Are you looking for another streaming platform as good as Netflix? Why not try Hulu, which is leading the race to become one of the top-grossed streaming platforms in recent times?
In today’s digital world, streaming services have become a vital part of our entertainment, presenting different movies, TV shows, and original content at our fingertips. Among these platforms, Hulu has emerged as a popular choice for millions of worldwide viewers.
But what is Hulu? In this blog, we will explore the captivating world of Hulu, untangling its roots, unique features, and how it has become a force to be reckoned with in the streaming industry. Whether you’re a Hulu subscriber or someone curious to learn more about this excellent streaming platform, join us as we explore the kingdom of Hulu and discover why it has grabbed viewers’ attention from all across the globe.
What is Hulu?
Hulu is a video streaming platform that has been available for over a decade and is one of the largest and most popular platforms in the US, with over 40 million subscribers. It is a great option for those looking to cut their cable subscriptions, as it offers a vast library of around 2,500 movies and over 40,000 episodes from thousands of TV shows.
Additionally, it plans to offer live TV streaming through the Hulu Plus Live TV program. One controversial aspect of Hulu is that it includes ads in its cheapest plans and bundles, similar to network television. While this may disappoint some users, it helps keep the cost of the service low. Those who prefer not to see ads can pay twice as much for an ad-free experience. Hulu offers premium add-ons for unlimited simultaneous streams, TV channels, and more.
How does Hulu work?
Hulu works differently from its rival platforms Netflix, Peacock & Amazon Prime Video. The process remains identical, involving a remote server where the content is stored. You establish a connection between your device (such as a mobile phone, tablet, smart TV, etc.) and this server to commence streaming.
No matter which plans you pick, Hulu will ask you a few questions to get the best recommendations before you start streaming. However, you can choose to skip this step if you prefer. If you have Hulu Plus Live TV, you must set up a Home network to access local channels. You can change your Home network up to four times a year for free. Keep in mind that watching TV channels on non-mobile devices outside of your Home network is not possible.
To ensure smooth streaming, you’ll need a good internet connection. Here are the recommended internet speeds for different types of streaming on Hulu:
- 3.0 Mbps for standard streaming
- 8.0 Mbps for live TV streaming
- 16.0 Mbps for UHD (4K) streaming.
Is Hulu worth it?
When considering Hulu, it’s essential to choose the right plan for your needs. The ad-supported plan is priced at $7.99 per month and offers great value, whether as a standalone service or in addition to other streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
However, the ad-free plan at $14.99 per month may not be worth the extra cost for the same content. It’s only a good option if you don’t want any ads, have extra money to spend, or want to download content offline.
Hulu Plus Live TV is a more complicated recommendation. It can be a good solution for those looking for a middle ground between cable TV and streaming services, but it can be expensive for others. The ability to stream new shows the day after they air is available even with the ad-supported plan. However, sharing with family can be challenging as only one Home network and two simultaneous streams are allowed.
The Disney bundle is another factor to consider, which includes access to Disney Plus or Disney and ESPN Plus along with Hulu. Starting at $9.99 per month, this bundle deal provides access to a vast content library at a bit higher cost than a standard Netflix plan.
Where is Hulu available?
Since its beginning, Hulu has only been available for streaming within the US. Since it is a geo-restricted streaming service, it is unavailable globally and is only reachable within the US territories. As a result, viewers outside the US cannot access Hulu’s content.
Hulu is highly praised for its extensive collection of TV shows and movies; however, licensing laws with content providers limit its availability outside the US.
There is no secret code or shortcut to streaming Hulu outside the US. The streaming service can easily notice your IP address and restrict your access. To bypass Hulu’s location firewalls, you need a reliable VPN.
Why Do You Need a VPN?
It is necessary to have a VPN to access Hulu from anywhere because you might not be able to watch it if you travel internationally or reside outside of the US. In this case, you must change your online location by tricking Hulu with the help of a reliable VPN.
With a VPN, one can use the internet anonymously and privately while appearing in a different country. Having a VPN can be very helpful for streamers.
Trying to modify the Hulu location without a VPN result in an error stating.
“Hulu isn’t available to watch in your location.”
Hulu locates you by identifying the IP address provided by the nearby ISP, which reveals your actual location.
You will get a different US IP address when you connect to an American server over a VPN. Hulu will check your location while you’re connected to it, thinking you’re in the same nation, and will grant you access to all its content library.
How to create Hulu Account?
Before signing up for Hulu, know which Hulu plan is best for you and what you must pick. Once that’s all figured out, it’s time to create your account!
To sign up for Hulu:
- Visit Hulu’s official website on a web browser.
