Difference Between Hulu and Hulu Live

Amidst the global coronavirus pandemic that threatens the recovery of developing nations, the top streaming service providers, from Netflix, Hulu to Disney+, Amazon Prime, have seen an accelerated growth as the COVID-19 pandemic drives scores of people into their homes. As more and more people are now working remotely, they may as well get the most out of their leisure time by subscribing to their favorite video streaming services. In an already crowded video streaming market, the current pandemic has fueled the growth of streaming business as people shift to watching TV online with no cables attached. The pandemic has changed the streaming market which was already a saturated market as new players are trying to compete with the biggest players in the niche categories. Amidst the booming streaming business, Hulu and Hulu + Live TV have emerged as top cord-cutting streaming services.

What is Hulu?

Hulu is a subscription-based video on demand service owned by News Corporation, NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company and Providence Equity Partners. Hulu is a popular online video service that offers a great selection of popular movies and TV shows, including classics, original series and movies, and much more. It brings content from over 260 content companies, including its joint venture participants to offer its viewers a curated selection of thousands of movies and TV shows, including Hulu Originals, mainstream movies and new releases.

In 2007, Hulu began as a free service available only via computer and in standard definition. In June 2010, it added a subscription service, Hulu Plus, which allowed access to more content in 720p high definition and with limited advertisements. Hulu offers a variety of subscription plans for its viewers, starting as low as $5.99 a month for the basic package, which gives access to full seasons of select hit movies, TV shows, and Hulu originals.

What is Hulu + Live TV?

In 2017, Hulu launched its own live TV streaming service called “Hulu with Live TV” which was later renamed to “Hulu + Live TV.” The plan augments the normal Hulu service with real time streaming of cable, satellite and local channels. It gives you access to over 65 channels of live TV, including cable TV and more than 600 local stations nationwide. It also offers subscribers access to the feeds of the major broadcast partners – CBS, ABC, Fox, NBC, and The CW – along with Cinemax, Showtime and HBO as add-ons for an additional fee.

The Live TV service gives access to Hulu’s extensive library of TV series and movies which you would find on Standard Hulu at a starting price of $64.99 per month. You can also sign up for some add-on features like unlimited screens and enhanced cloud DVR. Although it offers on-demand content from outside Hulu partners, what truly sets Hulu apart is the integration of live channels in a distinctive graphical interface with a cool list view and a lot of filters. Hulu also added MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to its lineup of content.

Difference between Hulu and Hulu + Live TV

Content 

– The main difference between the two is obviously the content you have access to. The Basic Hulu is a standard on-demand video streaming service that brings content from over 260 content companies to offer you access to a library of popular movies and TV shows, including classics, original series and movies, new releases and more. The Hulu live TV streaming service, Hulu + Live TV augments the normal Hulu service with real time streaming of cable, satellite and local channels. Hulu Live TV service offers the full on-demand Hulu streaming service plus access to over 65 channels of live TV, including cable TV and more than 600 local stations nationwide.

Pricing

 – The basic Hulu subscription starts at $5.99 a month, which offers a library of on-demand content, making it the cheapest streaming service on the market. Hulu Premium costs $11.99 a month and is great for binge watching with no ads. You can also choose to subscribe to any of its Partner add-ins for an extra fee. At $64.99 per month, Hulu + Live TV offers everything from the Hulu basic pricing plan, as well as access to the feeds of the major broadcast partners – CBS, ABC, Fox, NBC, and The CW – along with a library of over 8,000 on-demand titles. At $70.99 a month, Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV offers access to the same content completely ad-free.

Hulu vs. Hulu Live: Comparison Chart

Summary

The basic Hulu offers access to an extensive library of on-demand content, including originals, new releases, documentaries, classics, mainstream movies, and much more. Hulu + Live TV offers everything from the Hulu on-demand subscription plus access to 65+ live and on-demand channels, including the major US broadcast networks as well as key sport channels like ESPN, and other select cable channels, like Animal Planet, FX, and The Food Network. Both the on-demand and Live TV streaming services take advantage of Hulu’s extensive library of TV series and movies, including the Hulu originals. This entire shift proved just how quickly Hulu is picking up pace in the streaming business.

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