Hulu vs. Hulu Plus: What's the Difference? (2024)

The choice between Hulu and Hulu Plus isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Hulu is a streaming service that includes on-demand streaming content from various networks, while Hulu Plus provides that same content in addition to live television. There are a few other important differences you might want to consider, though, including the number of simultaneous streams each one supports.

Overall Findings

Hulu and Hulu + Live TV have much of the same content, with the primary distinction being that Hulu Plus adds live-streaming television channels. That makes Hulu Plus a direct replacement for cable television and a good option for cord-cutters. The basic Hulu service only offers on-demand content, but many TV shows are available to stream the day after they air, so it is a much cheaper alternative if you don’t mind waiting to watch until the next day.

The other main difference is Hulu allows you to stream on two devices simultaneously, with no option to increase that number. Hulu + Live TV also has that same restriction but has an upgrade option to remove the limit. If your household has a lot of people who want to watch different content simultaneously, Hulu Plus makes that possible with its Unlimited Screens add-on.

Content: Hulu Plus Has Everything Hulu Does, Plus Live TV

Hulu has a large library of television and movies, including TV shows from Fox, NBC, ABC, and cable networks like FX, A&E, AMC, and BBC America. It has a large library of movies, and it produces original content as well. Hulu + Live TV has all that content in addition to over 85 live television channels, including live sports and other events. Hulu Plus also includes an unlimited cloud DVR function that lets you record live TV shows and movies and watch them later.

Since the content overlaps significantly, Hulu is the better option if you don’t want or need live television. At the same time, Hulu Plus is the one you want if you’re a cord-cutter looking to replace your cable subscription with an online alternative.

Pricing: Hulu Plus Adds a Significant Extra Cost

Hulu and Hulu + Live TV have the same pricing structure, each with an ad-supported plan, an ad-free plan, and add-ons available at an extra price. The basic Hulu service is significantly less expensive, which is standard in the streaming industry as it competes with services like Netflix and Disney+. In contrast, Hulu + TV competes with similarly expensive live television services like YouTube TV and traditional cable television.

Device Compatibility: Both Services Work on All the Same Devices

There is no difference in device compatibility between Hulu and Hulu Plus. Both services use the same apps on Windows, mobile devices, streaming devices, smart TVs, and game systems. The apps lock you out of live television if you don’t have a Hulu Plus subscription, but the two services have no difference in device compatibility. You can switch your subscription from basic Hulu to Hulu + Live TV and back using the same account and apps.

Final Verdict: Hulu Plus Is for Live Television

Hulu and Hulu Plus have much in common because they have different subscription plans for the same service. Hulu is significantly less expensive, so it’s the right choice if you aren’t interested in watching live television. It streams many shows the day after they air, includes a lot of original content, and has a big library of older shows and movies. Hulu Plus has all that, but it also includes over 85 live television channels. If you’re a cord cutter looking to replace your old cable service, Hulu Plus is designed to do just that.