Hulu vs. Netflix: Which Is the Better Streaming Service for You?

There is no question that Netflix and Hulu are extremely popular streaming services in the digital home entertainment industry. Both platforms are growing every quarter with new subscribers, but not every subscriber is happy with their service. 

There may be 277 million and 50 million paid subscribers to Netflix and Hulu, respectively, but some of those subscribers have complained about significant consumer issues, including price increases, limitations of the service, deceptive advertising, and difficulties with customer service.

We looked at reviews on our platform and online to determine the best and worst streaming services of the big two. 

Number of Hulu reviews – 15K	Number of Netflix reviews – 10.3K
Hulu rating* – 2.6⭐⭐⭐	Netflix rating* – 2.4 ⭐⭐
Claimed losses – $1B	Claimed losses – $3M
Successful calls – 15%/270K	Successful calls – 16%/190K
Resolved issues – 189	Resolved issues – 193

Key Insights

• As of January 2024, Netflix leads the streaming market with a 7.9% share, compared to Hulu's 2.7%.
• Netflix subscriptions start at $6.99 with ads and go up to $22.99 for 4K HD services without ads, while Hulu offers subscriptions starting at $7.99 with ads and going up to $17.99 without ads. 
• Netflix attracts more viewers and provides a broad selection of documentaries and specials that are unavailable on Hulu. In contrast, Hulu offers extensive network programming and the option to bundle with live TV and other platforms at discounted rates.

Hulu vs Netflix: Pros and Cons from Customer Reviews

There are many things to love about both Netflix and Hulu, according to the streaming service reviews on our site and others.

Many customers had positive impressions about the promised services in Netflix and Hulu reviews. Feedback on both streaming providers praised good movies and shows, the variety of show types, and great choices for streaming. There is a divide between Hulu vs Netflix in terms of what is good about each platform, however.

According to customer reviews, Hulu, not Netflix, is praised for a wider variety of programming, the opportunity to get local channels, the ability to record programming, and the lower cost of plan options. These factors likely influenced the Hulu rating, which is 2.6 stars out of a possible 5. The Netflix rating is 2.4 stars. Regarding recommendations to friends or colleagues, more Hulu reviewers advise it than Netflix viewers, 48% and 46%, respectively.

Deciding between Hulu vs Netflix may come down to complaints about the respective platforms. Customers complain about Netflix customer service as well as the fluctuating price points, aggressive billing practices, the total cost, and restrictions on using your account when traveling. 

One Netflix customer who was a “paying member of Netflix for over 12 years” was emailed that the company was discontinuing their plan and that they would "save 40%" with a new plan, only to discover that the new plan includes ads. To avoid ads and maintain their previous level of service, they would need to pay more, leading to disappointment of the reviewer:

It's disappointing to receive an email stating I am going to save 40%, but in reality, I have to spend more each month to get at least the same level of service as with my old plan.

Consumer issues with Hulu include challenges with the service cutting out, features like records not working correctly, the volume of ads, and higher prices for some bundles. Customers also report issues when they contact Hulu support. 

A Hulu customer recently complained that besides having to “watch the same commercials during every break,” their app began freezing after each one. This issue requires them to r restart their Vizio TV, reopen Hulu, and re-watch the commercials before resuming the show. The customer finally stated: 

I have to turn off the TV, turn it back on, restart Hulu, restart the show, and re-watch the commercials. I'm almost ready to go back to cable. And that's saying something.

The initial post has 336 comments on the PissedConsumer platform, with many customers expressing the same concerns. 

Hulu vs Netflix: Content Variety

There are some significant differences when it comes to Hulu vs Netflix content. The variety of shows and movies you’re trying to stream may impact your decision on whether to go with Hulu or Netflix. 

What to Watch on Hulu

Wondering what to watch on Hulu? Without any additional bundle, Hulu content library is a mix of shows and movies. There are movies and shows for both adults and children with a specialized Kids section. 

