How Much Does Hulu Cost in the UK? A Complete Guide
Hulu is a go-to streaming service in the United States, offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, original content, and even live TV. While Hulu isn’t officially available in the UK, many viewers still manage to access its vast library using various methods. If you’re considering subscribing to Hulu from the UK, you might be wondering how much it will cost you. This comprehensive guide will break down the different Hulu plans, what each plan offers, and how much you can expect to pay as a UK viewer.
Hulu Subscription Plans and Pricing
Hulu offers several subscription plans, each tailored to different viewing preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:
- Hulu (With Ads)
- Price: $7.99/month
- What You Get: This is Hulu’s most basic plan, which gives you access to Hulu’s entire streaming library but with ad interruptions. The library includes popular TV shows, movies, Hulu Originals, and more. The ads are relatively frequent, but this plan offers an affordable entry point to Hulu.
- Hulu (No Ads)
- Price: $14.99/month
- What You Get: As the name suggests, this plan allows you to watch everything in Hulu’s library without any ad interruptions. However, due to licensing agreements, a few shows may still include brief ads before or after the episodes. This plan is perfect for those who want an uninterrupted viewing experience.
- Hulu + Live TV
- Price: $76.99/month
- What You Get: This plan includes everything in the Hulu (No Ads) plan, plus access to live TV channels, including sports, news, and entertainment networks. It’s a great option for cord-cutters who want to replace their cable TV subscription with a more flexible streaming service. This plan also comes with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record live TV to watch later.
- Hulu (Disney+ and ESPN+ Bundle)
- Price: $12.99/month (with ads) or $19.99/month (no ads for Hulu)
- What You Get: This bundle combines Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ into one package. It’s a great value if you’re interested in the diverse content offered by all three services, including Hulu’s library, Disney’s vast collection of family-friendly content, and ESPN’s sports coverage.
How Much Will Hulu Cost You in the UK?
Since Hulu is priced in US dollars, the cost of your subscription in the UK will depend on the current exchange rate between GBP and USD. Below is an approximate breakdown of the monthly cost in GBP, based on an average exchange rate of 1 USD = 0.80 GBP.
- Hulu (With Ads): £6.39/month
- Hulu (No Ads): £11.99/month
- Hulu + Live TV: £61.59/month
- Hulu (Disney+ and ESPN+ Bundle with Ads): £10.39/month
- Hulu (Disney+ and ESPN+ Bundle No Ads): £15.99/month
Important: These prices can fluctuate slightly depending on the current exchange rate, so it’s a good idea to check the exact conversion rate when you subscribe.
Additional Costs: VPN or Smart DNS Service
To access Hulu in the UK, you’ll need a VPN or Smart DNS service to bypass Hulu’s geo-restrictions. This will add an extra cost to your overall Hulu experience. Here are some popular VPN services and their costs:
- NordVPN: From £3.15/month
- Surfshark: From £1.79/month
- ExpressVPN: From $ 6.67/month
- CyberGhost: From £1.99/month
Smart DNS services like SmartDNSProxy or Unlocator typically cost around £3-£5 per month.
Hulu Payment Methods in the UK
Since Hulu requires a US-based payment method, you’ll need to find a way to pay for your subscription from the UK. Here are a few options:
- Hulu Gift Cards: Purchase a Hulu gift card from online retailers like MyGiftCardSupply or Amazon. Redeem the gift card on Hulu’s website, and you’re set to go.
- Apple Pay: If you have an Apple device, you can set your Apple ID region to the US and use Apple Pay to subscribe to Hulu.
- Google Pay: Similar to Apple Pay, you can set your Google Play account region to the US and use Google Pay to pay for Hulu.
- Virtual Credit Card: Services like Revolut or Wise offer virtual credit cards that can be used with a US billing address to pay for Hulu.
Streaming Services in the UK with Similar Content to Hulu
While Hulu offers a unique mix of content, some of its popular shows are available on other streaming services in the UK. Here’s a look at where you can find similar content:
- Disney+
- Hulu’s parent company, Disney, offers much of its original content on Disney+. Shows like The Handmaid’s Tale (available via Star on Disney+) and Love, Victor can be found here.
- Amazon Prime Video
- Some Hulu Originals, like The Great, are available on Amazon Prime Video in the UK.
- Netflix
- While Netflix doesn’t have Hulu’s entire library, it offers a wide range of similar shows and movies, such as The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
- BBC iPlayer
- BBC iPlayer has a robust selection of British dramas and comedies that might appeal to Hulu viewers, though it doesn’t offer the same variety of content.
Final Thoughts
Subscribing to Hulu in the UK involves a few extra steps and costs, but it’s definitely achievable. By understanding the different Hulu plans, how much they cost in GBP, and how to navigate payment challenges, you can enjoy one of the best streaming services available today. Whether you opt for the basic Hulu plan or the Hulu + Live TV package, the variety of content Hulu offers is well worth the investment.
Remember to consider the cost of a VPN or Smart DNS service in your overall budget, and explore alternative UK streaming services that might offer similar shows. Happy streaming!
