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Hulu Channels, Plans, and Pricing

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For more than a decade, Hulu was known as an on-demand streaming service. Hulu also offers a Live TV service supplying subscribers with live local networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and cable TV channels like ESPN, FX, HGTV, and more. You can see all the channels offered in your area by entering your zip code on this Hulu Page.

This guide covers all the updated information you need to know about all of Hulu’s plans, channel line-ups, pricing, features, and more. 

Table of Contents

How Much Does Hulu Cost

Hulu offers four different price options. The Hulu Streaming Library costs $5.99 per month with ads and $11.99 per month to watch ad-free. For $64.99 per month, you can add live TV to the ad-supported Hulu Streaming Library. Subscribers. Finally, you can have Live TV with the ad-free Hulu Streaming library for $70.99 per month. Hulu also offers add-on features. Read on for more details on Hulu plans and add-on features.

  • Hulu (with ads): This plan costs $5.99 per month, but provides an annual billing option priced at $59.99 per year. You are signing up for one year, but saves you almost $12, roughly 16.5% off the price of paying month to month for 1 year of Hulu. This subscription tier provides access to the entire Hulu streaming library. However, you do not get access to any live channels with this plan. This plan features on-demand TV shows from network and cable TV along with all the Hulu Originals. This plan is ad-supported, so you have to watch commercials when streaming Hulu on-demand.
  • Hulu (no ads): This plan costs $11.99 per month. There isn’t an annual billing option with this plan. With this plan, you get all the movies and TV shows in Hulu’s streaming library commercial-free. (Due to network arrangements, Grey’s Anatomy, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and How To Get Away With Murder will always have commercials). Again, this plan is for Hulu on-demand. You do not receive any live TV channels with this plan.
  • Hulu + Live TV: Priced at $64.99 per month, this plan provides the Hulu Streaming Library (with ads) along with live TV service for over 65 channels typically found on network and cable television. This plan provides the ability to watch on 2 devices at once, 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage, and more features we cover later in the article.
  • Hulu (no ads) + Live TV: Priced at $70.99 per month, this plan provides Hulu Live TV and the ad-free Hulu’s Streaming Library. (Live TV will still have commercials)
  • Live TV add-on Features: If you subscribe to either of the Hulu + Live TV plans, you can also add the following features:
    • Unlimited Screens: For an additional $9.99 per month, you have the option to watch Hulu on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
    • Enhanced DVR: For an additional $9.99 per month, you can increase your DVR storage from 50 hours to 200 hours and gain the ability to fast-forward through ads on live-TV DVR recordings.
    • Unlimited Screens + Enhanced DVR: Get both of these add-on features for $14.99 per month.

There are also options to add premium channels and additional Live TV channels. We cover those later in this article. New customers can test any Hulu plan through a free trial. If you have any questions about the free-trial, please see our article: All You need to know about Hulu’s Free Trial.

Cost / month# of StreamsDescription
$5.992Hulu On-Demand with ads
$11.992Hulu On-Demand without ads
$64.992Hulu Live TV and On-Demand with ads
$70.992Hulu Live TV and On-Demand without ads
+$9.992Hulu Live TV – add Enhanced DVR
+$9.99Unlim.Hulu Live TV – add Unlimited Streams
+$14.99Unlim.Hulu Live TV – add Unlimited Streams AND Enhanced DVR

You can also subscribe to premium channels through Hulu. The table below shows the monthly price of various premium channels you can add to any Hulu plan.

ChannelPrice
HBO$14.99/month
Showtime$10.99/month
Cinemax$9.99/month
Starz$8.99/month

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Difference Between Hulu Plans

The sections below explain the difference between Hulu and Hulu+live TV.

