They both have subscription service for streaming movies and TV shows; however, Netflix is an old shoe at this business and Hulu Plus has come to throw them off their thrown!

Both offer reasonable prices for streaming content, but which one is better?

First, let it be known right off the bat, Hulu Plus has commercials. To many people that's a deal breaker.

Nonetheless, a fair comparison should still be made. This is because, well, it is only fair and secondly, some people are not bothered by commercials. Movie groupies and enthusiastic TV fans will have differing opinions to which of the two are best.

Here is a comparison to help die-hard media buffs decide.

Experience Counts

Netflix has been "king of the hill" in video subscription for a while. They literally dethroned Hollywood Video and Blockbuster. Netflix introduction into the world began as a DVD mail program and later on sprouted into streaming movies, which is their bread 'n' butter today.

Hulu interrupted the Netflix flow in 2007 and began as a free Internet video service offering a choice of movies, hit shows, and more. Recently, Hulu added Hulu Plus as an ad sustained subscription service that includes more content than the free version.

It's Simple Really

Like many video-subscription services, both Netflix and Hulu Plus are accessible online. Users log into their Hulu or Netflix account to gain entry to a plethora of movies and shows, and both permit free trials of their services.

Hulu Plus has streaming service only. Netflix offers a DVD mail-program, where users can select their titles online, create a wish list, and have them delivered by mail, minus any due date. Once the user is finished watching the movie, they return it and another is sent out from the user's favorite list.

Conclusion: Both are easy to manage and easy to sign-up with online. This basically comes to a tie; they're both easy in this respect.

Compatible Gadgets

As of yet, Netflix has numerous compatible devices. Perhaps, it's due to their being around longer or due to their pioneering status in the industry. Whichever the case, users have access to their account via Mac and PC computers, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, tons of iOS contraptions, Windows phone, Android, HTDTVs, Blu-ray players, Roku, TiVo, D-Link, and most home-theater systems from various manufacturers. Users have the luxury of connecting numerous devices to a single account and skipping from device to another flawlessly.

Hulu Plus is not decked with as many options as Netflix; however, users can utilize many of the frequently used devices on the market today. Usable devices include: Roku, Xbox 360, Android and iOS devices, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, TiVo Premiere, WD TV Media Players, PS3, and most up-to-date TVs. Users can also view Hulu Plus across several devices the same as Netflix.

Conclusion: Netflix works with more devices so it comes out the winner.

Library

Netflix has heaps of titles in their library, well over 100,000 on Blu-ray and DVD. In addition, they claim to have tens-of-thousands of titles suitable for streaming along with HD options. On the other hand, Hulu Plus has not revealed the actual number of titles, but asserts that have leaps of critically-acclaimed, well-regarded movies, many with zero commercial interruptions. However, rumor has it that they feature over 43,000 TV episodes. Along with more than 1,650 up-to-date and classic TV shows, including over 2,000 films with specials from the Criterion Collection.

Conclusion: Because Hulu Plus prefers to remain on the down-low about the number of titles they have, Netflix wins hands down. Well, at least they are transparent about what they have to offer.

Join the Club

Netflix swanks membership advantages such as one month free service, the opportunity to rate videos for later suggestions, offers advice based on the user's previous selections, permits users to maintain a record of videos already viewed and those they would like to see. In addition, and this is a winner, Netflix allows their members to pause their subscription for several months if they will not be using their service for a while. That's pretty cool, why should a user have to pay if they aren't using the service? Hulu Plus gives dedicated TV fans the chance to view the latest seasons, with fresh episodes uploaded following the day after a show appears on TV.

Conclusion: Netflix and Hulu Plus are running toe-to-toe here. It's great to have the most up-to-date TV episodes, but it's fantastic to have the power to halt your service if you need to. In this situation, Neflix's toe is a bit bigger.

Service Promptness

Hulu Plus requires certain conditions when streaming videos on computers. Users will need Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher, Adobe Flash 10.1.53.64 or higher, Safari 3.0 or higher, Firefox 2.0 or higher, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or higher, Chrome, Linux, Macintosh OS X 10.4 or higher, browsers must be Cookies enabled and have JavaScript.

Netflix suggests that users have at least a speed of 500kps for the best viewing effects.

Conclusion: They're both pretty good in this respect. Netflix only requires speed; however, Hulu Plus may be more flexible.

Value

Netflix has HD movies and has the capability to show in 1080p video and to stream videos. Hulu Plus shows have high-def with streams in HD when available.

Conclusion: Netflix can stream 1080p and Hulu Plus 720p, this one is a no-brainer.

Limitations

Netflix raised its prices to the chagrin of many users and drove many away. Hulu Plus continues to include advertisements, which can be a deal-breaker for many. Their explanation is that in order to decrease the monthly subscription price for service, advertisements are an unfortunate necessity. In a way, it's understandable since it's expensive to license so much current content.

Conclusion: Who wants ads? At one time cable-TV was praised due to less or zero advertisements, but that bubble has burst. Netflix wins, done deal.

Cost

Hulu's customers are charged $7.99 per month with no restrictions concerning cancellations. Netflix has two pricing levels. For $7.99, users get unrestricted streaming movies, or, limitless one-disc each time rentals at $11.99 for two unrestricted. If a user wants both combinations from Netflix, the price is $15.98. For Blue-ray discs, the price is an extra $2 per month.

Conclusion: You get what you pay for. Therefore, it depends on what users want.

Summary

It's all a matter of preference for each individual. However, to be honest, zero advertisements sounds pretty decent and is worth an extra $2 to $3 per month. You decide.

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