If you're a Hulu user on Mac, you might be frustrated by the lack of a native Hulu download feature for macOS. Whether you're using a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, or a Mac Studio, Hulu doesn't officially support offline downloads on desktop systems. However, there are several workarounds—some using third-party tools, others making use of iOS apps or macOS screen recording capabilities.

This guide covers four practical ways to download Hulu videos on a Mac, including a top recommendation using StreamFox for Video, and compares them by quality, convenience, and limitations.

Quick Overview Table – Hulu on Mac Download Options

To start, here is a quick overview table of the different methods we will cover in this article, and their pros and cons:

Method 1: Download Hulu Videos on Mac with StreamFox (Best Choice)

The most reliable and feature-rich way to download Hulu shows and movies on your Mac is with Eassiy One-stop Streaming Video Downloader—StreamFox for Video. It offers high-speed downloads, full HD quality, and subtitle support—all packed into a user-friendly interface. 

How to Use StreamFox on Mac:

Step 1: Launch the StreamFox for Video and select Hulu from the list of platforms.

Step 2: Log in to your Hulu account and find the video you want to download.

Step 3: Drag the title to the “+” icon or paste the URL directly. 

Step 4: Choose your resolution, format, subtitle type, and bitrate, then click Confirm.

Step 5: Click Convert All to start downloading.

Step 6: Once done, the files will be saved locally and can be transferred anywhere.

Method 2: Use Hulu iOS App on M1/M2 Mac (Side Load)

Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3) can run iOS apps, which means you can sideload the Hulu iOS app onto your Mac and use it to download videos—just like on an iPhone or iPad. However, this requires an iOS device and a third-party tool called iMazing. 

How to Do It:

Step 1: Download the iMazing app from their official site and install it on your Mac.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer and head to “Manage Apps” on the iMazing app.

Step 3: Go to the library tab and search for the Hulu app on Mac. Once it shows up, click on the download button to proceed.

Step 4: After it has been downloaded, right-click on the app and select “Export.IPA.” Then, install the IPA file, and you’ll have the Hulu iOS app running smoothly.

Step 5: Now, log in to your account using your credentials, and you should be able to download videos if you have a no-ads plan.

Drawbacks:

1. Real-time recording means you need to watch the whole video.
2. Quality may vary based on screen resolution and system performance.
3. No subtitle support and potential copyright concerns.

Method 3: Record Hulu on Mac with Built-In Tools (Screenshot Toolbar)

If you're looking for a free, no-install method to save Hulu content temporarily, try using macOS’s built-in screen recording via the Screenshot Toolbar (available in macOS Mojave 10.14 and later).

How to Record Hulu on Mac:

Step 1: Open Hulu on your Mac and stream the movie or TV show that you want to save offline.

Step 2: Now, press Shit+Command+5 to open the screenshot toolbar.

Step 3: Select Record Entire Screen and press the Record button to start recording.

Step 4: Once the recording is complete, click on Stop, and the video will be saved on your Mac.

The major downside to this method is that you will have to stream the entire video to record. This somewhat defeats the purpose of downloading files offline for later viewing. However, it works if you are planning to rewatch something and won’t be able to stream it again.

Method 4: Add Hulu Web App Shortcut to Mac Dock

Although Hulu doesn’t offer a native macOS app, you can still access it like a desktop app by turning the Hulu website into a web app using Chrome or Safari. This allows you to stream in a clean, app-like window and even pin Hulu to your Dock for quick access. 

Note: This method is for streaming only. If you want to watch Hulu offline on Mac, try a tool like StreamFox for Video.

Option 1: Use Chrome to Install Hulu as a Web App

Step 1: Open https://www.hulu.com in Chrome and log in.

Step 2: If you see a computer icon with a download arrow in the address bar, click it and select Install.

Step 3: If not, click the three-dot menu (⋮) > More Tools > Create Shortcut… 

Check “Open as window” before clicking Create.

Step 4: A Hulu shortcut will be added to your Applications folder or Launchpad—you can drag it to the Dock for faster access.

Option 2: Use Safari (macOS Sonoma or Later)

Step 1. Go to https://www.hulu.com in Safari.

Step 2. Click the File menu > Add to Dock.

Step 3. Name the app “Hulu” and confirm by clicking Add.

Step 4. Hulu will now open in a streamlined, standalone window from your Dock.

Limitations: The Mac Hulu app doesn’t have a download feature, but allows quick access. It is better suited for regular streaming, not offline use.

Comparison Table: Which Hulu Download Method is Best for Mac?

FAQs About Downloading Hulu on MacBook

Why can't I download episodes on Hulu?

Hulu’s offline downloads are limited to mobile devices only. Desktop platforms, including macOS, do not have native download options. 

Why can't I find Hulu on my Samsung smart TV?

If you’re using a Samsung smart TV older than 2015-16, you might not have Hulu. In such a scenario, you might want to project your laptop using an HDMI cable or use an external casting device such as Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, or Roku.

How to get free Hulu?

Yes, Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for the standard plan and a 3-day trial for Hulu + Live TV. Keep in mind that downloads are restricted by plan type and availability.

Conclusion

While Hulu doesn’t officially support downloads on Mac, tools like StreamFox for Video fill the gap by offering a powerful, reliable way to save your favorite Hulu content for offline viewing. If you’re looking for high-quality downloads, full control over file formats, and subtitle support, StreamFox is by far the most capable option on the market.