Is Hulu Right for You?
Hulu + Live TV Review
Hulu is one of the best streaming services available today due to its variety of plans and extensive streaming library . Hulu has a great mix of content with its large on-demand library, next day streams, and growing live sports package. Hulu’s customizable interface, DVR storage, and family stream options make it a great choice for a streaming service. With no hidden rental fees, or installation appointments, Hulu offers convenience and a seamless experience.
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The Pros and Cons of Hulu
Pros
- Solid mix of channels, including local channels, news, sports, and entertainment.
- User-friendly interface with personalized recommendations.
- Access to the Disney Bundle (Disney+ and ESPN+) included.
- Unlimited cloud DVR.
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors like YouTube TV.
- Limited simultaneous streams unless upgraded.
- Ads present even on the most expensive plan (except on recorded content and add-on premium channels).
- Fewer top 100 channels than YouTube TV.
Hulu is a popular streaming service with a basic on-demand streaming. The streaming service’s top tier features live TV from more than 85 top channels, including access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Hulu + Live TV also enables recording with unlimited cloud DVR storage. Learn more about Hulu below to see if it’s the right streaming service for you.
Hulu Top Movies & Shows
Movies
A Real Pain
Longlegs
Things Will Be Different
Alien: Romulus
Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)
Shows
Paradise
High Potential
A Thousand Blows
The Fox Hollow Murders: Playground of a Serial Killer
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Hulu Pricing
Hulu offers a number of ways to watch:
- Hulu Students (With Ads): $1.99/month
- Disney+, Hulu Bundle Basic (With Ads): $10.99/month
- Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium (No ads in Hulu): $19.99/month
- Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Basic (With Ads): $16.99/month
- Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium (No ads in Hulu): $26.99/month
- Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (With Ads): $16.99/month
- Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle (No Ads): $29.99/month
- Hulu + Live TV, Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/month
- Hulu + Live TV, Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ (No Ads in Hulu): $95.99/month
Cost of Hulu Add-ons
Choose your Hulu base plan, then add:
- HBO Max Basic with Ads for $9.99/month
- HBO Max Standard for $16.99/month
- Cinemax for $9.99/month
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME for $12.99/month
- STARZ for $10.99/Month
- Entertainment Add-on for $7.99/month
- Español Add-on for $4.99/month
- Sports Add-on for $9.99/month
- Unlimited Screens Add-on for $9.99/month
No matter which Hulu plan you select, SmartMove recommends taking advantage of any free trials before officially subscribing. That will allow you to test the service before committing.
What Are People Saying About Hulu?
"This streaming service is a solid pick for most cord-cutters and TV fans in general, with one of the best content libraries out there." - U.S. News 360 Reviews"Hulu is a dependable option for streaming new and classic shows as well as live TV on nearly every platform. It's a top choice among video streaming services." - Ben Moore & Kim Key, PCMag
"It’s perfect for those who want live TV channels and lots of on-demand content" - Chantel Buchi, Reviews.org
"Hulu with Live TV packs original shows you won't find elsewhere, but it has some navigation issues and annoying ads." - Marshall Honorof, Tom's Guide
"For Hulu devotees, there’s even more to like about Hulu + Live TV, especially if you’ve been looking for an excuse to cut the cord completely." - Bill Frost, CableTV.com
*Disclaimer: These reviews were collected from authoritative sources around the web and do not necessarily reflect SmartMove's official views.
What Do You Get With Hulu?
Hulu’s Base Channel Lineup
Hulu’s live channels provide access to many different types of media outlets from CNN and NBC Sports to CNBC and FOX Business. Among the local channels available are ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, along with dozens of other popular cable channels.
- Live sports with top national channels such as ESPN, SEC Network, NFL Network Fox Sports, and more, covering games from various leagues and even the Olympics.
- Channels for family and kids such as Cartoon Network, Disney Junior, Disney Channel, Boomerang, Freeform, and Universal Kids.
