Paramount+ vs. Hulu: Which Offers Better Value?

With an abundance of streaming services on the market, deciding where to spend your money can be a daunting task. Each platform offers its own mix of exclusive content, live TV, original series, and on-demand libraries. Among the contenders vying for your subscription are Paramount+ and Hulu—two distinct services that cater to different viewing preferences but often compete for the same audiences.

Whether you’re looking for award-winning dramas, family-friendly shows, or live sports coverage, this streaming platform comparison aims to break down the key differences between Paramount+ and Hulu. We’ll assess their content libraries, pricing, user interface, accessibility, and overall value to help you decide which service better suits your entertainment needs.

Content Library: Originals, Classics, and More

Paramount+

Paramount+ is the rebranded successor to CBS All Access, and it continues to focus on content from its parent company, Paramount Global. This means a heavy emphasis on CBS programming, Paramount Pictures films, and original series tied to established franchises.

Highlights:

• Originals: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Halo, 1883, The Good Fight
• Franchises: Access to the entire Star Trek library, Mission: Impossible, Indiana Jones, and SpongeBob SquarePants
• Live TV: CBS live programming, including sports and news
• Kids & Family: PAW Patrol, Blue’s Clues, and Nickelodeon classics

Hulu

Hulu shines with a combination of next-day network TV, acclaimed originals, and a rich catalogue of films and series. It’s especially strong in the comedy and drama categories, as well as reality and competition shows.

Highlights:

• Originals: The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, Little Fires Everywhere
• Next-Day TV: New episodes from ABC, FOX, and FX
• Film Library: A wide selection of current and classic films, often updated
• International Content: Some foreign-language series, especially Korean dramas

Verdict: If you’re drawn to big-budget sci-fi or are a Star Trek enthusiast, Paramount+ stands out. However, for a broader mix of original series and up-to-date network TV, Hulu offers more depth and variety.

Pricing and Plans

Paramount+ Pricing (US figures for reference):

• Essential Plan (with ads): $5.99/month
• Premium Plan (fewer ads, includes local CBS): $11.99/month
• Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: $11.99/month (bundled)

Hulu Pricing:

• Hulu (with ads): $7.99/month
• Hulu (no ads): $17.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV: $76.99/month (includes Disney+ and ESPN+)
• Disney Bundle (Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+): from $14.99/month

Verdict: Paramount+ generally offers better pricing for viewers who want access to live sports and franchise content without paying for live TV. Hulu’s no-ads tier is more expensive, but the Disney Bundle adds strong overall value for multi-platform households.

User Experience and Interface

Paramount+

The interface is clean and familiar, though some users have noted occasional lags and less intuitive navigation. The search function works well, and categorisation by genre is helpful. However, the service has less customisation than some competitors.

Hulu

Hulu’s interface is sleek, highly personalised, and regularly updated. It offers robust recommendations, curated collections, and quick access to recently watched content. Profiles can be tailored for adults or children, and navigation is generally smooth.

Verdict: Hulu excels in personalisation and user interface. Paramount+ is functional but lacks some of the polish and depth found on Hulu.

Device Compatibility and Streaming Quality

Both services are compatible with most major platforms, including:

• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio)
• Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast)
• Mobile devices (iOS, Android)
• Games consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
• Web browsers

Streaming Quality:

• Paramount+: Up to 4K with HDR (on select content), Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos
• Hulu: 1080p standard, with 4K available on select titles (HDR and Dolby Atmos support limited)

Verdict: Paramount+ offers better high-resolution streaming options on select content, though Hulu’s quality is more than adequate for most users.

Advertising and Add-Ons

Paramount+

The Essential plan includes limited ads, mainly before and during programming. The Premium tier reduces this, and Showtime bundling offers ad-free streaming for most content.

Hulu

The basic plan includes frequent ad breaks. The ad-free tier removes them from most content but some shows (like Grey’s Anatomy) may still have brief sponsor messages. Hulu also offers optional add-ons such as:

• HBO Max
• SHOWTIME
• Cinemax
• Starz

Verdict: Paramount+ is more straightforward with its ad tiers. Hulu provides more flexibility through add-ons but at a higher cumulative cost.

Live TV and Sports

Paramount+

With the Premium plan, users get access to their local CBS station, offering live sports like:

• NFL games
• NCAA basketball
• UEFA Champions League
• PGA Tour

It also features live CBS News and select events through CBS Sports HQ.

Hulu + Live TV

Offers more comprehensive live TV with access to:

• 90+ live channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and more
• News networks (CNN, MSNBC, CNBC)
• Regional sports networks in some areas

Includes unlimited DVR and access to Disney+ and ESPN+.

Verdict: Hulu + Live TV is more expensive but offers a full cable-replacement experience. Paramount+ is ideal for sports fans focused on CBS coverage at a much lower cost.

International Availability

Paramount+

Available in several countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, parts of Europe, and Latin America. Content varies significantly by region.

Hulu

Only available in the United States and Japan. Hulu content is available internationally through Disney+’s Star hub in select countries, but the full Hulu experience is not globally accessible.

Verdict: Paramount+ has wider international reach, making it more suitable for global users.

Family Features and Profiles

Paramount+

Allows multiple user profiles with kid-friendly options. Parental controls are basic but functional, including restricted content filters.

Hulu

Offers up to six user profiles per account with strong personalisation. Parental controls include Kids Profiles with age-appropriate content only.

Verdict: Hulu is slightly better suited for families due to more detailed profile customisation.

Which Offers Better Value?

Choose Paramount+ if you:

• Enjoy CBS shows, Star Trek, or Nickelodeon programming
• Want live sports like NFL and UEFA at a budget-friendly price
• Prefer a low-cost streaming option with occasional ads
• Live outside the United States and need international access

Choose Hulu if you:

• Value next-day network TV and a larger library of popular shows and originals
• Want seamless user interface and advanced personalisation
• Are interested in bundling with Disney+ and ESPN+
• Need a robust live TV solution with DVR functionality

Tailoring Your Stream to Your Needs

In the crowded world of streaming services, Paramount+ and Hulu both offer strong—but very different—propositions. Paramount+ delivers high-quality branded content and sports coverage at a competitive price. Hulu, meanwhile, excels in variety, originals, and smart user features, though it comes at a higher cost if you opt for ad-free viewing or live TV.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your viewing habits and priorities. Are you a fan of network TV and top-tier originals? Hulu is likely your best match. Do you want live sports, family-friendly programming, and classic franchises at a budget price? Paramount+ could be the perfect fit.

Take action today: Evaluate your current streaming subscriptions, trial both platforms if possible, and choose the service that delivers the most entertainment for your money.