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Netflix is the safest all-purpose Hulu alternative for most households. Choose Max if HBO, Warner Bros., A24 and prestige drama matter most; Disney+ for family viewing and Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar; Peacock for NBC, Bravo, classic sitcoms and live sports; Paramount+ for CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and selected sports; Prime Video for catalog breadth and Prime integration; or Apple TV+ for a smaller, highly curated originals lineup. No service replaces every part of Hulu, so the best choice depends on the shows, sports, ads and price your household actually wants.
Which Hulu alternative should you choose?
Use the quickest match below, then read the detailed sections before subscribing:
| If you mainly want… | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A broad stream of recognizable originals and international shows | Netflix | Large general-interest catalog with frequent new releases |
| Prestige drama, HBO series and major movies | Max | Strong HBO, Warner Bros., A24-oriented television and film selection |
| Children’s programming and major franchises | Disney+ | Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars in one family-focused service |
| NBC, Bravo, classic sitcoms and live sports | Peacock | Especially strong for NBCUniversal programming and event coverage |
| CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and selected sports | Paramount+ | Focused network, franchise and sports rights |
| The largest mixed catalog or an existing Prime membership | Prime Video | Included titles, rentals and add-on channels in one interface |
| A small slate of polished originals | Apple TV+ | Curated rather than enormous back catalog |
Tom’s Guide’s 2026 report card names Max its overall winner, while its analysis also calls Netflix the safest mainstream replacement. Those statements are not contradictory: Max is the strongest single-service choice for its particular library, while Netflix is the easier recommendation when a household has varied tastes.
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Hulu is often used as a general television service, so replacing it requires more than comparing the number of titles. Evaluate six things before you cancel:
#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.
- Your actual shows and franchises: A service is valuable only if it carries the programs your household watches. Search each must-have title in your territory immediately before subscribing.
- Monthly price and advertising: Entry prices usually refer to an ad-supported tier. Ad-free plans cost more, and prices have been rising across the market.
- Library shape: Some services offer a huge, uneven catalog; others offer fewer titles with a more curated reputation.
- Live rights: Sports and live events can justify a service by themselves, but rights vary by season and country.
- Household use: Check simultaneous-stream limits, profiles, parental controls and the devices you use.
- Bundles and annual billing: A bundle can lower the effective cost, but only if you would otherwise pay for each included service.
Catalogs, plans, device rules and rights change quickly. Treat any comparison as a starting point, not a guarantee that a particular show or event remains available.
Netflix: the safest broad replacement
What it does best
Netflix is the default choice for a household that wants a steady flow of recognizable originals, international programming and broadly accessible genres. It is less dependent on one network or franchise, so it can replace the “open the app and find something” role many people associate with Hulu.
Where it falls short
Tom’s Guide notes uneven quality and losses of licensed content. A show you remember from Netflix may leave when a licensing agreement expires, and the largest catalog does not guarantee that a specific current-TV favorite is included.
Reported 2026 pricing
Tom’s Guide’s 2026 report card lists Netflix tiers at $8.99, $17.99 and $26.99 per month. These are report-card figures, not a promise of the price shown at your checkout; taxes, plan changes and market differences can alter them.
Choose Netflix when: your household has mixed tastes, values international shows and originals, and wants one broadly useful service rather than a network-specific replacement.
Max: the strongest premium-library alternative
What it does best
Max is the strongest pick for HBO series, Warner Bros. programming, A24-oriented television, prestige drama and blockbuster movies. Tom’s Guide named it the overall winner of its 2026 streaming report card, which reflects library quality and breadth rather than a claim that it has every type of programming.
Sports and limitations
Max carries selected NHL coverage, including regular-season games and the Stanley Cup Final in the comparison period. It does not carry NFL or NBA games after the rights change cited by Tom’s Guide. If those leagues are your priority, Max should be a drama-and-movies service, not your complete live-sports replacement.
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The same report lists Max tiers from $10.99 to $22.99 per month. The exact price depends on the tier and market, and ad-supported and premium plans have different features.
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.
Choose Max when: you would rather have a concentrated, high-profile television and film library than the broadest possible catalog.
Disney+: the family and franchise choice
What it does best
Disney+ is built around children’s programming and major franchises: Disney animation and live action, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. It is usually the simplest Hulu alternative for a family that wants a controlled, recognizable catalog for different ages.
Bundles
Disney+ is frequently sold alongside Hulu. Hulu’s official help documentation describes a Disney+, Hulu and HBO Max bundle. A bundle can be practical when a household wants family programming plus Hulu-style general television, but verify which versions of each service are included and whether advertising applies to one or more components.
