Finally run out of good shows on your current streaming platform and not sure where to go next? Hulu and Netflix are both worthy of your streaming dollars, but which one you should choose depends on several factors.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the content offerings, features, and pricing of the two streaming giants, so you can make your decision more easily. We’ll also tell you how CyberGhost VPN can help you keep watching the shows you love when you travel abroad.
Quick Guide: How to Stream with CyberGhost VPN
Here’s how to bypass network blocks and securely access streaming platforms from anywhere:.
- Get CyberGhost VPN: It’s fast and easy.
- Connect to a streaming-optimized server. We have dedicated servers for Netflix,Hulu, and many other popular platforms.
- Grab some snacks and discover your next favorite show
Netflix vs Hulu At a Glance
| Netflix | Hulu | |
| Cheapest plan | $6.99 | $7.99 |
| Supported devices | Smartphone, tablet, smart TV, computer, Fire TV, Roku. Chromecast. XBOX, Playstation | Smartphone, tablet, smart TV, computer, Fire TV, Roku. Chromecast. XBOX, Playstation |
| Simultaneous screens | 2 – 4 | 2 |
| Downloads for offline viewing? | Yes | Yes, but only with the Hulu No Ads plan |
| Ad-supported plan available? | Yes | Yes |
| Highest resolution | 4K Ultra HD + HDR | 4K Ultra HD + HDR |
| Free trial | None | 30 Days |
| Add ons | None | ESPN +, Disney+, Hulu+ Live TV, Max, CINEMAX, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz |
| Parental controls | Set limits based on content rating | Set limits based on content rating |
Netflix vs Hulu – Which Has Better Content?
Overview
Netflix is a global streaming platform, which gives it a big advantage over Hulu. It’s more willing to add foreign shows or take chances on lower-budget shows, films, and documentaries. A good example is Squid Game, the South Korean show that became a viral sensation in 2021.
Hulu is owned by the Walt Disney Company and is only available in the US, which limits its content to Disney broadcast partners, subsidiaries, and studios. However, Hulu does offer access to broadcast TV, including complete box sets of classic shows. You can also stream some shows the day after they air on TV.
Number of Titles Available
Netflix is the clear winner when it comes to sheer quantity. While the exact number of titles changes constantly, Netflix has several thousand more titles available than Hulu.
WInner: Netflix
Original Content
Netflix releases original series and movies on a seemingly weekly basis. Popular Netflix Originals shows include:
- The Crown
- Griselda
- FUBAR
- One Piece
- The Recruit
- One Day
- Stranger Things
- The Umbrella Academy
- The Lincoln Lawyer
Netflix also has an impressive collection of direct-release movies. They star some of the biggest names in Hollywood, like Chris Hemsworth (Extraction 1 & 2), Adam Sandler (Leo, Hustle, The Ridiculous 6, Murder Mystery 1 & 2), and Ryan Reynolds (The Adam Project, Red Notice, 6 Underground), to name just a few.
Hulu doesn’t release as much original content, but this allows them to be more selective and choose high-quality shows. Here are some of the top Hulu Originals shows:
- Death and Other Details
- Only Murders in the Building
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Culprits
- The Bear
- Reservation Dogs
Hulu’s list of original movies isn’t nearly as impressive as Netflix’s, but there are some good titles available, like Suncoast (Woody Harrelson), Self Reliance (Jake Johnson and Anna Kendrick), and Palm Springs (Andy Samberg).
WInner: Netflix
Variety
Netflix and Hulu both have comedies, dramas, documentaries, and in-depth docuseries. Netflix has a strong focus on stand-up comedy, with a large selection of hour-long specials and shows featuring up-and-coming comedians.
However, Hulu really stands out when it comes to variety. Thanks to its relationship with network TV, Hulu’s content library also includes game shows, reality shows, soap operas, and news programs.
WInner: Hulu
Live Streaming
Netflix doesn’t offer live streaming, the only recent exceptions being a Chris Rock comedy special and a Love is Blind reunion episode.
The basic Hulu plan doesn’t include live streaming, but you can upgrade to Hulu + Live TV and get access to over 90 channels, and live stream sporting events, news, TV shows, and more.
WInner: Hulu
Family-Friendly Content
Netflix has a decent selection of movies and shows that are geared towards kids, but it doesn’t come close to what Hulu offers.
Hulu features content from the Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Nickelodeon, and Universal Kids. You can also bundle Hulu with Disney+ and watch most of the content directly from Hulu.
Both Netflix and Hulu have parental control features that let you set age-rating restrictions for individual profiles.
WInner: Hulu
Netflix vs Hulu: Plans and Pricing
Netflix and Hulu have different pricing structures, so you can choose a plan that fits your needs. You can save money with each platform by allowing commercials or pay a premium price for an ad-free experience.
| Netflix Standard (Ads) | Hulu (with Ads) | Netflix Standard (No Ads) | Hulu (No Ads) | Netflix Premium | Hulu + Live TV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $6.99 | $7.99 | $15.49 | $17.99 | $22.99 | $89.99 |
| Free Trial | None | 30 days | None | 30 days | None | None |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 4k Ultra HD + HDR | 1080p | 4k Ultra HD + HDR | 4k Ultra HD + HDR | 4k Ultra HD + HDR |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 screens | 2 screens | 2 screens | 2 screens | 4 screens | 2 screens |
| Download Content | 15 monthly downloads per device | None | 100 active downloads at a time | 25 active downloads at a time | 100 active downloads at a time | 25 active downloads at a time |
Hulu has more flexibility with its pricing. You can add Disney+ for an additional $2 a month or bundle Disney+ and ESPN+ and pay $14.99 a month. You can also add on Live TV and special channels for an additional cost.
