Hulu's current pricing tiers and what each one includes
Hulu offers three main subscription tiers, each with a different price and set of features. The Hulu (With Ads) plan is the lowest-cost option and includes access to Hulu's full library of shows and films, but with advertisements during playback. The Hulu (No Ads) plan removes those advertisements. The Hulu + Live TV plan adds live television channels on top of the full Hulu library, with no ads during on-demand content (though live TV still includes ads as part of the broadcast).
Hulu also offers bundle options that combine Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+. These bundles come in several configurations: you can pair Hulu (With Ads) with both services, or choose ad-free versions of each. The bundle prices are lower than paying for each service separately, but the exact savings depend on which tier of each service you select.
Prices change periodically and vary slightly depending on how you sign up — directly through Hulu's website, through an app store, or as part of a larger package through a cable or streaming provider. If you subscribe through a third-party platform like Apple's App Store or Google Play, you may pay a higher price because those platforms take a cut.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu offers three standalone tiers: With Ads (cheapest), No Ads (middle), and Live TV (most expensive), with prices that change throughout the year.
- Bundle options that combine Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+ cost less per service than subscribing to each one separately.
- The price you pay depends on where you sign up — directly through Hulu costs less than signing up through an app store or cable provider.
- Live TV includes broadcast advertisements even on the ad-free plan, because those ads are part of the live feed itself.
- Student discounts and promotional rates are sometimes available but typically expire after a set period, after which the full price takes effect.
Where prices differ and why
Signing up directly through Hulu's website or the Hulu app usually gives you the lowest price. When you sign up through Apple's App Store, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video Channels, the price is higher because those platforms charge a commission on each subscription. The difference is typically a few dollars per month, but it adds up over time.
If you already have Hulu through a cable or internet provider bundle, your price depends on what that provider charges. Some internet service providers include Hulu (With Ads) free or at a discount as part of a larger package. Others charge a separate fee. The price you see on your cable bill may not match Hulu's standalone price.
Promotional rates — discounts for new subscribers or special offers during holidays — are common but temporary. Once the promotional period ends, your subscription automatically moves to the regular price unless you cancel and restart. Read the terms of any promotion carefully to see when the discount expires.
Live TV pricing and what channels you receive
Hulu + Live TV includes access to live television channels, on-demand Hulu content, and cloud DVR storage. The channel lineup varies by location because local broadcast stations differ by market. You can check which channels are available in your zip code before you sign up on Hulu's website.
The Live TV plan costs significantly more than the ad-free Hulu plan alone, but it includes both services in one subscription. Live TV still carries advertisements during live broadcasts because those ads are part of the network feed itself — the "no ads" part of the plan applies only to Hulu's on-demand content. Some networks also require you to sign in with your Hulu credentials to watch their apps, so the Live TV subscription can unlock content beyond what appears in the Hulu app.
Cloud DVR storage is included with Live TV, but there are limits on how long recordings are kept and how many simultaneous streams you can use. Check Hulu's current terms for the exact storage duration and stream limits, as these can change.
Bundle pricing compared to standalone subscriptions
Hulu bundles pair it with Disney+ and ESPN+ in several combinations. A bundle with all three services (each with ads) costs less than the sum of their individual prices. If you want ad-free versions, you can bundle Hulu (No Ads) with Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+, or mix and match — for example, Hulu (With Ads), Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+.
The savings from a bundle depend on which tier of each service you choose. A bundle with ads on all three services saves the most money. Bundles with ad-free options cost more but still save compared to paying for each service separately. If you only want one or two of the three services, the bundle may not be worth it — calculate the standalone prices first.
Some providers, like Verizon or certain cable companies, offer their own bundles that may include Hulu at a different price than Hulu's official bundles. Compare what you would pay through Hulu directly versus through your provider before committing.
Student discounts and promotional offers
Hulu occasionally offers discounted rates for students, typically through verification services like SheerID or UNiDAYS. These discounts are not permanent — they last for a set period (often one year) and then revert to the full price. You must verify your student status to may have access to, and you need to re-verify if the discount expires and you want to renew it.
Holiday promotions and limited-time offers appear throughout the year, especially around Black Friday, back-to-school season, and other shopping events. These promotions usually apply only to new subscribers or to people who have not had an active subscription in a certain period. Existing subscribers typically do not receive promotional pricing unless they cancel and restart.
Free trial periods are sometimes available for new subscribers, though Hulu has reduced the length and frequency of free trials in recent years. Check Hulu's current offer page to see what is available when you sign up.
How to find the current price for your situation
Hulu's pricing page on its website shows the current standalone prices for each tier. To see the exact price you would pay, you need to start the sign-up process and enter your payment method and location — the price displayed during checkout is what you will be charged. This is the most reliable way to see the real cost, because promotional rates and regional variations do not show until you reach that step.
If you are considering a bundle, use Hulu's bundle pricing page to compare the cost of bundling versus paying for each service separately. Add up the standalone prices of the services you want, then compare that total to the bundle price. Factor in whether you actually use all three services — paying less for something you do not watch is not a savings.
If you subscribe through a third-party platform or provider, log into that platform and check the subscription settings or billing page. The price shown there is what you are paying, even if it differs from Hulu's website. If you want to pay less, you can cancel through that platform and sign up directly through Hulu instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the price include taxes?
No. The prices shown on Hulu's website and during checkout do not include sales tax or any other taxes that may apply in your location. Tax is added at checkout based on your state and local tax rates. The final amount you are charged will be higher than the advertised price.
Can I switch between tiers without canceling?
Yes. You can change your subscription tier at any time through your account settings. If you upgrade mid-month, you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of the current billing cycle. If you downgrade, the change takes effect on your next billing date.
What happens to my price if I pause my subscription?
Hulu allows you to pause your subscription for up to three months without being charged. When you resume, you pay the current price for your tier — if prices have increased since you paused, your bill will be higher. Pausing is different from canceling; you keep your account and preferences.
Is there a price difference between monthly and annual plans?
Hulu does not currently offer annual prepayment plans for most tiers. You pay month to month, and your subscription renews automatically each month. Some promotional offers may include discounted rates for a set number of months, but these are temporary and revert to the regular monthly price afterward.
Why is my Hulu price higher than what I see on the website?
The most common reason is that you signed up through an app store or third-party platform rather than directly through Hulu. App stores charge a commission, which raises the price. You can also check whether you are on a promotional rate that has expired, or whether your location has different tax rates than another area.