Source: hulu.com/hub/kids

Hulu also offers customers options to bundle various platforms and options like Max and Disney+ and gives choices for live TV. These options allow Hulu to provide customers with a chance to “build the plan that’s right for you,” which can be very appealing to a frugal and wise consumer. This, in turn, delivers tremendous opportunities for those trying to sort out what to watch on Hulu. 

Source: hulu.com/disney-hulu-max-bundle

Hulu reviews respect and praise the diversity of the shows offered on the platform. A reviewer on Reddit recently claimed that Hulu had more network shows and that the quality was higher than that of Netflix. Another poster agreed that “Hulu has more variety” and stated that Netflix titles feel like they are “more for adults.”

Source: reddit.com

What to watch on Netflix

With millions of subscribers across the globe, including Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and North America, the consumer experience with Netflix is more diverse. 

For those wondering what to watch on Netflix, the platform promises subscribers “Unlimited movies, TV shows, and more” that customers can “watch anywhere” and “cancel anytime.”

Source: netflix.com

Like Hulu, there is a dedicated Kids platform for younger viewers, which includes movies and shows. 

However, consumer insights also tell us that Netflix offers international shows, many popular original shows and movies, documentaries, and stand-up comedy specials. Like the Hulu and Netflix reviews on Reddit, there is much wider programming for older viewers than younger ones on Netflix. 

Hulu vs Netflix: Price Ranges

The debate ‘Hulu vs Netflix’ may come down to price. There are various pricing models, which makes it hard to find a single Netflix or Hulu cost. While some special introductory specials may give you the chance to watch Netflix for free or Hulu for less, these promotions don’t last long and often create billing situations after the trial period is over. 

How Much is Hulu?

One of the most frequently asked questions about Hulu is: How much is it? Customers also try to sort out and find responses to the question: How much is Hulu without ads? 

Without accounting for the various bundle options available, the Hulu cost at the time of writing is $7.99 for a basic plan that includes ads or $17.99 for a Hulu plan that does not include ads. There is currently a free Hulu trial for $7.99, which has ads for a month. There is also a three-day free trial for at least one Hulu subscription to a bundle with Disney+ and live TV. 

Source: hulu.com

The pricing for Hulu has increased, and the increase has angered many subscribers. In one of the Reddit threads, customers complain about the high price, with one noting that she canceled at $14.99 and that there is “no way” she would do $17.99 per month for the service. 

Source: reddit.com

Additionally, some customers are complaining about commercial breaks growing longer as well. An X (formerly Twitter) poster is “not thrilled” that the ad breaks just increased from one minute and thirty seconds to two minutes during shows.

Source: x.com

However, not everyone is complaining about Hulu. One PissedConsumer user in review #5837740 posted that Hulu “customer service is good” and they feel “it’s a good price for all the channels.”

How much is a Netflix subscription?

Some customers have similar things to say about price increases at Netflix. One Reddit poster complained about an increase in price on Netflix, with some posters advising others to “cancel it” because “it’s not worth it.” 

Source: reddit.com

This sentiment is echoed in review #6031484, where a viewer claims that “Netflix is forcing loyal customers out” as it “continues to raise its prices and cancel plans.” The reviewer then states:

Netflix used to be great but has been going downhill for some time now. Eventually, they just might run themselves out of business as many of the customers they chase off won't come back.

Trying to sort out how much is a Netflix subscription and if it’s worth it for you? There are three options for a Netflix subscription that range from $6.99 to $22.99 at the time of writing. The Netflix cost for a plan with ads at 1080 pixels is $6.99 per month. The standard 1080 plan without ads is $15.49 per month. A 4K+HDR plan without ads is $22.99 per month. 

Source: netflix.com

Hulu vs. Netflix: Customer Service Experience

Customer service may play a big role in deciding Hulu vs Netflix. Customers have a lot to say about both Netflix and Hulu support. Hulu customer service has been given 2.4 stars out of a possible 5 based on Hulu reviews. Netflix is just below, with 2.3 stars based on thousands of Netflix reviews. 

Many customers contact Hulu support about their account, payments or charges, and issues with activation or the product or service. According to consumer insights, 15% of those calls are successful. On one successful call, a customer described their consumer experience with Hulu as “very professional and really nice” in review #5939566. The customer was “very satisfied.”

