Hulu's current pricing and plan options

Hulu offers three main subscription tiers, each with different costs and features. The basic plan with ads costs $7.99 per month. The ad-free plan costs $14.99 per month. The premium plan, which includes both ad-free viewing and access to live TV, costs $14.99 per month for the streaming portion, but the full live TV bundle runs $82.99 per month.

Prices change periodically, and Hulu occasionally runs promotional rates for new subscribers. The amounts listed here reflect current standard pricing, but you should confirm the exact cost on Hulu's website before signing up, since rates can shift without notice.

Hulu also offers a bundle that combines Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ at a lower combined price than subscribing to each separately. The bundle with ads costs $14.99 per month, and the ad-free bundle costs $24.99 per month. This bundle option is worth comparing if you use more than one of these services.

Key Takeaways

  • The ad-supported Hulu plan costs $7.99 per month and includes access to most of Hulu's content library with commercial breaks.
  • The ad-free plan costs $14.99 per month and removes advertisements but does not include live TV channels.
  • The live TV bundle costs $82.99 per month and includes both ad-free streaming and access to live television channels.
  • Hulu frequently offers discounted rates for the first few months to new subscribers, so the introductory cost may be lower than the standard monthly price.
  • Bundling Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+ costs $14.99 per month with ads or $24.99 per month without ads, which is cheaper than paying for each service separately.

What each plan includes and what it does not

The ad-supported plan gives you access to Hulu's full library of TV shows, movies, and original series. You will see advertisements during playback, typically 15 to 30 seconds per ad break. Some newer or premium content may have restrictions on the ad-supported tier, meaning you cannot watch it until it moves to the standard rotation or you upgrade to ad-free.

The ad-free plan removes commercials from your viewing but otherwise provides the same content library as the ad-supported plan. It does not include live TV channels. If you want to watch live broadcasts of sports, news, or other programming as it airs, you need the live TV bundle.

The live TV bundle includes all the ad-free streaming content plus access to live television channels. The exact channel lineup varies by your location and can change, so check Hulu's website to see which channels are available in your area before you sign up. This plan also includes the ability to record programs and watch them later using Hulu's DVR feature.

Promotional pricing and discounts for new subscribers

Hulu regularly offers introductory rates for people who have never subscribed before or who have not had an active subscription in the past year. These promotions typically reduce the monthly cost for the first one to three months, after which the standard price takes effect automatically. Common promotional offers include the first month for $1.99 or the first three months at a reduced rate.

Promotional pricing is not may provide and changes frequently. The discount you see depends on when you sign up, your location, and which plan you choose. You should review the current offer on Hulu's website at the time you are ready to subscribe.

After the promotional period ends, your subscription will renew at the full monthly rate unless you cancel. Hulu will notify you before the promotional period expires, but it is your responsibility to cancel if you do not want to continue at the standard price.

How to check your current subscription cost

If you already have a Hulu subscription, you can see your current plan and monthly cost by logging into your account and going to Account Settings. Look for the "Subscription" or "Plan" section, which will show your current tier, the date your next payment is due, and the amount you are being charged.

Your bill appears on your credit card or payment method on the same day each month. If you recently upgraded or downgraded your plan, the change takes effect immediately, and your next billing date may shift to reflect the new plan's cost.

Bundling Hulu with other Disney services

Disney offers three bundle options that combine Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+. The basic bundle with ads costs $14.99 per month and includes ad-supported versions of all three services. The premium bundle without ads costs $24.99 per month. A third option bundles Hulu with ads, Disney+ without ads, and ESPN+ without ads for $19.99 per month.

If you already subscribe to Disney+ or ESPN+ separately, switching to a bundle usually saves money. For example, if you pay $7.99 for Hulu with ads and $7.99 for Disney+, the bundle at $14.99 per month saves you $1.99 monthly. The savings grow if you use all three services or if you want ad-free viewing across all of them.

You can switch to a bundle from an individual Hulu subscription at any time. The change takes effect immediately, and your billing date remains the same. If the bundle costs more than your current plan, you will be charged the difference prorated through your next billing date.

Payment methods and billing

Hulu accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal as payment methods. You can also pay through certain carriers and platforms if you subscribed through them, such as through your mobile phone bill or through an app store. The payment method you choose at sign-up will be charged automatically each month on your billing date.

You can update your payment method in your Account Settings at any time. If a payment fails, Hulu will attempt to charge your account again before suspending your subscription. You will receive a notification if a payment issue occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hulu offer a free trial?

Hulu no longer offers a free trial period. However, new subscribers may see promotional pricing that reduces the cost for the first one to three months. Check Hulu's website to see what current offer is available when you sign up.

Can I change my plan after I subscribe?

Yes. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time through your Account Settings. The change takes effect immediately. If you upgrade to a more expensive plan, you will be charged the difference prorated through your next billing date. If you downgrade, the lower price applies at your next renewal.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Your access ends immediately after you cancel. You will not be charged again, but you also lose access to your saved shows and watchlist. If you resubscribe later, you will start fresh with a new account unless you sign up within a certain window that allows account recovery.

Is the price the same everywhere in the United States?

Standard pricing is the same across the United States, but promotional offers for new subscribers may vary by region or timing. International pricing differs from U.S. pricing and is set by local currency and market conditions.

Do I have to pay for Hulu if I have a cable subscription?

Most cable packages do not include Hulu. However, some cable providers offer Hulu as an add-on or bundle it with their service. Check with your cable provider to see if they offer Hulu as part of your plan or as an optional add-on.