Trade-offs
Disney+ is not a universal replacement for network television, adult prestige drama or a large sports schedule. Its value is highest when the household regularly watches its core franchises.
Choose Disney+ when: children, family viewing or Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar are the main reason you are paying for streaming.
Peacock: NBC, Bravo, sitcoms and live sports
What it does best
Peacock is the most direct choice for NBC and Bravo programs, classic sitcoms such as The Office, and a substantial live-sports schedule. Tom’s Guide says Peacock led its live-sports comparison in the period reviewed and describes its advantage as overwhelming, although some of that lead came from major events.
Live coverage cited in the comparison
The reviewed period included NFL, NBA and WNBA games, Premier League matches, the Olympics and the World Cup. Rights are seasonal and territory-specific, so check the current schedule for the league or event you need.
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Reported 2026 pricing
Tom’s Guide lists Peacock at $7.99 to $16.99 per month, depending on the plan. The cheaper tier may include advertising or fewer features than the higher tier.
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
Choose Peacock when: NBCUniversal shows, The Office, Bravo or live sports matter more than prestige originals from multiple studios.
Paramount+: a focused network and sports complement
What it does best
Paramount+ combines CBS programming, Nickelodeon, Star Trek and Showtime content. It also offers selected sports, including NFL, UEFA Champions League, UFC, Serie A and other soccer competitions cited in Tom’s Guide’s comparison.
Why it works better as a complement
Paramount+ has a clear identity but is not as broad a one-service replacement as Netflix or as film-and-prestige focused as Max. Many households get more value by pairing it with a general service when a specific CBS show, franchise or sport is essential.
Reported 2026 pricing
The report-card summary lists Paramount+ tiers at $8.99 to $11.99 per month. A separate 2026 comparison lists $7.99 and $12.99, illustrating why you should confirm the live checkout price and the exact plan definitions.
Choose Paramount+ when: CBS, Nickelodeon, Star Trek, Showtime or its listed sports rights are must-haves.
Prime Video: maximum catalog variety and Prime integration
What it does best
Prime Video suits households that already pay for Amazon Prime or want a mixed catalog that combines originals, licensed shows, films and optional channels. Prime membership can make the service feel inexpensive because video is one part of a larger subscription.
Included titles versus rentals
The interface mixes titles included with your subscription with rentals, purchases and add-on channels. Before assuming a show is included, open its detail page and confirm that it says it is available with your plan rather than requiring a separate payment.
Sports
The comparison period included Thursday Night Football and selected NBA and WNBA coverage. Prime Video is therefore useful for certain events, but it does not replace every league or a traditional sports package.
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
Reported 2026 pricing
Tom’s Guide’s table shows $0 with a $14.99 Amazon Prime membership through the membership bundle, or $8.99 per month standalone in its comparison. “$0” means the video benefit is included with Prime; it does not mean the wider Prime membership is free.
Choose Prime Video when: you already use Prime, want the broadest mixture of included and rentable content, or need Thursday Night Football.
Apple TV+: a small, curated originals service
What it does best
Apple TV+ is aimed at viewers who prefer a compact slate of originals and do not need a huge back catalog. Its appeal is curation and exclusive series rather than filling every genre gap left by Hulu.
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Tom’s Guide reports one Apple TV+ tier and a 2026 price of $14.99 per month after an increase from its report-card baseline. Because there is no lower-priced catalog tier in that comparison, the service makes most sense when several of its originals are on your watch list.
Choose Apple TV+ when: you want a focused originals lineup and are comfortable supplementing it with another service for older or network shows.
2026 price comparison and how to avoid misleading totals
The following figures come from Tom’s Guide’s 2026 report-card summary. They are monthly ranges or representative prices, not an apples-to-apples quote for identical tiers:
| Service or bundle | Reported 2026 price | What the figure represents |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | $8.99–$26.99 | Reported tier range |
| Prime Video | $0 with $14.99 Amazon Prime, or $8.99 standalone | Bundled video benefit versus standalone figure |
| Max | $10.99–$22.99 | Reported tier range |
| Disney+/Hulu bundles | $11.99–$19.99 | Bundle range; included versions can differ |
| Paramount+ | $8.99–$11.99 | Report-card tier range |
| Apple TV+ | $14.99 | One reported tier after a 2026 increase |
| Peacock | $7.99–$16.99 | Reported tier range |
A separate 2026 comparison lists different figures: Netflix at $7.99, $17.99 and $24.99; Hulu at $9.99 with ads and $18.99 without ads; Max at $9.99, $16.99 and $20.99; and Paramount+ at $7.99 and $12.99. The disagreement demonstrates that prices depend on the date, country, tax treatment, plan names and whether a source records a promotional or standard rate. Check the service’s checkout page immediately before paying.
