4 Best Alternatives to Hulu in 2026
By Noahlast updated pricing verified
From our data: Three of Hulu's four listed alternatives — Netflix, Paramount+, and Peacock — start at the same $8.99/month, each $3.00 below Hulu's own $11.99/month standalone With Ads plan, while only Max starts higher, at $10.99/month.
Netflix
Max
Paramount+
PeacockHow we picked
- Pricing for Max, Paramount+, and Peacock was independently verified (2026-08-21), matching Hulu's own verified pricing from the same date; Netflix's tier structure and prices come from its listing but its recorded pricing-verification date was not re-confirmed live.
- None of the four alternatives carries a structured Capterra, G2, or Product Hunt rating in our listing data; Max, Paramount+, and Peacock's Trustpilot scores (1.2-1.5 out of 5) are drawn from qualitative mentions in their own listing descriptions rather than a separate verified review-platform entry, and Netflix has no comparable rating on file at all.
- Ranking follows content-fit to Hulu's own next-day network-TV positioning: Netflix's general library is the closest analog for overall streaming, while Max, Paramount+, and Peacock are ordered by how directly their studio-exclusive libraries (HBO/Warner Bros., CBS/BET, NBC/Bravo) substitute for Hulu's own broadcast-network catalog.
- Starting ad-supported prices cluster tightly: Netflix, Paramount+, and Peacock all start at $8.99/month and Max at $10.99/month, all four within $3 of Hulu's own $11.99/month standalone With Ads plan.
Paid placement never alters editorial rank — read the full methodology.
Hulu alternatives at a glance
| Alternative | Best for | Standout | Biggest weakness | Learning curve | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulureference | US viewers who want next-day access to current-season network TV episodes alongside a general streaming library, especially those already subscribing to Disney+ | Next-day streaming of current-season broadcast and cable TV episodes, a library category most general streaming competitors do not match. | Hulu no longer sells a clearly advertised ad-free standalone plan separate from the Disney+ bundle, effectively pushing ad-free viewers into paying for Disney+ content they may not want, and Hulu + Live TV starts at $89.99/month, well above dedicated live-TV competitors at typical promotional rates. | Low | From $11.99/mo |
| Netflix | individuals and households wanting a large, frequently refreshed library of on-demand TV shows and films across multiple devices, without a cable subscription | A large investment in exclusive original series and films combined with a personalized recommendation algorithm and offline mobile downloads, all accessible on-demand across web, mobile, and connected-TV devices. | Prices have risen three times in under two years across all US tiers, and even the cheapest plan still carries ads; reviewers frequently cite cancellation of popular shows, geo-restrictions, and account-sharing/device-connection limitations as recurring frustrations, and there's no free trial to evaluate the service before paying. | Low | From $8.99/mo |
| Max | HBO and Warner Bros. film fans already inside the Warner Bros. Discovery ecosystem who also want in-app access to NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness without a separate cable package | Combines HBO's prestige scripted library with Warner Bros. theatrical films, DC, Discovery factual programming, and live NBA/MLB/NCAA March Madness coverage in a single subscription. | Reliability and support complaints dominate third-party reviews: Trustpilot users rate the service around 1.3/5, citing frequent buffering, forced sign-outs, and playback progress that doesn't sync across sessions, and even the ad-free Standard and Premium tiers still show ads on select live and linear content. | Low | From $10.99/mo |
| Paramount+ | CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and BET viewers who also want in-app live NFL, UFC, and UEFA Champions League coverage without a separate cable or sports subscription | Live NFL games on CBS, UFC events, and UEFA Champions League matches streamed directly in the app alongside the full CBS/BET/Comedy Central/MTV/Nickelodeon on-demand library. | Reliability complaints are severe and consistent: Trustpilot reviewers rate the service around 1.2/5 from roughly 3,400+ reviews, citing constant buffering and lagging on smart TVs and streaming devices, shows being removed from the catalog, and customer service that's largely bot-driven with little human escalation. | Low | From $8.99/mo |
| Peacock | NBC, Bravo, and Premier League/WWE fans who want live network and sports content alongside NBCUniversal's original series and film library | Live Premier League soccer and WWE programming streamed alongside current-season NBC and Bravo shows, a sports package none of the other major general-entertainment streamers match at Peacock's price point. | There is no free tier at all — Peacock phased it out entirely by July 2024 — and Trustpilot reviewers rate the paid service around 1.2-1.5/5 from over 1,200 reviews, citing buffering, billing problems, app crashes, and difficulty canceling subscriptions as recurring complaints. | Low | From $8.99/mo |
Hulu1.Netflix — best Hulu alternative for individuals and households wanting a large, frequently refreshed library of on-demand TV shows and films across multiple devices, without a cable subscription
Netflix is the best Hulu alternative for viewers who want a large, constantly refreshed library of licensed shows, films, and originals without being pushed into a Disney+ bundle. Netflix's Standard with Ads plan starts at $8.99/month, undercutting Hulu's standalone Hulu (With Ads) plan at $11.99/month, and its ad-free Standard tier costs $19.99/month with Full HD and offline downloads on 2 devices, while Premium reaches $26.99/month for 4K/HDR and 4 simultaneous streams. Unlike Hulu, which pushes most ad-free viewing into the pricier Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle at $19.99/month, Netflix sells a standalone ad-free tier directly. Netflix also skips the live-TV complexity Hulu introduces with its $89.99/month Hulu + Live TV plan, focusing purely on on-demand content. Hulu is still the better choice for viewers who specifically want next-day access to current-season broadcast and cable TV episodes: Netflix does not offer that same-week network-TV catch-up model at all. Netflix has also raised US prices three times in under two years, and even its cheapest tier still carries ads, a pattern of price growth similar to what Hulu subscribers have seen across its own Disney+ bundle tiers, and there's no free trial to evaluate Netflix before paying.
