Netflix offers the largest content library with 10,000+ titles and ad-free options starting at $6.99/month, while Hulu provides next-day access to current TV shows and more affordable entry at $7.99/month with ads, making Netflix better for movies and Hulu superior for live television integration.
Netflix vs Hulu — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Global streaming platform offering movies, TV series, documentaries, and original content across all entertainment categories.
Disney-owned streaming service offering next-day TV access, 9,000+ titles, and live TV options.
Content Library Size. Next-Day TV Show Access. Lowest Monthly Price. Premium Tier Cost. Live TV Bundle Available. Original Series Count (2025). Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Choose Netflix if you prioritize movies, original series, and maximum content variety with the most affordable entry point ($6.99/month). Choose Hulu if you want next-day access to current network television, prefer a lower premium tier price, or need live TV integration with their bundle options.
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 UHD (Premium) | 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: 0 days | 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
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
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: Available on all tiers | Hulu: N/A
Netflix: Yes, $15.49/month and $22.99/month tiers | 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 vs Hulu — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Netflix vs Hulu. Contains 355 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 is cheaper overall?
Netflix is cheaper at entry level with its ad-supported plan at $6.99/month versus Hulu's $7.99/month. However, Hulu's premium ad-free plan is significantly cheaper at $14.99/month compared to Netflix's $22.99/month Premium tier. If you want ad-free viewing, Hulu offers better value; for basic streaming, Netflix edges out on cost.
Can I watch current TV shows the day after they air?
Yes, but only on Hulu. Hulu offers next-day access to most major network shows (ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS) as part of standard plans. Netflix does not provide systematic next-day TV access, making it less suitable for viewers who want to follow current season television.
Netflix has significantly more original series (250+) versus Hulu (120+), including award-winning shows like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game. Netflix invests approximately $17 billion annually in content production versus Hulu's estimated $8 billion, resulting in a larger catalog of exclusive originals.
Hulu offers an optional Live TV bundle for $14.99+ per month, adding 75+ live channels including ABC, NBC, Fox, and sports networks. This makes Hulu suitable for cord-cutters wanting current television. Netflix does not offer any live TV service.
What's the best quality video available on each service?
Netflix's Premium plan ($22.99/month) supports 4K UHD streaming, while Hulu's highest tier is limited to 1080p Full HD. If 4K quality is important to you, Netflix is the clear winner. Most users on standard internet connections won't notice the difference for typical viewing.
Content Library Size: Netflix has 10,000+ titles, while Hulu has 9,000+ titles.
Next-Day TV Show Access: Netflix has Limited (select shows), while Hulu has Next-day for most network shows.
Lowest Monthly Price: Netflix has $6.99/month (ad-supported), while Hulu has $7.99/month (ad-supported).
Premium Tier Cost: Netflix has $22.99/month (ad-free, 4K), while Hulu has $14.99/month (ad-free, 1080p).
Live TV Bundle Available: Netflix has No, while Hulu has Yes ($14.99+ with Live TV option).
Original Series Count (2025): Netflix has 250+ original series, while Hulu has 120+ original series.
Consider: Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan): Netflix has 2 streams (Premium: 4), while Hulu has 2 streams (all paid tiers).