If you want to cut the cord, Hulu + Live TV is a great option. You get a huge Hulu on-demand library, plus free access to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. If you’re not ready to part with your emotional support cable box, you can stick with Hulu’s basic package and simply get the on-demand content. Even though Hulu doesn’t have multiple different channel packages, there are still a surprising number of plan options to choose from. Read on to figure out which one makes the most sense for your needs and budget.
What packages does Hulu offer?
Unlike most live TV streaming platforms, the differences in Hulu’s live packages come down to whether or not you have ads and not changes to the channel lineup or other extras. The best bang for your buck is the $76.99 plan with ads on Hulu Live, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. It’s worth noting that all live plans come with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, and the platform has plans to combine Disney Plus and Hulu in the future.
You can save a dollar by eliminating the library from this plan, but that doesn’t make a lot of financial sense. If you hate ads on the on-demand content, you can upgrade to a plan of $89.99, though live channels will always air ads. There is also a plan to eliminate ads on Disney Plus alone.
Hulu’s plans and pricing compared
| Plan | Monthly Price | Channels | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | $7.99 | N/A | 2 |
| Hulu (No Ads) | $17.99 | N/A | 2 |
| Hulu Live TV Only | $75.99 | 95+ | 2 |
| Hulu + Live TV, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus | $76.99 | 95+ | 2 |
| Hulu + Live TV, Disney Plus (No Ads) and ESPN Plus | $81.99 | 95+ | 2 |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney Plus (No Ads), and ESPN Plus | $89.99 | 95+ | 2 |
Hulu
This is the most affordable plan but lacks any live channels. It’s ideal for someone who wants to supplement their cable or another live streamer with original shows and next-day coverage for some cable networks. For instance, you can watch Fox shows the morning after they air live during prime time.
Hulu (No Ads)
This plan is the same as Hulu, but it eliminates ad breaks during content, which can last up to two minutes on the regular plan.
Hulu Live TV Only
This plan doesn’t have the Hulu on-demand library, ESPN Plus, or Disney Plus. You’ll only get the livestreaming lineup. Hulu + Live TV has local channels, including NBC, ABC, and Fox. Plus, you’ll get extended cable networks like CNN, Bravo, TLC, FX, Comedy Central, and USA. Sports channels include ESPN, NFL Network, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), and Fox Sports 2 (FS2). This package only saves $1 over the cheapest live plan with the library and Disney Bundle, so it’s not the most cost-effective.
Hulu + Live TV, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus
This plan has all the same channels as Live TV Only, but it also has the Hulu library. You also get Disney Plus and ESPN Plus using your Hulu login. You will see ads across all three apps. If you don’t mind ad breaks, this is the best and most affordable option.
Hulu + Live TV, Disney Plus (No Ads) and ESPN Plus
This plan has ads on Hulu and ESPN Plus, but it eliminates ads on Disney Plus. If you’re a customer who doesn’t mind ads but who plans on using a lot of Disney Plus for your kids, you may like the option to eliminate ads for that app.
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney Plus (No Ads) and ESPN Plus
This is the most expensive plan because it eliminates ads on both the Hulu on-demand library and Disney Plus. It’s worth noting that ads will always appear on the Hulu + Live TV live streaming channels. This is a good plan for people who will make a lot of use of the Hulu library.
What add-ons does Hulu offer?
Hulu doesn’t have the most robust menu of add-ons, which is one of the few downfalls of the otherwise good live TV service. However, you can customize your plan with a few premium channels and channel packages.
| Add-on Channel or Package Name | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Entertainment Add-on | $7.99 |
| Sports Add-on | $9.99 |
| Español | $4.99 |
| Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME | $11.99 |
| Max | $15.99 |
| Cinemax | $9.99 |
| STARZ | $9.99 |
Hulu deals and free trials available
Hulu now offers a free trial for Hulu + Live TV that will last 3-days and give new users access to everything included within the Disney Bundle. The basic plans from Hulu have a 30-day free trial. You can also save through bundles. For instance, you can get the basic Hulu plan, plus Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, for just $14.99 per month. This represents a savings of 44 percent compared to buying all three services separately.
How to watch Hulu
You can sign up for Hulu on the Hulu homepage. Click the down arrow just under “View More Plans” and click on the plan of your choice. You can toggle between “Hulu,” “Disney Bundle,” and “Live TV” to see all available options and set up your account.
You can watch Hulu on a range of supported devices, such as your computer web browser, iOS and Android mobile devices, Amazon Fire tablets and TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, and various smart TVs.
FAQ
How much is a Hulu subscription in 2024?
If you only want the on-demand Hulu library, the cost is $7.99 per month. For Hulu + Live TV plus the on-demand library, plans start at $76.99 per month.
What is the cheapest way to get Hulu?
The most affordable Hulu plan is $7.99 per month for on-demand content. You can only sign up directly with Hulu.
How do I get Hulu for free?
There is no way to get Hulu for free. The streaming giant made password sharing between households for new customers all but impossible as of 2024.
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