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Pick one service when simplicity matters
- Write down the three shows, franchises or sports properties your household watches most.
- Search those titles on each candidate service in your country.
- Eliminate any service that misses the top priority, even if its catalog looks impressive.
- Compare the final monthly price with and without advertising.
- Confirm simultaneous streams, parental controls and device support.
Netflix is the safest one-service starting point for mixed tastes; Max is stronger for prestige television and films; Disney+ is stronger for families; and Peacock is stronger when live sports and NBCUniversal programming dominate.
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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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Use two services when your priorities conflict
A two-service plan often covers more tastes than searching for one perfect Hulu replacement. Examples include:
- Netflix + Max: broad originals and international programming alongside HBO, prestige drama and major films.
- Disney+ + Peacock: children’s franchises plus NBC, Bravo, sitcoms and live sports.
- Netflix + Paramount+: a general catalog plus CBS, Star Trek, Nickelodeon and selected sports.
- Prime Video + Apple TV+: broad mixed viewing and Prime integration plus a curated originals slate.
Calculate the combined monthly cost, then compare it with the bundle price available in your market. Do not count a bundle as a saving if it adds a service nobody in the household watches.
Live sports and geographic limits
Tom’s Guide’s comparison is primarily U.S.-oriented. Its cited live-content signals were:
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| Service | Live content noted in the comparison |
|---|---|
| Peacock | NFL, NBA/WNBA, Premier League, Olympics and World Cup coverage |
| 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 |
| Max | Regular-season NHL and the Stanley Cup Final |
These are comparison signals for the reviewed period, not permanent guarantees. League packages can move between services, blackout rules can apply, and availability outside the United States may be entirely different. Check the current rights page or event schedule for your location before subscribing for sports.
Device, household and accessibility checks
Streaming devices
If your television lacks current streaming apps, a 4K streaming stick can add access to services such as Netflix and Prime Video, provided the television has a compatible HDMI input. Verify the exact device’s resolution support, Wi-Fi requirements, remote features and operating-system compatibility before buying; no specific model or price is established here.
Profiles and simultaneous viewing
Plan names and limits differ. Check how many people can watch at once, whether downloads are allowed, and whether the service lets you create child profiles with age restrictions. A low-cost plan can become poor value if a family regularly encounters stream-limit errors.
Advertising and audio/video quality
Confirm whether the plan includes ads, offline downloads, 4K resolution, HDR and higher-quality audio. These features are often reserved for higher tiers, and “ad-free” does not necessarily mean every program or promotional message is removed.
Common mistakes when replacing Hulu
- Assuming a remembered title is still included: Search the exact series and season in your region on the day you subscribe.
- Comparing sticker prices only: Include taxes, annual billing, bundles, ads and any required membership.
- Buying for one event without checking the season: Sports rights can expire after a tournament or move for the next season.
- Treating Prime Video rentals as included: Look for the included-with-subscription label before pressing play.
- Ignoring cancellation terms: Record the renewal date, especially after a trial or promotional rate.
- Stacking too many services: Tom’s Guide reported that more than 35% of its June 2026 survey respondents paid over $60 per month for streaming, and nearly 30% subscribed to seven or more platforms.
A practical cancellation and switching checklist
- List the shows, sports and children’s programs you still need.
- Check each title’s current service and country availability.
- Choose the lowest tier that supports your household’s screens and quality requirements.
- Start the replacement service before ending Hulu if you need uninterrupted access.
- Cancel Hulu through the same billing provider that charges you, such as its website, app store or bundle partner.
- Save the cancellation confirmation and verify the next statement.
- Reassess after one billing cycle; cancel any service that no longer has active watch-list items.
Bottom line
Start with Netflix if you want the least risky, broad-purpose Hulu substitute. Pick Max for the best concentrated premium library, Disney+ for family franchises, Peacock for NBC and live sports, Paramount+ for CBS and its focused sports rights, Prime Video for catalog variety and Prime integration, or Apple TV+ for a small originals-first lineup. Because prices and rights change, the most reliable decision is to match your must-watch titles and current local checkout price rather than choosing by brand reputation alone.
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.
