Hulu vs. Netflix: How to Pick the Best Streaming Service in 2025

June 9, 2025 By Nick Anderson No Comments 7 minutes

Deciding between Hulu vs. Netflix is like choosing your favorite pizza topping, and everyone’s got a preference. Both streaming giants bring something different to the table, from their price tags to the shows and movies they offer. So, which one’s the best fit for you in 2025? Let’s dig into the Hulu vs. Netflix face-off, looking at costs, content, streaming quality, and more.

Note: Hulu’s only in the US, so if you’re abroad, FastestVPN is a must. Hook up to a US server with FastestVPN, and you can watch Hulu from anywhere. Netflix is in 190+ countries, but FastestVPN lets you tap into region-specific stuff, like Japan’s anime or the UK’s BBC iPlayer. Both services try to block VPNs, but FastestVPN’s US servers work like a charm for streaming.

How Much They Cost: Hulu vs. Netflix

Your wallet’s probably the first thing you think about when picking between Hulu vs. Netflix. Both have plans for different budgets, but they work a bit differently. 

Hulu’s Prices

Hulu’s got a bunch of options, whether you’re cool with ads or want live TV:

• Hulu (With Ads): $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year. It’s cheap and gets you everything Hulu offers. Students can score it for just $1.99 a month. 
• Hulu (No Ads): $18.99 a month. You watch without breaks, though some shows might still sneak in ads because of licensing stuff. 
• Hulu + Live TV: Starts at $81.99 a month (with ads) or $94.99 a month (no ads for on-demand shows). It includes live TV channels, Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads). 
• Disney Bundle: Kicks off at $10.99 a month for Hulu and Disney+ (both with ads). Nicer bundles go up to $22.99 a month for no ads on both. 

The low prices and live TV make it awesome for catching shows right after they air or watching live sports. The downside? Ads on the cheaper plans can be a buzzkill. 

Netflix’s Prices

Netflix keeps things straightforward but charges more in 2025:

• Standard with Ads: $7.99 a month. You get 1080p streaming on two screens. 
• Standard: $17.99 a month, no ads, 1080p, and you can add one extra person outside your house. 
• Premium: $24.99 a month. This gives you 4K Ultra HD, four screens at once, and room for two extra household members. 

Netflix’s plans are easy to get, but there’s no free trial, unlike Hulu’s 30-day deal. The higher tiers can hit your wallet hard. In the Hulu vs. Netflix cost comparison, Hulu’s cheaper starting point and bundles are great for saving cash, while Netflix’s no-ad plans are better if you want a clean viewing experience. 

What You Get to Watch: Hulu vs. Netflix

The content you can watch is what really matters in the Hulu vs. Netflix debate. 

What Hulu Offers

Hulu’s got around 2,500 titles, including 86,000 TV episodes from 2,900 shows. It’s all about TV, especially content that just aired. Deals with networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox mean you can watch shows like The Masked Singer or Abbott Elementary a day or two after they’re on TV. Here’s where Hulu kills it:

• Original Shows: Hits like The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Shōgun are fan favorites. The Bear season 3 was an Emmy champ in 2024. 
• Anime and Live Events: Hulu is a go-to for anime lovers and streams festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo. 
• Live TV: Hulu + Live TV gives you sports, news, and entertainment channels so that you can ditch cable. 

Hulu’s movie lineup is smaller than Netflix’s, and it’s only in the US. You’ll need FastestVPN to watch it if you’re outside the States. 

What Netflix Offers

Netflix is a beast with over 7,000 titles in the US and nearly 20,000 worldwide, including 5,000+ movies and shows. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Original Shows: Netflix throws big money at shows like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Squid Game, and The Witcher, with stars you know. Keep an eye out for Stranger Things season 5 and Black Mirror season 7 in 2025. 
• Movies: Netflix has a ton of films, including 26 of IMDb’s top 250, more than any other service. 
• Global Content: With FastestVPN, you can check out Netflix’s international catalogs, like Korean dramas or Japanese anime. 

Netflix is perfect for movie nerds and binge-watchers, but it doesn’t match Hulu’s knack for airing TV episodes right after they’re on. In the Hulu vs. Netflix content showdown, Netflix wins for sheer volume and global variety, while Hulu’s the pick for fresh TV and niche content like anime. 

Original Shows and Movies: Big Names vs. Standout Picks

Originals are a huge part of Hulu vs. Netflix. Netflix goes hard, putting out new shows and films every week. You’ve got massive hits like Adolescence or movies with big stars that pull in tons of viewers. They also do comedy specials and stuff from other countries, like Spanish dramas or anime, so there’s something for everyone.

Hulu picks its shots carefully, making fewer originals but nailing the quality. Shows like Shōgun or movies like Palm Springs get tons of praise for their tight plots. Its connection to FX brings gritty dramas and funny shows, and its movie lineup, while smaller, has gems like Suncoast with Woody Harrelson. Hulu’s about quality over flooding you with options.

Netflix has way more originals and something for every taste. Hulu’s smaller batch of U.S.-focused shows often feels sharper.

Features and How Easy They Are to Use

Both services make watching easy, but they’ve got different styles. Netflix’s app is super simple, with suggestions that feel spot-on because of its clever system. You can download content to watch offline and use up to four screens on the Premium plan. Its servers around the world keep things running smoothly, but FastestVPN can help you grab shows from other countries’ libraries if you need them.

Hulu’s app is a bit more packed since it handles on-demand and live TV. It’s still easy to get around, with sections for Disney+ and ESPN+ if you’ve got them. The Live TV plans let everyone in your house watch at once, which is awesome for big families. 

Netflix is easier to use and works anywhere. Hulu is great for U.S. viewers who want live TV and extra services.

Where You Can Watch

Netflix is in over 190 countries, so you can watch it anywhere. But the shows you get depend on where you are like U.S. Netflix isn’t the same as UK Netflix. A VPN can unlock those extra titles. Hulu’s only in the U.S. and Japan, and it’s tough to get around their location checks. FastestVPN can help you access Hulu, but you might need to try a few servers to make it work. Netflix is available everywhere; Hulu needs a VPN if you’re outside the U.S.

FAQs

Final Words!

The Hulu vs. Netflix choice in 2025 comes down to what you love to watch. Netflix hooks you with a giant library, new shows and movies all the time, and the ability to watch almost anywhere. Hulu’s your go-to if you’re in the U.S. and love fresh network TV, killer originals, or bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+. 

Its Live TV plan is perfect for cutting the cable cord, but it’s pricier. If you’re outside the U.S., FastestVPN can get you into Hulu or unlock more Netflix shows, so you’re never stuck.