Paramount Plus vs Hulu: Which Streaming Service Wins?
Tired of endless scrolling and still finding nothing to watch? You’re not alone! The streaming wars are in full swing, and choosing between services like Paramount Plus and Hulu can feel overwhelming. Both platforms offer vast libraries of content, but they cater to different tastes and budgets.
This comparison dives deep into the features, pricing, and content offerings of Paramount Plus and Hulu. We’ll explore their original series, movie selections, and live TV options (where applicable). This will help you decide which streaming service is the perfect fit for your entertainment needs.
Whether you’re a fan of blockbuster movies, classic TV shows, or exclusive originals, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each platform. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which service, Paramount Plus or Hulu, deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Paramount+ | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| Live TV | Yes | Yes (with Hulu + Live TV) |
| Original Series | Yes | Yes |
| Movies on Demand | Yes | Yes |
| Content from CBS | Yes | No |
| Content from MTV | Yes | No |
| Content from Nickelodeon | Yes | No |
| Content from Comedy Central | Yes | No |
| Sports Streaming | Yes | Yes (with add-ons) |
| Offline Downloads | Yes | Yes |
| User Profiles | Yes | Yes |
| Ad-Supported Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Supported Devices | Wide Range | Wide Range |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Content Library
- Paramount Plus: Offers a deep library of content from CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, and more. Includes live TV, a large back catalog, and original series. A strength is its focus on specific genres, but may lack the breadth of some competitors.
- Hulu: Boasts a vast and diverse content library including current TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals. Offers a broad selection appealing to a wide audience. Can be overwhelming for some users due to the sheer volume.
- Winner: Hulu
Original Programming
- Paramount Plus: Features original series like “Star Trek: Picard” and “1883”. The quality varies, but the platform is investing heavily in this area. Originals are sometimes tied to existing franchises, which can be a draw.
- Hulu: Known for critically acclaimed Hulu Originals such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Only Murders in the Building.” Strong in original comedy and drama. Provides a steady stream of new, high-quality content.
- Winner: Hulu
Live TV Options
- Paramount Plus: Provides live TV streams of CBS channels, including local affiliates in some markets. Offers live sports, news, and entertainment. Limited live channel selection compared to some other services.
- Hulu: Hulu + Live TV offers a comprehensive live TV experience with access to many major networks, local channels, and sports. Includes DVR functionality. More expensive than the basic Hulu plan.
- Winner: Hulu
Pricing & Plans
- Paramount Plus: Offers a tiered pricing structure with a cheaper ad-supported plan and a more expensive ad-free plan. Often has promotional offers. The ad-supported plan can interrupt viewing.
- Hulu: Offers several plans, including an ad-supported tier, an ad-free tier, and Hulu + Live TV. Prices are competitive. The Live TV plan significantly increases the monthly cost.
- Winner: Hulu
User Experience & Interface
- Paramount Plus: The interface is generally user-friendly, with a clean design. Navigation is relatively straightforward. Some users have reported occasional buffering issues.
- Hulu: The interface is well-designed and easy to navigate, with personalized recommendations. Offers profiles for different users. Can sometimes feel cluttered due to the large content library.
- Winner: Hulu
Sports Content
- Paramount Plus: Provides access to live sports, including NFL games (with CBS), soccer (Champions League, Serie A), and other events. Content is sport-specific. Availability varies depending on the market.
- Hulu: Hulu + Live TV includes a wide array of sports channels, including ESPN, FS1, and local sports networks. Offers a comprehensive sports viewing experience. Requires the more expensive Live TV plan.
- Winner: Hulu
Offline Downloads
- Paramount Plus: Allows users to download select content for offline viewing on mobile devices. This feature is available to subscribers. Limited selection of downloadable content.
- Hulu: Allows users to download select content for offline viewing on mobile devices, but only with the ad-free plan. Provides a useful feature for on-the-go viewing. Download availability is limited.
- Winner: Hulu
Device Compatibility
- Paramount Plus: Compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile devices, and web browsers. Offers broad accessibility. Performance can vary by device.
- Hulu: Also compatible with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile devices, and web browsers. Offers excellent device support. Seamless streaming experience across most devices.
- Winner: Hulu
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Live TV | Hulu (with Live TV) |
| Original Series | Hulu |
| Content Library Variety | Hulu |
| Sports Streaming | Paramount+ |
| Value | Hulu |
What They Have in Common
- Original Content: Both Paramount+ and Hulu offer a selection of original series and movies, providing exclusive content for subscribers.
- On-Demand Libraries: Both services provide extensive on-demand libraries, allowing users to watch a vast selection of movies and TV shows at their convenience.
- Multiple Devices: Both platforms are compatible with a wide array of devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, ensuring accessibility.
- User Profiles: Both platforms allow for the creation of multiple user profiles, enabling personalized recommendations and watchlists for different members of a household.
- Ad-Supported Options: Both Paramount+ and Hulu offer ad-supported subscription tiers, providing a more affordable option for budget-conscious viewers.
