Choosing a streaming service can be overwhelming with so many options available. While Netflix is the go-to for many, there are other alternatives like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at Hulu and Amazon Prime Video to see which one offers a better deal.
Price
Amazon offers two main price options: $139 annually (discounted to $69 for students) or $15 per month. Both plans include Amazon Prime benefits and on-demand video streaming. An advantage of Amazon is that it includes 4K Ultra HD content with HDR at no extra cost and allows account sharing among friends and family. Additionally, optional channel add-ons are available for an extra fee.
Hulu offers plans starting at $10 for ad-supported and $19 for ad-free. They also have a Live TV streaming package with over 90 channels including Disney+ and ESPN+ for $83 per month, with add-ons available. While Hulu’s basic ad-supported plan is cheaper, Amazon Prime Video offers more value with its perks and lack of ads.
Winner: Amazon
Content Library
Amanzon Prime Video has a vast catalog of over 26,000 movies and 2,700 TV shows, including original content like The Wheel of Time and The Boys. On the other hand, Hulu offers access to over 1,300 TV shows and 1,200 movies, with an emphasis on TV networks. While Hulu may have fewer titles, its content may be more appealing to viewers.
Winner:
Supported Devices
Both Amazon Prime Video and Hulu are available on a wide range of devices, including Android, iOS, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. You can visit each provider’s website for a full list of supported devices.
Winner: Draw
Interface and Ease of Use
The interface of Amazon Prime Video offers various categories for browsing, while Hulu provides a simple and intuitive interface with easy navigation. Both services have improved their interfaces, making them nearly equal in terms of usability.
Winner: Draw
Audio and Video Quality
Amazon Prime Video offers 4K UHD resolution and HDR streaming support, while Hulu’s 4K UHD content is growing. Amazon also provides superior audio quality with 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos surround sound encoding at no extra charge.
Winner: Amazon
Release Date for New Content
Hulu offers new episodes of TV shows within 24 hours of airing and has a live TV option for real-time viewing. Amazon Prime Video allows purchasing of new episodes but at a premium price compared to Hulu’s live TV package.
Winner:
Original Content
Both Amazon and Hulu have invested in original programming, with Amazon producing acclaimed shows like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Amazon’s aggressive spending on new content gives it an edge over Hulu in this category.
Winner: Amazon
Other Features to Consider
- Amazon offers comprehensive parental controls for young viewers, while Hulu relies on device settings.
- Hulu with Live TV provides live sports and news, giving viewers a cable-like experience at a fraction of the cost.
Conclusion
In the comparison of Hulu versus Amazon Prime, the choice depends on whether you already have an Amazon Prime membership. If so, Amazon Prime Video is a natural choice. For non-members, a no-ads Hulu subscription offers a vast content library appealing to many viewers.
