What Hulu costs right now

Hulu offers four subscription tiers, each with a different price and set of features. The Hulu (With Ads) plan costs $7.99 per month. The Hulu (No Ads) plan costs $15.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV, which includes live television channels alongside on-demand content, costs $76.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV (No Ads) costs $82.99 per month.

These prices are current as of early 2024, but Hulu has raised prices multiple times in recent years. The company typically announces price changes on its website and through email to existing subscribers. If you are already subscribed, your bill may not change when ready — Hulu usually applies new prices when your current billing cycle ends.

Hulu also offers bundle deals that combine Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+. The Disney Bundle (with ads on Hulu) costs $14.99 per month for all three services. The Disney Bundle (No Ads) costs $24.99 per month. These bundles cost less than paying for each service separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Hulu's base plan with ads costs $7.99 per month, and the ad-free version costs $15.99 per month.
  • Hulu + Live TV adds broadcast and cable channels and costs $76.99 per month with ads or $82.99 without ads.
  • The Disney Bundle combines Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $14.99 per month (with ads on Hulu) or $24.99 per month (no ads).
  • Hulu raises prices periodically, and existing subscribers are notified before changes take effect at the end of their billing cycle.

Differences between the ad-supported and ad-free plans

The main difference is the presence of advertisements. On the Hulu (With Ads) plan, you see ads during shows and movies, similar to traditional television. The exact number and length of ads varies by title — some shows have more ad breaks than others. On the Hulu (No Ads) plan, you watch without interruption, though a small number of titles still show a brief ad at the beginning or end due to licensing restrictions.

Both plans give you access to the same library of content. You can stream on the same number of devices, and you can read episodes to watch offline on both plans. The only substantive difference is the ads themselves.

What Hulu + Live TV includes

Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu's on-demand library with live television channels. The service includes local broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox) in most markets, plus cable channels like ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and others. The exact channel lineup depends on your location and your cable provider's agreements with networks.

With Hulu + Live TV, you get a cloud-based DVR that stores recordings for up to nine months. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward through live TV. You can also stream on multiple devices at once, though simultaneous streams are limited depending on your plan.

Hulu + Live TV costs significantly more than the base plans because you are paying for access to live broadcast and cable content, not just on-demand shows and movies. If you only watch on-demand content and do not need live television, the base Hulu plans are much cheaper.

How to check your current plan and price

To see which plan you are on and what you are paying, log into your Hulu account on a web browser or the Hulu app. On the web, go to your Account settings and look for the "Subscription" or "Plan Details" section. This page shows your current plan name, your monthly cost, and your next billing date.

If you want to change plans, you can do so from the same page. Hulu lets you switch between plans at any time. If you downgrade to a cheaper plan, the change takes effect when ready. If you upgrade to a more expensive plan, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing cycle.

Student and family discounts

Hulu offers a discounted plan for students through the Spotify Student bundle, which includes Hulu (With Ads), Spotify, and Disney+ for $14.99 per month. You must be a current college or university student and verify your status through a third-party verification service.

Hulu does not offer a separate family plan with multiple user accounts at a discount. However, most Hulu plans allow multiple people to watch on different devices at the same time, and each person can have their own profile with separate watch history and recommendations. The number of simultaneous streams varies by plan.

Free trial and promotional offers

Hulu periodically offers a free trial period to new subscribers, typically lasting seven days. The availability and length of the free trial can change, and it may not be available to everyone or in all regions. Some promotional offers bundle Hulu with other services or provide a discount for the first few months.

If you are a new subscriber, check Hulu's website directly to see what offers are currently available. Promotional rates usually increase to the regular price after the promotional period ends, unless you cancel before that date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause my Hulu subscription instead of canceling?

Hulu does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you will stop being charged. If you want to resubscribe later, you can do so whenever you are ready. Your watch history and profiles may be saved for a limited time after cancellation.

Do I have to pay for Hulu if I have cable?

Hulu is a separate service from cable television. Some cable providers bundle Hulu with cable packages at a discount, but you typically pay for both separately. Check with your cable provider to see if they offer a bundled rate.

What happens to my subscription if I don't use it for a while?

Your subscription continues and you are charged every month until you cancel. Hulu does not automatically cancel inactive accounts. If you are not using your subscription, you must cancel it yourself to stop being charged.

Can I share my Hulu password with someone outside my household?

Hulu's terms of service state that subscriptions are for personal, non-commercial use within a single household. Sharing passwords with people outside your household may violate these terms. Hulu has implemented technology to detect and restrict simultaneous streams from different locations.