Netflix gives you better value for your money. You get access to a much larger content library at a lower monthly price.
Netflix vs Hulu: User Experience
Both Netflix and Hulu have been around for a long time, and they know what their viewers want. This makes for a similar user experience. You can choose content based on what’s popular, by genre, get recommendations based on what you’ve already watched, and continue watching where you left off.
Hulu takes personalization a step further with Hubs, displaying content by its original network, like ABC, Comedy Central, CBS, FOX, and Discovery.
When Netflix adds a show to its library, it generally adds the complete season. This is great for when you want to binge-watch a full season or series. Hulu usually follows a more traditional approach, adding an episode a week, which builds suspense until the next episode.
💡 Netflix has different libraries in different countries, and Hulu is only available in the US. This could mean missing the shows you love when you travel abroad. CyberGhost VPN gives you an easy workaround. We have streaming-optimized servers for both platforms which allow you to access your favorite titles from anywhere.
Netflix vs Hulu: Which Is Right for You?
It depends on your personal preferences. If you want a seemingly endless supply of new and old shows and movies from the US and around the world, Netflix is a better option. Its wide variety of original content offers something for everyone.
If you’re more interested in shows that were broadcast on TV, Hulu is a better choice. Many shows are available to stream on Hulu the day after they air, so you won’t be too far behind the conversation at the water cooler.
Your best bet might be to try them both. Get the cheapest Netflix plan – you can always upgrade later – and see if it has the type of content you like. At the same time, get the Hulu 30-day free trial.
Why You Need a VPN for Streaming
- Access your content while traveling abroad: Most streaming services are restricted to certain countries, or have different libraries in different countries. This doesn’t have to mean missing out, though – you can use a VPN to digitally relocate back to your home country and watch as normal.
- Bypass network blocks: If the Wi-Fi at your school or office blocks streaming sites and apps, a VPN can help you keep watching. VPN encryption hides your activity from the network, which allows you to bypass firewalls.
- Avoid ISP throttling: Many ISPs deliberately throttle or slow down your internet connection when you access a streaming site. A VPN blocks them from detecting your activity, so you can enjoy a buffer-free stream.
- Stay safe on public Wi-Fi and hotspots: Streaming at a cafe, on the bus, or at the airport leaves you open to cybercriminals that target these unsecured networks. A VPN secures your connection, keeping your passwords and payment data safe.
CyberGhost is the best VPN for streaming. While most VPNs don’t work with streaming sites, CyberGhost VPN has streaming-optimized servers for popular platforms, including Netflix and Hulu. Our engineers test these servers regularly to ensure they can always access the services. Our high speed global server network gives you a lightning-fast connection for pixel-perfect streaming every time.
Can I Use a VPN to Watch Streaming Services from a Different Country?
Some VPN users connect to a server in a different country to watch Netflix or Hulu, but this is against our terms of service and is not acceptable.
CyberGhost is a privacy-forward no-logs VPN, meaning we can’t view your online activity and we never share your browsing data. While we don’t know what you’re doing online, you should always comply with your streaming provider’s terms of use, our terms of service, and any applicable law, including copyright.
FAQ
Netflix is available in over 190 countries and is the most popular streaming platform in the world, with nearly 270 million subscribers. Hulu is only available in the US and ranks as the 6th most popular platform with over 50 million subscribers.
If cost isn’t a factor, you could subscribe to both Netflix and Hulu. They have different types of content, and there’s not much overlap. If you’re not sure, get them both for 1 month. Hulu has a 30-day free trial, so you’ll just pay for Netflix. It’s a good way to compare the content for yourself and see what you prefer.
It depends on what you like watching. Netflix has a larger selection of original shows and movies. In terms of popularity, Hulu is behind Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, MAX, and Paramount Plus in the US. However, Hulu has a larger variety of content than all of these services besides Netflix.
A VPN changes your virtual location, which allows you to retain access to your usual streaming services when you travel abroad. It also encrypts your online traffic allowing you to get around network restrictions at your workplace or school so you can stream wherever you like. Encryption also keeps your data safe from cybercriminals, even on unsecured public networks.
There’s very little overlap between the content on Netflix and Hulu. Netflix has an immense library of original shows and movies that you won’t find anywhere else and is available from almost anywhere in the world. The content library varies by country, but if you’re traveling abroad, you can use CyberGhost VPN to access your local Netflix library.
Hulu is a competitor of Amazon Prime Video – it’s not free with the service and can’t be bundled as part of your subscription. You can pay for Hulu through your Amazon account if you have a supported Amazon device.
Netflix’s content library varies from country to country. If you travel abroad, you may lose access to shows or movies that are available at home. You can solve this problem with CyberGhost VPN. Connect to a streaming-optimized server for Netflix in your home country and watch your regular content as usual.
Netflix is the most popular streaming service, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best. It does have the most original content and number of titles available, though. Other top streaming platforms include Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Paramount Plus.
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