Exploring Alternatives to Hulu (and Hulu Live TV) for Better Entertainment

Let's be honest: your streaming budget is probably doing more heavy lifting than your actual budget. And if Hulu or Hulu Live TV is a staple in your household, you've likely felt the pinch of rising prices, the frustration of internet data consumption, or the desire for a fresh content library. While Hulu has been a streaming leader since 2007, offering unparalleled flexibility, its costs—especially for the Live TV bundle—can quickly escalate, turning convenience into a financial commitment.
The good news? You have more choices than ever before. This guide will walk you through the vast landscape of streaming alternatives, both on-demand and live TV, helping you uncover options that better fit your wallet, your viewing habits, and your craving for compelling entertainment.

At a Glance: Key Takeaways for Your Streaming Switch

  • Hulu & Hulu Live TV are getting pricier. The ad-supported Live TV plan jumped to $76.99/month, with the ad-free version hitting $89.99/month. This makes exploring alternatives more financially appealing.
  • On-Demand is diverse. From blockbuster originals (Disney+, Max) to niche genres (Shudder, Mubi) and free, ad-supported content (Tubi, Freevee), there's a service for every taste and budget.
  • Live TV competitors offer different strengths. DIRECTV STREAM excels in channel lineups, Fubo in sports, YouTube TV in DVR, and Sling TV/Philo in affordability with some trade-offs.
  • "Free" isn't a myth. Ad-supported services like Tubi, Amazon Freevee, and The Roku Channel provide extensive libraries without a subscription fee.
  • Device compatibility varies. Always double-check if your preferred service works with your smart TV, streaming stick, or mobile devices before subscribing.
  • Consider bundling or rotating. You don't have to stick with just one service. Many savvy streamers combine free options with one or two paid services, or rotate subscriptions throughout the year.

Why You Might Be Ready to Break Up with Hulu (or Hulu Live TV)

Hulu, with its deep library of network TV and acclaimed originals, plus the comprehensive Hulu Live TV package, has carved out a significant niche. But it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some common reasons people start looking elsewhere:

  • The Cost Creep: As noted, Hulu + Live TV's price tags are now firmly in cable territory. If you're paying nearly $90 a month, you might wonder if you're truly cutting the cord or just replacing one expensive bill with another. Standard Hulu also sees periodic increases.
  • Internet Data Drain: Streaming in HD, especially live TV for hours, can be a serious bandwidth hog. For homes with data caps or slower internet speeds, this can lead to throttling or overage charges.
  • Content Fatigue: Maybe you've binged everything on Hulu that interests you, or you find yourself skipping through ads even on your "ad-supported" tier. Perhaps you're chasing specific genres or original series that live on other platforms.
  • Feature Gaps: Do you wish for more simultaneous streams, a more robust DVR, or better device support for your particular setup? Different services offer different perks.
    Before we dive into the specific alternatives, let's establish what kind of streamer you are.

Pinpointing Your Streaming Personality: On-Demand vs. Live TV

To truly find the best alternative, you need to understand your primary viewing habits.

  • The Binge Watcher (On-Demand Focus): You love diving into entire seasons, watching movies at your leisure, and don't care about "live" broadcasts. You prioritize a deep, curated content library.
  • The Live Event Enthusiast (Live TV Focus): Sports, local news, awards shows, and scheduled programming are your jam. You need a service that replicates the traditional cable experience, often with a robust DVR.
  • The Hybrid: You like a mix of both! Maybe you want to catch live sports and have a strong library for evening binging. This often means a live TV service with good on-demand options, or pairing a dedicated live TV service with a separate on-demand platform.
    Once you know your preference, exploring alternatives becomes much clearer.

On-Demand Streaming Alternatives: A World Beyond Hulu's Library

If your primary use for Hulu is its extensive on-demand library—catching up on current shows, watching movies, or diving into Hulu Originals—then a wealth of services can offer a fresh perspective.

Blockbuster Libraries & Original Powerhouses

These services are built on vast content libraries and often invest heavily in exclusive original programming, directly competing with Hulu's own offerings.

