. With access to some of the best sports channels, sports lovers will never have to miss a single game, race or fight from their favourite teams.

From basketball to football to college sports and more, there is so much waiting for you to stream when you decide to give Hulu Plus a try.

Thanks to Hulu Plus, you can catch 65+ live on-demand channels including ESPN, ABC, TNT and regional sports networks from Fox and NBCSN in many cities. Please keep in mind that specific local and regional channels are not available in some locations.

With Hulu Plus sports offerings, you can finally take your fandom to the next level.

Price Comparison

When it comes to pricing, there is a whole lot to put into consideration. From the price of their regular plans to extra charges for add-ons and premium channel selections, Hulu and Hulu Plus have a lot of pricing you should keep in mind before jumping on their services.

For starters, Hulu Plus offers two main plans as well as add-ons and other extras that allow for full customisation.

That said, we love Hulu’s basic plan because it is super affordable. Starting at $5.99 per month, Hulu’s base package is a lot cheaper than Netflix basic plan and Amazon Prime video monthly plan.

So for people looking for an affordable TV streaming service, Hulu Plus will make a decent choice. The only setback with Hulu’s base plan is that it comes with ads, which can be a bit annoying.

Should you not be interested in ads, Hulu Plus offers an ad-free package you can explore. Though pricey, you’ll enjoy seamless access to your favourite shows without undue interruptions from pop up ads now and then. Amazingly, this package is not too expensive and costs only $11.99 per month.

For those looking for more from their TV subscription, you’re welcome to give Hulu’s special package a try. With Hulu’s special bundle, you can blend Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN+ for $12.99 per month. The ad-free version is a little more expensive though and costs $18.99 per month.

Do you want a mix of on-demand and Live TV to beef up your content library, then feel free to explore Hulu + Live TV. With this package, you’ll get access to over 65 channels for $54.99 per month. And just like other extras from Hulu Plus, Hulu + Live TV comes with a 7-day trial you can check out, so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

Before now, you could stream Hulu for free, but all that is now in the past as Hulu has metamorphosed into a full-fledged paid subscription service.

To beef up users’ experience, Hulu Plus also offers premium channel add-ons. Add this to any of your preferred Hulu Plus plans and you’re ready to roll.

Here is a list of premium channels and pricing you can add to any of Hulu’s Plus packages;

Cinemax: $9.99

Starz: $8.99

Showtime: $10.99

HBO: $14.99

Simultaneous streams

Are you looking to share your subscription with your friends and loved ones? Then Hulu and Hulu Plus have you covered. With Hulu Plus, you can stream your favourite TV shows and movies on two devices simultaneously.

And should this not suffice, you can upgrade to unlimited streams for an extra $9.99 per month.

Equipment fees and DVR

One of the many perks of subscribing to Hulu and Hulu Plus is that you’ll not need to install any fancy equipment. This makes their services a lot cheaper, especially when compared to alternatives like cable and satellite TV that charge customers extra fees for equipment.

With Hulu and Hulu Plus, you only need a decent internet connection and a compatible streaming device to access Hulu without any hassle. And there is a huge chance you already have one or more devices you can use to stream Hulu or Hulu Plus.

When it comes to DVR, Hulu offers users a cloud DVR that lets them record their favourite TV shows, so they can stream at their convenience. Although Hulu cloud DVR may not measure up to what you get with YouTube TV, we are thrilled that their cloud DVR gets the job done.

With Hulu standard cloud DVR, you get 50 hours of DVR storage space. But this can be bumped up to 200 hours of DVR storage for an additional $9.99, which is perfect for heavy users who don’t want to miss a single episode of their favourite shows.

Contracts and cancellation

Are you fed up of contracts and commitments that have become a norm in the TV industry? Then Hulu is your best bet. With Hulu and Hulu Plus, there are no contracts or commitments, so you can cancel your subscription anytime you like.

Frequently asked questions

Can I stream Hulu for free?

Unfortunately no. When Hulu first launched, it was entirely free. But things have now taken a different trajectory, especially with the introduction of Hulu Plus. Nowadays, you have to subscribe before you can stream Hulu.

How many streams does Hulu offer?

Hulu offers two simultaneous streams. But this can be upgraded to unlimited streams for an extra $9.99 per month.

Can I bundle Hulu Plus with Live TV?

Hulu Plus allows users to expand their content selection by bundling Live TV. Although this comes at an extra cost, you’ll get value for money spent.

Can I stream sports with Hulu Plus?

With Hulu Plus, there is no shortage of sporting contents. So you’ll never have to miss out on your favourite sporting actions.

Conclusion

For TV fans who want to keep up with their favourite TV shows, movies and characters without having to pay the exorbitant fees associated with cable and satellite TV, you’ll find Hulu worth giving a try. Plus, if binge-watching is what you want, you’ll get more than enough titles to keep you busy for days, weeks or longer.