Hulu Channels and Plans Explained

What channels come with your Hulu plan? And is it worth it? Learn the full lineup, price, and how to watch your favorite shows.

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Hulu Plans and Pricing

Hulu offers 6 streaming plans. You can also buy add-ons for extras like Sports and unlimited screens. Take a look at each plan and the monthly price:^[1]

Hulu Standard Plan

Hulu's $7.99 starter plan offers full, on-demand access to the entire Hulu catalogue with limited ads.^[2]

Here's what else you'll get:

• Ability to stream on 2 devices at the same time
  
• TV and movie classics
  
• All of Hulu's original programming (The Handmaid's Tale, The Act and more).
  
• Episodes of current network and basic cable shows 1 day after they air
  
• FX on Hulu, which includes past and current FX-exclusive shows 1 day after they air
  
• Ability to add premium channels for an added fee (Max, CINEMAX, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ)

If you'd rather watch your favorite shows live, don't miss Hulu's Live TV options below.

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Channels You Get with Hulu + Live TV

Hulu has 95+ live and on-demand channels. Here are the cable channels it has on its live TV service:

You can also include extra networks as add-ons—we'll discuss them below.

Hulu + Live TV Local Channels

Hulu also offers live local CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox channels. However, what's available depends on the deals they have with local affiliates.

Here's a list of local channels for each market:

You can also check what's available at your location by entering your zip code on Hulu's website.

What Features Come with Hulu + Live TV?

Hulu + Live TV offers these features with their basic package:

Cloud DVR
The basic package comes with Unlimited DVR storage.

Multiple Screens
You can watch Hulu + Live TV on 2 screens at once. However, you can only stream the service on your mobile phone if you're outside your home network. You can't use streaming devices like the Roku or Fire TV when you're away.

On-Demand
Hulu + Live TV also gives you access to their on-demand library. It has plenty of on-demand TV shows and video, including original Hulu series like Marvel's Runaways and The Handmaid's Tale.

Even with these features, there won't be much to watch unless you get good channels. Find out below if you can get your favorites.

Can You Add Channels?

You can add extra channels with their add-ons. Here's what they have:^[3]

Available with any Hulu plan:

Available with Live TV plans only ($7.99 total for all channels):^[4]

• American Heroes Channel
  
• BET Her
  
• CNBC World
  
• Cooking Channel
  
• Crime + Investigation
  
• Destination America
  
• Discovery Family
  
• Discovery Life
  
• Hallmark Drama
  
• Great American Family
  
• Military History Channel
  
• MTV2
  
• MTV Classic
  
• Nick Toon
  
• Science
  
• Teen Nick

Nothing gets in the way of your TV time like ads. See what you can do to stop wasting time and skip through them.

Does Hulu + Live TV have Ads?

Just like broadcast TV, Hulu's live TV service has ads. With the Enhanced Cloud DVR upgrade, you can record your programs and skip ads during replay. Other than that, there's no way to avoid them.

For on-demand services, it'll depend on the version of Hulu you picked. If you chose regular Hulu (with ads) + Live TV, then you'll still get ads.

You'll have to choose the Hulu (No Ads) version + Live TV to get rid of it.

However, bear in mind that even with the no ads Hulu, you'll still get ads with Grey's Anatomy. Hulu says that this show has ads due to its streaming rights

How to Watch Hulu on TV

If you don't have a Hulu account:

1. Visit the Hulu website and click "Login"
   
2. Scroll to the bottom then click "Start Your Free Trial"
   
3. Choose your preferred plan as well as any add-ons
   
4. Enter your personal information, email, and create a password
   
5. Enter your payment details (you won't be charged until your free trial has ended)
   
6. Complete your account sign-up and begin watching.

If you do have a Hulu account:

1. Download and open the Hulu app on your streaming device
   
2. If watching on a computer, visit the Hulu website.
   
3. For either method, log in if needed. (You'll usually need to log in if you just signed up)
   
4. Begin watching.

Will It Work On My Device?

To watch Hulu, you'll need a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Google Chromecast.

Hulu's latest app (including live TV) will also work on these devices:^[5]

Offline Downloads: How to Stop Wasting Data

Don't want to use up all your data while streaming on the go? You can download shows and movies on compatible iPhones, iPads, Android devices, or Amazon Fire tablets. To download, you'll need a Hulu (No Ads) subscription.

You can download any episode or movie that has a Download icon in the Details page. There are some limits:^[6]

• Up to 25 downloads across five devices at once
  
• 30 days to access unwatched downloads unless the episode/movie expires form the Hulu streaming library before that.
  
• 48 hours to finish content you've started watching

If you didn't get to your downloads before they expired, you can always download them again from the Details page.

Overall, it's a really convenient way to take your favorite shows with you. You'll never be bored on a long trip again.

