Streaming services: Hulu vs. Paramount+
Quick Verdict
Both offer compelling content libraries and features, catering to different preferences in original programming, live TV, and video quality.
- Hulu has a larger on-demand library and award-winning original programming.
- Paramount+ offers 4K HDR streaming and content from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, etc.
- Hulu offers Live TV with more channels, while Paramount+ focuses on local CBS and sports.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Hulu | Paramount+ |
|---|---|---|
| Content library size and variety | Vast streaming library with content from top networks. Larger on-demand library. | Content from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, etc. Over 40,000 episodes and movies. |
| Original programming quality and quantity | Known for award-winning original programming. | Includes original series and films. |
| Live TV availability | Hulu + Live TV offers 95+ channels, including local networks, sports, news, and entertainment. | Offers live streaming of local CBS stations (in the US) and live sports coverage. |
| Ad-supported vs. ad-free options | Offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans. | Paramount+ Essential: Ad-supported. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: Almost ad-free. |
| Offline download availability | Select programs are available for download for offline viewing. | Available with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan. |
| 4K HDR streaming support | Information on Hulu's website does not specify 4K HDR streaming support. | Select shows and movies are available in 4K UHD, HDR10, or Dolby Vision with the Premium plan. |
| Number of simultaneous streams | Most Hulu plans allow streaming on two screens simultaneously. | Most sources state 3 simultaneous streams. |
| Parental control features | Offers parental controls through Kids Profiles, which restrict content to TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, or G ratings. | Offers parental control features, including creating kids' profiles and setting viewing restrictions. |
| Price | Hulu (With Ads): $9.99/month or $99.99/year. Hulu (No Ads): $18.99/month. | Paramount+ Essential: $7.99/month or $59.99/year. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: $12.99/month or $119.99/year. |
Overall Comparison
Content: Hulu has a larger on-demand library; Video Quality: Paramount+ offers 4K HDR; Price: Paramount+ is generally cheaper
Pros and Cons
Hulu
Pros:
- Vast streaming library
- Award-winning original programming
- Live TV option with 95+ channels
- Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ with certain plans
- Wide device compatibility
- Parental control features
Cons:
- User interface can be difficult to navigate
- Ad-supported plan has ads, even with the ad-free plan
- 4K HDR streaming support not specified
- Limited simultaneous streams on some plans
Paramount+
Pros:
- Offers a wide variety of content from CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, the Smithsonian Channel, Showtime, and Paramount Pictures.
- Includes live streaming of local CBS stations (in the US) and live sports coverage.
- Offers parental control features.
- Select shows and movies are available in 4K UHD, HDR10, or Dolby Vision with the Premium plan.
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
Hulu
What Users Love
- Personalized recommendations
- Good organization
- Aesthetically pleasing
Common Complaints
- Difficult to navigate user interface
Value Perception
- Ad-free viewing experience costs $9 more per month
Paramount+
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.