Disclosure: This page recommends IPVanish. Upgrade Guy is an independent affiliate partner, and we may earn a commission if you purchase through the links here, at no extra cost to you.

Hulu works two different ways: an on-demand streaming library (now sold mostly as a Disney+ bundle) or a full live-TV replacement with Hulu + Live TV. Here’s how each one breaks down.

What Is Hulu?

Hulu’s on-demand side is known for next-day access to current network TV episodes and a strong slate of Hulu Originals. Hulu + Live TV goes further, adding 95+ live and local channels plus Disney+ and ESPN+ streaming libraries bundled in at no extra cost.

Visit Hulu Official Site ↗

Hulu Plans & Pricing

Disney now sells on-demand Hulu mainly as part of a bundle rather than as a standalone price, alongside the separate Live TV tier:

Disney+/Hulu bundle (with ads)
$12.99/mo
the cheapest way to get Hulu’s on-demand library
Disney+/Hulu bundle (no ads)
$21.99/mo
Hulu + Live TV
$89.99/mo
includes on-demand Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ streaming libraries
Student plan (Disney+ & Hulu)
$6.49/mo

Hulu: Channels & Content

On the on-demand side, Hulu is strong for current-season network shows and its own originals. Hulu + Live TV adds 95+ channels including CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, ESPN2, NFL Network, MLB Network, Bravo, FX, and HGTV, plus unlimited Cloud DVR.

Hulu Features & Bonuses

✓Hulu + Live TV includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage
✓Live TV plan bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ streaming libraries for free
✓On-demand Hulu is only sold standalone in limited cases – the Disney+ bundle is the standard entry point now
✓No international availability – Hulu is U.S.-only, even for travelers with a valid subscription

Where Is Hulu Available?

Hulu, including Hulu + Live TV, is only available in the United States and its territories. There’s no official way to sign up or stream from outside the U.S., even temporarily.

How to Watch Hulu Outside the United States

Hulu blocks access entirely outside the U.S. – it’s not just a smaller library like Netflix or Disney+, the service won’t load at all. If you’re a Hulu subscriber traveling abroad, connecting to a U.S. VPN server is the only way to keep watching.

  • Sign up for IPVanish (link includes our exclusive discount)
  • Download and install the IPVanish app on your phone, streaming device, or router
  • Open the app and connect to a VPN server in the United States
  • Open or sign up for Hulu and start streaming as if you were in the United States

Is Hulu Worth It?

If you want a live-TV replacement with strong on-demand backup, Hulu + Live TV is one of the most complete packages available, bundling three services’ worth of content into one price. If you just want on-demand, buy it through the Disney+ bundle rather than looking for a standalone Hulu plan.

More Streaming Options

Looking for something free instead? Check out our full list of free streaming sites, or browse our other paid streaming service reviews.

Can I use Hulu outside the United States?

No. Hulu is only available to subscribers physically located in the U.S. Traveling abroad without a VPN will block access entirely.

Does Hulu + Live TV include Disney+?

Yes. Hulu + Live TV bundles in the Disney+ and ESPN+ on-demand libraries at no additional cost.