Streaming Service · Tool Face-Off

Netflix vs Hulu

Quick answer

Netflix wins on original content depth and global availability, but Hulu fights back hard with live TV, next-day network episodes, and a cheaper ad-supported entry price.

Our pick

Netflix

The OG binge machine with prestige originals

4.7★

Hulu

Live TV, next-day episodes, and a surprisingly deep vault

3.8★

Starting Price (ad-supported)

$6.99/mo

$7.99/mo

Ad-Free Plan

$15.49/mo

$17.99/mo

Live TV Option

Yes ($76.99/mo+)

Next-Day Network TV Episodes

Yes

Simultaneous Streams (standard)

4K Content

Yes (extra tier)

Limited

Offline Downloads

Yes (most plans)

Yes (ad-free only)

Originals Catalog

Massive (Stranger Things, Squid Game, etc.)

Moderate (The Bear, Handmaid's Tale)

Countries Available

190+

USA only

Disney+ Bundle

Yes (with Disney+ & ESPN+)

Free Trial

Profiles per Account

Up to 5

Up to 6

Netflix

Pricing★★★☆☆

Ease of Use★★★★½

Device Support★★★★★

Content Library★★★★★

Original Content★★★★★

Offline Downloads★★★★½

Streaming Quality★★★★★

Hulu

Pricing★★★★☆

Ease of Use★★★★☆

Device Support★★★★½

Content Library★★★★☆

Original Content★★★☆☆

Offline Downloads★★★☆☆

Streaming Quality★★★★☆

Worth knowing

Netflix spent over $17 billion on content in 2023 alone.
Hulu is majority-owned by Disney, making the bundle deal a no-brainer for Disney fans.
Netflix is available in every country except North Korea, China, Russia, and Syria.
Hulu is the only major streamer offering same-day or next-day episodes from ABC, NBC, and Fox.
Netflix password-sharing crackdowns drove millions of new paid sign-ups in 2023.

Netflix was founded in 1997 as a DVD-by-mail service — yes, people once waited days for movies like peasants.

If you want

You want the best original series and global movie catalog

Netflix's sheer volume and quality of originals is unmatched — it's basically a prestige TV factory.

→ Pick Netflix

If you want

You want live TV or can't wait for network shows

Hulu is the only streaming option that doubles as a cable replacement with next-day network episodes.

→ Pick Hulu

If you want

You're a Disney, Marvel, or ESPN fan

The Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ bundle is outstanding value and consolidates three services cheaply.