Compared to Hulu: standalone ad-free tier at $19.99/month vs Hulu's bundle-only ad-free access, cheaper ad-supported entry at $8.99/month vs $11.99/month, no live-TV tier complexity vs Hulu's $89.99/month Live TV plan
Wins:Ad-free viewing available as a standalone $19.99/month Standard plan, unlike Hulu which pushes ad-free viewers into the pricier $19.99/month Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle · Cheaper ad-supported entry point at $8.99/month vs Hulu's $11.99/month standalone With Ads plan · Simpler on-demand-only pricing, without Hulu's $89.99/month Live TV tier and multi-service bundle complexity
Loses:No next-day access to current-season broadcast and cable TV episodes, Hulu's signature standout feature · Three US price increases in under two years, and even the cheapest tier still carries ads · No live-TV or cloud DVR option at all, while Hulu + Live TV bundles both for $89.99/month
Pros
- Large, frequently refreshed library spanning licensed content and Netflix originals.
- Personalized recommendations and a mature, well-tuned discovery algorithm.
- Offline downloads available on mobile devices, including on the ad-supported tier.
- Premium tier supports 4K/HDR streaming and 4 simultaneous devices for larger households.
Cons
- Three US price increases in under two years have pushed the top tier to $26.99/month.
- Even the cheapest Standard with Ads tier ($8.99/month) includes advertising.
- Extra-member add-ons now cost $7.99-$9.99/month each.
- No free trial; new subscribers must pay from the first month.
Pricing: From $8.99/mo — $8.99/month Standard with Ads vs Hulu's $11.99/month With Ads; $19.99/month ad-free Standard vs Hulu's $19.99/month Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle
2.Max — best Hulu alternative for HBO and Warner Bros. film fans already inside the Warner Bros. Discovery ecosystem who also want in-app access to NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness without a separate cable package
Max is the best Hulu alternative for viewers who want HBO's prestige scripted library and Warner Bros. theatrical films alongside live NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness coverage, none of which Hulu carries. Max's Basic with Ads plan starts at $10.99/month ($109.99/year prepaid), close to Hulu's own $11.99/month With Ads plan, while ad-free Standard runs $18.49/month and Premium reaches $22.99/month with 4K/HDR and up to 100 offline downloads. A Disney+/Hulu/Max three-way bundle starts at $19.99/month with ads, cheaper than buying Max and the Disney+/Hulu bundle separately. Max carries the DC film and animation library, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and Discovery's factual programming under one login, a broader mix of exclusive content categories than Hulu's own next-day network-TV focus. Hulu is still the better choice for viewers who specifically want next-day availability of current-season broadcast network episodes, which Max doesn't offer, and for anyone wary of reliability: Trustpilot reviewers rate Max around 1.3 out of 5, citing frequent buffering, forced sign-outs, and playback progress that doesn't sync across sessions. Max also has no standalone desktop app for Windows or macOS, unlike Hulu's broader native app support, and even its ad-free Standard and Premium tiers still show ads on select live and linear content.
Compared to Hulu: HBO, Warner Bros., DC, and Discovery content bundled with live NBA/MLB/NCAA coverage, three-way Disney+/Hulu/Max bundle from $19.99/month, but a 1.3/5 Trustpilot rating on reliability complaints
Wins:Bundles HBO originals, Warner Bros. films, DC, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, and Discovery factual programming plus live NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness in one subscription · Three-way Disney+/Hulu/Max ad-supported bundle starts at $19.99/month, cheaper than stacking Max and the Disney+/Hulu bundle separately · Ad-free Standard and Premium tiers include up to 100 offline downloads, more than Hulu's on-demand-only plans offer
Loses:No next-day access to current-season broadcast network TV episodes, Hulu's core differentiator · Trustpilot reviewers rate Max around 1.3/5, citing buffering, forced sign-outs, and lost playback progress · No standalone desktop app for Windows or macOS; desktop access is browser-only
Pros
- One app for HBO originals, Warner Bros. theatrical releases, DC, Cartoon Network, and Discovery factual content.
