Netflix is the safest one-service replacement for Hulu if you want a broad stream of recognizable originals, international series and general entertainment. For a more specific match, choose Max for HBO and prestige television, Disney+ for family and franchise viewing, Peacock for NBC, Bravo and live sports, Paramount+ for CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and sports, Prime Video for catalog size and Prime integration, or Apple TV+ for a smaller, highly curated original slate.
No service reproduces Hulu’s exact mix. The practical solution is to match the service to the shows your household actually watches, then consider a two-service combination rather than paying for every catalog. Prices, ad tiers, simultaneous-stream limits, catalogs and sports rights change frequently, and the comparisons below are primarily U.S.-oriented.
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Quick picks: which Hulu alternative fits you?
| What you want | Best starting point | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| A broad replacement for one household | Netflix | Large flow of originals, international programming and broad general appeal. |
| Prestige drama and major films | Max | HBO, Warner Bros., A24-oriented television and blockbuster movies. |
| Children, families and major franchises | Disney+ | Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars programming in one family-focused service. |
| NBC, Bravo, classic sitcoms and live events | Peacock | Strong NBCUniversal catalog and an unusually broad live-sports offering for the period reviewed. |
| CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and selected sports | Paramount+ | A focused complement for those networks and franchises, plus sports rights. |
| A large mixed catalog, especially with Prime | Prime Video | Included titles, rentals and add-on channels alongside Prime benefits; Thursday Night Football and selected NBA/WNBA games. |
| A small, polished original catalog | Apple TV+ | One subscription centered on originals rather than a huge back catalog. |
These are starting points, not guarantees that a particular series is available. Search for the exact title in your country before subscribing; licensing and sports contracts can change by territory and season.
How to choose a Hulu replacement
Start with the shows, not the brand
Write down the five or ten programs your household is most likely to watch in the next month. Identify whether each comes from a network or franchise: NBC and Bravo point toward Peacock; CBS and Nickelodeon toward Paramount+; HBO and Warner Bros. toward Max; Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars toward Disney+. If the list spans several groups, Netflix or a two-service combination is usually more efficient than forcing one narrow service to cover everything.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Decide how much catalog depth you need
Netflix and Prime Video emphasize volume and variety. Their larger libraries can keep several viewers occupied, but the interface may require more filtering. Max and Apple TV+ are more curated around particular strengths. A smaller catalog can be an advantage when you value consistency and do not want to browse hundreds of marginal choices.
Set an advertising and price rule
Every service graded in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 report card had raised prices during the previous year. Decide whether the lowest ad-supported tier is acceptable, whether downloads or 4K matter, and how many people will stream at once. A low headline price is not automatically the best value if it removes a feature your household uses.
Check live rights separately
A service can be excellent for on-demand television and still be a poor replacement for a sports-heavy household. Rights vary by market and season. Treat the live-sports information below as a guide to each platform’s role during the period reviewed, not as a permanent schedule.
Netflix: the safest broad replacement
Netflix is the default recommendation when you want one service that serves several tastes. Its strengths are a steady stream of recognizable originals, international programming and a broad general-entertainment mix. That breadth makes it the closest all-purpose substitute for a household that used Hulu as its everyday television app.
The trade-off is uneven quality and the loss of some licensed titles, points noted in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 assessment. Netflix is therefore strongest when the shows you want are Netflix originals or when you value discovery across countries, not when you are subscribing for one specific licensed series.
Tom’s Guide lists 2026 Netflix tiers from $8.99 to $26.99 per month. The exact tier names, advertising, resolution and simultaneous-stream rules should be checked at checkout because plan definitions can change.
Max: best for HBO and prestige television
Max is the strongest single-service pick in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 report card. Its core advantage is the combination of HBO programming, Warner Bros. films, A24-oriented television and high-profile drama. Choose it when the household prioritizes acclaimed series and major movies over the largest possible general catalog.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Tom’s Guide lists Max tiers from $10.99 to $22.99 in its 2026 report card. A separate comparison published for 2026 lists $9.99, $16.99 and $20.99 figures for Max, demonstrating why a price should be tied to the date, market and plan definition rather than treated as universal.
For sports, the cited comparison found regular-season NHL games and the Stanley Cup Final on Max, but no NFL or NBA package after the rights change discussed in that report. If those leagues are essential, pair Max with the service carrying the games in your market instead of expecting Max to replace a sports subscription.
