Netflix vs. Hulu: Which Streaming Service Offers More Value?

Editor: Kirandeep Kaur on Oct 30,2024

Streaming services have revolutionized the way we obtain entertainment in today's digitally captured world. There is a long list of what is available, and a person may become confused about where to go. Among those, Netflix and Hulu hold the top spots as contenders for the best. But out of these two, is one worth your subscription fee? This blog will plunge into the Netflix vs. Hulu debate by exploring such questions as subscription costs, content libraries, user reviews, and the best shows available in the USA.

Subscription Fees: Let's Do the Math

The first thing that probably pops into your head when thinking about subscribing to a service like this is the monthly fee. Here are each company's prices as of 2024:

Netflix: At present, Netflix provides three plans below:

  • Basic Plan: For $9.99 a month, and with ads
  • Standard Plan: $15.49 per month (ad-free)
  • Premium $19.99 per month ad-free, 4K video streaming and viewing on up to 4 screens.

Hulu: And Hulu offers several packages, too:

  • Hulu (Ad-supported): $7.99 per month
  • Hulu (No Ads): $14.99 per month
  • Hulu + Live TV: $69.99 per month (live TV channels included)
  • Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV: $82.99 per month

If price is a concern, Hulu wins hands down when using the ad-supported version. However, if an ad-free version is desired, then Netflix offers more flexibility with its premium versions.

Content Library: What's Available?

The main appealing factor about the services on Netflix and Hulu is its content library. Both contain unique, standalone content with original series or old classic films.

Netflix

Since everyone is informed of how great it actually is, Netflix features quite an abundant amount of self-owned material, which will be, in many places, both award-winning, in forms of TV show and films. A couple of more popular ones on that list will be:

  • Stranger Things
  • The Crown
  • Bridgerton
  • Money Heist
  • Diverse Genres: Netflix's library has a vast array of genres, from drama to comedy, horror, and documentaries, catering to many tastes. International content ensures that viewers get to see shows from other cultures and languages.
  • Exclusive Movies: It heavily invests in exclusive movies with A-list stars and directors. Some of its original productions, including The Irishman and Roma, not only showed promise but have also won prestigious awards at award shows.
TV screen playing Queen Cleopatra Movie trailer or movie.

Hulu

Hulu is a service that will offer its users the newest television shows and a long list of movies and Hulu original productions. Some features of the Hulu content list are as follows:

  • Next-Day Streaming: Hulu gives access to episodes of most current TV series, which one can stream one day after airing, and this is a great way for people who want to keep up with their favorite series. This is particularly attractive to fans of network television.
  • Originals: Some of the best original shows on Hulu include:
  • The Handmaid's Tale
  • Little Fires Everywhere
  • Only Murders in the Building
  • Movies and Documentaries: Hulu has some good quality movies and documentary shows, a few of the most obscure and independent varieties as well. This means that the service is suitable for those viewers who are willing to see something new and unexplored.

Shows Available in the USA Only

No comparison of Netflix and Hulu is complete without mentioning the best shows available on both of these platforms. Both have a rich selection of popular and well-rated series.

Best Shows on Netflix

Stranger Things: A sci-fi horror show that has been a culture phenomenon and an all-time favorite among audiences of all ages. Its interesting plot and memorable characters brought a loyal fan following to the show.

It is The Witcher, a fantasy drama founded upon best-selling novels and video games. It has already earned a massive fan-following, interesting both fantasy lover as well as the ones entering the fantasy genre and also because of its so intricately designed storyline coupled with breathtaking visuals.

Ozark: This true crime drama Ozark sets the scenes with intense and tight plots with an outstanding performance display and story-telling prowess. It has received commendable praise for its penning and acting. It is one of the globally renowned South Korean thrillers, blending horror and strong political statements, which have thrust it to the world horizon.

Hulu’s Best Shows

The Handmaid's Tale

Based on Margaret Atwood's novel, it is critically acclaimed and even awarded much in this dystopian drama. Powerful themes and stellar performance have made many love to watch it.

The Great

This show is actually satirical; it explores Catherine the Great's reign. It blurs out the lines of history between reality and fiction with wit and humor, creating for it a committed fanbase.

Only Murders in the Building:  All-star comedy-mystery series, easily landed epic popularity. Smart writing and intrigue in its plot turns make it a show you don't want to miss.

Pen15: Masterly coming of age, Pen15 is so hilariously awkwardly funny about middle school. The humor is relatable, and that's why the audience of all ages likes it, and real in portraiture of adolescence is done very well with the audience.

User Reviews: What Viewers Are Saying

Consumer reviews are an important tool for understanding the general experience each of the services is giving. Below, we have a look at what the subscribers have to say about Netflix and Hulu. 

Reviews of Netflix

Pros:

  • Extensive original content with a great mix of genres.
  • Quality productions, many of them even win the awards.
  • A friendly user interface along with good personalized recommendations.
  • Availability to download content to enjoy on-the-go and off-the-line without the need of the internet.

Cons:

Many wonder whether the cost is worth the value of such an increased price. Complaints among the subscription users include paying more for less compared to when they started and it's no longer in their budget to be able to watch the show.

Some are upset because titles disappear too frequently. A rotating list of titles may annoy those fans who loved to follow a favorite show, which simply vanished from view without notice.

Hulu Reviews

Pros

Cheap subscription and large catalog of shows that are broadcasted.

Add-on live TV will be provided in order to give more traditional TV experience to the sports as well as news viewers.

Some old or new releases of the program may be available for one's view.

In terms of the user interface, it can be even a little less intuitive than some of Netflix's, thus making it a bit of a hassle if one tries to really navigate the platform.

Which Streaming Service Makes the Cut?

The choice between Hulu and Netflix will depend ultimately on you and your view preferences. Lifestyle and budget also may play a role in finalizing your choice.

Recommend Netflix if:

  • Quality original content with its emphasis on storytelling is most important.
  • All the diversity you like in your library comes through international films and series.
  • You'll pay a little extra, but you won't have to put up with commercials.
  • Downloads are nice if you want to watch them later, offline.

Pick Hulu if 

  • You want live streaming for TV shows you are watching when you sign up. 
  •  You want to see it live too.  
  • You want to pay the discount price with an immense array of genres.  

The package you'd go with would be live TV along with plenty of on-demand viewing especially in the lines of sports and news.

You love a service that continually updates its offerings with the most current content.

Final Thoughts

Both Netflix and Hulu offer great reasons to subscribe. While Netflix leads with original programming and has such an extensive movie library, Hulu excels with the up-to-date access of current TV shows and their plans are more budget-friendly. In making the correct decision, you must first examine your viewing habits and what you are looking for in the service.

With streaming, everything goes with your lifestyle. Whether it is Netflix or Hulu, these two provide treasure troves of content to entertain, inspire, and keep you going for hours on end.


This content was created by AI