Another Hulu reviewer, however, called the streaming provider “4 times in the last two weeks” about issues. The customer was “clearly very displeased with your customer service” and plans to 

…remain patient and stay on the phone 6 hours if needed while you find someone to accommodate us, so we may move on to a provider that will appreciate our business.

Customers contact Netflix customer service about their payments and charges, issues with their accounts and activation, cancellation of services, and other concerns. 16% of these consumer issues are resolved. 

Some customers praise Netflix customer service, like the recent poster in review #5935062, who called to get service on two televisions. They praised the customer service rep who “walked me through the process” and praised “Great customer service.”

In the Hulu vs Netflix discussion, both have critics as well. One Netflix customer recently complained that “customer service and the website both need vast improvement.” They found customer service “absolutely no help at all.” 

If you need to contact Netflix customer service, dial 888-638-3549. To get in touch with Hulu customer service, call 888-265-6650. 

Hulu vs. Netflix: Cancellation and Refund Policy

Questions about cancellations and refunds often appear in both Hulu Q&A and Netflix Q&A. We compiled the answers in our Hulu vs Netflix comparison below. 

How to get a refund from Hulu?

While there is a different Hulu return policy for items purchased from the Hulu shop, the streaming services offered by the company require you to contact Hulu support. According to the Hulu Help Center, the company "may issue refunds in its sole discretion." Customers are encouraged to contact the company at 888-265-6650.

Source: Hulu Help Center

In review #5862479, a frustrated customer claims that they were charged twice for five months but were only refunded for two when they called Hulu customer service. She posted that she is "still very upset" about the situation.

How to get a refund from Netflix?

According to the company's Terms of Use, there is no Netflix return or refund policy. Payments are nonrefundable, and partial subscription periods are not eligible for refunds or credits. However, while refunds are generally not given, there's a possibility of receiving credits or discounts. These credits are at the company's sole discretion and can be offered for any reason.

Source: Netflix Terms of Use

If you have questions about payments, you can contact the company for assistance. Customers have the option to contact the company by phone at 1-844-505-2993, or they may attempt to resolve the issue via chat. 

One customer who was promised a Netflix refund claims that the company is "quick to charge you," but "when it comes to refunds, they'll give you all the runarounds and BS."

How to cancel Netflix?

You can cancel Netflix anytime, but your account will close at the end of your current billing period. To check the closure date, visit "Billing details" on your "Account" page. If you signed up for Netflix through a third party, you may need to cancel by turning off auto-renew or unsubscribing via that third party's platform.

To cancel your account, you do not need to contact Netflix customer service. Simply click the red link on the Netflix help page to log in and start the cancellation process.

How to cancel Hulu?

You have the flexibility to pause or cancel your Hulu subscription at any time. If you decide to return, you can easily resume your service. 

To cancel Hulu, you will log into your account and visit the Account page. Then, you should be able to click on Cancel under Your Subscription. You'll be given the option to pause your account or cancel it completely from there. You will receive a confirmation via email that you've canceled your subscription. 

Source: Hulu Help Center

Your Hulu subscription will remain active until your current billing period ends, even if you cancel. You won't be charged for any future months. This also applies to free trial subscribers.

Choosing the Best Streaming Video Service

Some customers find it simple to compare Hulu vs Netflix. Some people choose to subscribe to both, while others opt for neither. With different content on each platform, there is a wide variety of shows and movies, regardless of which you choose. 

Netflix has more streamers and offers a wide range of documentaries and specials that won’t be found on Hulu. Hulu offers more network programming as well as bundles with live TV and other platforms for discounted costs. Both companies have mixed reviews about the effectiveness of their customer service. Had an experience with Netflix or Hulu? Why not write a review to help others decide between the two?

*Disclaimer: Ranking and statistics are based on our users’ review texts and Pissed Consumer posters’ reviews. Also, a company’s rating is calculated using a mathematical algorithm that evaluates the information in the profile, including users’ rating, the number of resolved issues, the number of company’s responses, etc. The algorithm is subject to change in the future.