Hulu Review 2024: Is Hulu Still Worth It? Pricing, Content, and Features Explained

With the competition between video streaming services becoming more intense, the ability to offer a diverse range of programming is key to subscriber retention. Hulu stands out for its diverse content library, affordable subscription plans, and a range of add-ons that make it highly customizable. Whether you’re a fan of binge-worthy shows, live TV, or exclusive originals, Hulu offers something for everyone. In this review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Hulu in 2024, from pricing to the latest content available to stream.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Hulu provides multiple subscription options designed to fit various user preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the current plans in 2024:

Hulu: Their ad-supported plan costs just $7.99/month* (or $79.99/year*) and gives you access to their ad-supported streaming library.
- Students get Hulu (With Ads) for $1.99/month, if eligible. Additional terms apply.
Hulu (No Ads): For $17.99/month*, you can watch most of those same shows and movies without the ad breaks. Hulu (No Ads) excludes a few shows that play with ads before and after the video.

Somewhat frustrating is that Hulu‘s base on-demand plan includes ads (doesn’t everything these days!) plus, you’ll need a premium account to access the offline download feature. However, In addition to these plans, Hulu offers bundled options with Disney+ and ESPN+ for users interested in expanding their streaming experience, giving you access to three top-tier services at a discounted price. You can also enjoy Premium Add-ons such as Max, Cinemax, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Starz, for an extra cost each. Find out more here.

Content Library and Variety

One of Hulu’s biggest strengths is its extensive and varied content library. Whether you’re into binge-worthy TV shows, classic films, or exclusive Hulu Originals, there’s always something to watch. However, if you’re looking for more original content, Hulu’s competitors such a Prime Video and Netflix offer a slightly better range overall.

Popular TV Shows

Hulu has consistently been home to some of the most talked-about TV shows. For 2024, some of the standout titles include:

“The Handmaid’s Tale” – Hulu’s flagship show continues to draw in viewers with its dystopian narrative, entering its 6th season in 2024.
“Only Murders in the Building” – This quirky murder mystery, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, has returned with more twists and turns, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
“The Bear” – The intense yet heart-warming show about a chef returning to run his family’s restaurant in Chicago has won over both critics and audiences alike, and anticipation for a fourth season is at a fever pitch.

Movies

Hulu’s movie selection includes everything from Hollywood blockbusters to indie films. You’ll find classics as well as recent releases. New arrivals for 2024 include:

“The Menu” – A stellar cast including Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult and Ralph Fiennes star in this film about the high-stakes world of gourmet dining, that’s taken the streaming world by storm.
“Prey” – A fresh take on the Predator franchise, this action-packed movie has quickly become a fan favorite on Hulu and is widely regarded as having resurrected the Predator franchise.
“The Banshees of Inisherin” – This critically acclaimed film, featuring stunning performances from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, is now available to stream.

Hulu Originals

Hulu has been increasingly focused on developing original content. Some of the Hulu Originals making waves in 2024 include:

“Nine Perfect Strangers” – A star-studded psychological drama that will have you hooked from the first episode.
“Fleishman Is in Trouble” – An emotional, character-driven drama that has been garnering critical praise for its storytelling and acting.
“Saint X” – A gripping new thriller that explores the darker side of paradise, this original is a must-watch for suspense lovers.

For film and TV lovers alike, Hulu’s robust and regularly updated library ensures there’s always something new to discover.

User Interface and Experience

Hulu’s user interface has undergone several improvements over the years, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. Whether you’re accessing Hulu on a smart TV, mobile device, or web browser, the layout is consistent and easy to navigate. It’s perhaps not quite as user friendly as Netflix’s own interface, but it’s a pretty seamless experience overall.

Profiles and Recommendations
One of Hulu’s best features is the ability to create up to six profiles per account, allowing each user to have personalized recommendations and watchlists. The recommendation algorithm is strong, suggesting new shows and movies based on your viewing habits.

Search and Navigation
The search function is fast and efficient, helping you find content quickly. Hulu also offers curated categories, such as “Trending Now,” “Top Picks for You,” and “Keep Watching,” to streamline the browsing experience.

Streaming Quality and Resolution

Hulu offers high-quality streaming, with the majority of its content available in HD and select titles in 4K Ultra HD. While Hulu’s 4K library isn’t as extensive as competitors like Netflix, it’s expanding, particularly with Hulu Originals and popular films.

Streaming quality is generally smooth, and Hulu adjusts video quality automatically based on your internet connection. This flexibility ensures minimal buffering, even on slower connections.

Where to Add an Image:

A comparison of different subscription tiers with a pricing chart.
A screenshot showing the home page or navigation menu on Hulu’s interface.

Device Compatibility

Hulu is compatible with a wide range of devices, ensuring that you can stream your favorite content wherever and whenever you like. Supported devices include:

Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio)
Streaming Devices (Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast)
Game Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
Mobile Devices (iOS, Android)
Web Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

Hulu’s device compatibility makes it versatile, allowing users to switch between each device seamlessly. Whether you want to watch on your TV, tablet, or smartphone, Hulu is designed to deliver a consistent streaming experience.

Add-Ons and Extra Features

One of Hulu’s standout features is its wide variety of add-ons, which allow users to customize their experience. Some popular add-ons include:

Premium Channels – You can subscribe to HBO Max, Showtime, Cinemax, or Starz directly through Hulu for an additional fee, giving you access to premium content without leaving the platform.
Cloud DVR – For Hulu + Live TV subscribers, the Cloud DVR feature allows you to record up to 50 hours of live TV, or upgrade to 200 hours with the Enhanced Cloud DVR option.
Unlimited Screens – For an additional cost, you can stream on unlimited screens simultaneously, which is a great feature for larger households.

Parental Controls

Hulu makes it easy to manage what content children can access through its parental control features. Parents can set up Kids Profiles, which automatically restrict access to age-appropriate content. The platform also allows for PIN protection on certain profiles, ensuring that children cannot access restricted content.

This makes Hulu a family-friendly streaming option, especially for households with younger viewers and it’s broad range of content available should cater for most demographics.

Final Verdict: Is Hulu Worth It in 2024?

Overall, Hulu continues to be a top-tier streaming service in 2024, offering a wide range of pricing options, content variety, and exclusive originals that cater to a broad audience. The flexibility of add-ons like premium channels and cloud DVR, combined with its affordable pricing, makes Hulu an excellent choice for anyone seeking both on-demand content and live TV.

It may not have quite the range of original programming that some of its competitors have, plus the need to have a premium account in order to access the offline downloads feature is quite frustrating. However its excellent overall content, Live TV line-ups and appealing bundle deals ensure that Hulu will keep its spot as one of the best streaming services on the market.

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