Hulu Video and Sound Quality

Hulu Live TV offers HD streaming. Your video quality depends on your device, internet speed, and the show's available resolution. Take a look at Hulu's list of compatible streaming devices:

720p at 60fps

• Android TV (select models)
  
• Android phones and tablets (select models)
  
• Apple TV
  
• Chrome browser (supported versions)
  
• Chromecast
  
• Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
  
• Fire Tablet (4th generation or later)
  
• iPhone and iPad
  
• LG TV (WebOS 3.0 and above)
  
• Nintendo Switch
  
• PlayStation 4
  
• Roku (supported versions)
  
• Samsung TV (select models)
  
• Vizio SmartCast TVs

1080p at 60fps

• Apple TV (4th generation or later)
  
• Chromecast
  
• Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
  
• Playstation 4
  
• Samsung TV (select models)
  
• Xbox One

4K Ultra HD is available for only a select list of programs. If you see a badge on the details page of a movie/show then it's available in 4K. Most Hulu Originals are available in 4K. Here are the devices you can use to watch 4K programming:

• Apple TV (5th generation or later)
  
• Chromecast Ultra
  
• Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
  
• LG TVs (2017 UHD models or later)
  
• Roku
  
• Samsung TVs (2019 UHD models or later)
  
• Vizio SmartCast TVs
  
• Xbox One (S and X models)

Hulu also offers certain Hulu Originals in HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision on select devices:

• Roku (HDR compatible models)
  
• Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube devices (HDR compatible models with Fire OS 6 or later)
  
• Apple TV 4K (Gen 5 or later)
  
• Vizio (HDR compatible models)
  
• Chromecast Ultra (HDR-compatible models)
  
• LG (2018 HDR compatible models or later)
  
• Samsung TVs (2019 HDR compatible models or later)

As for sound quality, Live TV and on-demand streaming is available in 2.0 stereo quality. Although 5.1 surround sound is available for some on-demand titles, this isn't available for Live TV. Here are the devices compatible with 5.1 surround sound:

• Android TV (select models)
  
• Apple TV (4th generation and above)
  
• Chromecast
  
• Fire TV (3rd generation and Cube) and Fire TV Stick 4K
  
• iOS (turn WiFi on and Low Data Mode off)
  
• LG TV (WebOS 3.0 and above)
  
• Mac (Safari 11 and later)
  
• Microsoft Edge
  
• Nintendo Switch
  
• PlayStation 3
  
• PlayStation 4
  
• Playstation 5
  
• Roku and Roku Stick
  
• Samsung TV (select models)
  
• VIZIO SmartCast TVs
  
• Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
  
• Xfinity X1 TV Boxes

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What Experts Say

CreditDonkey assembled a panel of industry experts to answer readers' most pressing questions:

• What does having so many streaming options easily accessible mean for consumers?
  
• Do you think streaming services will eventually make cable TV completely obsolete?
  
• What does the future look like for streaming services?

Here's what they said:

Hulu FAQs

Is Hulu free with Amazon Prime?
Hulu does not come free with Amazon Prime. Hulu starts at $7.99 per month, while Amazon Prime $14.99 per month ($139 per year).

If you want the perk of multiple streaming services, consider bundling your Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ together for $14.99 per month. Otherwise, you'll have to pay for Hulu and Amazon Prime separately.

How long is the Hulu free trial?
Currently, you can get a 30-day free trial of Hulu's standard plan ($7.99/month) and their ad-free plan ($17.99/month).

How many devices can you stream Hulu on?
With any Hulu plan (ads and ad-free) you can stream your Hulu account on 2 devices at the same time. If you have Hulu Live TV, you can get the Unlimited Screens add-on for an extra $9.99 per month.

This allows for unlimited devices on your home network to access Hulu and up to 3 separate mobile devices if you're on the go.

What's the difference between Hulu and Hulu Plus?
Years ago, Hulu offered free, ad-supported streaming content. Then, they decided to offer a bigger library of content for a price, referred to as "Hulu Plus". They've since abandoned that name and now offer Hulu (standard), Hulu (No Ads), and Hulu Live TV.

Does Hulu + Live TV Include DVR?
Hulu + Live TV subscribers get unlimited cloud DVR storage at no additional cost. You can fast-forward through ads in Cloud DVR recordings but not during live TV or on-demand videos. You can playback and fast-forward your recordings for up to 9 months.

Does Hulu + Live TV have PBS?
All local PBS stations can be streamed live on Hulu + Live TV. But you must reside in the US to be able to stream PBS.

How do I get Hulu for free?
The only way to score Hulu for free is with one of their free trials. You can get a 30-day free trial of Hulu's standard plan and No-Ad plan.

After the free trial ends, your account will be charged and your billing cycle will begin.

How do you cancel Hulu?
Go to your Account on a computer/mobile device. Click "Cancel" under the "Your Subscriptions" section. If you pay for Hulu through a third party (Apple, Amazon, Xfinity, Disney, Roku, Spotify, T-Mobile, Verizon), there are different ways to cancel based on the billing party.

You can cancel any time or renew your subscription at any time. If you cancel, you'll still be able to watch Hulu until your billing period ends.

Bottom Line

Hulu + Live TV offers the cable and local channels you'd want, without the typical high-cost plan.

Keep in mind that their Live TV plans only work with certain devices. Plus, the standard DVR doesn't let you skip through ads.

But if you want a simple package at a reasonable price, Hulu + Live TV is a good choice. Just be sure that it will work with your device and includes the channels you want.

References