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
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.
Subscription streaming service with original films, series, and documentaries.
Broad-based streaming service with next-day TV episodes, live TV, and extensive entertainment variety.
Structured comparison data for Netflix vs Hulu with 372 attributes.
Original Content Releases in January 2026
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
Maximum Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard/Ad-Free US Plan)
Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)
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.