- Click on Start Your Free Trial
- Pick a plan: Hulu (ad-supported), Hulu (No Ads), one of the Hulu + Live TV plans*, or one of the Disney Bundle options*
- Enter your email address, password, and other credentials.
- Choose your payment method and add your billing information.
- Click Submit to wrap up the signup process and begin your search, where you’ll get to personalize your recommendations before you start streaming.
You may be eligible for a free trial once you have chosen a plan or add-ons. If you are eligible, payment will only be taken after the trial period has ended. Hulu asks for payment details beforehand to make it easier for you to become a paid subscriber if you decide to continue with our services after the trial.
Remember that if you choose to change plans during the free trial, you will be automatically charged, and if you cancel during the trial, you will instantly lose access to Hulu.
Best VPNs to Unblock Hulu Outside the US
In this segment of the blog, we will introduce you to our top three recommended VPN providers that can assist you in evading Hulu’s geographical restrictions.
ExpressVPN – The Recommended VPN to Stream Hulu
You can get the following key features when you obtain a subscription with ExpressVPN:
- ExpressVPN offers complete security thanks to its 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and DNS leak protection.
- It’s one of the most reliable ways to unblock Hulu and other geo-restricted regions. The monthly cost of ExpressVPN’s 1-year service is $6.67. Addtionally, you get 3 months extra.
- In case of any trouble getting started with ExpressVPN, their customer support team is available 24/7 to help you out.
- ExpressVPN also supports Tor. It also includes a kill switch and zero-logs policy.
- Low-latency servers make it a great VPN for live streaming.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Router, PS4, Xbox, Chromebook, Roku, Smart TVs, Firestick, and Android TV box.
- Unblocks Peacock TV, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Channel4, Hotstar, ITV, Sony Liv, Amazon Prime Video, and much more.
- More than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, and 25 server locations in the US.
- Five simultaneous connections.
- ExpressVPN has a vast server network in 94 countries with over 3,000 servers, including 25 locations in the United States.
- ExpressVPN’s US server demonstrated impressive streaming capabilities during testing. With a 100 Mbps connection, it achieved download speeds of 89.42 Mbps, upload speeds of 84.64 Mbps, and a low ping of 110 ms.
- ExpressVPN safeguards user privacy through its AES-256 encryption, TrustedServer network, and private DNS.
- Enjoy all your favorite trending movies like Praise This, on Hulu for just $6.67 (6.24 PTE) per month. With a 49% discount and 3 months free on a 12-month plan, it’s a very tempting offer.
- Additionally, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee for added assurance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enjoy flawless Hulu streaming | No advanced customizable features |
| Limitless bandwidth and low pings | Higher subscription fee than competitors |
| Compatible with all popular streaming devices | |
| Users’ anonymity | |
| Secure 30-day refund guarantee |
Surfshark – The Budget-friendly VPN for Streaming Hulu
Subscribing to Surfshark gives you access to all the following features and benefits:
- Surfshark provides a wide selection of approximately 3,200 servers across 100 countries, allowing users to easily find a server that suits your requirements.
- Surfshark has more than 600 servers in the US alone.
- Surfshark prioritizes data protection by utilizing the WireGuard tunneling mechanism, enhancing the safety and reliability of your browsing and streaming experience.
- You can save a whopping 82% if you opt for the 24-monthly subscription priced at $2.39 (2.24 PTE) per month.
Surfshark Black Friday Deal:
- 2year Starter: $59.76 -> $53.73 (monthly price becomes $1.99/mo)
- 2years One: $76.56 -> $75.32 (monthly price becomes $2.69/mo)
- 2years One+: $119.28 -> $115.71 (monthly price becomes $3.99/mo
1year monthly prices for all packages stays the same:
- 1year Starter: $3.99/Mo.
- 1years One: $4.09/Mo.
- 1years One+: $6.49/Mo.
- Opting for the 2-year plan awards you with 2 extra months of free service.
- Get unlimited multi-logins with Surfshark; you can share your account with as many people as you choose.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, PS4, Xbox, Chromebook, and Android TV box.
- Enables access to Peacock TV, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Channel4, Hotstar, BT-Sports, NBC Live, Spotify, ESPN+, and more.
- Surfshark‘s Miami servers demonstrated impressive performance during speed tests, achieving download speeds of 86.24 Mbps and upload speeds of 53.72 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Playing Hulu at affordable prices | No port-forwarding |
| Unlimited simultaneous connection | Limited servers |
| Unlimited bandwidth for Ultra HD streaming | Inconsistent P2P behavior |
| Unblocks majority streaming services | |
| Kill switch in all apps |
NordVPN – The Largest Server Network VPN for
A NordVPN subscription boasts the following key features and benefits that you can avail:
- NordVPN boasts over 5,400 servers in 59 countries, including 15 highly optimized servers in the US.