  1. Disney Plus:
  • The Pitch: The ultimate family-friendly destination, brimming with content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. It's available in 59 countries.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If you have children or are a fan of any of its iconic franchises, Disney+ is a must-have. Its unique, exclusive content sets it apart.
  • Pricing: Starts at $11.99/month in the US. Often bundled with Hulu (which might be why you're looking for alternatives to begin with!).
  • What You Get: Thousands of movies and shows, including new originals like The Mandalorian and Loki.
  1. Paramount Plus:
  • The Pitch: Home to CBS, Paramount movies, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and Smithsonian Channel content. It replaced CBS All Access.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Offers a strong mix of current network shows (next-day availability for CBS), a deep movie catalog, and live sports like NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League feeds. Post-June 2023, Showtime content is exclusive to "Paramount + SHOWTIME" subscribers, adding premium depth.
  • Pricing: Varies by tier, often starting around $5.99/month with ads, with ad-free and Showtime bundles available.
  • What You Get: 40,000 episodes and movies, plus live feeds for certain sports. Available in the US, Canada, and parts of Latin America.
  1. Peacock:
  • The Pitch: NBC's streaming service, offering a mix of NBC originals, next-day access to live NBC shows, and a substantial movie and show library.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If you miss NBC shows or enjoy content from the Universal catalog, Peacock is a strong contender. It also offers a free tier!
  • Pricing: TV-focused Peacock Select ($7.99/month), ad-supported Peacock Premium ($10.99/month), and ad-free Peacock Premium Plus ($16.99/month).
  • What You Get: Over 2,000 movies and shows, including The Office, Parks and Recreation, and exclusive originals.
  • Device Note: Compatible with Apple, Google, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, but notably not Roku or Amazon platforms directly for some time (check for recent updates as compatibility can change).
  1. Apple TV+:
  • The Pitch: Apple's ad-free home for prestigious, high-budget original series and films.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If quality over quantity is your mantra and you appreciate award-winning dramas, comedies, and documentaries, Apple TV+ delivers.
  • Pricing: $12.99 per month. Available in approximately 150 countries.
  • What You Get: Critically acclaimed series like Ted Lasso, Severance, and The Morning Show.
  • Device Note: Accessible via Apple devices, Android-powered TV devices (Chromecast), web browsers, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, PlayStation, and Xbox. Android phones and tablets are generally not directly supported by a dedicated app.
  1. Amazon Prime Video:
  • The Pitch: A behemoth of content, both included with Prime and available for rent/purchase, with a growing roster of original series and films.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Already a Prime member? You already have it! It's an incredibly robust service with a diverse library and the option to add premium channels.
  • Pricing: Included with Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year), or standalone for $8.99/month.
  • What You Get: Thousands of movies and shows, acclaimed originals like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, plus sports content in select regions. Supports renting/buying titles and purchasing add-on channels (HBO, Starz, MLB.TV).
  • Device Compatibility: Widely available on mobile devices, computers, TVs, and gaming consoles.
  1. HBO Max (now Max):
  • The Pitch: The ultimate destination for HBO's premium content, plus a treasure trove from Discovery, DC, Studio Ghibli, TCM, and more.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Unparalleled prestige TV, a massive film library, and a surprising variety of content from across Warner Bros. Discovery. Includes live CNN segments as of September 2023.
  • Pricing: Tiers range from $10.99 (with ads) to $18.49 (no ads) to $22.99 (no ads, more streams, downloads, 4K). Available only in the US.
  • Device Note: Supported by most mobile devices, but historically lacked dedicated apps for Amazon Fire TV or Roku devices (always good to verify current compatibility as these things change).

Niche & Specialty On-Demand Services

Sometimes, you're not looking for everything; you're looking for something very specific. These services cater to dedicated fans.