- Entertainment favorites such as A&E, Bravo, Discovery Channel, E, Food Network, FX, HGTV, History Channel, National Geographic, TBS, TLC, Travel Channel, and more! Those channels include crime investigation shows, hit movies, comedy specials, and even documentaries.
- Hulu original shows and movies, including The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, Fresh, Palm Springs, and more.
Hulu Add-ons include:
Premium Channels: This includes HBO’s Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ for additional monthly fees. - Enhanced Cloud DVR: Upgrade to 200 hours of storage, fast-forwarding through commercials, no limit on simultaneous recordings, and the ability to stream your recordings anywhere.
- Unlimited Screens: This allows you to watch on unlimited screens at home and up to three screens for on-the-go streaming.
- Entertainment Add-on: This package includes more channels, such as American Heroes Channel, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Military History Channel, MTV Classic, and Science.
- Español Add-on: This package offers popular Spanish channels, including CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, History Channel en Español, and Universo.
- Sports Add-on: The sports package includes NFL RedZone, FanDuel TV, the Sportsman Channel, and more.
What Do You Need To Get Hulu?
First and foremost, you need a broadband Internet connection with at least 25 Mbps to support streaming live TV. Consider exploring Internet providers in your area to find the best and most reliable connection for your home with SmartMove. Not sure if you have enough Internet speed? Run a speed test now to find out in seconds.
Aside from an Internet connection, you’ll need a supported device to stream to your TV. Hulu supports Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android devices, and more. You can even stream Hulu through a game console such as Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Playstation 4 and 5. We recommend using a smart TV to minimize your remote controls.
Benefits of Hulu
- Bundled package includes Hulu on-demand, Disney+, ESPN+, and live TV channels.
- Unlimited DVR storage for nine months.
- Extensive on-demand library of shows, movies, and Hulu originals.
What users think about Hulu
- Users appreciate the bundled package for its value and content variety.
- Some find the interface user-friendly and fun to use.
- Ad interruptions are a common complaint, even for subscribers of the ad-free plan.
- The limited simultaneous streams can be frustrating for some households.
- The DVR functionality is generally well-regarded.
Hulu is Best for
This service is best for cord-cutters who value a large library of on-demand content, enjoy the Disney Bundle, and want a good selection of live TV channels, but don't mind paying a premium price.
How Does Hulu Compare?
Check out our streaming service comparison table to see how Hulu stacks up against the other top streaming services, like YouTube TV, Sling, Paramount+, and more.
Yes, however, the availability of local sports and live news offerings varies depending on your location. Visit hulu.com to find out what channels are available in your area.
The base Hulu + Live TV package allows you to watch on up to two screens at the same time. If you upgrade to the Unlimited Screens add-on option for an additional $9.99/month, you have unlimited screens at home and three on the go. While you can download the Hulu app to as many devices as you want and be signed in across those apps, the aforementioned restrictions apply to when devices are actively streaming content. If you exceed the screen limit, you’ll receive an error message indicating that you’re watching on too many devices.
With Hulu, you can cancel any time you want and easily renew your subscription if you choose to come back.
Hulu isn't free, but it does offer a 30 day trial as part of your Hulu with ads or Hulu without ads plan. There are no free trials available for the Hulu + Live TV plans.
Yes! Hulu subscribers are able to download content to their devices for access while offline.
Hulu sources its content from many different outlets, including some TV partners who send ads embedded in their content. However, you'll have far less ads if you opt for the no-ads subscription package.
You can have up to six profiles on Hulu.
Hulu has 85+ channels available, including Food Network, ESPN, National Geographic, and more- you can see a current list here: https://www.soda.com/video/hulu-channels-list/
Hulu is not included with Amazon Prime.
The Hulu support phone number is (888) 265-6650.
It’s important to consider your own preferences and needs when determining whether to subscribe to a streaming service. With flexible plan options, many supported devices, and such a wide variety of available channels and on-demand titles, Hulu Live is one of the best streaming options on the market.
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