Disney+: best for families and franchise viewing
Disney+ is the clearest choice for children and for households built around Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Its focused catalog is easier for families to navigate than a general service, and the recognizable franchises can justify the subscription even when adults use another platform for drama and comedy.
Disney+ is often sold in a bundle with Hulu. Hulu’s official help documentation describes a Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max bundle. That bundle can make sense if you still want Hulu’s current-season or network programming while adding Disney+ and Max, but it is not a pure Hulu replacement: part of the price is explicitly paying for Hulu. Check the current bundle contents, ad treatment and billing terms before choosing it.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesPeacock: NBC, Bravo, sitcoms and live sports
Peacock is the targeted replacement for viewers whose Hulu queue was heavy on NBCUniversal programming. It is the home to NBC and Bravo shows in the cited comparison and includes classic sitcoms such as The Office. That network connection makes it more useful than a general service when a particular NBCUniversal schedule drives your viewing.
Tom’s Guide’s live-sports comparison placed Peacock first during the period reviewed, covering NFL, NBA/WNBA, Premier League, Olympics and World Cup programming. The same report cautions that some of this advantage came from major events, so the lineup may look different outside those events or in another country. Verify the exact game or event and blackout rules before subscribing.
Tom’s Guide lists Peacock at $7.99 to $16.99 in its 2026 pricing table. Whether the higher tier removes ads, adds downloads or changes live-event access depends on the current plan terms.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Paramount+: CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and sports
Paramount+ works best as a focused complement rather than a universal Hulu substitute. It combines CBS programming, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and Showtime content, then adds sports such as NFL, UEFA Champions League, UFC and selected soccer competitions. Families may value the children’s catalog while adults use the same account for CBS or franchise shows.
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Prime Video: the largest mixed catalog and Prime integration
Prime Video is especially compelling if the household already pays for Amazon Prime. The service mixes included programming with rentals, purchases and add-on channels, so a search result is not proof that a title is included in the subscription. Open the title page and confirm the “included” or equivalent label before counting it as part of your replacement budget.
Its advantages are catalog volume, the convenience of one account for several entertainment options and selected live sports. The cited 2026 comparison lists Thursday Night Football and selected NBA/WNBA coverage. Prime Video is therefore a good broad supplement, but households seeking a simple, curated interface may prefer Netflix or Max.
Tom’s Guide’s table shows Prime Video at $0 when accessed through a $14.99-per-month Amazon Prime membership, and $8.99 for the standalone Prime Video option. Those figures describe the plans in that table; membership benefits, advertising and regional availability can alter the effective value.
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Apple TV+: best for a curated original slate
Apple TV+ suits viewers who prefer a smaller set of heavily promoted originals and do not need a deep archive of older licensed shows. It can be an excellent second service alongside Netflix or Max when you want distinctive new series without adding another very large catalog.
Tom’s Guide reports one Apple TV+ tier and a 2026 increase to $14.99 per month after its report-card baseline. The service’s smaller library is both its appeal and its limitation: it is less suitable as the only subscription for a household that expects endless back-catalog browsing.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
The cited live-rights comparison lists MLS and Formula 1 for Apple TV+ during the period reviewed. Rights and regional access can change, so check the current schedule if sport is the reason you are considering it.
2026 price snapshot and why figures differ
The table below reproduces the ranges and plan descriptions reported by Tom’s Guide for 2026. They are comparison figures, not a promise of today’s checkout price.
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| Service | Reported 2026 price range or entry | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $8.99–$26.99 per month | Tom’s Guide report-card tiers. |
| Max | $10.99–$22.99 per month | Tom’s Guide report-card tiers; another 2026 comparison lists different figures. |
| Disney+/Hulu bundle | $11.99–$19.99 per month | Bundle figures reported by Tom’s Guide; includes Hulu rather than replacing it outright. |
| Paramount+ | $8.99–$11.99 per month | Tom’s Guide report-card tiers; another 2026 comparison lists $7.99 and $12.99. |
| Apple TV+ | $14.99 per month | Tom’s Guide reports this after a 2026 increase and lists one tier. |
| Peacock | $7.99–$16.99 per month | Tom’s Guide 2026 table. |
| Prime Video | $8.99 standalone, or $0 within a $14.99 Amazon Prime membership | Tom’s Guide table; the $0 figure reflects access included with the membership, not a free standalone subscription. |
A separate 2026 comparison lists Netflix at $7.99/$17.99/$24.99, Hulu at $9.99 with ads and $18.99 without ads, Max at $9.99/$16.99/$20.99, and Paramount+ at $7.99/$12.99. The spread shows why you should check the current regional checkout page, especially after a price increase or a plan rename.
