Streaming services have become a staple in our entertainment consumption, and Hulu is one of the biggest names in the game. With its vast content library, original shows, and live TV option, Hulu is a popular choice among viewers. But, with so many streaming options available, the question arises: is Hulu worth it in 2023? In this Hulu review, we take a closer look at the streaming service to determine if it’s worth a spot on your streaming lineup.
How much does Hulu cost in 2023?
Price hikes in the streaming industry are as common as Hollywood stints in rehab. So before we go any further, let’s take a look to see how much Hulu costs in 2023. Hulu has 4 on-demand plans available:
Hulu (With Ads): $7.99/month
- Unlimited access to Hulu’s complete on-demand library
- Shows and movies have ads
- User profiles: 6
- Downloads: No
- Simultaneous screens: 2
- Quality: Up to 4K
Hulu (No Ads): $14.99/month
- Unlimited access to Hulu’s complete on-demand library
- Shows and movies are ad-free
- User profiles: 6
- Downloads: 25 downloads on 5 devices
- Simultaneous screens: 2
- Quality: Up to 4K
Disney Bundle Trio Basic: $12.99/month
- Unlimited access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+
- Shows and movies have ads
- User profiles: 6
- Downloads: No
- Simultaneous screens: 2
- Quality: Up to 4K
Disney Bundle Trio Premium: $19.99/month
- Unlimited access to Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+
- Shows and movies are ad-free
- User profiles: 6
- Downloads: 25 downloads on 5 devices
- Simultaneous screens: 2
- Quality: Up to 4K
Hulu vs. the alternatives
When considering whether or not Hulu is worth it in 2023, it’s important to compare it to other streaming services available in the market. Hulu competes with other on-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max.
While we list it under Live TV services, it still deserves mentioning here. One of Hulu’s unique selling points is its live TV option, which sets it apart from the competitors above. So, if you’re looking for a complete cable TV replacement, Hulu + Live TV is definitely an option worth looking at.
What kind of content does Hulu have?
Hulu offers a diverse range of content, from TV shows to movies, documentaries, and original programming. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of content available on Hulu.
Original content on Hulu
Hulu has made a name for itself with its original programming, particularly with limited series like Nine Perfect Strangers, The Looming Tower, and Little Fires Everywhere. Continuing series like The Handmaid’s Tale and PEN15 have received critical acclaim and garnered award recognition.
In 2023, Hulu is on track to release even more original content, including the highly-anticipated third season of Only Murders in the Building starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.
Here are some current Hulu originals that make it worth trying it for at least a month.
- The Handmaid’s Tale (since 2017)
- Reservation Dogs (since 2021)
- American Horror Stories (since 2022)
- How I Met Your Father (since 2022)
- Reasonable Doubt (since 2022)
- Tell Me Lies (since 2022)
- Saint X (2023)
Movies on Hulu
Hulu’s movie library is extensive and includes a mix of popular titles and lesser-known gems. From action film classics like Commando and Broken Arrow to newer releases like Palm Springs and Prey, there’s something for everyone on Hulu.
Some of the top movies on Hulu right now are:
- American Psycho
- The Help
- Lincoln
- Moulin Rouge
- The Passion of the Christ
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes
- Shrek
- Triangle of Sadness
TV shows on Hulu
Hulu offers a vast selection of TV shows, including popular hits like Grey’s Anatomy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It also has a wide variety of classic TV shows like Seinfeld and The Golden Girls.
Here are some of the most popular shows on Hulu right now:
- 9–1–1
- Abbott Elementary
- American Idol
- American Dad!
- Family Guy
- The Good Doctor
- Snowfall
Live TV on Hulu
Hulu on-demand does not have any live TV channels. However, as mentioned earlier, Hulu’s other service, Hulu + Live TV, gets you the TV channels you’re used to alongside Hulu’s streaming library. This feature makes it a great choice for viewers who want to watch live sports, news, and other programming.
While it is a different (and more expensive) service than Hulu’s current flagship on-demand streaming service, both Hulu + Live TV plans include Hulu’s complete on-demand library, as well as Disney+ and ESPN+.
Kids content on Hulu
The standard Hulu library has a decent selection of kids’ content, including popular shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and PAW Patrol. It also offers a selection of educational shows and movies, making it a great option for families with young children.
But if you go with one of the Disney+ Bundles, you’ve got the best streaming service for kids out there.
Video games on Hulu
Hulu does not currently offer any video games as part of its streaming service.
Hulu interface and usability
Navigation
Hulu’s interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The home screen offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences. The navigation menu allows users to access their profile, settings, and search function.
On the main navigation menu, there is also a tab for Hubs, which takes you to various content hubs based on themes or major studios and networks like NBC, Searchlight Pictures, FX, and 20th Century Studios.
The Elevating Voices section offers specialized hubs, such as Black Stories Always, Hispanic & Latinx Stories, and Pride Never Stops featuring LGBTQ content.
Language settings
Hulu offers closed captioning for most of its content. It also allows users to select their preferred language for audio and subtitles — however, both options are often only English. This pales in comparison to Apple TV+, which typically offers the most language options, and even Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Parental controls
Hulu offers parental controls that allow parents to restrict access to mature content. This feature allows parents to create a profile for their child with age-appropriate content. Parents can create a PIN code so their little ones can’t exit Kids Mode without Mom or Dad.
Hulu account sharing and simultaneous screens
Unlike Netflix, Hulu isn’t cracking down on password sharing. They say go for it! You can only watch on 2 screens, so it’s already got a built-in feature to effectively discourage extensive password sharing.
How many people can watch Hulu at once?
Hulu only lets you watch 2 screens at once, regardless of which plan you have. Hulu does have an Unlimited Screens add-on for $9.99/month, but it’s only for the Hulu + Live TV service.
However, if you get the Disney Bundle, you can watch Disney+ content on up to 4 screens simultaneously and ESPN+ content on 3 screens at once.
How many profiles can you make on Hulu?
You can have up to 6 profiles on your Hulu account, including your main profile. Profiles are easily created by simply going to Manage Profiles, then clicking Add Profile. Profiles don’t require an email address and each profile maintains its own preferences, favorites, and viewing history.
Hulu supported devices
Hulu is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and streaming devices.
- Media players: Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, Contour, Xfinity
- Phones & tablets: Android, iOS, Fire Tablets
- Smart TVs: Android, LG, Samsung, Vizio
- Smart home: Echo Show
- Game consoles: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Desktops & laptops: All major browsers
Is there a free trial for Hulu?
The Hulu free trial ranges from 7 days to a month, depending on what you sign up for and when. Keep in mind, that when you cancel your free trial, your access to Hulu ends immediately. You won’t be able to watch until the end of the trial period.
Verdict: Who is Hulu good for in 2023?
Hulu is the best streaming option out there for families with young (or old) kids — if you upgrade to the Disney Bundle. Everyone in the family is covered, from the sports fan to the Star Wars geek to the dedicated FX viewer and everyone in between.
But if you’re looking at only Hulu on its own, its 2-screen limit makes it not particularly good for families — especially large ones. Therefore, Hulu is best for singles or couples, especially those who enjoy high-quality, dramatic miniseries or want a huge library of network TV shows.
And you don’t mind ads.
Because the jump in price to go ad-free is almost double and you’re almost into Netflix pricing territory. Unless you’re specifically after Hulu’s original content, there are less expensive alternatives — like Paramount+ and Peacock — with similar content at much lower prices.
