In the ever-evolving landscape of online streaming services, consumers are spoiled for choice. With Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ vying for attention, it’s natural to wonder which services offer the best value for money. One question that often pops up is: do you get Hulu free with Amazon Prime? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of streaming giants, comparing their features, pricing, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
What is Hulu?
Before diving into the Amazon Prime-Hulu connection, let’s take a step back to understand what Hulu is. Launched in 2007, Hulu is a popular streaming service that offers a vast library of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. Originally created as a joint venture between Disney, Comcast, and News Corp, Hulu’s primary focus is on providing a platform for users to stream TV shows, both current and classic, from major networks like ABC, NBC, FOX, and more.
Hulu’s content offerings are divided into two main categories: Hulu (the ad-supported option) and Hulu (No Ads). The ad-supported version is available for $5.99/month, while the ad-free variant costs $11.99/month. Both plans offer access to Hulu’s extensive library, with the main difference being the presence or absence of ads.
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime, on the other hand, is a premium membership program offered by e-commerce giant Amazon. Launched in 2005, Amazon Prime is a comprehensive package that goes beyond streaming services to offer a suite of benefits, including:
- Free Two-Day Shipping: Unlimited fast and free shipping on millions of eligible items, with same-day or one-day shipping in some areas.
- Prime Video: Access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content, including exclusive Amazon Original series and movies.
- Music Streaming: Ad-free music streaming with Prime Music, featuring a vast library of songs, playlists, and radio stations.
- Photo Storage: Unlimited photo storage on Amazon Drive, Amazon’s cloud storage service.
- Early Access to Deals: Exclusive access to lightning deals, promotions, and early access to Prime-exclusive sales events.
Amazon Prime membership costs $12.99/month or $119/year, although students and low-income families may be eligible for discounted rates.
Do You Get Hulu Free with Amazon Prime?
Now, let’s address the burning question: do you get Hulu free with Amazon Prime? The short answer is no. Amazon Prime and Hulu are two separate services, and having an Amazon Prime membership does not grant you automatic access to Hulu. You’ll need to sign up for Hulu separately and pay for it independently.
However, there is a twist. Amazon offers a unique service called Amazon Channels, which allows Prime members to add subscription-based channels to their Prime Video account. These channels, including HBO, Showtime, and Starz, can be added or removed at any time, with pricing varying depending on the channel.
Is Hulu Available as an Amazon Channel?
Yes, Hulu is available as an Amazon Channel. This means that Amazon Prime members can add Hulu to their Prime Video account, bypassing the need to sign up for Hulu separately. By doing so, you’ll be able to access Hulu’s entire library, including live TV, sports, and news, directly through the Prime Video app.
As an Amazon Channel, Hulu costs $5.99/month (ad-supported) or $11.99/month (ad-free), identical to the pricing on Hulu’s website. If you’re an Amazon Prime member and want to add Hulu to your subscription, you can do so through the Amazon Channels page.
Benefits of Adding Hulu as an Amazon Channel
While having Hulu as an Amazon Channel doesn’t get you Hulu for free, there are some benefits to consider:
- Convenience: Accessing Hulu through the Prime Video app means you can manage all your streaming services in one place, with a single login and interface.
- Streamlined Billing: Your Hulu subscription will be billed through your Amazon account, making it easier to keep track of your subscription expenses.
- Unified Watchlist: You can add Hulu shows to your Prime Video watchlist, making it easier to keep track of your favorite programs across both services.
Comparison of Hulu and Amazon Prime Video
Before making a decision, it’s essential to compare the content offerings of Hulu and Amazon Prime Video:
| Service | TV Shows | Movies | Original Content | Live TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | Current and classic TV shows from major networks | Film library with a focus on documentaries and indie titles | Some original content, including The Handmaid’s Tale and Castle Rock | Live TV, including sports and news |
| Amazon Prime Video | Vast library of movies, including Amazon Original films | Extensive original content, including The Grand Tour, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan | No live TV (except for some sports and events) |
As you can see, both services have their strengths and weaknesses. Hulu excels in its TV show offerings, with a focus on current and classic titles from major networks. Amazon Prime Video, on the other hand, boasts an impressive library of movies and original content, including some highly acclaimed series.
Conclusion
To summarize, you don’t get Hulu for free with Amazon Prime. However, as an Amazon Prime member, you can add Hulu as an Amazon Channel, streamlining your billing and watchlist management. While both services offer unique benefits, it’s essential to compare their content offerings and pricing to determine which one best fits your streaming needs.
