Are you considering subscribing to Hulu Plus but aren't sure if it's worth the extra cost? In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of Hulu Plus to help you make an informed decision. We'll delve into the content offerings, pricing, user experience, and more. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of whether Hulu Plus is the right streaming service for you.
What is Hulu Plus?
Hulu Plus is a subscription-based streaming service that offers a vast library of on-demand TV shows, movies, and original content. It is a popular choice for cord-cutters who want to access their favorite TV shows and movies without a cable or satellite subscription. With Hulu Plus, you can stream on-demand content on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming media players.
Content Offerings
Hulu Plus offers a wide range of content from multiple networks and studios. It includes popular TV shows from networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and The CW. You can catch up on current seasons of your favorite shows or binge-watch past seasons. Hulu Plus also features a selection of movies, including independent films, classic movies, and recent releases.
One notable advantage of Hulu Plus is its vast library of exclusive and original content. Hulu has invested in producing its own shows and movies, which are not available on any other streaming service. These exclusives, such as "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Shrill," have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Pricing
Hulu Plus offers various pricing tiers to suit different budgets and needs. The basic subscription, also known as the "Limited Commercials Plan," costs $5.99 per month. This plan includes limited advertising during the streaming experience. If you prefer an ad-free experience, you can upgrade to the "No Ads Plan," which costs $11.99 per month.
Another option is the "Hulu + Live TV" plan, priced at $54.99 per month. This plan combines Hulu Plus with live TV channels, allowing you to watch both on-demand content and live TV in one package. It includes channels like ESPN, CNN, Fox News, and more, making it a good choice for sports enthusiasts and news junkies.
User Experience
Hulu Plus offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to browse and discover content. The homepage highlights popular and recommended shows and movies, as well as personalized recommendations based on your viewing history. The platform also provides curated collections and genres to help you find something to watch based on your mood or interests.
One standout feature of Hulu Plus is its ability to create multiple user profiles. This feature allows each member of your household to have their own personalized viewing history, recommendations, and watchlists. It's especially useful if you have different tastes in shows and want to keep your watch progress separate.
Device Compatibility
Hulu Plus is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it convenient to stream your favorite content anytime, anywhere. You can access Hulu Plus on smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android, as well as on popular streaming media players like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. It also works on smart TVs from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio.
Advantages of Hulu Plus
- Huge Content Library: One of the major advantages of Hulu Plus is its extensive content library. With a mix of current TV shows, past seasons, movies, and original content, there is something for everyone.
- Exclusive and Original Content: Hulu Plus offers a unique selection of exclusive and original shows and movies that you won't find anywhere else. These originals have garnered critical acclaim and are a major draw for many subscribers.
- Affordable Pricing: Compared to cable or satellite subscriptions, Hulu Plus offers a more budget-friendly option for accessing popular TV shows and movies. The basic subscription plan is competitively priced at just $5.99 per month.
- Multiple User Profiles: The ability to create multiple user profiles allows each member of your household to have their own personalized viewing experience. This feature ensures that you receive personalized recommendations and keep your watch progress separate.
- Device Compatibility: Hulu Plus is compatible with a wide range of devices, allowing you to access your favorite content on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming media players.
Drawbacks of Hulu Plus
- Limited International Availability: Hulu Plus is primarily available in the United States and Japan. If you reside outside these regions, you won't be able to access Hulu Plus without using a VPN or other geo-blocking bypass methods.
- Limited Offline Viewing: Unlike some competitors, Hulu Plus doesn't offer a built-in feature for offline viewing. If you want to watch Hulu Plus content offline, you'll need to rely on third-party screen recording software or other workarounds.
- Limited Add-Ons and Extras: While Hulu Plus offers a variety of add-ons and extras, such as the "No Ads Plan" and the "Hulu + Live TV" plan, it doesn't provide as many customization options as some other streaming services.
Is Hulu Plus Worth the Extra Cost?
Whether or not Hulu Plus is worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are a fan of current TV shows and want access to a vast library of content, including exclusives and originals, Hulu Plus is a great choice. The affordable pricing and multiple user profiles add further value to the subscription.
However, if you primarily watch movies or prefer a broader selection of international content, other streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video may be a better fit. Additionally, if you live outside the United States or Japan, Hulu Plus may not be available to you without using geo-blocking bypass methods.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal viewing habits and priorities. Consider the content offerings, pricing, user experience, and device compatibility to determine if Hulu Plus is the right streaming service for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hulu Plus offers a vast library of on-demand TV shows, movies, and original content at an affordable price. The inclusion of exclusive and original shows, multiple user profiles, and compatibility with various devices make it an attractive choice for cord-cutters. However, the limited international availability, lack of offline viewing, and fewer customization options may impact its appeal to some viewers.
Before making a decision, take into account your preferences and priorities in terms of content, pricing, and user experience. Consider trying out the free trial to get a firsthand experience of Hulu Plus. Ultimately, the choice of whether Hulu Plus is worth the extra cost is subjective and depends on your individual needs and preferences.