Paramount Plus Vs Hulu Buying Guide
Content Library
Both Paramount Plus and Hulu offer extensive content libraries, but they cater to different tastes. Paramount Plus shines with its deep catalog of Paramount Pictures movies, CBS shows, and original series like “Star Trek: Picard” and “1883”. Hulu, on the other hand, boasts a vast selection of current TV shows, including those from ABC, NBC, and Fox the day after they air. Hulu also has a strong focus on original series and a large movie library. Choosing between them depends on your preference for classic movies and CBS content (Paramount Plus) or current TV shows and a broad range of content (Hulu).
Pricing and Plans
Paramount Plus offers several pricing tiers, including a cheaper ad-supported plan and more expensive ad-free and premium bundles. Hulu also has ad-supported and ad-free options, along with a live TV plan that includes access to live channels. Hulu’s pricing is generally a bit higher than Paramount Plus’s, especially for the live TV bundle. Consider your budget and tolerance for ads when making your decision. Bundling options, such as Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+, can also provide significant value if you’re interested in those services.
User Experience and Features
Both services offer a user-friendly interface for browsing and streaming content. Paramount Plus’s interface is generally considered clean and easy to navigate, with features like personalized recommendations and profiles. Hulu’s interface is also well-designed, with a strong search function and the ability to create personalized watchlists. Hulu’s live TV plan provides a more interactive experience, with the ability to record shows and access on-demand content. Both platforms support multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
Original Programming
Both Paramount Plus and Hulu invest heavily in original programming. Paramount Plus features original series linked to its existing franchises, such as “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Halo”. Hulu offers a diverse range of original series, including critically acclaimed dramas like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and comedies like “Only Murders in the Building”. Hulu’s originals tend to be more diverse in genre and appeal to a broader audience. The choice comes down to your taste in original content, and which service’s originals better align with your viewing preferences.
Live TV Options
Hulu stands out with its live TV plan, providing access to a wide range of live channels, including local channels and sports networks. This is a significant advantage for viewers who want to watch live news, sports, and other live programming. Paramount Plus does not offer a live TV service as part of its core offering, though some content is available on demand shortly after airing. If live TV is a priority, Hulu is the clear winner. This is a huge factor when considering the options.
Sports Content
While Paramount Plus does offer some sports content, its selection is not as comprehensive as Hulu’s. Hulu’s live TV plan includes access to major sports networks like ESPN and ESPN2, providing a vast array of live sports events. Paramount Plus has some live sports, including NFL games and soccer. For dedicated sports fans, Hulu’s live TV plan is the superior choice. If sports are important to you, consider Hulu. Paramount Plus offers some, but it’s not as extensive.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Paramount+ If…
- You are a fan of CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, and other ViacomCBS networks.
- You want access to live sports, including NFL games, through your subscription.
- You enjoy a wide selection of original series and movies, including Star Trek and Yellowstone prequels.
Buy Hulu If…
- You want access to a vast on-demand library including current-season TV shows.
- You are interested in live TV streaming through the Hulu + Live TV bundle.
- You prioritize a robust selection of original series and movies with a focus on general entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Paramount Plus and Hulu?
The main difference lies in their content focus. Paramount Plus emphasizes movies and shows from Paramount, CBS, and its related brands. Hulu focuses on current TV shows, a broad range of movies, and original series. Hulu also has a live TV option. Choosing between them depends on your preferred content type and whether you need live TV.
Does Paramount Plus offer live TV?
Paramount Plus offers some live content, such as NFL games and soccer matches. However, it does not have a comprehensive live TV service like Hulu. Live content on Paramount Plus is more limited compared to Hulu. The live content on Paramount Plus is mostly sports related.
How much does Paramount Plus cost?
Paramount Plus offers various pricing tiers, including ad-supported and ad-free options. The price varies depending on the plan you choose. Bundles are also available. Prices are competitive. The cost is generally lower than Hulu’s starting price. Check the Paramount Plus website for the most current pricing.
How much does Hulu cost?
Hulu’s pricing structure also offers different tiers, including ad-supported, ad-free, and a live TV plan. The live TV plan is the most expensive. Hulu’s prices are generally higher than Paramount Plus. Bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+ are available. Check the Hulu website for up-to-date pricing.
Which service has better original programming?
Both services invest in original programming. Hulu is known for a wider variety of critically acclaimed series across different genres. Paramount Plus focuses on originals tied to its existing franchises. The “better” service depends on your personal preference for original content. Both offer quality content.
Can I watch Hulu on multiple devices?
Yes, Hulu is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices. You can stream on multiple devices simultaneously, depending on your subscription plan. This is a standard feature. Support for multiple devices is a common feature among streaming services.
Which streaming service is better for sports?
Hulu is the superior choice for sports fans, especially if you subscribe to the live TV plan. It includes ESPN and other major sports networks. Paramount Plus offers some live sports content, but not to the same extent as Hulu. The live TV plan is the deciding factor in this case.
Final Verdict
Both Paramount Plus and Hulu offer compelling streaming experiences, but they cater to different audiences. Hulu’s comprehensive content library, including a strong selection of current TV shows, original series, and live TV options, gives it the edge for a wider range of viewers. While Paramount Plus has its strengths, Hulu’s broader appeal and live TV capabilities make it the superior choice overall.
Winner: Hulu