  1. Starz:
  • The Pitch: Premium cable content focusing on original series and blockbuster movies.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Known for gritty dramas and a solid movie selection. Often a good value, especially with introductory offers.
  • Pricing: $10.99/month ($3/month for the first 3 months).
  • Access: Available as an add-on via Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Roku, YouTube TV, and Hulu Plus Live TV. A standalone app is available for Android, iOS, and most mobile devices.
  1. Mubi:
  • The Pitch: A curated haven for cinephiles, offering a rotating selection of 30 hand-picked films (new one daily) plus a deep back catalog.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If you appreciate arthouse, independent, and international cinema, Mubi is an unparalleled resource.
  • Pricing: $14.99/month or $119.88/year. Offers a free account for database access.
  • Device Note: Accessible via web browser, Android/iOS apps, media streaming devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku), and as a Prime Video channel. Available on PlayStation 4 but not Xbox One.
  1. Shudder:
  • The Pitch: The ultimate streaming service for horror, thriller, and supernatural content.
  • Why It's an Alternative: A truly dedicated niche service for horror fanatics, offering exclusives, classics, and hard-to-find gems.
  • Pricing: $8.99/month or $89.99/year in the US (also available in Australia and New Zealand).
  • Device Compatibility: Accessed via Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Xbox One, computers, and Android/iOS devices.
  1. Criterion Channel:
  • The Pitch: Ad-free, on-demand HD films from The Criterion Collection, a renowned curator of important classic and contemporary cinema.
  • Why It's an Alternative: For film students, enthusiasts, and anyone looking for masterpieces with insightful extras. Also offers "Criterion24/7 Live TV".
  • Pricing: $10.99/month or $99.99/year. Available in the US and Canada.
  1. AMC Plus:
  • The Pitch: A premium streaming bundle that includes content from AMC, Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films Unlimited.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If you love The Walking Dead universe, indie films, or horror, this bundle gives you a lot for the price.
  • Pricing: $6.99/month ($9.99 for ad-free). Reduced price for existing AMC channel subscribers.
  • Access: Accessible via Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime Video Channels, Comcast Xfinity, DirecTV, Dish, Roku, and Sling TV. Note: Content is accessed through provider apps as there is no dedicated AMC Plus app for direct subscription.
  1. Britbox:
  • The Pitch: A dedicated streaming service from BBC and iTV, focusing entirely on British television.
  • Why It's an Alternative: For Anglophiles, this is your go-to for classic and contemporary British dramas, comedies, mysteries, and documentaries.
  • Subscriber Base: Had 1.5 million subscribers by October 2020, showing its strong appeal.
  1. MHz Choice:
  • The Pitch: Specializes in international content, particularly known for Nordic noir, British thrillers, and acclaimed global series. Recently merged with Topic.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If you're bored of US and UK content and want to explore fantastic foreign-language dramas and mysteries.
  • Pricing: $8/month.
  1. MGM+ (formerly Epix On Demand):
  • The Pitch: Premium movies and original series from MGM.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Access to MGM's film vault and original programming like Godfather of Harlem.
  • Pricing: Averages $7.99/month if not included for Epix television channel subscribers.
  • Access: Subscriptions available via major cable providers or as an add-on with Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, DirecTV Stream, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
  1. Magnolia Selects:
  • The Pitch: Curated selection of independent films, documentaries, and original series from Magnolia Pictures.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Offers unique, thought-provoking content outside the mainstream blockbusters.
  • Pricing: Unlimited access for $4.99/month or $49.99/year. Sub-genre subscriptions also available for $2.99/month.
  • Device Compatibility: Accessible on iOS/Android phones and tablets, desktops, Roku, and as a channel through Sling TV and Amazon Prime Video.
  1. Film Movement Plus:
  • The Pitch: Video on-demand for independent and foreign films.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Another excellent choice for discovering critically acclaimed international and indie cinema.
  • Pricing: US cost is $5.99/month (after a 7-day free trial). Available in the US and Canada.
  • Device Compatibility: Accessible on any device, including iOS/Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku.
  1. FlixFling:
  • The Pitch: A flexible video on-demand platform offering both subscriptions and individual rentals/purchases.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Offers a mix of mainstream and indie content, allowing you to subscribe for a library or just pay for specific titles.
  • Pricing: Subscription costs $7.99/month ($95/year) for streaming on 5 devices. Rentals/purchases ($0.99-$7.99) are available without a subscription, with some premium rentals requiring additional payment for subscribers. Available in the US.

Free & Ad-Supported Streaming Alternatives (FAST Services)

Yes, genuinely free streaming exists, supported by ads. These are fantastic for supplementing your paid subscriptions or as standalone entertainment.

