Both Hulu and Amazon Prime Video offer compelling streaming options with their own strengths. Amazon Prime Video excels in content library size and simultaneous streaming, while Hulu stands out with its Live TV option and more comprehensive parental controls. The choice depends on individual preferences, with considerations for content needs, desired features, and budget.
| Attribute | Hulu | Amazon Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
| Content Library Size and Variety | Over 2,500 shows and movies, including TV shows, movies, anime, and documentaries. Content from various sources and studios, including original content, classic movies, and network shows for both adults and kids. | Over 25,000 movies and TV shows, including critically acclaimed TV, movies, and children's entertainment. Offers access to over 100 add-on channels. |
| Original Content Quality and Quantity | Known for original programming such as "The Bear," "Only Murders in the Building," and "The Handmaid's Tale". Select originals available in 4K, HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. | Over 300 Amazon Original series and movies, including *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*, *The Boys*, *Fleabag*, *Good Omens*, and *Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan*. |
| Subscription Cost and Plans | Hulu (With Ads): $9.99/month or $99.99/year; Hulu (No Ads): $18.99/month; Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/month; Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $95.99/month; Student Plan (With Ads): $1.99/month (eligibility required). | Amazon Prime + Prime Video: $14.99/month or $139/year. Prime Video Only: $8.99/month. Ad-free upgrade: Additional $2.99/month. |
| Ad-free Viewing Option | Ad-free plan for $18.99/month. Some shows may still have ads before and after the video due to streaming rights. | Requires an extra $2.99/month as of April 2025. |
| Offline Download Availability | Hulu (No Ads) subscribers can download select ad-free episodes and movies for offline viewing. Up to 25 titles per account on five mobile devices. Downloaded titles typically remain for 30 days, with 48 hours to finish once started. | Many titles are available for temporary download on compatible devices. |
| Simultaneous Streaming Devices | Allows streaming on up to two devices simultaneously. With Hulu + Live TV, the Unlimited Screens add-on ($9.99/month) allows streaming on unlimited devices at home and up to three mobile devices outside the home. Premium channels can be streamed on up to five screens. | Up to three devices can stream at the same time using the same Amazon account. The same title can only be streamed on a maximum of two devices simultaneously. |
| Video Quality (Resolution and HDR Support) | Offers streaming in 720p, 1080p, and 4K Ultra HD. Select originals are available in HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. Minimum 16 Mbps for 4K streaming recommended, but 25 Mbps or higher is ideal. | Streams at 1080p HD, with some original content in 4K, HDR, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. Requires consistent high-speed internet (Amazon recommends at least 5 Mbps, but 25 Mbps is preferable). |
| User Interface and Navigation | Some users report a clunky and laggy interface. Redesigned user interface focused on discovery and personalization. | Some find the interface cluttered and designed to upsell. |
| Device Compatibility | Supports streaming on Amazon Fire Tablets and TV, Android Phones and Tablets, Android TV Devices, Apple iPhones and iPads, Apple TV (4th generation and later), Chromecast, LG WebOS Smart TVs, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio SmartCast TVs, Web Browsers, and Xbox. | Compatible with hundreds of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, set-top boxes, and game consoles. |
| Live TV Option | Hulu + Live TV offers over 95 channels, including sports, entertainment, and news. Live TV channels are limited to HD resolutions, up to 1080p/60fps for certain broadcasts. Includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, with recordings lasting for 9 months. | Doesn't have a dedicated live TV option but offers live sports programming such as NFL Thursday Night Football and select NFL Wild Card games. Access to live content via add-on channels. |
| Add-on Channels and Bundles | Premium Add-ons: Max, Cinemax, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ. Live TV Add-ons: Entertainment, Espa ol, and Sports add-ons. Bundles: Disney+ and ESPN+. Sports Add-on includes channels like NFL RedZone, FanDuel Racing, and Tennis Channel for $9.99 per month. | Offers over 100 add-on channels, including Max, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Starz, Discovery+. Many come with free trials. |
| Parental Control Features | Kids Profiles, PIN Protection, and Content Restrictions to limit content based on age ratings. Parental control settings can be applied to live TV channels and recorded content. | Offers content restrictions and PIN codes to manage what children can watch. |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |