Streaming services are all the rage these days. There are now several dozen to choose from — among them, Hulu and Netflix. So, Hulu vs Netflix, which one should you go for?

Maybe you're tired of endless options but want quality, exclusive or live content? Or perhaps, price matters most for you. Hulu and Netflix are two streaming giants with similar, yet different offers.

Let’s go into the peculiarities of each service, pricing plans and features that set them apart, so you can know which service suits your vibe and budget.

Part 1: Netflix vs Hulu: Side-by-side Content Library Comparison

We start by reeling out a side-by-side comparison of Netflix and Hulu content offers, and who they are tailored for:

Overview of Netflix Content

King of Originals

Netflix is the king of streaming content. It has the most original streaming content, not just in this comparison but in the entire industry, from TV shows to movies, documentaries, specials, and more.

These include recently added movies like Love Is Blind, Habibi, Trouble, and Monsters. Other interesting movies and shows include Love Next Door, Avatar The Last Airbender, Mea Culpa, Rebel Ridge, Deceitful Love, Fatal Seduction, Savage Beauty, The Union, Money Heist, Queen of Tears and thousands more. In 2023 alone, Netflix released 370 Netflix Original series and 219 Netflix Original movies.

The US library alone has more than 3,700 original content. And this is typically why you can't compare Hulu subscribers vs Netflix. Netflix has more than 277.65 million subscribers while Hulu has just over 50 million. Meanwhile, Netflix focuses on streaming and original content only, with no live TV option like Hulu offers. You may however catch content like reunions, comedy specials, and other events as they happen live on Netflix.

A wide range of genres

Netflix also has 15+ main genres and over 150 sub-genres. Some of the most popular genres and their codes include:

1. Comedies (6548)
2. Dramas (5763)
3. Action & Adventure (1365)
4. Sci-Fi & Fantasy (1492)
5. Thrillers (8933)
6. Romantic Movies (8883)
7. Horror Movies (8711)

International shows

Netflix also has a large catalog of international shows. These include:

US TV Dramas like:

1. Lucifer
2. Orange Is the New Black
3. Outer Banks
4. Vikings: Valhalla
5. Bridgerton
6. Ozark
7. Narcos
8. Stranger Things
9. House of Cards
10. Designated Survivor
11. The Witcher
12. The Queen's Gambit
13. Peaky Blinders
14. Squid Game (Korean, but widely popular internationally)

Non-US international shows like:

1. Lupin (French)
2. La Reina del Sur (Spanish)
3. El Chapo (Spanish)
4. Marco Polo (Italian/US co-production)
5. The Gentlemen (UK)
6. The Crown (UK)
7. Peaky Blinders (UK)
8. The Uncanny Counter (Korean)
9. Crash Landing on You (Korean)
10. The King's Affection (Korean)
11. Alchemy of Souls (Korean)

Overview of Hulu Content

Originals + current TV

Hulu brings a strong mix of network TV shows and growing original content. While it doesn’t have Netflix’s massive library, Hulu has carved out a niche by offering next-day streaming of shows from major networks like NBC, ABC, and FOX. Hulu also started producing original content in 2011. Although not as vast as Netflix', some of the top original shows waking waves on Hulu are:

1. Shōgun
2. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives..
3. Under the Bridge.
4. The Veil.
5. The Handmaid's Tale.
6. The Bear.
7. Only Murders in the Building.
8. American Horror Story

So, it’s ideal for viewers who want both current TV and fresh originals in one place.

Next-day streaming & TV exclusives

If your favorite show airs tonight, for example, but you’re tied up with life, no worries! Hulu’s next-day streaming lets you catch all the action, from The Bachelor to Grey’s Anatomy, without missing a scene. This feature is great for those who want to stay current with popular TV shows, minus the DVR. Hulu makes it easy to keep up with the latest episodes, perfect for avoiding spoilers from coworkers or friends.

Hulu + Live TV: The best of both worlds

Hulu isn’t just about streaming — it also offers live TV through the Hulu + Live TV plan. With this, you get access to 85+ live channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. It’s like having cable, but without the contract. If you’re a sports fan or news junkie, you’ll love the ability to switch between live TV and Hulu’s on-demand library. It’s perfect for households where some people want to watch shows while others prefer live programming.

Content add-ons for extra entertainment

Hulu lets you expand your entertainment options with add-ons. Want to watch more than what Hulu offers? You can bundle HBO Max, Disney+, or ESPN+ into your plan. This makes Hulu incredibly flexible for families or individuals who want a bit of everything. You get Hulu’s core library, plus the option to dive into Disney classics, live sports, or premium HBO content.

Part 2: Hulu vs Netflix Price and Subscription Plan Comparison

Below is a table comparing the basic and premium plans, add-on services and free trial option possibility of Hulu and Netflix:

Part 3: Availability of Offline Viewing

Netflix makes it easier for those who want to binge on-the-go where there is limited or no internet access. You can download shows and movies on Netflix apps on most devices: Android, iPhone, iPad, and even Amazon Fire tablets. However, offline viewing is available on every plan except the Mobile plan.

On the other hand, Offline viewing with Hulu is more limited. Only subscribers on the No Ads plan can download content. That means if you're on an ad-supported plan, you’ll need Wi-Fi or data to stream your favorites.

So, if offline access is essential, consider Hulu’s higher tier for flexibility or choose Netflix.

Note: While Netflix and Hulu offer content downloads for offline access, both streaming platforms don't grant direct access to video content in your local storage. Content on these platforms are well-protected by digital right  management encryptions.

How to Download Offline Video on Netflix and Hulu

If you need to download streaming content into your local storage for shareability and offline playability using your media player, StreamFox has your back.

First, Eassiy One-stop Streaming Video Downloader—StreamFox for Video lets you save your favorite Netflix shows and movies in Full HD resolutions for offline viewing. It has a built-in Netflix web player where you can login to your account and grab videos into your local storage.

Key Features of StreamFox for Video

1. Saves videos up to 10x faster plus batch downloading option for binge-watchers
2. Downloads videos in three format options – MP4, MOV and MKV – for device compatibility
3. Saves videos in high quality up to 1080p (Full HD) resolutions for the best Netflix experience
4. Provides 3 subtitle options – hardcoded, soft and external – for a customized playback  

Let’s walk through a guide to download Netflix videos with StreamFox.

Step 1. Download and install StreamFox on your device. Log in to your Netflix account within the StreamFox app.

Step 2. Search for the show or movie you want to download.

Select your favorite movies, and add to queue,

Step 3. Select the video quality (video resolution and format) and audio preferences (language and subtitles).

Step 4. Click the "Convert" or “Convert all” button and save your content.

With the steps above, you'd be able to watch Netflix together with family and friends, unlimitedly and without Internet access, or even host a remote Netflix watch party<.

Note: StreamFox is set to launch StreamFox for Video, a powerful tool that allows you to download videos from popular streaming platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Disney+.

Conclusion

Netflix and Hulu are two superpowers in the content streaming industry. Netflix is the indisputable service for those who want unlimited original movie and show contents from US content to Asian, African, and European specials. Hulu is tailored for viewers who want a mix of live TV shows and streaming content such as movies and series, although at a limited scale.

Added to the features provided by these streaming giants, StreamFox provides what's not offered by these streaming giants – straight download to your device, unlimited playbacks, and no-Internet content streaming.  Start with StreamFox for Video.