Hulu gives you two choices. A large on-demand library. Or the same library plus live channels through Hulu + Live TV. Read this guide before you subscribe. You will pick the right plan, set it up fast, and avoid common snags.
What you get
Hulu on-demand brings current network shows, full seasons, movies, and Hulu Originals. Hulu + Live TV adds 95 to 100+ live channels with sports and news, plus the on-demand library. Live TV also includes Disney+ and ESPN access through their apps for a single monthly price. ([Hulu][1])
Current plans and prices
Hulu With Ads costs \$9.99 per month. A yearly option charges \$99.99, which saves about 16 percent versus paying monthly across a year. Hulu No Ads costs \$18.99 per month. These prices come from Hulu’s help center, so you get official numbers. ([Hulu Help][2], [Hulu][3])
Prefer a bundle. Disney+ and Hulu Duo Basic costs \$10.99 per month. Duo Premium, ad-free on both services, costs \$19.99 per month. Disney lists both bundles on Hulu’s site. ([Hulu][4])
Want live channels. Hulu + Live TV With Ads lists at \$82.99 per month. The Premium Live TV plan with ad-free on-demand Hulu and ad-free Disney+ lists at \$95.99 per month. Hulu markets a 3-day free trial for eligible Live TV signups. Expect more than 95 channels and often 100+. ([Hulu][1], [Hulu Help][5])
Student deal. Verified college students pay \$1.99 per month for Hulu With Ads. Hulu confirms this rate and handles verification through SheerID. ([Hulu][6], [Hulu Help][7])
How to sign up
Follow the official flow.
1. Visit Hulu.com or open the Hulu app.
2. Enter email, password, and profile details.
3. Pick a plan. Add bundles or Live TV if needed.
4. Enter payment details and submit.
5. Start streaming.
Hulu’s help pages document these steps and support signups on web or in-app. ([Hulu Help][8])
Supported devices
Hulu runs on iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, major smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Vizio, gaming consoles, and desktop browsers. Hulu’s help center also lists specific Fire TV models supported as of August 2025. Check device lists before you subscribe if you own older hardware. ([TVGuide.com][9], [Hulu Help][10])
Streams and profiles
Your account supports two simultaneous streams by default. Live TV subscribers unlock an Unlimited Screens add-on for home networks for \$9.99 per month, plus up to three mobile streams while away from home. Set up profiles for each person to separate watch lists and recommendations. ([Hulu Help][11])
Downloads and offline viewing
Downloads work on mobile devices for No Ads plans. Hulu’s help center states that No Ads and No Ads + Live TV subscribers download shows and movies for offline viewing. The feature requires supported iOS or Android devices and a Premium plan selection inside your account. ([Hulu Help][12])
Live TV features
Live TV includes unlimited Cloud DVR. Record sports, news, and series, then fast-forward through recordings that permit skipping. Recordings stay for up to nine months based on Hulu documentation and mainstream reviews. ([Hulu Help][13], [TVGuide.com][14])
Add-ons and upgrades
You add premium networks such as Max, Starz, Cinemax, and others to Hulu or Hulu + Live TV. Add-ons follow each network’s stream limits, while Hulu’s Unlimited Screens add-on increases device counts for Live TV at home. Hulu’s pages for each add-on outline exact rules. ([Hulu][15])
How to pick the right plan fast
Pick Hulu With Ads if you stream a few nights per week and want the lowest price. Choose Hulu No Ads if you binge series, hate interruptions, and want downloads for travel days. Select Duo Basic or Duo Premium if you watch Disney shows and Star Wars or Marvel titles along with Hulu. Go with Live TV if local channels, ESPN, and league coverage matter more than saving money. Check the channel list before purchase to confirm must-have networks. ([Hulu][4])
Ways to save money
Lock a full year of Hulu With Ads for \$99.99 if you expect year-round viewing. Students grab the \$1.99 rate and save the most. Time Live TV trials around sports seasons. Confirm eligibility for limited-time Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle offers, which drop the price for the first 12 months. Pause service during busy months instead of canceling. ([Hulu][3], [Disney+ Help][16])
Setup checklist for smooth streaming
Place your streaming device near your router or use Ethernet for TVs when possible. Sign in, create separate profiles, and set content ratings for kids. On Live TV, set your Home network location when prompted, then test major locals such as ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Add your favorite teams and shows to My Stuff so new episodes and games record automatically through Cloud DVR. ([Hulu][1])
Fix common issues quickly
Slow or choppy playback. Run a speed test near your streaming device. Hulu suggests at least 3 Mbps for on-demand and higher throughput for Live TV. Move the device closer to the router or switch to 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Update the Hulu app and your device OS. Reboot the device and router.