Hulu On-Demand Library

For only $5.99 per month, Hulu provides on-demand access to full seasons of select TV shows, hit movies, and Hulu originals. Hulu also includes FX on Hulu, showing exclusive shows and TV shows airing on FX the very next day. Here is what to expect from this service:

  • Hulu shows limited ads but offers an ad-free version for $11.99 per month*
  • Hulu Watch Party lets Hulu subscribers watch movies and shows together from different locations.
  • FX on Hulu – provides FX exclusive shows, past FX shows, and current series currently airing on FX just 1 day after an episode premiers.
  • Watch Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale, Shrill, and The Act.
  • Watch the current season of popular shows like This is Us, Grey’s Anatomy, The Resident, and more.
  • Bundle Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. All three are only $12.99 per month! 
  • You can add premium channels like HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax.
  • No contract obligation. Cancel any time at no additional cost
  • The vast majority of on-demand is ad-free. Certain shows will have ads. Currently, those shows are Grey’s Anatomy, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and How to Get Away with Murder. The ad-free plans also include the ability to download shows and movies from Hulu.

What Shows Does Hulu Have On-Demand

In addition to original shows, Hulu’s streaming library carries shows from most major broadcast and cable networks. The network link’s below will show you what is available to watch now on Hulu from each network.

Hulu Watch Party

On December 2, Hulu unveiled its “Watch Party” feature. Watch Party allows you to watch a movie are TV series with friends in different locations. This feature synchronizes the video, so all participants are watching at the same time. Watch Party also adds a group chat ability to the movie. Here are some important things to keep in mind about the new Watch Party feature:

  • Up to 8 people can join a single Watch Party session. Participants who share the same Hulu account can join through their profile.
  • Watch Party is only for users who are at least 18 years old. Kids profiles cannot participate in Watch Party.
  • Watch Party currently only works on your web browser. You can’t use it on streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.

Thousands of on-demand movies and shows from Hulu’s streaming library are available with Hulu Watch Party. Look for a Watch Party icon on the details page of movies and TV shows to see if this feature is available on the video you want to watch.

To start a Watch Party:

  1. Visit Hulu.com on a supported web browser
  2. Find a title available with Watch Party — look for this icon next to a video
  3. Select the Watch Party icon on the Details page
  4. Click Start Watching
  5. Once in playback, select the chain icon  to copy the link, then send it to other participants so they can join you

To join a Watch Party, use the invitation link you received from the Hulu Watch Party host. Remember that you must be a Hulu (No Ads) or Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV subscriber and be at least 18 years old to use the feature. 

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Hulu + Live TV

Subscribing to Hulu + Live TV provides everything you get with Hulu in addition to the ability to stream live local networks and live TV on popular channels found on cable. This plan includes

  • All the on-demand access you normally receive with Hulu
  • live local ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and more in most markets of the country
  • Live access to popular channels found on cable, including HGTV, ESPN, Disney, A&E, Bravo, and more.
  • 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. You can upgrade to 200 hours and fast-forward through recorded commercials for an additional $9.99 per month.
  • Comes with 6 customizable profiles
  • Watch Hulu on 2 screens at once. Watch on unlimited screens for an additional $9.99 per month.
  • Add additional channel packages like Español Add-On for an additional $4.99/month and Entertainment Add-On for an additional $7.99/month
  • No contract obligation. Cancel any time at no extra cost

You get a great channel line-up on Hulu+Live TV. You can also use this tool on Hulu’s website to see all the channels you can watch live on Hulu in your area: Hulu Live TV Channels by Zipcode.

Subscribing to Hulu Live TV

The Price of Hulu Live TV is $64.99 per month. Hulu Live TV plan includes the Hulu on-demand with limited ads. Subscribers can have ad-free on-demand with Live TV for $70.99 per month.

  1. In your browser, go to this Hulu + Live TV sign-up page and chose “Start Your Free Trial.”
  2. Enter an email address, choose a password and personal information.
  3. Click Continue, then enter your payment information.
  4. Now choose any premium add-ons like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, or STARZ. If you chose Hulu + Live TV, you also could choose from the live add-on options.
  5. Once you complete the subscription signup, you will have access to Hulu + Live TV.

Hulu Subscribers: Adding Live TV to Hulu

For current Hulu Streaming Library subscribers, the steps to add live TV to your Hulu subscription is below.

