Hulu charges between $7.99 and $14.99 per month when you pay yearly, depending on which plan you choose
Hulu offers a yearly payment option for three of its subscription tiers. You pay the full year upfront — usually around $96 to $180 depending on the plan — rather than paying month to month. The yearly price breaks down to a lower monthly rate than the equivalent monthly subscription, though the exact savings depend on which plan you select and whether Hulu is running a promotional offer at the time you sign up.
The yearly option is not automatically cheaper than month-to-month in dollar terms; it depends on the plan. Hulu's basic ad-supported plan costs $7.99 per month on yearly payment, which equals $95.88 per year. The same plan on a monthly subscription costs $7.99 per month, so there is no difference. However, the ad-free plan and the bundle plans show clearer savings when paid yearly instead of monthly.
You do not have to commit to a year when you sign up. You can cancel at any time, though if you have already paid for the full year, you will not receive a refund for the unused months. Hulu will straightforward stop your service on the date your year ends.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu's yearly subscription requires you to pay the full amount upfront, typically between $96 and $180 depending on which plan you choose.
- The three plans available on yearly payment are the ad-supported plan, the ad-free plan, and the bundle that includes Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Yearly payment does not always save money compared to month-to-month; the savings vary by plan and depend on current promotional pricing.
- You can cancel your yearly subscription at any time, but Hulu will not refund unused months if you stop before the year ends.
- Hulu occasionally offers promotional rates for yearly subscriptions, so the price you see may be lower than the standard yearly cost.
The three Hulu yearly plans and their current pricing
Hulu offers yearly payment for its ad-supported plan, its ad-free plan, and its bundle that combines Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. Each plan has a different yearly cost, and the price can shift when Hulu runs promotions.
The ad-supported plan is the lowest-cost option. On yearly payment, this plan costs $7.99 per month ($95.88 per year). You will see ads during shows and movies, but the content library is the same as the ad-free plan. The ad-free plan costs $14.99 per month on yearly payment ($179.88 per year), and you will not see ads. The bundle plan, which includes Hulu (ad-free), Disney+, and ESPN+, costs $14.99 per month on yearly payment ($179.88 per year).
Hulu frequently runs limited-time offers that reduce the yearly price. These promotions typically appear during major holidays or when Hulu is trying to attract new subscribers. If you see a promotional rate, that price applies only to your first year; your renewal will revert to the standard yearly price unless another promotion is active at that time.
How to set up yearly payment when you sign up
When you create a new Hulu account, you choose your plan and payment frequency on the same screen. After you select which plan you want, Hulu will show you the option to pay monthly or yearly. Select yearly, and Hulu will show you the total amount you will be charged upfront.
You will need a valid payment method — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account — to complete the yearly subscription. Hulu will charge your payment method when ready when you confirm your subscription. Your service will begin right away, and your year will end exactly 12 months from the date you sign up, not from the first of the month.
If you already have a monthly Hulu subscription and want to switch to yearly payment, you can change your plan in your account settings. Go to your Account menu, select Subscription, and choose the option to change your plan. Hulu will prorate the change, meaning if you have already paid for part of the current month, that amount will be credited toward your yearly subscription.
What happens when your yearly subscription ends
Hulu will send you an email reminder about 30 days before your year ends. The email will tell you the exact date your subscription will renew and how much you will be charged. If you do nothing, Hulu will automatically charge your payment method on the renewal date and extend your subscription for another year.
If you want to cancel before your year ends, you can do so through your Account settings at any time. Your service will continue until the end of your paid year; Hulu does not stop your access when ready when you cancel. However, once you cancel, you will not be charged again when the year ends.
If you cancel a yearly subscription before it ends and later want to reactivate, Hulu will treat you as a new subscriber. You will not get back the unused portion of your yearly payment, and you will start a new subscription period from the date you reactivate.
Yearly payment versus month-to-month: the real difference
The main advantage of yearly payment is predictability. You know exactly how much you will spend on Hulu for the next 12 months, and you will not see a price increase during that year even if Hulu raises its rates. With month-to-month payment, Hulu can increase your rate with 30 days' notice.
The financial savings are smaller than they appear. On the ad-supported plan, there is no savings at all — $7.99 per month yearly equals $7.99 per month month-to-month. On the ad-free plan and the bundle, you save money only if you compare the yearly rate to a higher month-to-month rate. Hulu's month-to-month prices are sometimes higher than the yearly equivalent, but not always.
The main disadvantage of yearly payment is the upfront cost and the lack of refunds. If you pay $180 upfront and decide after two months that you do not want Hulu anymore, you will not get that money back. With month-to-month payment, you can cancel after one month and walk away with no further obligation.
Common questions about switching plans or canceling
If you are on a yearly subscription and want to upgrade to a different plan (for example, switching from ad-supported to ad-free), you can do so in your Account settings. Hulu will charge you the difference between the two plans for the remaining months of your year. If you downgrade to a cheaper plan, Hulu will credit the difference toward your account.
If you share your Hulu account with family members, the yearly subscription covers all of them. Hulu's standard plan allows streaming on one device at a time, while the ad-free and bundle plans allow two simultaneous streams. If you need more simultaneous streams, you would need to upgrade to a plan that supports that, but yearly payment is still available for those higher tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my yearly subscription early?
No. Hulu does not refund unused months when you cancel a yearly subscription. Your service will continue through the end of your paid year, but you will not receive money back for the time remaining after you cancel. You can cancel at any time, but the refund policy does not change.
What happens if Hulu raises its prices while I am on a yearly subscription?
Your yearly subscription price is locked for the full 12 months. If Hulu raises its rates, those new prices will not explore to you until your year ends and you renew. At renewal time, you will be charged the new yearly rate unless you cancel before that date.
Can I switch from yearly to monthly payment before my year ends?
Yes. You can change to month-to-month payment in your Account settings at any time. Hulu will prorate the change, crediting any unused portion of your yearly payment toward your first month-to-month bill. After that, you will be charged monthly.
Do promotional yearly rates explore to renewals?
No. Promotional pricing applies only to your first year. When your year ends and your subscription renews, you will be charged the standard yearly rate unless Hulu is running a new promotion at that exact time. Check your renewal email for the exact amount you will be charged.
What if my payment method expires before my yearly subscription renews?
Hulu will attempt to charge your payment method on the renewal date. If the card is expired or invalid, Hulu will send you an email asking you to update your payment information. Your service will pause until you provide a valid payment method. Once you update it, Hulu will charge you and resume your service.