Hulu stands out as one of the premier streaming services available today, offering a vast array of movies and TV shows, including thrilling originals, blockbuster hits, and timeless classics. While it might not command the same media attention as Netflix or house the iconic franchises of Disney Plus, Hulu is undeniably a must-have subscription.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Hulu. We’ll discuss pricing, free trials, 4K availability, and the exciting merger with Disney Plus set for 2024. Plus, we’ll highlight the top Hulu movies and TV shows to look forward to.
What You Need to Know About Hulu and Hulu with Live TV
Hulu offers access to over 1,600 TV shows and 2,500 films, making it a treasure trove of content. Subscribers can enhance their experience with various bundles and add-ons, including premium channels like Max, Showtime, and ESPN, along with unlimited screens and specialized networks.
The announcement of Hulu’s integration with Disney Plus in 2024 promises to elevate the platform further. This merger, which was confirmed in May 2024, allows users to bundle both services starting at $9.99 per month for the standard subscription with ads, or $19.99 per month for an ad-free experience. This new unified platform is poised to rival major players like Netflix, Max, and Prime Video, aligning more closely with international offerings like Disney Plus Star in the UK and Australia.
The Best Hulu Bundles and Subscription Options
For new subscribers, the Hulu with Live TV plan is a compelling option, offering over 75 TV channels along with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. This plan includes Cloud DVR, enabling unlimited recording of live television. Additionally, a mega bundle featuring Disney Plus, Hulu, and Max is available, offering substantial savings compared to subscribing to each service individually.
Current Hulu Pricing Plans:
- Hulu Basic (with ads): $7.99/month or $79.99/year
- Hulu Premium (no ads): $17.99/month
- Hulu + Disney Plus (with ads): $9.99/month
- Hulu + Disney Plus + ESPN Plus (Trio Basic): $14.99/month
Hulu + Live TV Plans:
- Hulu (with ads) + Live TV: $76.99/month
- Hulu (no ads) + Live TV: $89.99/month
Starting October 17, Hulu’s pricing will increase, with the ad-supported plan rising to $9.99 per month and the ad-free plan to $18.99 per month. For a detailed breakdown, check out our Hulu plans and prices guide.
Hulu offers a generous one-month free trial for both its standard and no-ads plans, allowing potential subscribers to explore its extensive library before committing.
How to Sign Up for Hulu
Signing up for Hulu is straightforward:
- Visit the Hulu website.
- Click “Start Your Free Trial.”
- Choose your preferred plan.
- Enter your email, password, and other details.
- Enter your billing information and submit.
Top Hulu Shows and Movies to Watch
Hulu boasts a rich selection of popular series and films, including:
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Only Murders in the Building
- The Great
- Fargo
- What We Do in the Shadows
Hulu also features content from other networks like A&E, AMC, VH1, MTV, TNT, Disney Channel, National Geographic, and Discovery.
Compatible Devices for Hulu
Hulu supports a wide range of devices, ensuring you can watch your favorite content on:
- Amazon Fire tablets and TV devices
- Android and Apple phones/tablets
- Apple TV, Chromecast, LG WebOS, Roku, Samsung smart TVs
- PlayStation, Xbox, and more
Hulu’s 4K and HDR Availability
While Hulu offers over 4,000 titles, only a select few are available in 4K. Most Hulu Originals, including The Handmaid’s Tale and Helstrom, are available in 4K Ultra HD. Supported devices include Apple TV, Chromecast Ultra, Fire TV, LG TVs, Roku, Samsung TVs, Vizio SmartCast TVs, and Xbox One.
Comparing Hulu to Competitors
Hulu’s closest rivals, Netflix and Prime Video, offer slightly different pricing and content libraries. Netflix’s ad-supported plan is slightly cheaper at $6.99/month, and its ad-free option costs $15.49/month. Prime Video offers an ad-free experience for $8.99/month or $14.99/month with a full Amazon Prime membership, which includes additional perks.
Max, formerly HBO Max, offers an ad-supported plan for $9.99/month and an ad-free option for $15.99/month. The Max Ultimate Ad Free plan, priced at $19.99/month, includes 4K UHD streaming and more concurrent streams.
With Hulu’s merger with Disney Plus and the new bundle options, the platform is poised to offer a more competitive and comprehensive streaming experience.
