Hulu's yearly plan costs $139.99 per year and bills once annually instead of monthly

Hulu offers a yearly subscription option that charges you once per year rather than splitting the cost into monthly payments. The yearly plan currently costs $139.99 and covers the same ad-supported streaming service you would get on a monthly plan — you watch the same shows and films, with the same advertisements during playback. The main difference is payment timing and total cost: you pay the full year upfront, and Hulu renews your subscription automatically on the same date each year.

The yearly plan does not include Hulu's ad-free tier or bundled services like Disney+ or ESPN+. If you want to remove ads, you would need to pay extra for Hulu's ad-free plan, which also has a yearly option. Bundled plans that combine Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ are sold separately and have their own yearly pricing.

Key Takeaways

  • Hulu's yearly subscription costs $139.99 and renews automatically each year on your billing date.
  • The yearly plan includes the same ad-supported content as the monthly plan, with no difference in what you can watch.
  • Paying yearly saves you money compared to paying monthly, which costs more per year when added up.
  • You can cancel anytime, but Hulu does not refund unused months if you cancel before your year is up.
  • Hulu's yearly plan does not include ad-free viewing or bundled services; those require separate paid upgrades.

How much you save by paying yearly instead of monthly

Hulu's monthly ad-supported plan costs $7.99 per month, which adds up to $95.88 per year if you pay month to month. The yearly plan at $139.99 appears higher at first glance, but that price point reflects a different tier or promotional structure — you should compare the actual yearly cost of the monthly plan ($95.88) against what Hulu is currently charging for an annual commitment. Pricing changes periodically, so the exact savings depend on when you sign up and what promotional offers are running.

The financial advantage of yearly payment comes from locking in a rate for twelve months rather than being subject to price increases during that period. If Hulu raises its monthly price mid-year, yearly subscribers keep the same rate until renewal. This protection is most valuable if you plan to keep the subscription for the full year regardless.

What happens when your yearly subscription renews

Hulu automatically renews your subscription on the anniversary of your sign-up date. The renewal charge hits your payment method on file, and your service continues without interruption. You do not have to do anything to keep your account active — the renewal is automatic unless you cancel beforehand.

If you want to stop your subscription before the year ends, you can cancel anytime through your account settings. However, Hulu does not refund the unused portion of your yearly payment. If you cancel after three months of a twelve-month plan, you lose access to the remaining nine months of service you paid for. This is the main trade-off of yearly billing: lower per-month cost in exchange for losing refund rights if you change your mind.

How to sign up for or switch to the yearly plan

If you are a new subscriber, you can choose the yearly plan when you first create your account. Hulu presents payment options during signup, and you select the yearly billing frequency before entering your payment information.

If you already have a monthly subscription, you can switch to yearly through your account settings. Log into your Hulu account, go to your subscription details or billing section, and look for an option to change your plan or billing frequency. Hulu may offer a prorated adjustment if you switch mid-month, though the exact terms depend on your current plan and when you make the change. Contact Hulu's support if the option does not appear in your account settings, as some older accounts or promotional plans may have restrictions on switching.

Ad-free and bundled yearly options

Hulu sells an ad-free yearly plan separately from the standard ad-supported yearly plan. This removes advertisements from most shows and films, though a small number of titles still carry ads due to licensing restrictions. The ad-free yearly plan costs more than the ad-supported version.

Hulu also offers bundled yearly plans that combine Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+. These bundles come in ad-supported and ad-free versions and have their own yearly pricing. A bundle is less expensive per service than paying for each subscription separately, but you commit to all three services for the year. If you only want Hulu, the standalone yearly plan is your option.

Payment methods and billing issues

Hulu accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal for yearly subscriptions. Your payment method is stored securely in your account, and Hulu charges it automatically on your renewal date each year. If your payment method expires or is declined at renewal, Hulu will attempt to charge a backup payment method if you have one on file.

If your payment fails and you do not update your billing information, your account will be suspended. You can reactivate it by updating your payment method through your account settings. Hulu typically gives you a grace period to fix billing problems before permanently closing your account, though the exact window varies. If you have questions about a charge or billing error, Hulu's support team can review your account and issue corrections if warranted.

Sharing your account and household restrictions

Hulu's terms of service state that your subscription is for personal use within your household. Sharing your login with people outside your home violates the terms, though enforcement varies. Hulu has introduced a paid add-on called "Extra Member" that allows you to add another person to your account for a monthly fee, which is a legal way to share access.

If you travel or use your account on multiple devices within your household, that is permitted. Streaming on multiple devices at the same time may be limited depending on your plan — some plans allow simultaneous streams on a set number of screens, while others restrict it. Check your plan details or contact Hulu support if you are unsure how many devices can stream at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel my yearly subscription early?

No. Hulu does not refund unused months when you cancel a yearly plan. If you cancel after paying for the full year, you lose access to the remaining service time. You can cancel anytime, but the refund policy is the same regardless of when you cancel during the year.

What if my payment method is declined at renewal?

Hulu will try to charge a backup payment method if you have one saved. If all payment methods fail, your account suspends. You can reactivate it by updating your billing information in your account settings. Hulu typically allows a grace period to fix the problem before closing your account permanently.

Does the yearly plan include Hulu's ad-free option?

No. The standard yearly plan includes ads. Hulu sells an ad-free yearly plan as a separate option at a higher price. You choose which version you want when you sign up or switch plans.

Can I switch from monthly to yearly billing mid-year?

Yes. You can change your billing frequency through your account settings. Hulu may adjust your charges based on what you have already paid for the current month, though the exact calculation depends on your plan and timing.

Is the yearly plan the same content as the monthly plan?

Yes. Both the yearly and monthly ad-supported plans give you access to the same library of shows and films. The only difference is how often you pay and the total cost per year.