  1. Log in to your Hulu account on the web. From the Hulu home screen, mouse over your name in the upper right and select “Account” from the drop-down.
  2. Scroll down to the “Your Subscription” section and click on “Manage Plan.”
  3. Choose one of the Hulu Live TV plans. Both include the Hulu On-Demand library you currently subscribe to. The $64.99/month plan shows ads when streaming on-demand content. The $70.99 plan does not. However, you will have to watch commercials while watching live TV. Once you select your plan, click “Review Changes.”pick hulu live plan
  4. Enter your Zip Code
  5. Click Submit. You may be asked a few questions to personalize your Hulu experience.

Watching Live TV on Hulu

Based on the type of device you are using, Live TV will work in slightly different ways. Let’s look at how Hulu Live TV acts on various devices.

Hulu Live TV on TV Streaming Devices

On Streaming devices, you should see a “Live” menu option on your Hulu Home screen. Select Live, and Live TV pops on. The last channel watched will be on just as if you turned on a television. You change the channel using the channel guide. To access the guide, press down on your remote or controller (swipe up on Apple TV). 

hulu Live tv guide

You then use the arrows on the guide to navigate the menu and press OK to select a show. Based on where the show is currently airing, you will be presented with the following options:

  • By Selecting a Show Currently Airing, you can:
    • Watch Live on That Network
    • Start Over (Watch from the Beginning)
    • Record (Records the Show in your cloud DVR)
    • Show Details (Information on the show)
  • By Selecting a Show Airing Later, you can:
    • Change the Channel to That Network
    • Record (Records the Show in your cloud DVR)
    • Show Details (Information on the show)

Recorded shows are saved under the “My Suff” menu from the home screen. Within “My Stuff,” you will be able to watch and delete recorded shows.

Hulu Live TV on Mobile Devices

hulu live tv on mobile

On iOS and Android devices, you will find a “Live” icon that looks like a lightning bolt at the bottom of the screen from within the Hulu app. If your device is turned vertically (up and down), you will see a show with the channel guide below. Turn your device horizontally (side to side) to watch live TV on full screen. Return the screen to a vertical position if you need to access the guide. To use the guide, follow the following instructions:

  • Select the Network to watch that channel live
  • Click a show currently airing to watch from the start, record or see the show details
  • Clicking a show airing later will allow you to record or see the details
  • Tap the playback window and click the “X” in the upper left of the screen to return to the home screen

Recorded shows are saved under the “My Suff” menu option at the bottom of the Home screen. Within “My Stuff,” you will be able to watch and delete recorded shows.

Hulu Live TV on The Web

To use Hulu Live TV on the web, log into your Hulu account at Hulu.com and select “Live” from the Home menu. The Guide will show with playback happening in a box at the lower right of the screen. You can expand the playback window to full screen or close it. If you are in full screen and want to return to the guide, select the Live TV menu on the main navigation bar at the top of the screen During playback. Selecting shows from the guide panel works similar to the guide functions on a TV streaming device 

  • By Selecting a Show Currently Airing, you can:
    • Watch Live on That Network
    • Start Over (Watch from the Beginning)
    • Record (Records the Show in your cloud DVR)
    • Show Details (Information on the show)
  • By Selecting a Show Airing Later, you can:
    • Change the Channel to That Network
    • Record (Records the Show in your cloud DVR)
    • Show Details (Information on the show)

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What’s On Hulu Live TV

For a full list of all the channels available on Hulu Live TV, including local broadcast channels, you can see the Hulu Live TV Channel Lineup, or see the channels available in your zip code.

Also note that Hulu inked a deal on January 4th with ViacomCBS and the following channels will be available on the network very soon: BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, VH1, CMT, Nick Jr., TV Land, BET Her, MTV2, NickToons, TeenNick, MTV Classic.

Hulu Channel Lineup

Below are all the channels you get when subscribing to Hulu+Live TV:

Hulu also offers a way to subscribe to premium channels like HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax. Hulu Live TV also offers the following two channel add on packages:

Hulu Live TV Entertainment Add-On – For an additional $7.99 per month, you receive the following additional channels:

  • DIY
  • Lifetime Movies
  • FYI
  • The Cooking Channel
  • Destination America
  • Discovery Family
  • Science Channel
  • Discovery Life
  • AHC
  • CNBC World.

