Best Streaming Video · head-to-head
Hulu vs Netflix
A sourced, side-by-side comparison for streaming video. Netflix has the lower entry price. Every figure links to the vendor's own page and the date we captured it.
At a glance
- Price: Hulu $11.99/mo vs Netflix $8.99/mo — Netflix is cheaper to start.
- Free tier: Hulu No; Netflix No.
- HIPAA: Hulu —; Netflix —.
Side by side
| Hulu | Netflix | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $11.99/mo (Hulu (With Ads)) | $8.99/mo (Standard with Ads) |
| Free tier | No | No |
| HIPAA (BAA) | — | — |
| SOC 2 | — | — |
| GDPR | — | — |
| Best for | Cable-cutters who want live local broadcast TV | Largest original content library |
Sources — Hulu: dealnews.com (verified 2026-06-13). Netflix: dealnews.com (verified 2026-06-13).
Key features
Hulu: Unlimited Cloud DVR with 9-month retention (Live TV plans); 95+ live channels including local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX affiliates (Live TV plans); Next-day access to current-season network programming; Hulu Originals library; Disney+ and ESPN content accessible within Hulu app (Live TV bundle); Add-on channel packages (HBO, Showtime, Starz) available; Student discount — $1.99/mo on With Ads plan
Netflix: 4K Ultra HD + HDR + Dolby Vision (Premium only); Spatial audio on 700+ titles (Premium only); Netflix Games — 100+ ad-free mobile games included at no extra cost; Smart Downloads — auto-deletes watched episodes, queues next; Offline downloads on Standard and Premium tiers; Parental controls with PIN protection and content maturity ratings; Up to 5 user profiles per account