  1. Tubi:
  • The Pitch: A massive library of movies and TV shows across virtually every genre, all completely free with ads.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If budget is a top concern, Tubi is an incredible resource. Its title lineup is extensive, ranging from cult classics to recent blockbusters.
  • What You Get: Thousands of movies and shows, compatible with most devices, and features parental controls.
  1. Amazon Freevee:
  • The Pitch: Amazon's free, ad-supported streaming service, offering licensed titles, original shows, and 24/7 live channels.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Another strong free option, especially if you're already in the Amazon ecosystem. Features original content you won't find elsewhere.
  • Access: Widely accessible and pre-installed on most Amazon platforms.
  1. The Roku Channel:
  • The Pitch: A free, ad-supported service primarily for Roku device owners, featuring a mix of on-demand content and live linear channels.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If you own a Roku device, it's a no-brainer for extra free content, including a weekly Sunday MLB game.
  • What You Get: Limited live channels and a mix of free on-demand movies and shows.

Live TV Streaming Alternatives: Cutting the Cord Without Losing Your Channels

Hulu + Live TV is a robust offering, but its recent price hikes (to $76.99/month for ad-supported, $89.99/month for ad-free, effective October 12) make its competitors increasingly attractive. If you crave live sports, news, and scheduled programming, these services aim to replace your traditional cable package.

  1. DIRECTV STREAM:
  • The Pitch: Often considered the top pick for replacing Hulu + Live TV, especially if you want a wide array of familiar cable channels and reliable local affiliates.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Offers a comprehensive channel lineup, strong local coverage, and appealing bundling options with premium streaming services.
  • Pricing: Base Entertainment package is $74.99/month for over 75 cable channels.
  • Perks: New users get a 5-day free trial. Allows bundling with services like Max, MGM+, STARZ, SHOWTIME, and Cinemax for three months free upon sign-up. Includes local affiliates in most markets.
  1. Fubo:
  • The Pitch: The go-to for sports enthusiasts, offering a deep bench of sports channels, including many regional sports networks (RSNs).
  • Why It's an Alternative: If live sports, especially NFL, MLB, and UEFA Champions League, are paramount, Fubo's channel lineup is hard to beat.
  • Pricing: Plans start at $74.99/month, but a regional sports network (RSN) fee typically raises the price to at least $85.98/month for most users.
  • What You Get: Around 90 channels, including NFL Network, NFL RedZone, MLB Network, and Bally Sports RSNs.
  • Caveats: Lacks Turner or AMC-owned channels. Offers a 7-day free trial, and Elite plans or higher support 4K sports events.
  1. YouTube TV:
  • The Pitch: A streamlined, user-friendly live TV service with a solid channel lineup and excellent DVR features.
  • Why It's an Alternative: Offers a great balance of channels, ease of use, and unlimited cloud DVR, making it a strong all-around choice.
  • Pricing: $72.99/month for around 85 channels, including local affiliates in top markets.
  • Perks: One of the best cloud DVRs in the business.
  • Caveats: Doesn't offer the same free trial to all new users and does not bundle streaming services.
  1. Sling TV:
  • The Pitch: A highly customizable and budget-friendly live TV option, allowing you to pick channel bundles (Orange, Blue, or both).
  • Why It's an Alternative: For cord-cutters prioritizing cost savings and willing to be strategic about channel selection, Sling TV is significantly cheaper than most alternatives.
  • Pricing: Sling Orange (ESPN, etc.) for $40/month, Sling Blue (FX, entertainment, etc.) for $40/month, or Sling Orange + Blue for $55/month.
  • Caveats: Main drawback is limited local channel availability. A digital antenna is suggested for local broadcast affiliates.
  1. Philo:
  • The Pitch: An entertainment-focused service that strips away news and sports channels to offer the absolute cheapest major live TV streaming.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If you don't care about live news or sports and just want a selection of popular entertainment, lifestyle, and movie channels, Philo is unbeatable on price.
  • Pricing: A single plan for $25/month for 60 channels, including AMC, Discovery, and Paramount Network.
  • Caveats: Excludes live news and sports.
  1. Frndly TV:
  • The Pitch: Focuses specifically on family-friendly live TV channels.
  • Why It's an Alternative: If you're looking for a simple, affordable option for channels like Hallmark, History, Game Show Network, and more, without sports or news.
  • Pricing: Basic ($8.99/month, SD, 1 stream, no DVR), Classic ($10.99/month, HD, 2 streams, 3 months DVR), Premium ($12.99/month, HD, 4 streams, 9 months DVR).

