Netflix offers a larger content library with 12,800+ titles and ad-free plans starting at $6.99/month, while Hulu provides more current TV episodes through same-day releases and integrates live TV options, making it better for broadcast television viewers.
Netflix vs Hulu — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Subscription streaming service with original films, series, and documentaries.
Broad-based streaming service with next-day TV episodes, live TV, and extensive entertainment variety.
Content Library Size. Starting Price (Ad-Supported). Original Series Production. Live TV Bundle Option. Same-Day TV Episode Releases. Premium Tier Price. Offline Download Support
Choose Netflix if you want the largest catalog of films and series, prefer ad-free options at lower prices, and enjoy exclusive prestige content with offline viewing. Choose Hulu if you prioritize current broadcast TV episodes, want same-day releases from major networks, prefer a lower premium price point, or need live TV integration with sports and news.
Netflix: $17 Billion | Hulu: $2.5 Billion
Original Content Releases in January 2026
Netflix: Restricted with extra fees | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Available on premium tiers | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: WWE Raw, NFL Christmas Day, exclusive live events | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Original content focus with viral hits | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Standalone streaming platform | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven with high volume content | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Broad global audience across all demographics | Hulu: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Netflix: NFL, WWE Raw, major events | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 60+ original series | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: ~260 million Netflix subscribers | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Originals-focused, limited legacy franchises | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: >1.4 (higher volatility) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 30x (reduced from prior quarters) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Scale-driven content warehouse | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Available on Premium/Premium+ ($22.99) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Limited (varies by plan) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: High (comedies, young adult priority) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Vertical video feed expanding | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Verizon option ($10.99) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Extensive global coverage | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Restricted to household only | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Full gaming catalog included | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Available on all paid plans | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Undisclosed (declining) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: ~122 million equivalent | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: ~0.33 billion hours | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 0 channels | Hulu: 75+ channels
Netflix: 450+ nominations | Hulu: 120+ nominations
Netflix: Wide variety across genres | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 270+ million | Hulu: 57 million
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD (2160p) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 4K UltraHD (2160p) on Premium only | Hulu: 1080p Full HD (Premium)
Netflix: Limited (documentaries only) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Limited, delayed 45 days post-theatrical | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 4K HDR (Premium tier) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: No free trial | Hulu: 30 days (varies by plan)
Netflix: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, web, Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Roku, Fire TV (universal support) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Premium tier only ($15.49+) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: All tiers | Hulu: Premium tier only
Netflix: 85+ series & films (2024) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 75+ games (no extra cost) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: $6.99 (ad-supported) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Limited (occasional boxing) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 2,100+ originals | Hulu: 80+ originals
Netflix: 45+ days (no theatrical releases) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 4 (Premium only) | Hulu: 4 streams (standard) / 6 streams (premium)
Netflix: 8,000+ titles globally | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: No bundle available | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 2-4 (depending on plan) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: $15.49 (ad-free) / $6.99 (with ads) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 0 (none as of 2023) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Up to 4 screens (Premium plan) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Available on Premium plan | Hulu: N/A
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Netflix: Limited music documentaries only | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 282 million (as of Q3 2024) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 1-4 (tier dependent) | Hulu: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
Netflix: Limited (select events) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Limited (select shows) | Hulu: Full (most networks)
Netflix: $15.49 (with ads $6.99) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 250+ series and films | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Yes, $15.49/month and $22.99/month tiers | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: $22.99 (4K required) | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: 30-90 days post-theater | Hulu: N/A
Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: $44.99 (with ESPN Unlimited)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: 8 participants (Watch Party)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Available with bundles
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Limited (select events only)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Top 3 among streamers
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Disney+, ESPN+, FX content
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Tell Me Lies (7.2 rating)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: ESPN+ with premium sports
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Via ESPN+ partnership
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Standard mobile app
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Included (Hulu Watch Party)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Easier to browse and find content
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: $19.99/month (included)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Next-day episodes of current shows
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Standalone app ending, merging into Disney+
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Yes (ABC, NBC, Fox, FX)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Same-day/next-day (typically 8-24 hours)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: $119.99 (with ads, includes Disney+ & ESPN+)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Yes (add-on: $14.99/mo)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Yes ($14.99/month with Disney+/ESPN+)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Next-day (24 hours)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Available (600+ shows)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Available ($76.99/month add-on)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: 25+ diverse originals
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: ABC, Fox, NBC shows included
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: $14.99 (with Disney+, ESPN+)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Same-day or next-day
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: Limited (requires add-ons)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: 65+ (Hulu+Live TV $76.99/mo)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: $7.99/month (with ads)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: ~15% of library in 4K
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: 90+ channels (Live TV add-on)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: ~24 hours (next day)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: 0 games (requires ESPN+ add-on)
Netflix: N/A | Hulu: $14.99 (Disney+/ESPN+ bundle)
Netflix vs Hulu — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Netflix vs Hulu. Contains 372 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Netflix vs Hulu — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Netflix vs Hulu.
Which streaming service has better live TV options?
Hulu significantly leads with 90+ live TV channels available through its Live TV bundle at $89.99/month, including sports, news, and entertainment from ABC, NBC, Fox, and Disney networks. Netflix does not offer live TV options at any subscription tier, making Hulu the clear choice for cord-cutters needing broadcast television access.
Can I watch current TV shows day-after broadcast on both services?
Hulu provides next-day access to 95% of shows from major broadcast networks (NBC, ABC, Fox), typically available by 8 AM the following day. Netflix has limited same-day/next-day releases (approximately 8% of eligible shows) and focuses primarily on exclusive series rather than broadcast TV syndication.
Which is cheaper: Netflix or Hulu with ads included?
Netflix is $1/month cheaper at $6.99/month for ad-supported versus Hulu's $7.99/month. However, Netflix's ads are less frequent (average 2-4 per hour) compared to Hulu's more aggressive ad load (average 4 ads per 30-minute episode), making Hulu's overall viewing experience more interrupted despite the minimal price difference.
Can I download shows to watch offline on both platforms?
Netflix allows offline downloads on all subscription tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium), while Hulu restricts offline downloads exclusively to its Premium tier at $14.99/month. If offline viewing is important, Netflix offers this feature at its lowest $6.99/month tier, making it more accessible.
Is the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle only available through Hulu?
Yes, Hulu offers an integrated bundle of Hulu (with ads), Disney+, and ESPN+ for $14.99/month (Disney's most popular package as of 2024). Netflix does not partner with Disney and does not offer equivalent bundling with sports or Disney-exclusive content. This makes Hulu optimal for families wanting comprehensive Disney ecosystem access.
Content Library Size: Netflix has 12,800+ titles, while Hulu has 9,200+ titles.
Starting Price (Ad-Supported): Netflix has $6.99/month, while Hulu has $7.99/month.
Original Series Production: Netflix has 150+ originals annually, while Hulu has 95+ originals annually.
Live TV Bundle Option: Netflix has Not available, while Hulu has Available at $89.99/month.
Same-Day TV Episode Releases: Netflix has Limited (selected shows only), while Hulu has Extensive (next-day standard).
Premium Tier Price: Netflix has $22.99/month (4K, 4 screens), while Hulu has $14.99/month (1080p, 2 screens).
Offline Download Support: Netflix has Yes, on all tiers, while Hulu has Yes, on premium tier only.