If you’re already paying for Hulu’s on-demand content library at $7.99 per month, adding the live TV option gives you 95+ channels for an additional $69 per month. In other words, you get to replace your cable and keep your favorite Hulu Originals. And that, my friends, is a twofer. This Disney-owned media powerhouse really delivers features like DVR, add-ons, and user interface as well.
While Hulu may fall short for some sports fans looking for a streaming service when it comes to channel availability, it offers a wide variety of content for people of all ages and has brought back its live TV free trial. Read on to check out our full review of this streaming service.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good channel selection | No regional sports networks in most markets |
| Local channels included | No NBA TV or MLB TV |
| Price is competitive | Parental controls could be expanded |
| Affordable add-ons | Only 2 simultaneous streams |
Hulu subscription options
| Plan | Monthly Price | Live Channels | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | $7.99 | None | 2 |
| Hulu (No Ads) | $17.99 | None | 2 |
| Hulu Live TV Only | $75.99 | 95+ | 2 |
| Hulu + Live TV Bundle | $76.99 | 95+ | 2 |
| Hulu + Live TV Bundle (No Ads) | $89.99 | 95+ | 2 |
Hulu user profiles
Hulu lets you create up to seven user profiles, and each profile memorizes the user’s current progress in a series or movie. Plus, each profile has a unique algorithm that can recommend new content based on what the user has previously watched. This makes it easy for a large family to share the same account. That being said, only two people can stream from the accounts at any given time.
It’s worth noting that Hulu makes it hard to share a password with someone outside of your household. Each Hulu account has a home network, and you can’t share your password with outside users, so profiles are only useful for people you live with. If you have Hulu + Live TV, you can use your account on a mobile device or computer from anywhere before you have to log into your home network again.
Hulu content
Hulu offers more than 95 channels in most markets. Your exact Hulu channel lineup may vary slightly based on your location, but all the major players are there. Customers get local channels, so you can watch prime-time content on ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and PBS. The lineup also includes A&E, Bravo, Disney Channel, CNN, ESPN, TLC, Hallmark, and more. Plus, all customers get Disney Plus and ESPN Plus apps for free. You can use your Hulu login credentials to access these apps from any device.
What sets Hulu apart from livestreaming competitors is the on-demand library. The catalog has thousands of episodes of television and movies and the entire library is included with your live TV subscription. Apart from series from other networks and studio films, Hulu also has original content. The platform has released shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, Reservation Dogs, and Only Murders in the Building, as well as movies that include Fire Island and Run.
You can control what content younger viewers watch by setting up a kid’s profile and putting on a PIN on other profiles. This stops kids from accessing the full content library. Unfortunately, this is a bit more clunky than if Hulu offered you the opportunity to limit content based on maturity rating. If your kids are too old for a kid’s profile, you’ll just have to pay attention to their content viewing to make sure it’s appropriate.
Hulu content for sports fans
Hulu + Live TV is a good choice for sports fans, especially because it includes ESPN Plus. Your lineup will include NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, TNT, and Fox Sports 1. You can also get the Sports Add-on for $9.99 per month to get NFL RedZone and more.
When it comes to watching sports, however, Hulu does have one major pitfall. The platform lacks regional sports networks (RSNs), which means you’ll have to supplement your subscription with a service like Bally Sports Plus to keep up with all the local teams’ games. Also noticeably missing from the Hulu lineup are NBA TV and MLB TV.
How does Hulu compare to other streaming services?
| Streaming Service | Cost Per Month | Free Trial | DVR | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV | $76.99+ | Yes | Unlimited | 2 |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $79.99+ | Yes | Unlimited | Unlimited at home 3 outside home |
| Fubo | $79.99+ | Yes | 1,000 | 10 at home 3 outside home |
| Sling TV | $40+ | No | 50 hours | 1–3 |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | Yes | Unlimited | 3 |
Hulu stands out from competitors in nearly every department. The price is comparable, the simultaneous streams are similar to Sling TV and YouTube TV, and the unlimited DVR is impressive. Overall, Hulu is worth the price tag and can successfully replace cable. The main potential hurdle for some customers may be that the streamer lacks a channel they really want. The add-on packages are not exactly robust, so you may not be able to customize it to your liking.
How to subscribe to Hulu
Setting up your Hulu + Live TV subscription is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the Hulu + Live TV homepage and select “Sign Up Now.”
- Enter your email and other personal info and create an account password. Select “Continue.”
- Provide your credit card information and complete your account registration.
- Review your selected service and select any add-ons or change your plan.
- Sign in and set up your account preferences, favorite shows and teams, DVR recordings, and more.
Since there’s now a Hulu + Live TV free trial, your credit card will be charged immediately after the 3-day trial expires. You’ll be automatically charged on the same day each month until you cancel.
How to cancel my Hulu subscription
You can cancel your Hulu subscription pretty easily; there’s no need to get on the phone with a customer service rep or interact with a chatbot. To pause or cancel your service, complete the following steps:
- Go to your Hulu Account page.
- Select “Cancel” in the “Your Subscription” section.
- Select “Pause Your Subscription” or “Continue to Cancel.
- Select “Cancel Subscription” to complete the cancellation.
You won’t be refunded for any time that remains on your current billing cycle. Instead, after you cancel your Hulu subscription, you will be able to access your account until the end of your current cycle.
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of Hulu?
Hulu only has two simultaneous streams within a single household, even though you can create up to seven profiles. While Hulu + Live TV has a lot of great channels, it lacks some popular networks like NBA TV.
Is Hulu any better than Netflix?
Hulu offers an on-demand library along with live streaming, making it more versatile than Netflix.
Is there anything worth watching on Hulu?
Yes. Hulu has a lot of original shows and movies, including Only Murders in the Building, plus content from networks like Fox and the CW.
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