- It also uses tunneling protocols such as PPTP, SSTP, IPSec, and IKEv2 to protect its clients’ online privacy.
- NordVPN’s costs $5.99 (5.61 PTE) per month or $161.73 (151.38 PTE) for the first two years, saving you 63% in expenses.
- Additionally, you cancel the service anytime within the first 30 days of subscription.
- Up to 6 connections can be active at the same time with NordVPN.
- NordVPN supports all mainstream devices like Firestick, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, Switch, Raspberry Pi, Chromebook, Chromecast, and Kindle Fire.
- NordVPN employs AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Additional features include a kill switch, dedicated streaming mode, and a user-friendly UI.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High level of security | Slower connection in certain cases |
| Vast server network | High subscription costs |
| Added layer of protection | Banned in some regions |
| Fast speeds | |
| 24/7 customer support |
How much does Hulu cost? Plans and more
Hulu subscription plans & prices
Below we have bifurcated the basic plans and saver plans with the features that are offered by Hulu to its existing and new customers.
Hulu (Ad)/ No Ads Plan:
Hulu provides both ad and ad-free plans to its users with a slight difference between the prices of both the bundles that are being offered.
source: https://signup.hulu.com/plans
Hulu Plus Live TV?
Are you wondering what is Hulu Plus Live TV? By subscribing to our Hulu + Live TV plans, you can enjoy live streams and on-demand content from your preferred sports, entertainment, and news channels. In addition, you’ll have access to content from Disney+ and ESPN+.
Source: https://signup.hulu.com/plans
Disney Bundles
Source: https://signup.hulu.com/plans
What are Hulu add-ons?
Once you’ve chosen the base plan that fits your preferences, Hulu offers additional options such as Partner, Premium, and Live TV Add-ons that can enhance your viewing experience. Whether you have a large family or want access to the latest content, we are confident that our subscription options will meet your needs. Plus, you can easily manage your subscription at any time to take advantage of these additional features.
Partner Add On
- ESPN+: This allows sports fans to enjoy live events, original programs, and content from the ESPN+ library directly from the Hulu app.
- Disney+ (With Ads): Users can explore a wide range of captivating content on the Disney+ app and web. This feature can only be accessed by those users who have been billed directly through Hulu
Premium Add Ons
Showtime: Popular shows like Yellowjackets, billions, and Dexter: New Blood alongside blockbuster movies and thrilling championship boxing are all available on Hulu through SHOWTIME. Subscribers can access SHOWTIME content anytime through the web or app utilizing Hulu as a medium.
Max: You can watch to watch popular HBO favorites on the Hulu app, this includes all the shows, movies, and Max Originals.
Cinemax: By accessing Cinemax on Hulu you can binge a vast selection of blockbuster movies, thriller originals, and movies along with a behind the scenes content and clips.
STARZ: Enjoy exciting original series such as BMF and Outlander and blockbuster movies featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood with Hulu’s STARZ subscription. You can also stream content on the STARZ app or website if you use Hulu as your TV provider.
Live Tv Add Ons
We have listed the Add ons that are only accessible by Live Tv subscribers:
Entertainment: With the Entertainment Add-on, you can keep up with the latest news and lifestyle programs from various channels including American Heroes Channel, BET Her, Boomerang Channel, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Crime + Investigation, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Hallmark Drama, Great American Family, Military History Channel, Nicktoons, MTV2, MTV Classic, Science, and TeenNick. Stay informed and entertained with this add-on.
Sports: With the Sports Add-on, Hulu offers more live and on-demand sports content from NFL RedZone, FanDuel TV, FanDuel Racing, MAVTV, Outdoor Channel, and Sportsman Channel to expand their already extensive sports lineup.
Espanol: With the Español Add-on, you can enjoy Spanish-language live streams and on-demand content from top channels like CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, History Channel en Español, Hogar de HGTV, and NBC Universo. Experience the best of Spanish-language entertainment with this add-on.
Unlimited Screens: Experience uninterrupted entertainment with the Unlimited Screens Add-on that enables you to watch your favorite shows on an unlimited number of screens at home, and stream on up to three mobile screens while on the go.
Does Hulu Have a Free Trial?
Yes, Hulu does provide a free trial and it gives you two options to choose from when signing up for Hulu. You can either opt for the free 30-day trial with the ad-supported plan or go for the no-ads plan. Either way, you’ll have access to an extensive collection of movies and TV shows for a period of 30 days.
