If you’re looking to start streaming TV shows and movies, two of the most popular services you’re likely to come across are Netflix and Hulu. Both platforms offer a wide range of content to watch, but they differ in several key ways. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look to see which is better between Netflix and Hulu.
We will look at among other things, their content libraries, pricing, DVR capabilities, and how they handle commercials. At the end of the article, you will know which of these two streaming services will be best for your household.
Pricing
One of the first things many people consider when comparing streaming services is cost. Here’s how Netflix and Hulu’s pricing structures stack up:
Netflix Pricing
Netflix currently offers three different plans, each with a different price and features.
The Basic plan costs $6.99 per month and allows you to stream on one device at a time, with no HD or Ultra HD available. Moreover, Basic with ads has a limited number of movies and TV shows unavailable due to licensing restrictions.
The Standard plan costs $15.49 per month and allows you to stream on two devices at once, with HD available.
Finally, the Premium plan costs $19.99 per month and allows you to stream on up to four devices at once, with both HD and Ultra HD available.
Hulu Pricing
Hulu offers many more subscription options than Netflix.
The Basic plan costs $7.99 per month with ads.
The ad-free plan costs $14.99 per month.
Hulu also offers a Live TV plan for $64.99 per month, which includes access to live TV channels as well as the regular Hulu content library.
If you are willing to bundle services, Hulu does offer Disney+ and ESPN+ in conjunction with your Hulu subscription. They range in price from $9.99-$19.99/month.
Content Libraries:
Another important factor to consider when choosing a streaming service is the selection of TV shows and movies each service offers. Here’s a look at what you can expect from Netflix and Hulu’s content libraries:
Netflix
Netflix is the largest streaming service in the world so they have a massive content library with thousands of TV shows and movies available to watch. While the exact selection varies depending on your region, you can generally expect to find a mix of both older and newer titles, as well as a large selection of Netflix’s own original programming.
Hulu
Hulu’s content library is also quite extensive, although it’s focused more on TV shows than movies. Hulu has a large selection of current and past TV shows from major networks, as well as some original programming. Hulu also has a selection of movies, but not as large as Netflix.
User Interface
The user interface of a streaming service can have a big impact on your enjoyment. Here’s a comparison of Netflix and Hulu’s user interfaces:
Netflix
Netflix has a user-friendly interface, easy to navigate. The platform is organized into different sections, such as “TV Shows,” “New & Popular,” “Movies,” and “My List,” which makes it easy to find content. Netflix also has a “Continue Watching” section allowing you to pick up where you left off on a show or movie.
Hulu
Hulu’s interface is also user-friendly, but slightly less intuitive than Netflix’s. The platform is organized into different sections, such as “Keep Watching,” “My Stuff,” and “TV.” If you have a live tv Hulu subscription, there is a “Live TV” section.
Number of Household Accounts
If you’re planning to share your streaming account with others in your household, you’ll want to consider how many accounts each service allows. Here’s a breakdown of Netflix and Hulu’s policies:
Netflix
Netflix allows you to create up to five different profiles on one account, each with its own viewing history and recommendations.
The amount of simultaneous streams in a given household depends on your Netflix plan.
If you have the Basic plan, only one user can stream.
On the Standard plan, you are upgraded to two users being able to watch at the same time.
With the Premium plan, four screens, or four users, can stream at the same time.
Hulu
Hulu also allows you to create multiple profiles on one account, although the number of profiles allowed also depends on your plan.
The Basic ad-supported plan allow one profile.
The ad-free plan allows up to six profiles.
Hulu also allows you to create up to two simultaneous streams on one account, but you can upgrade to unlimited streams for an additional fee.
DVR Capabilities
If you’re interested in recording live TV or scheduling future recordings, you’ll want to consider each service’s DVR capabilities. Here’s what you need to know:
Netflix
Netflix does not offer any DVR capabilities, as it only offers on-demand content.
Hulu
Hulu’s Live TV plan includes cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record live TV shows and movies and watch them later. The amount of storage included with your plan varies, but you can upgrade to more storage for an additional fee.
Original Programming
Both Netflix and Hulu have invested heavily in creating their own original TV shows and movies. Here are some examples of the original programming available on each service:
Netflix
Netflix has produced a wide range of popular original shows, including “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” “Narcos,” “Orange is the New Black,” and “Ozark.” Netflix also produces original movies, such as “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story,” and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.”
Hulu
While Hulu has fewer original shows than Netflix, it still has some highly acclaimed programming, such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Castle Rock,” and “Ramy.” Hulu also produces original movies, such as “Palm Springs” and “Run.”
Ads
Finally, it’s worth considering how each service handles ads, especially if you’re sensitive to interruptions while watching TV shows and movies. Here’s what you need to know:
Netflix
If you sign up for the Netflix basic plan, you will see ads during TV shows and movies. The frequency and length of the ads can vary.
The ad-free plan does not include any ads.
Hulu
Hulu’s least expensive plan at $7.99/month will have ads. You will have to pay $14.99/month if you don’t wish to see ads in your viewing content.
Conclusion
In summary, Netflix and Hulu are both popular streaming services with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Netflix has a larger content library, more simultaneous streams, and blockbuster hits. However, Netflix is more expensive as long as you don’t sign up for Hulu’s Live TV option.
Hulu is cheaper, but has a smaller content library. Hulu also offers a Live TV plan with DVR capabilities.
Both services have original programming worth watching, and their user interfaces are generally user-friendly.
Many people have both streaming services to have the best of both worlds. Hopefully, this comparison will help you decide, which service is best for you.
Leon
Which streaming service do you prefer?
Do you have both?
Did you pay for the plan with or without ads?
Let us know in the comments below.