If you’re a TV show enthusiast, Hulu might be the better choice. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive package with a focus on movies and original content, Amazon Prime Video might be the way to go. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual preferences and viewing habits.
So, what’s your take on the streaming showdown between Hulu and Amazon Prime? Do you have a preference for one service over the other, or do you think they complement each other nicely? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is Hulu?
Hulu is a popular American streaming service that offers a range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. It was founded in 2007 as a joint venture between NBCUniversal, Fox Entertainment Group, and Disney-ABC Television Group. Hulu’s primary focus is on TV shows, with a vast library of current and past episodes from major networks like ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS.
Hulu’s content is available to stream on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. The service offers a free version with limited content and ads, as well as a paid subscription option that provides ad-free viewing and access to a larger content library. Hulu has also expanded its offerings to include a live TV option, which allows users to stream live sports, news, and events.
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is a premium membership program offered by Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer. In addition to its core benefits, such as free two-day shipping and music streaming, Amazon Prime also includes access to a vast library of streaming content, including TV shows, movies, and original content produced exclusively for the platform. Amazon Prime Video, as it’s known, is available as a standalone service or as part of the overall Prime membership package.
Amazon Prime Video is available in over 240 countries and territories, making it one of the most widely available streaming services globally. The service offers a vast library of content, including original series and movies produced by Amazon Studios, as well as licensed content from major networks and studios. Amazon Prime Video is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
How do Hulu and Amazon Prime differ in terms of content?
One of the primary differences between Hulu and Amazon Prime is the type of content they offer. Hulu focuses primarily on TV shows, with a vast library of current and past episodes from major networks like ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS. Hulu also offers a range of documentaries, kids’ programming, and some movies. In contrast, Amazon Prime Video offers a more diverse range of content, including TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original content produced exclusively for the platform.
Amazon Prime’s original content is one of its major selling points, with critically acclaimed shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Expanse, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. Amazon Prime also offers a larger selection of movies, including new releases and classic titles. However, Hulu’s focus on TV shows means it has a more extensive library of current and past episodes, making it a better option for viewers who want to stay up-to-date with their favorite shows.
What are the pricing options for Hulu and Amazon Prime?
Hulu offers two main pricing options: a free version with limited content and ads, and a paid subscription option that starts at $5.99 per month. The paid option offers ad-free viewing and access to a larger content library, including Hulu Originals. Hulu also offers a Live TV option, which starts at $54.99 per month and includes access to live sports, news, and events.
Amazon Prime, on the other hand, is a premium membership program that includes access to streaming content, as well as other benefits like free two-day shipping and music streaming. The annual cost of Amazon Prime is $12.99 per month or $119 per year, although students and low-income families may be eligible for discounted rates. Amazon Prime Video is also available as a standalone service for $8.99 per month.
Can I cancel my subscription to Hulu or Amazon Prime at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your subscription to Hulu or Amazon Prime at any time. Both services offer flexible subscription options that allow you to cancel or change your plan without penalty. With Hulu, you can cancel your subscription online or through the Hulu app, and you’ll still have access to the service until the end of your billing cycle.
With Amazon Prime, you can cancel your subscription online or by contacting Amazon customer service. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll still have access to Prime benefits until the end of your billing cycle. You can also pause or skip a billing cycle if you need to take a break from the service. It’s worth noting that both Hulu and Amazon Prime offer free trials, so you can try before you buy to see which service is right for you.
Can I share my Hulu or Amazon Prime account with family and friends?
Hulu allows users to create up to six individual profiles within a single account, making it easier to share with family and friends. However, Hulu’s terms of service prohibit sharing accounts with people outside your household. Amazon Prime, on the other hand, allows users to share their account with one other adult and up to four teenagers (ages 13-17) through its Household feature.
Both Hulu and Amazon Prime have strict policies against sharing accounts with people outside your household, and violating these terms can result in account suspension or termination. However, both services offer flexible subscription options and guest features that make it easier to share with others in your household.
Which streaming service is better, Hulu or Amazon Prime?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on your individual viewing habits and preferences. If you’re a TV show junkie who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest episodes, Hulu may be the better option. Its vast library of current and past episodes makes it a great choice for viewers who want to binge-watch their favorite shows.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more diverse range of content, including movies, documentaries, and original content, Amazon Prime may be the better choice. Its original content is highly praised, and its larger selection of movies makes it a great option for viewers who want to explore different genres and styles. Ultimately, the best streaming service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.