Making Your Decision: Key Factors to Weigh

Choosing the right alternative (or combination of alternatives) requires a bit of self-reflection. Consider these factors:

  • Your Budget: Clearly define your monthly streaming budget. Are you aiming for under $10, $20, or are you comfortable around the $50-$70 mark for a comprehensive live TV package? Remember to account for potential add-ons or RSN fees.
  • Must-Have Content: List the absolute non-negotiables. Is it live NFL? HBO shows? A specific genre of indie films? Next-day network TV? This will quickly narrow down your options.
  • Ad Tolerance: Are you willing to watch ads to save money, or is an ad-free experience crucial for your enjoyment? Many services offer ad-supported and ad-free tiers at different price points.
  • Device Compatibility: Check if your existing smart TV, streaming stick (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast), gaming console, or mobile devices are supported by your prospective service. Some services have notable gaps (e.g., Peacock's past Roku/Fire TV issues, HBO Max's former Fire TV/Roku absence).
  • Simultaneous Streams: How many people in your household will be streaming at the same time? Services offer different numbers of simultaneous streams (typically 1-5).
  • DVR Features (for Live TV): If you're considering a live TV service, examine its DVR. Is it cloud-based? Unlimited? How long are recordings kept? Does it allow fast-forwarding through ads?
  • User Experience (UX): While harder to evaluate without a trial, look for services with intuitive interfaces, easy search functions, and minimal buffering. Free trials are great for testing this.

The Smart Stacker's Playbook: How to Mix, Match, and Save

You don't have to choose just one alternative. Many people embrace a "streaming stack" approach, combining services to get the best value and content.

  1. Leverage Free Trials: Almost every paid service offers a free trial (5-day, 7-day, 14-day). Use them! Test out the interface, content, and device compatibility before committing.
  2. Rotate Subscriptions: Don't feel obligated to subscribe to everything all year. Binge a show on Max for a month, then cancel and subscribe to Paramount+ for another month to catch up on their exclusives.
  3. Combine Free & Paid: Pair one premium, ad-free service with several free, ad-supported options (Tubi, Freevee, The Roku Channel) to get a vast library without breaking the bank.
  4. Consider Bundles (Carefully): Some services (like Amazon Prime Video with add-ons) or even wireless carriers offer streaming bundles. Evaluate if these genuinely save you money or just push you into more subscriptions you don't need.
  5. Utilize Physical Media/Libraries: Don't forget that your local library likely offers free DVD/Blu-ray rentals, and sometimes even digital streaming services like Kanopy or Hoopla.

Addressing Common Streaming Worries

Switching services can feel daunting, but many common concerns have simple answers.

  • "Is Hulu really going away?" No, not at all! Hulu continues to be a major player in the streaming landscape. The recent changes have been about integrating with Disney+ and price adjustments for Hulu + Live TV, not a shutdown. If you're curious about its future, you can dive deeper into what's happening with Hulu and its place in the Disney ecosystem.
  • "Can I still watch sports?" Absolutely. Dedicated sports fans will find Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM excel, while YouTube TV also offers a strong selection. Even some on-demand services like Paramount+ carry live NFL on CBS or UEFA Champions League feeds.
  • "What about local channels?" Most live TV streaming services (DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, YouTube TV) offer local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates in major markets. Sling TV is the main exception, where a digital antenna is often needed for locals. Always use a service's ZIP code checker to confirm local channel availability for your area.
  • "How do I manage multiple subscriptions?" Keep a simple spreadsheet or use a dedicated app to track your subscriptions, billing dates, and what content you're watching on each. This helps you rotate efficiently and avoid paying for services you're not using.

Your Next Steps to Smarter Streaming

You now have a comprehensive understanding of the streaming landscape beyond Hulu. The power is in your hands to tailor your entertainment experience to your exact needs and budget.

  1. Define Your Priorities: What's most important to you: cost, specific shows, live sports, ad-free viewing, or device compatibility?
  2. Explore the Free Tier First: Start with services like Tubi or Amazon Freevee to supplement your current viewing without adding a bill.
  3. Test Drive with Free Trials: Pick one or two promising paid alternatives and try their free trials. This is the best way to see if a service truly fits your lifestyle.
  4. Re-evaluate Periodically: Your viewing habits change, and so do streaming services' offerings and prices. Make it a habit to review your subscriptions every few months.
    Embrace the freedom of choice. With so many fantastic alternatives to Hulu and Hulu Live TV, you're well-equipped to curate the perfect entertainment package that works for you. Happy streaming!