Streaming services: Hulu vs. Amazon Prime Video
Quick Verdict
Amazon Prime Video offers a larger content library and 4K streaming, but Hulu provides next-day streaming and a comprehensive Live TV option, with varying costs for ad-free viewing.
- Amazon Prime Video has a significantly larger content library than Hulu.
- Hulu offers next-day streaming of network and cable shows, which sets it apart.
- Amazon Prime Video requires an additional fee for ad-free viewing, while Hulu offers a more expensive ad-free plan.
- Hulu offers a Live TV option with a wide range of channels, while Amazon Prime Video focuses on live sports.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Hulu | Amazon Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
| Content Library Size | 2,864 movies and TV shows | Around 40,000 titles |
| Original Content Quality | Often considered lower than competitors | Exclusive original series and movies |
| Subscription Cost (Base Plan) | $9.99/month (with ads) | $8.99/month |
| Ad-Free Viewing Option | Available for $18.99/month | Requires an extra $2.99/month |
| Offline Download Availability | Available with No Ads plan, up to 25 titles | Many titles available, maximum of 15 to 25 videos |
| Streaming Quality (4K) | Available, requires 16 Mbps | Available in 4K Ultra HD and HDR |
| Number of Simultaneous Streams | 2 screens (standard), unlimited with add-on | Up to three titles at the same time |
| Live TV Option | Hulu + Live TV includes 95+ channels | Offers live sports programming |
Overall Comparison
Content: Amazon wins; Cost: Hulu cheaper with ads, Amazon cheaper ad-free; Live TV: Hulu wins
Pros and Cons
Hulu
Pros:
- Affordable basic plan, especially when bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+
- Next-day streaming of network and cable shows
- Intuitive and simple to navigate user interface
- Offers live TV option
Cons:
- Smaller content library compared to Netflix
- Original content quality may be lower than competitors
- Ads can be intrusive on ad-supported plans
- Limited 4K content
- Live TV capped at 1080p
Amazon Prime Video
Pros:
- Large catalog of movies and TV shows
- Access to other Prime benefits with Amazon Prime membership
- Streams in 4K Ultra HD and HDR
- Offline download availability
- Live sports programming
Cons:
- Smaller content library compared to Netflix
- Ads unless you pay extra
- Can only stream the same title to no more than two devices at a time
User Experiences and Feedback
Hulu
What Users Love
- Provides excellent value if you enjoy switching between on-demand shows and live TV
Common Complaints
- Ads can be intrusive
Value Perception
- Hulu provides excellent value if you enjoy switching between on-demand shows and live TV.
User Recommendations
- Hulu's content library is smaller than Netflix's, with approximately 2,864 titles compared to Netflix's 7,000+.
- Hulu offers next-day streaming of network and cable shows, which sets it apart.
- Examples of Hulu originals include *The Handmaid's Tale*, *Shrill*, and *The Act*.
Amazon Prime Video
What Users Love
- Good value, especially with Amazon Prime membership
- Commercial breaks are reportedly shorter than those on competitors
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.