- Ad-free Standard and Premium tiers support 4K/HDR playback and up to 100 offline downloads.
- In-app live sports: NBA, MLB, NCAA March Madness, NHL, and college football during their seasons.
- Cheaper bundle pricing available with Disney+ and Hulu.
Cons
- Trustpilot rating around 1.3/5, with buffering, forced sign-outs, and lost playback progress as the most common complaints.
- No standalone desktop app for Windows or macOS; desktop access is browser-only.
- Ads still appear on select live and linear content even on ad-free Standard and Premium plans.
- No permanently free tier; Basic with Ads still costs $10.99/month.
Pricing: From $10.99/mo — $10.99/month Basic with Ads vs Hulu's $11.99/month With Ads; ad-free Standard at $18.49/month vs Hulu's $19.99/month Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle (verified undefined NaN, NaN)
3.Paramount+ — best Hulu alternative for CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and BET viewers who also want in-app live NFL, UFC, and UEFA Champions League coverage without a separate cable or sports subscription
Paramount+ is the best Hulu alternative for viewers who want CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, and BET content plus live NFL games on CBS, UFC events, and UEFA Champions League matches streamed directly in the app. The Standard plan with ads costs $8.99/month, $3 less than Hulu's $11.99/month With Ads plan, and Premium costs $13.99/month, removing ads from originals and movies (live TV still carries ads) while adding SHOWTIME access and offline downloads. Paramount+ supports up to 3 simultaneous streams plus family profiles, comparable to typical household use. Hulu is still the better choice for viewers who want next-day access to a broader mix of network and cable shows rather than Paramount's CBS-centric lineup, and for anyone weighing reliability: Trustpilot reviewers rate Paramount+ around 1.2 out of 5 from roughly 3,400+ reviews, citing constant buffering on smart TVs and streaming devices, shows pulled from the catalog, and largely bot-driven customer service with little human escalation. Paramount+'s Premium tier still shows ads during live TV and sports even though it's marketed as ad-free elsewhere, a gap similar to Hulu's own ad-free-bundle-only structure, and shows produced by Paramount itself are sometimes pulled from the catalog entirely.
Compared to Hulu: live NFL, UFC, and UEFA Champions League bundled at $8.99/month, cheaper ad-supported entry ($8.99 vs $11.99/month), but a 1.2/5 Trustpilot rating from 3,400+ reviews
Wins:Live NFL on CBS, UFC events, and UEFA Champions League matches stream directly in the app, sports coverage Hulu's own listing doesn't include · Standard plan costs $8.99/month, $3 less than Hulu's $11.99/month With Ads plan · Premium tier bundles in SHOWTIME's film and series library at no extra cost
Loses:Trustpilot rating around 1.2/5 from roughly 3,400+ reviews, with buffering and playback reliability the top complaint · Shows and movies are frequently pulled from the catalog even when produced by Paramount itself · Even the ad-free Premium tier still shows ads during live TV and sports
Pros
- Live NFL on CBS, UFC, and UEFA Champions League streamed directly in the app.
- Premium tier bundles in SHOWTIME's film and series library at no extra cost.
- Supports up to 3 simultaneous streams plus family profiles.
- Available on more than a dozen device platforms including consoles and smart TVs.
Cons
- Trustpilot rating around 1.2/5 from roughly 3,400+ reviews, with buffering and playback reliability the top complaint.
- Even the ad-free Premium tier still shows ads during live TV and sports.
- Shows and movies are frequently pulled from the catalog even when produced by Paramount itself.
- Customer service is largely automated with limited human support for billing or refund issues.
