Battle of the streams! With so many platforms hosting heaps of binge-worthy content nowadays, we at Hypable talked non-objectively about the best streaming sites: Netflix v. Hulu.
Netflix
Hit movies, an abundance of original content, and full series to stream. Are there actual living people who don’t like Netflix? Stranger Things have happened…
Andrew Sims – I haven’t watched much network TV in recent years, so Netflix is what I spend most of my time in. Obviously the ability to binge is a huge benefit, and Netflix has been killing it recently with original content (like their exclusive comedy specials, including Dave Chapelle’s and Louis CK’s). When people are ~talking about TV~ online, it’s about Netflix Originals. That’s why they’re the place to be.
Kristen Kranz – Hulu=commercials or you have to pay more for no commercials. Neflix doesn’t have commercials. Netflix wins. :) I’m sad that more TV shows are shifting to Hulu for that reason alone.
Netflix’s worldwide availability is also enticing as Hulu and Amazon have yet to offer, such as Selina Wilken points out.
Netflix has been setting the bar with original content since Orange Is The New Black first debuted in 2013; a trend they continue today as Orange heads into its fifth season (6/9). With essentials like Sense 8 (5/5), House of Cards (5/30), and break-out hit Stranger Things, Netflix is the central hub for superb original streaming content.
Hulu
For lovers of all things television, Hulu invites you to “come TV with us.” By locking down high quality series exclusively like Preacher (above), Rick & Morty (featured), Legion and Fargo, Hulu ensures you’re covered if you miss an episode airing. Hulu also matches Netflix demand for hit movies with the entire Hunger Games series, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Interstellar, and tons of Disney classics like Pocahontas, Hercules, and Mulan.
I tend to favor Hulu more myself as I watch live TV more but hate commercial breaks, so I don’t mind compromising a few dollars for no ads with Hulu’s Plus option. They’re also getting into the original content game with critically acclaimed series like Difficult People, Casual, and recently, The Handmaid’s Tale.
But why make a decision at all between the two? As Matthew Howland writes:
I see them as companions honestly. I use both. My mom pays for our Netflix and I pay for the Hulu and it’s sort of a symbiotic relationship. I use [Netflix] for binging and watching movies at work/rewatching old faves. But I ONLY use Hulu for watching currently airing episodes. I couldn’t live without either, honestly.
Beautiful, Matthew. I agree and couldn’t imagine my life without both Hulu AND Netflix.
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