Login loop. Reset your password from the login page. If you share the account, ask others to log out on unused devices to free streams.
Geo or channel errors. For Live TV, set Home network once on a supported device while on your home internet. Avoid frequent Home changes or travel logins on smart TVs.
App crashes on older hardware. Confirm your device remains on Hulu’s supported list. Some older Echo Show models lose support in August 2025, which signals ongoing platform trims for legacy gear. ([TVGuide.com][9], [Hulu Help][10], [Reddit][17])
Live sports, locals, and blackouts
Hulu + Live TV includes locals in supported markets and a broad sports lineup through ABC, ESPN networks, Fox, and regional selections, subject to rights. Blackouts apply for some games, and location permissions must stay on for Live TV. Hulu’s Live TV page details restrictions and trial terms. ([Hulu][1])
Parental controls and profiles
Create a Kids profile to filter content by rating. Lock profile switching with a PIN inside account settings. Add separate profiles for teens and adults to keep recommendations clean. Hulu’s help center explains profile creation and control toggles.
When Hulu fits your home
Pick Hulu on-demand if you follow next-day network TV, Hulu Originals, and movies without paying cable prices. Add Duo if your home streams Disney+ frequently. Choose Live TV if you want one bill for locals, sports, and on-demand shows. Keep the Unlimited Screens add-on in mind for large families. Downloads on No Ads help during flights and road trips. ([Hulu][4], [Hulu Help][18])
Quick start plan for new subscribers
1. Check your devices against supported lists. Update firmware on Roku or Fire TV.
2. Choose a plan using the prices above and any current bundle offer.
3. Create your Hulu account and profiles.
4. If using Live TV, set Home network, scan your channel lineup, and schedule Cloud DVR recordings for favorite shows and teams.
5. On phones and tablets with No Ads, enable Downloads and save a few episodes for offline viewing.
6. Add premium networks only after a week of use so you avoid paying for services you do not open.
Hulu remains a strong streaming choice in 2025. Start with the plan that matches your habits, not the most expensive tier. Use bundles and annual billing to cut costs. Add Live TV only if live sports or locals matter every week. With the right plan and a clean setup, your household streams smoothly and spends wisely. ([Hulu Help][2])
[1]: https://www.hulu.com/live-tv?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Stream Live Sports, News, TV Shows, and Movies”
[2]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-what-is-hulu?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hulu (With Ads) plan”
[3]: https://www.hulu.com/annual-offer?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Annual Plan for $99.99/year | Hulu.com”
[4]: https://www.hulu.com/disney-bundle-duo?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Disney+ Hulu Bundle Duo Basic + Duo Premium”
[5]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-no-ads?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hulu Premium (No Ads) plans”
[6]: https://www.hulu.com/student?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hulu Student Deal: $1.99/month | Hulu.com”
[7]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-student-discount?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hulu Student Discount”
[8]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-sign-up?utm_source=chatgpt.com “How do I sign up for Hulu?”
[9]: https://www.tvguide.com/news/hulu-supported-devices/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “The Best Hulu Supported Devices in 2025”
[10]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-amazon-fire-tv?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Supported Amazon Fire TV models”
[11]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-streams?utm_source=chatgpt.com “How many screens can I watch Hulu on at the same time?”
[12]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-downloads?utm_source=chatgpt.com “How do I download TV shows and movies and watch Hulu …”
[13]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-cloud-dvr?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Cloud DVR on Hulu”
[14]: https://www.tvguide.com/news/hulu-live-tv-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Hulu + Live TV Review 2025: Is It Worth the Money?”
[15]: https://www.hulu.com/max?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Max on Hulu”
[16]: https://help.disneyplus.com/article/disneyplus-espn-unlimited-bundle-discount?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle Promo for 2025”
[17]: https://www.reddit.com/r/amazonecho/comments/1lt7ets/does_amazon_no_longer_support_hulu_app_skill/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Does Amazon no longer support Hulu app/ skill?”
[18]: https://help.hulu.com/article/hulu-unlimited-screens?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Unlimited Screens Add-on”
