Choosing the best TV streaming service can be as challenging as finding the best show to binge-watch. Using my film and pop culture expertise, I've collated the unique features and content of Hulu + Live TV and Netflix to help you make an informed decision.
In this essential guide to choosing a TV streaming service, I break down Hulu vs. Netflix's subscriptions, interfaces, originals, and more. Whether you're a movie buff, a series enthusiast, or someone who enjoys live TV, this comparison of streaming services can help you find what you're looking for.
» Curious about live streaming? Check out these ten reasons to switch to live TV.
How do Hulu and Netflix compare in price?
An essential factor to consider when choosing a streaming service is the price. Hulu + Live TV and Netflix have different pricing plans:
Hulu + Live TV Costs
Netflix's Pricing Plans
Hulu + Live TV and Netflix allow new users to try their services for free. Based on the chosen plan, Hulu + Live TV's trial can last up to 30 days. Netflix allows a one-month trial for newcomers. These trial offers can vary and might not be accessible everywhere.
» Here's why you should bundle your TV streaming services.
Does Hulu or Netflix have better channel offerings?
If live TV and streaming services with local channels are essential to you, Hulu + Live TV may be the better choice. But if an extensive library of on-demand movies and shows is your priority, Netflix offers more.
Hulu + Live TV
- Over 75 live and on-demand channels, including local, national, and international networks
- News, sports, entertainment, and more, such as "The Handmaid's Tale," "Grey's Anatomy," "This Is Us," and more
- Cloud DVR feature with up to 50 hours of recording
- Access to Hulu + Live TV's streaming library with thousands of titles
Netflix
- No live TV channels
- Huge catalog of titles with over 15,000 movies and shows
- Exclusive and original content, such as The Kominsky Method, The Umbrella Academy, and more
Which one has better features: Hulu or Netflix?
Hulu + Live TV and Netflix have similar features, but Hulu + Live TV has a slight edge. Here's a preview of what each provider offers:
User Profiles
You can create more than one user profile per account on both services. This feature is convenient when you have multiple viewers who have different watch histories and title preferences. You can create six additional profiles on Hulu + Live TV. Netflix limits the number of profiles per account to five.
Parental Controls
Hulu + Live TV and Netflix offer parental controls, which means you restrict the content that your kids can watch. You can set up a kid-friendly profile or use a PIN code to lock specific titles or ratings. The kids mode on Hulu + Live TV filters inappropriate content and ads.
Accessibility
About 80% of people with disabilities face accessibility challenges on online streaming services. Hulu + Live TV and Netflix each have features that make their content more accessible for this demographic.
Subtitles, closed captions, audio descriptions, and screen readers can help you enjoy your content. Hulu + Live TV also has a voiceover feature that reads the screen aloud for viewers with visual difficulties.
Offline Viewing
Hulu + Live TV and Netflix allow you to download some of their content offline. This is useful if you want to save data or have no internet connection.
However, not all titles are available for offline viewing. You must be on a specific plan and have a compatible device to use this option. For example, you can download Hulu + Live TV shows with a (no ads) subscription.
Which streaming devices can you use to watch Hulu and Netflix?
Hulu + Live TV
- Amazon Fire tablets: Amazon Fire TV (Fire OS 5.0 and later)
- Android phones and tablets: Android TV devices, Apple iPhones and iPads, Apple TV (4th generation and later)
- Other: Contour 2 and Stream Player Boxes, Echo Show (8, 10, and 15), LG WebOS and Samsung smart TVs, Nintendo Switch (R1 and Lite), PlayStation 4 and 5, Roku, Vizio SmartCast TVs, Web browsers, Xbox, Xfinity Flex and X1 TV Boxes, Xumo TV and XiOne Box.
Netflix
- Android phones and tablets: Apple iPhones and iPads, Apple TV (4th generation and later)
- Other: LG WebOS smart TVs, Nintendo Switch (R1 and Lite), Roku, Samsung smart TVs, Vizio SmartCast TVs, Web browsers, Xbox, Xumo TV and XiOne Box.
What shows and original content does each streamer offer?
Hulu + Live TV and Netflix cater to different tastes and preferences. Here's a taste of what you can expect to find on each platform:
» Test these streaming services with free/paid trials.
Is the user experience better on Hulu or Netflix?
The quality of the user experience with a streaming service depends on how easy and enjoyable it is. This includes the platform's design, layout, navigation, and performance. Since viewers spend 10.5 minutes on average looking for something to watch, a streamlined user interface can help reduce this time.
Let's compare Hulu + Live TV's usability with Netflix:
Design
- Hulu + Live TV’s interface is dark and minimalist, with large thumbnails and categories.
- Netflix uses smaller thumbnails, and the interface is colorful.
- You'll find a search function and a menu bar for browsing both services.
Layout
- Hulu + Live TV’s layout is horizontal. You can scroll sideways to see more titles in each category.
- Netflix has a vertical layout where you can scroll up and down.
- Each provider has a queue option for saving shows you want to watch later.
Navigation
- Hulu + Live TV has a swipe-based navigation. You can swipe to go back or forward or to see more details.
- Netflix offers a button-based navigation. You can use buttons to control the playback.
- Both have a "Skip Intro" and a "Next Episode" button.
Performance
- Hulu + Live TV has a variable bitrate. This adjusts the video quality according to your internet speed and device capabilities.
- Netflix's bitrate is fixed, which keeps the video quality the same regardless of your Wi-Fi connection speed and device.
- Each operator has a data saver option to reduce the data usage and the video quality.
Deciding on Your Streaming Service
If you're part of the 93% of Americans considering adding more streaming options, you should assess your specific needs and preferences before deciding on a TV streaming platform. Hulu + Live TV and Netflix have unique offerings, each with its strengths, but the final decision rests on what matters most to you as a viewer.
If you need even more information, explore Netflix alternatives for extra benefits, and discover why you should use a TV streaming service. Both services are here to broaden your entertainment horizons, so take the time to weigh your options.
» Want to cut the cord? Learn how to move beyond traditional cable TV.