Hulu Live TV Español Add-On – For an additional $4.99 per month you receive the following additional channels:

  • ESPN Deportes
  • NBC Universo
  • CNN En Español
  • Discovery en Español
  • Discovery Familia
  • History Channel En Español

What’s On Hulu Streaming Library

Readers want to know what’s on Hulu. Of course, the Hulu Live TV service will offer all the shows on the networks the service carries. As for their streaming library, there are a ton. There are original shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, Pen15, Shrill and Marvel Runaways. Check out our ranking of the best Hulu Originals for more info on Hulu’s original programming.

There are network and cable TV hits like This Is Us, The Good Doctor, Fargo, Law and Order SVU, Impractical Jokers and more.

There are too many shows available to list here. If you want to know what to watch on Hulu, check out all the shows and movies available.

In addition to the latest network TV episodes, Hulu provides thousands of episodes of hit TV shows on cable. Granted, many are on a one-season delay. Meaning Hulu won’t air a season until it’s roughly a year old. However, there are a few exceptions. If this is a concern, you may want to look into the Hulu Live TV service, which includes a cloud DVR for recording shows.

Hulu also has an arsenal of original programming. Shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Harlots” are only available on Hulu, adding additional value to the service.

In addition to a vast library of TV shows, Hulu also offers a decent selection of movies. You can check on Hulu’s Website to see what is new every month on Hulu.

See All The New Shows On Hulu This Month

Hulu Profiles

Hulu allows subscribers to set up six profiles on one account regardless of the plan. Each Hulu profile provides a personalized streaming experience for everyone in the house, including the kids. Profiles track which shows and movies you enjoy and helps you discover new ones with recommendations based on your tastes. 

You can edit or remove Profiles from your online Account page from a computer or mobile device (Account Link for mobile.)

When you create a new Profile, you can toggle the Kids switch ON to make it a Kids Profile. This will restrict the user of that profile to a special “Kids hub,” a safe space for your children to search and stream while avoiding mature content on Hulu. You can also edit a profile at a later time to toggle the Kids switch on or off. 

How to Watch Hulu on TV

Follow the following instructions to start watching Hulu.

  1. In your browser, go here for Hulu or here for Hulu + Live TV and chose “Sign Up Now.”
  2. Once you chose your plan, enter an email address, choose a password and personal information.
  3. Click Continue, then enter your payment information.
  4. Now choose any premium add-ons like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, or STARZ. If you chose Hulu + Live TV, you also could choose from the live add-on options.
  5. Once you complete the subscription signup. Download the Hulu app to one of the supported devices. Open the App, sign in, and start streaming.

Hulu Device Support

Hulu is supported by the following popular streaming devices and smart TVs:

PlayStation 3 and 4 support Hulu’s on-demand streaming library, but not the Hulu Live TV service.

Here is a full listing of devices supported by Hulu. If you do not have one of these streaming devices, Hulu supports most modern browsers. Therefore, you can hook your laptop or PC to your television and use your TV as a monitor. I explain how to do this in my guide on How to watch Netflix on your TV. Hulu is supported on the following browsers: Internet Explorer 10 or above, Firefox 15 or above, Safari 5 or above, Chrome, or Edge.

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Hulu Video And Audio Quality

Hulu On-Demand supports up to 4K Ultra HD video if the show supports 4K video; this includes most Hulu Original shows. Hulu supports 4K Ultra on the following devices. 

Hulu 4K Support

  • Apple TV (5th generation or later)
  • Chromecast Ultra
  • Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
  • LG TVs (2017 UHD models or later)
  • Roku and Roku Stick (3810X, 3920X, 4400X and 46*0X models) and Roku Smart Soundbar
  • Vizio SmartCast TVs
  • Xbox One (S and X models)

Hulu Live TV can be viewed in 720p and 1080o at 60fps high definition (HD) video qualities. It depends on the show being available in that resolution and if Hulu supports your device at that resolution. Below is a list of devices and the video resolution Hulu supports on that device.