Pricing: From $8.99/mo — $8.99/month Standard with ads vs Hulu's $11.99/month With Ads; Premium at $13.99/month vs Hulu's $19.99/month Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle (verified undefined NaN, NaN)
4.Peacock — best Hulu alternative for NBC, Bravo, and Premier League/WWE fans who want live network and sports content alongside NBCUniversal's original series and film library
Peacock is the best Hulu alternative for viewers who want NBC and Bravo shows plus live Premier League soccer, WWE programming, golf, and cycling, a sports mix none of Hulu's own listing includes. Select costs $8.99/month ($89.99/year prepaid) but excludes sports, movies, and original series; Premium costs $12.99/month and unlocks the full catalog with ads, similar to Hulu's own $11.99/month With Ads pricing; Premium Plus costs $19.99/month, matching Hulu's Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle price, and removes most ads while adding offline downloads and 24/7 access to local NBC affiliates. Hulu is still the better choice for viewers who want a lower-cost path to ad-free viewing or a wider next-day network-TV catalog: Peacock has had no free tier at all since it was phased out entirely by July 2024, and Trustpilot reviewers rate the paid service around 1.2-1.5 out of 5 from over 1,200 reviews, citing buffering, billing problems, app crashes, and difficulty canceling subscriptions. Even Premium Plus keeps ads on live sports and select programming despite being marketed as ad-free, a compromise similar to Hulu's own ad-free-bundle-only structure, and the cheapest Select tier excludes sports, movies, and original series entirely.
Compared to Hulu: live Premier League and WWE bundled with NBC/Bravo content, Premium Plus matches Hulu's $19.99/month bundle price, but a 1.2-1.5/5 Trustpilot rating from 1,200+ reviews
Wins:Live Premier League, WWE, golf, and cycling coverage bundled with NBC/Bravo programming, sports Hulu doesn't carry · Premium Plus at $19.99/month matches the price of Hulu's own Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle while adding 24/7 local NBC access · Annual billing on every tier saves roughly two months versus paying monthly
Loses:No free tier at all since Peacock phased it out by July 2024, unlike Hulu which still offers a $6.49/month student bundle · Trustpilot rating around 1.2-1.5/5 from over 1,200 reviews, dominated by buffering, billing, and cancellation complaints · The cheapest Select tier excludes sports, movies, and original series entirely
Pros
- Live Premier League, WWE, golf, and cycling coverage bundled with NBC/Bravo programming.
- Premium Plus adds offline downloads and continuous access to local NBC affiliate feeds.
- Annual billing on every tier saves roughly two months versus paying monthly.
- Broad device support: smart TVs, computers, mobile, tablets, and game consoles.
Cons
- No free tier since July 2024; every plan requires payment starting at signup.
- Trustpilot rating around 1.2-1.5/5 from over 1,200 reviews, dominated by buffering, billing, and cancellation complaints.
- The cheapest Select tier excludes sports, movies, and original series entirely.
- Even Premium Plus keeps ads on live sports and select programming despite being marketed as ad-free.
Pricing: From $8.99/mo — $8.99/month Select (no sports/movies) vs Hulu's $11.99/month With Ads (full library); Premium Plus at $19.99/month matches Hulu's Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle price (verified undefined NaN, NaN)
Which one is right for you?
- You want a large, frequently refreshed on-demand library without a Disney+ bundleNetflix
- You already subscribe to HBO or want Warner Bros. films plus live NBA and MLBMax
- You follow CBS shows and want live NFL, UFC, or Champions League in the same appParamount+
- You want NBC and Bravo shows plus live Premier League or WWE coveragePeacock
- You want ad-free viewing without committing to a Disney+ bundle at allNetflix
- You want annual billing to save on a plan that also includes live sportsPeacock
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to Hulu?
- No — none of Hulu's main alternatives (Netflix, Max, Paramount+, Peacock) offers a permanently free ad-supported tier; all four require a paid subscription starting between $8.99 and $10.99 a month. Peacock discontinued its free tier entirely by July 2024, and Hulu itself has never offered one either.
What is the closest alternative to Hulu for next-day network TV?
- None of the four alternatives replicate Hulu's next-day current-season broadcast and cable TV access exactly. Paramount+ comes closest for CBS programming specifically, since it streams NFL games on CBS live and shares network overlap with part of Hulu's own catalog.
Can Netflix replace Hulu?
- Netflix can replace Hulu for general on-demand streaming, offering a similarly priced $8.99/month ad-supported entry point and a larger, more frequently refreshed library. It doesn't offer Hulu's signature next-day access to current-season network TV episodes.
Which Hulu alternative is cheapest?
- Netflix, Paramount+, and Peacock's Select tier all tie as the cheapest ad-supported entry points at $8.99/month, undercutting Hulu's own $11.99/month standalone With Ads plan. Peacock's Select tier excludes sports, movies, and originals at that price.
Do any Hulu alternatives include live sports?
- Yes. Max carries live NBA, MLB, and NCAA March Madness; Paramount+ carries live NFL on CBS, UFC, and UEFA Champions League; and Peacock carries live Premier League soccer and WWE, none of which Hulu's own listing includes.
Which Hulu alternative has the best reliability reputation?
- None of the three alternatives with public Trustpilot data score well: Paramount+ rates around 1.2/5, Peacock around 1.2-1.5/5, and Max around 1.3/5, all citing buffering and playback issues. Netflix has no comparable third-party rating on file to compare.