Netflix vs Hulu: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Netflix and Hulu are the most-compared pair in US streaming. Hulu lists 4K on both plans, bills its plan with ads yearly and bundles with Disney+; Netflix keeps 4K for Premium, bills monthly only, but downloads on every plan and works outside the US.
Option A
Option B
We compare plans with a similar purpose, whose features may differ; prices before sales tax; prices for other plans and periods are in the reviews.
Feature comparison
| Criterion | Netflix | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Standard with ads, Standard, Premium | With Ads, Premium (+ bundles) |
| 4K | Premium | Both plans |
| Downloads | Every plan | Premium |
| Yearly billing | No | Plan with ads |
| Where | Many countries | US only |
Netflix is built around its own originals and a three-plan ladder; Hulu is a US-only library of TV series and originals, best known in bundles with Disney+ and ESPN.
If you don’t want to read further
Current TV series, bundles with Disney+, 4K on a budget — Hulu. Netflix originals, downloads on the cheapest plan, watching abroad — Netflix.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
Is 4K on the cheaper plan?
Netflix
No. Both Standard plans are 1080p; 4K with HDR is on Premium.
Hulu
Yes. Hulu lists up to 4K UHD on both plans.
For 4K on a budget, Hulu (With Ads) is the only one of the two.
Can the plan with ads download?
Netflix
Yes, up to 15 downloads per device per calendar month.
Hulu
Downloads are listed for Hulu Premium only.
Offline on the cheapest plan — Netflix.
Yearly billing?
Netflix
Not offered.
Hulu
Yes, on Hulu (With Ads).
Only Hulu lets you prepay — on the plan with ads.
Where does it work?
Netflix
In many countries; the catalog differs abroad.
Hulu
You need to be located in the US to subscribe.
If you travel a lot, Netflix is more flexible.
Is the top plan completely ad-free?
Netflix
Yes — Standard and Premium have no ads in shows and movies.
Hulu
Almost: Hulu Premium excludes a few shows that play with ads before and after the video.
If even a few ads bother you, Netflix’s ad-free plans are cleaner.
Bundles?
Netflix
Through phone and internet providers (Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum, T-Mobile, Verizon and others).
Hulu
With Disney+, ESPN Select or Unlimited, and HBO Max — plus Hulu + Live TV.
If you want Disney+ too, a Hulu bundle usually beats two separate subscriptions.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
Both have a plan with ads
Netflix Standard with ads and Hulu (With Ads) are the entry points.
Both offer paid sharing
Netflix extra members and Hulu’s Extra Member add-on.
No long-term commitment
Both are subscriptions you can cancel any time; Hulu says it has no cancellation fees.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You also want Disney+ | A Hulu bundle | Compare bundles with Disney+ and ESPN. |
| You want 4K without the top plan | Hulu (With Ads) | Up to 4K UHD, with ads. |
| You watch offline on a budget | Netflix Standard with ads | 15 downloads per device a month. |
| You travel abroad | Netflix | Hulu requires being located in the US. |
- Hulu requires being located in the US.
- Hulu Premium still has ads on a few shows.
- Netflix bills monthly; no annual plans.
- Downloads on Hulu are listed for Premium only.
Where the facts come from
Sources: the Netflix Help Center for the United States and the Hulu Help Center (“Hulu plans and prices”). Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Netflix or Hulu
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “Streaming services” category.
Where their scores differ
Only criteria we’ve checked for both services and where the scores differ. Equal criteria and criteria without data aren’t shown here, because they add nothing to the decision.
If what matters most is — maximum resolution: Hulu Premium
Netflix Standard: 1080p Full HD (3,0/5) · Hulu Premium: 4K UHD (HDR not for all content) (4,0/5)
If what matters most is — profiles: Hulu Premium
Netflix Standard: up to 5 (4,0/5) · Hulu Premium: up to 7 (5,0/5)
If what matters most is — app rating: Netflix Standard
Netflix Standard: 4,7 out of 5 (4,7/5) · Hulu Premium: 4,6 out of 5 (4,6/5)
The scores and their weights are the same as in the reviews of both services. How we calculate
Comparison text updated: