Amazon Prime Video offers more total content (over 15,000 titles vs Hulu's 10,000+) and includes free shipping benefits, while Hulu excels in next-day TV episodes and original series, making it superior for current TV show watchers. Hulu costs $7.99/month ad-supported vs Prime Video's $14.99/month, but Prime bundles additional services like Prime Shopping.
Hulu vs Amazon Prime Video — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Hulu if you prioritize affordable, current TV episodes and next-day content access—it's ideal for cord-cutters wanting live-TV-like updates. Choose Amazon Prime Video if you want the largest library, original prestige content, and bundled shopping/music perks, making it better for families and those already in the Amazon ecosystem.
Disney-owned streaming service with extensive on-demand library, original series, and live TV options.
Amazon's streaming service offering 15,000+ titles plus Prime member shipping benefits and included music service.
Original Series Quality (Emmy wins 2024)
Hulu vs Amazon Prime Video — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Hulu vs Amazon Prime Video with 227 attributes.
Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)
Average Rotten Tomatoes Score (Originals Only)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
Hulu vs Amazon Prime Video — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Hulu vs Amazon Prime Video.
Can I watch current TV episodes on these services?
Hulu specializes in next-day episodes from ABC, NBC, Fox, and other networks for $7.99/month, making it the clear winner for current TV. Amazon Prime Video has limited TV episode access due to licensing restrictions; most shows are available weeks or months after airing, though some exceptions exist. If current TV access is your priority, Hulu is significantly better.
How much does it cost if I want ad-free viewing?
Hulu's ad-free tier costs $14.99/month, same as Amazon Prime Video's standalone price. However, Hulu can be bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for the same $14.99/month. Amazon Prime Video at $14.99/month includes broader benefits if you're an Amazon Prime member (free shipping, Prime Music, Prime Photos), making the value proposition different—it depends on whether you use those services.
Which service has better original content?
Amazon Prime Video won 27 Emmy awards in 2024 vs Hulu's 19, indicating stronger prestige original series and films. Prime's hits include The Boys, Fallout, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Hulu's strengths lie in strong TV originals like The Handmaid's Tale but has fewer acclaimed films. For overall quality originals, Prime Video edges ahead.
How many people can watch simultaneously?
Amazon Prime Video allows 3 simultaneous streams on the standard plan, while Hulu only allows 2. If you have a larger family or roommates, Prime Video offers better value for concurrent viewing. However, both services offer premium tiers with more simultaneous streams at higher costs.
Many users find value in both: Hulu for current TV episodes ($7.99/month with ads), and Prime Video for prestige originals and a larger library (especially if already an Amazon Prime member). The $7.99 Hulu ad-supported tier plus Prime membership (for shipping) totals less than both premium tiers separately. If budget allows, the combination covers different viewing needs well.