Streaming costs can compound quickly: more than 35% of respondents in Tom’s Guide’s June 2026 survey said they paid over $60 per month, and nearly 30% subscribed to seven or more platforms. Canceling a service when its key show ends can matter more than finding a few dollars of difference between tiers.
Live sports: use the rights as a deciding filter
| Service | Live programming noted in the comparison |
|---|---|
| Peacock | NFL, NBA/WNBA, Premier League, Olympics and World Cup coverage during the period reviewed. |
| Prime Video | Thursday Night Football and selected NBA/WNBA games. |
| Netflix | WWE Raw and selected live events. |
| Apple TV+ | MLS and Formula 1. |
| Paramount+ | NFL, UFC, UEFA Champions League, Serie A and other selected soccer events. |
| Max | Regular-season NHL and the Stanley Cup Final. |
These rights are snapshots of the period evaluated by Tom’s Guide. Leagues sell rights by country, season, package and sometimes blackout zone, so search the event name on the service’s current schedule before paying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Two-service combinations that cover more tastes
Netflix plus Max
Use Netflix for broad, international and original programming, then Max for HBO, prestige drama and major films. This is the most balanced pairing when adults have varied tastes and sports are not the primary concern.
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This combination gives a general household catalog alongside a dedicated family and franchise library. It is practical when children need Disney and Pixar while adults want Netflix’s wider range.
Best Value
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- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
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Peacock plus Paramount+
Choose this network-and-sports pairing when NBC, Bravo, CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and the listed sports rights matter more than international originals or blockbuster films.
Max plus Apple TV+
Both services emphasize premium originals, but in different ways: Max supplies HBO and Warner Bros. depth while Apple TV+ supplies a compact slate. This pairing suits viewers who would rather watch fewer, more curated series than browse a massive archive.
Prime Video plus one focused service
Prime Video can be the broad base for an existing Amazon Prime household, with Disney+, Max or Paramount+ added only when a specific family, prestige or network need justifies it. Keep track of rentals and add-on channels so the apparent subscription price does not hide a larger monthly total.
Before you cancel Hulu
- List must-watch titles. Include current-season shows, recurring franchises and any live events; do not rely on memory of where a title used to stream.
- Check each title in your country. Catalog licensing differs by territory, and a U.S. listing may not apply elsewhere.
- Choose the lowest tier that meets your needs. Confirm advertising, video resolution, downloads and simultaneous streams before checkout.
- Calculate the real monthly total. Add bundles, Prime membership, rentals and channel add-ons, then compare that figure with your current spending.
- Set a cancellation reminder. If you subscribe for one series or a tournament, schedule a review for the month after it ends.
When your television needs an upgrade
If the television lacks current streaming apps, a 4K streaming stick can provide access to services such as Netflix and Prime Video, according to Tom’s Guide’s device guide. Confirm that the stick supports your television’s HDMI input, Wi-Fi standard, desired 4K/HDR formats and the apps available in your country. Model compatibility and price change, so verify those details before purchase.
Common mistakes and fixes
Assuming a search result means the show is included
Prime Video in particular can display included titles beside rentals, purchases and add-on channels. Open the program page and verify the entitlement before subscribing.
Choosing a sports service from a league name alone
A service may carry only selected games, a particular package or events during one season. Check the current schedule, local blackout rules and whether the event requires a higher tier.
Comparing prices without matching plan features
Two published tables can show different numbers because they use different dates, markets or definitions of ad-supported, premium and bundle plans. Compare like-for-like features at checkout.
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Paying for seven services year-round
Tom’s Guide’s June 2026 survey found nearly 30% of respondents subscribed to seven or more platforms. Rotating subscriptions around release calendars can cover the same shows at a lower annual cost than keeping every service active.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
