Netflix vs. Hulu Plus: Which Should I Get?

     If you're like me you've gone through the debate of which internet media-provider is right for you and your budget. Since I am most experienced with Hulu Plus and Netflix and currently subscribe to both, I want to lay down some ground facts to help you make your decision.

     Instead of showing a table of features comparing the two, let me be in-depth about their features.

Netflix versus Hulu Plus: Affordability


     Both Hulu and Netflix offer competitive media online streaming at the same rate of $7.99/month. They also both offer free trials. Netflix will do a whole month free trial whereas Hulu Plus will do a week. If you have a .edu email address, you can do a month trial for Hulu Plus.

     The nice thing about Netflix is that if you know you won't be using it for an extended period of time, you can put your account on hold indefinitely (free of charge) until you choose to reactivate it with all your settings, preferences and favorites in tact and waiting. Hulu, similarly, allows you to set a reactivation date up to twelve weeks in the future at which time billing and service will resume.

     Note: If you're considering getting DVD's mailed to your house, reconsider. Your local library most likely offers free borrowing of movies, television shows as well as multiple other types of media like video games and music. 


     If you're still thinking about Netflix as the source for your physical DVD's, consider this: it doubles the cost if you're also planning on getting unlimited online streaming.


Netflix versus Hulu Plus: Content


     If you're looking for older movies and TV shows, Netflix is the way to go. It doesn't have currently-airing content but does have a considerably larger amount of movies for selection. It's also the more kid-friendly avenue for media. If you have a family, you can utilize Netflix Kids and see only child-appropriate television and movies for selection. Of course when the evening draws near, you can always switch back to all content.

     Not that into movies? Go with Hulu Plus for currently-airing TV shows. Thankfully, for those of us who aren't caught up to the current season, Hulu Plus does have some shows with previous and current seasons. However, it's best to check before subscribing because not all shows have more than the current season.

     The nice thing about both services is that you can see what's "up for watching" before subscribing to make sure you're going to use the service before you enter credit card information.

Netflix versus Hulu Plus: Ease of Use


     Virtually the same. Search for what you want, select it and watch it. You can also use both services on more than just your computer. Connect your PS3, XBOX, Roku or compatible blu-ray player to the internet and enjoy computer-free streaming media for either service.


Summing it Up


     Netflix is for movie buffs and persons disinterested in currently-airing seasons of television shows.
Hulu Plus is for persons interested in currently-airing seasons and extra special behind-the-scenes footage from various shows and movies you won't find on Netflix.
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     Feel free to ask any additional questions you may have about the two services in the comments section of this post. I would be more than happy to assist you in making the decision that's best for you and your family.

Image courtesy of maclife.com