The main difference between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV is the provision of live TV. While basic Hulu provides on-demand content, Hulu + Live TV adds live TV channels, directly replacing cable TV.
Because the content Hulu + Live TV provides is different, the cost is significantly higher. A Hulu subscription with ads costs $7.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV costs $69.99 per month with ads.
However, there’s something that’s not different between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV. These are the devices on which streaming works.
What is Hulu?
Hulu is a streaming service with 2 500 and more shows and movies. Hulu offers original content that is produced exclusively for the platform. Its content includes TV shows from networks such as Fox, NBC, ABC, and cable networks including FX, A&E, AMC, and BBC America.
Hulu offers basic pricing plans:
- $7.99 per month – an ad-supported plan.
- $14.99 per month – an ad-free plan.
- $1.99 per month – a plan for students.
This is also what you can add to your plan:
- ESPN+ for $9.99/month.
- Disney+ with ads for $2.00/month
- Max for $15.99/month
- Cinemax for $9.99/month
- SHOWTIME for $10.99/month
- STARZ for $9.99/month
You can watch Hulu on two devices at the same time. The service is available on a variety of devices: web players, mobile devices, streaming devices, Windows apps, Smart TV, Blu-ray, and gaming systems.
What is Hulu Plus?
Hulu Plus, also known as Hulu + Live TV, is an enhanced version of Hulu’s basic service that provides access to live TV broadcasts in addition to on-demand content. This service offers more than 85 TV channels, including live NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB sports.
Hulu + Live TV offers 2 plans:
- $69.99 per month – ad-supported plan.
- $82.99 per month – ad-free plan.
One of the key differences between Hulu Plus and basic Hulu is the unlimited cloud DVR feature, which allows users to record live TV shows and movies and watch them later.
What’s the content difference between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu Content
- Content is provided by major TV networks such as Fox, NBC, ABC, and A&E.
- Most TV shows are available for streaming just one day after their initial release.
- Hulu creates original movies and TV shows that are only available on this platform.
- Users can expand their content add-ons. This can be channels or movies.
Hulu + Live TV Content
Hulu Plus is an upgraded version of the basic Hulu package with the addition of live TV streaming. You can add to the list:
- Live TV streaming of more than 85 TV channels.
- Sports streaming includes NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB games.
- Users can record live TV streaming using the cloud DVR feature.
- As with Hulu’s basic package, Hulu Plus users can also purchase additional content bundles.
| Hulu | Hulu Plus |
|---|---|
| Original content | Same as Hulu's |
| Streaming a TV show one day after it airs | Live sports: NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB games |
| Content from Fox, NBC, ABC, A&E, and others | Over 85 channels |
| Content add-ons | Сloud DVR storage |
What’s the price difference between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu prices
- Ad-supported plan
This is a more affordable option at $7.99 per month. The plan includes regular commercial breaks.
- Ad-free plan
Hulu offers an ad-free plan for $14.99 per month. This option allows you to remove commercials from your Hulu content.
- Students
Hulu gives a 75% off discount for students. So along with the $7.99 subscription, students pay $1.99/month. But for this, you need to confirm your status through SheerID.
Hulu + Live TV prices
- Ad-supported plan
This $69.99 per month plan provides access to over 85 live channels, sports, news, and entertainment programs, as well as Hulu’s standard on-demand content. But you’ll see ads while watching.
- Ad-free plan
The ad-free plan costs $82.99 per month. You get everything the same, just without the ads.
| Hulu | Hulu Plus |
|---|---|
| $7.99 with ads | $69.99 with ads |
| $14.99 without ads | $82.99 without ads |
| $1.99 with ads (for students) |
What’s the device difference between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV?
While the content offerings and pricing structure of Hulu and Hulu + Live TV may differ, the two platforms have a lot in common when it comes to device compatibility. I will not categorize Hulu and Hulu + Live TV, as the lists will be identical.
Hulu and Hulu + Live TV device compatibility:
- Mobile apps
Android and iOS users can download the Hulu app from the App Store or Play Market.
- Streaming devices
Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV support the Hulu app.
- Web-based Player
Regardless of your browser choice, you can access Hulu Plus and its live TV channels online.
- Windows app
Windows users can stick to the same familiar app when accessing either Hulu’s on-demand library or the live TV channels of Hulu Plus.
- Smart TVs
Smart TVs also have the Hulu app for watching shows and movies.
- Game Consoles and Blu-ray
So if you want to expand your options and subscribe to Hulu + Live TV, you don’t have to change a thing. You don’t need to download any new apps, and everything will work the way it used to.
| Hulu | Hulu Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming with 2 devices | Yes | Yes |
| iOS apps | Yes | Yes |
| Android apps | Yes | Yes |
| Windows app | Yes | Yes |
| Roku | Yes | Yes |
| Fire TV | Yes | Yes |
| Apple TV | Yes | Yes |
| Game systems | Yes | Yes |
| Blu-ray | Yes | Yes |
| Smart TV | Yes | Yes |
Which Hulu plan is best for you?
It all depends on what you want to get out of your content viewing experience.
Hulu offers access to a huge library of movies and TV shows on demand. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for an affordable solution to watch quality content, not necessarily in real-time. For example, if you watch Netflix and don’t want access to live channels, Hulu is the right choice for you.
Hulu Plus offers all the benefits of Hulu’s basic plan and adds the ability to watch live streams from over 85 TV channels. You can also save them.
If you prefer to watch shows and movies on your own schedule and without restrictions, the Hulu base plan may be your choice.
If your primary goal is live TV, then certainly opting for Hulu Plus would make the most sense. However, if live TV isn’t a priority for you and you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for watching quality content, then Hulu’s basic plan will probably work for you.