Keep in mind that Hulu free trials are unavailable for Hulu + Live TV or Disney Bundle plans.
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How to Cancel Hulu Subscription Easy Guide in 2023
Do you want to cancel your Hulu subscription? Suppose you ever find yourself unwilling to continue your Hulu subscription due to an increase in the prices of subscriptions or lack of content upgradation. In that case, you can easily do so through your account page on the Hulu website. No need to contact Hulu’s customer service via phone or email to complete the cancellation process.
To cancel your Hulu subscription, you have the option to remove add-ons or switch to a different plan. Follow these steps to cancel your Hulu subscription.
- Go to the Hulu website and sign in to your account.
- Click your account picture in the upper-right corner of your screen.
- Scroll down to the Your Subscription section.
- Select Cancel next to your subscription.
- You may be prompted to Pause your subscription instead. Select No, cancel the subscription to continue to cancel your subscription.
- After you’ve Canceled your subscription, you’ll receive a confirmation email confirming your cancellation.
What devices does Hulu support?
Hulu is a user-friendly streaming platform that can be accessed on a wide range of devices. Here is a list of devices that are compatible with Hulu:
- Amazon Fire tablets
- Amazon Fire TV (Fire OS 5.0 and later)
- Android phones and tablets
- Android TV devices
- Apple iPhones and iPads
- Apple TV (4th generation and later)
- Chromecast
- Contour 2 and Stream Player Boxes*
- Echo Show (8, 10, and 15)
- LG WebOS smart TVs
- Nintendo Switch (R1 and Lite)
- Playstation 4 and 5
- Roku
- Samsung smart TVs
- Vizio SmartCast TVs
- Web browsers
- Xbox
- Xfinity Flex and X1 TV Boxes
What Channels Do You Get With Hulu
Hulu is currently only available in the US, which means that accessing it outside of the country can be challenging. However, you can use a Hulu VPN such as ExpressVPN that is optimized for streaming to access Hulu from anywhere in the world.
Hulu’s US library offers a wide range of top-rated TV shows and movies. Below we have made a list of some of the top-rated channels that you can watch on Hulu outside of the US. If you can’t find the channel you’re looking for on this list, you can search for it yourself as it’s likely to be available on Hulu’s extensive library.
- ABC
- Discovery Channel
- FOX
- Disney Channel
- CNN
- Cartoon Network
- ESPN
- TLC
- Tru TV
- CNBC
- National Geographic
- Bloomberg Television
- NFL Network
- CBS Sports Network
What’s on Hulu?
Hulu provides diverse content, including movies, TV shows, sports, and original programming. Here are some of the most famous and highly-ranked programs that you can watch and enjoy on Hulu:
Best Hulu shows
| Normal People |
| Tiny Beautiful Things |
| Not Dead Yet |
| Extraordinary |
| Superstore |
| Dollface |
| Looking For Alaska |
| The Act |
Best Hulu movies
| Deadpool |
| Wounds |
| No Exit |
| Fresh |
| Babyteeth |
| Another Round |
| Boston Strangler |
| Coco |
Best Sports shows on Hulu
| The Ultimate Fighter |
| 30 For 30 |
| WWE Friday Night Smackdown! |
| The League |
| SEC Storied |
| WWE Monday Night Raw |
| WWE NXT |
| The 3 Knockdown Rule |
Hulu Plus Live TV Content
| Cruel Summer |
| The Simpsons |
| The Age Of Influence |
| Deep Water |
| Palm Springs |
| Vacation Friends |
| Home Alone |
| Rye Lane |
Hulu vs the competition
| Platforms | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu |
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| Netflix |
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| Amazon Prime Video |
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| Disney Plus |
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| Apple TV Plus |
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| YouTube TV
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US Zip Codes To Unblock Hulu
As one of the biggest streaming platforms available, Hulu offers a wide selection of popular and trending TV shows and series. However, if you want to access Hulu from outside the US, you will need to connect to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. Additionally, to access Hulu, you will need US zip codes, but we have made it easy for you by providing a list of valid US zip codes to use.
| Los Angeles | 90001 – 90089 |
| Beverly Hills | 90209 – 90213 |
| Chicago | 60601 – 60641 |
| Washington | 20001 – 20020 |
| Phoenix | 85001 – 85055 |
| Austin | 78701 – 78705 |
| Miami | 33124 – 33190 |
| Atlanta | 30301 – 30381 |
| Boston | 02101 – 02137 |
| New York | 10001 – 10048 |
