Hulu or Netflix? Netflix or Hulu? In an increasingly crowded TV streaming market, it's harder than ever to figure out exactly what each platform does differently and which one best suits your tastes, needs, and budget. Everyone has different shows and movies to choose from, after all.
This problem will only get worse with the launch of Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus in 2019, even more so as the latter will offer attractive packages with subscriptions from Hulu and ESPN +.
But if you want to subscribe to Netflix or Hulu, or if you plan to switch from one to the other, we have everything you need to make that terrifying decision a little easier. Spending money is stressful, okay?
Hulu vs Netflix: basic overview
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Hulu and Netflix are TV streaming platforms, with content libraries full of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. Both can be accessed through browsers or dedicated apps for mobile devices, PCs, or consoles, with many possible portals to begin your streaming journey.
They both offer a number of newly produced shows alongside old sitcoms and classic TV series and target a wide selection to attract viewers. Hulu is also majority owned by Disney. The signs of synergy between Hulu and the Disney Plus platform are already visible.
Netflix is the closest solution to a "default" TV streaming service, with more than 140 million subscribers worldwide, although that doesn't mean it's necessarily the right choice for you.
Hulu vs Netflix availability
Hulu is technically available only in the United States, although some of you may have considered using a Hulu VPN to access from other territories. Netflix, meanwhile, serves more than 190 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Hulu vs Netflix pricing plans
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Price is always an important factor to consider, especially since platforms like these can increase subscription costs from time to time. But Hulu and Netflix treat their subscriptions somewhat differently.
Netflix has a three-tier pricing structure, from the basic plan at € 8.99 per month with SD transmission to one user, and the standard plan at € 12.99 per month for simultaneous HD transmission of two users Simultaneously, with the Premium Plan of € 15.99 for 4K HDR broadcasts and four simultaneous users. All Netflix plans are ad-free.
Hulu offers 4K HDR streaming on its cheapest price plan, which will cost you € 5.99. However, to remove ads, you will need to increase your budget by € 11.99 per month (and you will still be able to get it on some shows due to rights issues). Both plans also allow only one user at a time.
Hulu offers several bundling and upgrade options to include live TV or content from other services like HBO. You can check out the full list in our Hulu magazine, making it a truly versatile payment structure. At the Disney Plus launch in November 2019, a Disney Plus / Hulu / ESPN + package will also be available for € 12.99 per month.
There is also Hulu with live TV that can be an alternative to cable for € 44.99 a month if you want to cut the cable without losing the traditional network setup.
Hulu vs Netflix features and user interface
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Although Hulu has more flexibility in offering additional content, Netflix is clearly convinced by the ease of use of its interface and its user-friendly features.
For starters, Netflix is much more lax to allow multiple users to stream at the same time, if you use a show on top of the Basic Plan. You also have the option of downloading shows to watch them offline, which is very convenient if you travel, for example when you go to work or when you do not have access to a reliable Internet network.
Hulu's lack of offline signage is still a major issue, although the feature has been promising since 2017, and we expect it to be changed soon.
Hulu vs Netflix content
Stranger Things is just one of Netflix's prestigious exclusives
(Image credit: Netflix)
Since you will be using these services primarily for TV shows and movies from each library, it is important to compare the offerings of each.
Netflix has around 8,000 titles, ranging from compelling documentaries and biopics to the largest sitcom and television series available to read today. Netflix originals like Bojack Cavalier, Glow, When They See Us, Russian Doll, Stranger Things, and Orange New Black are exclusive to the service, but the platform also licenses classic shows like Seinfeld and The Office. There is a wide variety of content, even if many of them, other than the aforementioned heavy hitters, will be missing or not matching your tastes. Who has time to watch 8,000 Netflix series and movies?
Hulu has a close relationship with ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, broadcasting big-name broadcasts from each network the day after its first broadcast. Bravo, Comedy Central and FX, as well as an extensive catalog, also contain a lot of content. Notable shows include Saturday Night Live, The Handmaid's Tale, and Marvel's Runaways.
The scale is perhaps more limited than Netflix, but you won't find much content on Netflix, including a multitude of cartoons from Funimation, although there are better options for the best service in the game. streaming
To go
(Image credit: The Handmaid's Tale / Hulu)
Hulu and Netflix offer a lot to the average subscriber, including a wide range of on-demand streams and differentiated pricing to meet different budgets.
It's a shame Hulu doesn't support offline viewing yet, as this would be a very useful feature that Netflix and Amazon Prime Video offer to their subscribers.
However, in the current state of affairs, Netflix is making a lot of money thanks to its many award-winning shows. The counterpoint here is that Hulu offers more shows and channels than you want, including live TV, and it could offer better value when the next Hulu / Disney Plus / ESPN + package is available later this year.