720p/60fps:

  • Android TV (select models)
  • Android phones and tablets (select models)
  • Apple TV
  • Chrome browser (supported versions)
  • Chromecast
  • Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
  • Fire Tablet (4th generation or later)
  • iPhone and iPad
  • LG TV (WebOS 3.0 and above)
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PlayStation 4
  • Roku (supported versions)
  • Samsung TV (select models)
  • Vizio SmartCast TVs

1080p/60fps:

  • Apple TV (4th generation or later)
  • Chromecast
  • Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
  • Playstation 4
  • Samsung TV (select models)
  • Xbox One 

In other words, if the show has availability in 1080p high definition, Hulu will offer it in that resolution. To stream Hulu in 1080p HD it’s recommended you have an internet connection speed of at least 3 Mbps. However, it may be possible to stream at 720p with just 1.5 Mbps without much buffering. It’s recommended to have 8 Mbps to stream Hulu Live TV

Hulu Audio

Hulu Live TV supports 5.1 surround sound audio. Hulu on-demand can stream 4K on some titles but usually streams at 1080p.

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How Does Hulu Work

Depending on the device you are using, setting up Hulu may vary. However, in all cases, it’s very straightforward. Setup typically involves downloading an app to the device and simply logging in with the username and password you used when you signed up for Hulu.

The service itself is extremely stable. I’ve been a subscriber for over 4 years and have never had an issue. I can’t even remember ever having an instance when a show was dropped or buffered. Hulu is one of the most dependable streaming services I have ever used.

I’m a Hulu Subscriber and find the service to be well worth the money. I currently have the Hulu+ Live TV with add-free streaming library subscription. It’s my go-to service for live TV and on-demand. The quality of service and content available makes Hulu On-Demand a great value at either price. If Hulu has the content you want, it’s well worth the price. Hulu is easily a top-notch 5-star streaming service.

Overall, Hulu Live-TV offers all the bells and whistles you would get with a Multi-room HD DVR cable subscription. However, that price tag comes to around $75. I see this option as less for cord-cutters and more for those looking not to have a year-long contract with a cable provider. I find it a much better deal than cable TV

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hulu

Being a popular service, I get a ton of questions about Hulu. You can find the answer to all of them below.

How Many People Can Watch Hulu at Once?

The Full answers to this question in the article: How Many People Can Watch Hulu at One Time

Subscribers to Hulu and Hulu+ Live TV can watch Hulu on two different devices at the same time. Hulu + Live TV subscribers can add the unlimited screens feature for an additional $9.99 per month to watch Hulu on as many devices as they like at the same time.

How Does Hulu Compare Vs. Other Streaming Services

We rated Hulu as the best TV live streaming service on the market. We also rated Hulu as good or better in the following comparisons.

What is Hulu Plus?

Hulu Plus or (Hulu+) no longer exists. When Hulu first started, they would offer a free version that you could watch online. The Hulu Plus version was a paid version of Hulu that opened up more content and provided customers with the ability to use mobile and streaming devices.

How Many Devices Can You Have On Hulu?

The Full answers to this question in the article: How Many People Can Watch Hulu at One Time

Hulu’s on-demand service only allows one stream at a time. However, that stream can be on any supported device you choose. The Live TV service allows two simultaneous streams. The Live TV service also allows you to upgrade to unlimited screens for an extra $9.99 per month.

Why Does Hulu Have Commercials?

Hulu provides an ad-free option to On-Demand streaming. However, the live service will include ads. Even with the ad-free service, a few shows will have an ad at the beginning of the show. This is due to licensing agreements with the owner of the show.

How Do You Cancel Hulu?

It’s effortless to cancel Hulu. Simply follow these steps.

  1. Log in to your Hulu account.
  2. Click on your profile name in the top right-hand corner of the page.
  3. Under Your Subscription, click “Cancel Subscription.”
  4. Provide a reason for canceling
  5. Finalize your cancellation.

It will cancel at the end of this billing cycle. (Usually within 30 days at most.)

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