Netflix Vs Hulu: Which one is better for you? - Marketing/Comparative Article

Are you tired of paying excessive amounts of money for your cable or satellite service, but don’t want to miss out on your favorite shows or movies?  Not sure where to look for the best all-around alternative?  There are many options to choose from when it comes to online streaming, so here are the top 2 deals out there.

Netflix and Hulu

While there is a lot of similarities to these companies, there are just as many differences, and it all boils down to what kind of viewer you are and what you are looking for.  Both Netflix and Hulu offer unlimited streaming for your favorite movies and TV shows, provide the flexibility to watch on numerous platforms, and showcase it all in HD.

When comparing these companies, you will need to ask yourself a few questions.  Are you more into watching your favorite TV shows, or into watching movies?  Depending on your answer, it will help steer you to one or the other. 

Movies Vs TV shows and live streaming

Hands down, Netflix will offer the higher volume in movies and older TV shows, while on the other hand, Hulu will outplay Netflix when it comes to current TV shows, and they now offer live streaming of up to 50 local and premium TV channels including HBO, ABC, the Disney Channel, and many more.  However, the live content, and premium channels that Hulu offers does come at a much higher price tag.

When comparing strictly the streaming aspects of Netflix and Hulu, there are some things to consider.  Hulu’s starting package will allow you to stream across multiple screens at the same time, but they do put in commercials, that cannot be skipped, while Netflix offers commercial free streaming, but at the cost of being able to stream on 1 screen at a time.

To combat the commercials, Hulu does offer a limited (50 hour) cloud based DVR service that will allow you to skip through the commercials, but that will come with a small additional price tag.  Their premium service does eliminate a majority of the commercials, but you are still subject to watch them at the beginning and end of each show or movie. 

Hulu is beginning to offer, though still in its beta testing stage, a live streaming option on top of their streaming service.  The service allows you, based on your zip code, to watch live content on both local and national stations, including many sport stations like ESPN.  The live streaming option also gives you the ability to have the DVR, and even expands the memory to 200 hours of content. 

The biggest downside to the live streaming option (besides the commercials) is you may need to purchase some equipment that will enable you to watch it on your TV.  If you don’t already have a smart TV that connects to the internet, you will need to buy an attachment that will allow you to access the material online. 

While the ability to not have to subscribe to a cable or satellite company, with their high prices and lengthy contracts, is enticing, a good portion of the content that Hulu offers can be viewed for free through the respective TV stations the day after they air, or through other free apps or websites.

When taken into consideration the benefits of each service, Netflix provides the best product for the dollar.  With its more robust content database, ability to view from different screens, and lack of commercial interruption, it provides the far superior service.

	Netflix			Hulu
Plan Type	Basic	Standard	Premium	Limited Commercials	No Commercials	Live TV
Price	7.99	9.99	11.99	7.99	11.99	39.99
Screens	1	2	4	Unlimited at Home/3 on the go	Unlimited at Home/3 on the go	Unlimited at Home/3 on the go
Premium Channels	-	-	-	ü	ü	ü
Upgrade to Cloud	-	-	-	ü	ü	ü
DVD Option	ü	ü	ü	-	-	-
Notes:  Both providers offered the following benefits:  HD, use of different devices to stream content, unlimited streaming, free month trial, and the option to cancel at any time.