Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Amazon Prime

Whether you're cutting the cable cord or want to augment your viewing experience, there's never been a better time for streaming video. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are all great services that offer third-party streaming content and a growing library of original content.

The original content produced by these companies isn't subpar compared to broadcast networks and premium services like HBO and Showtime. Some of the best shows on television can only be streamed. So, if you want to stream movies and TV, we compared services so that you can find the service that is right for you.

Overall Findings

Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime are all good streaming platforms. All three provide both original and third-party content. Netflix currently offers the most original content. Hulu is great if you want to keep up on the latest TV episodes. While Amazon Prime's library doesn't quite match up to Netflix, a subscription has benefits outside of video streaming.

Content: Netflix Has the Best Library

While each service has good content, Netflix is the definite leader of the pack. Not only does it have the most original content, but it also has some of the best. Its lineup includes award-winners like Glow and Orange Is the New Black, along with fan-favorites like Stranger Things, BoJack Horseman, and Black Mirror. The service also has a movie deal with Adam Sandler and a growing list of original foreign films.

This is on top of what may be the best overall collection of third-party movies and television available for streaming. Netflix has dialed back its library in recent years as it focuses on original content, but it still offers an expansive library. As Netflix has cut down on the number of titles, they've focused on what Netflix users actually stream.

Netflix focuses on streaming a complete series along with a movie collection and original content. Hulu's strategy is to offer what's on television right now rather than what was on last year. In many ways, Hulu is the DVR of streaming services. But, this strategy has some drawbacks. Hulu tends to offer only a select number of episodes from a series, usually the most recent five episodes. It doesn't offer content from every network. When it does offer episodes from a network, it doesn't offer every single series broadcast on the network.

Despite these limitations, Hulu remains a great option for those who like to stay current on television. It costs less than renting an HD DVR from your cable company. In addition to recent episodes, it has original content. And through a deal with EPIX, Hulu also offers a modest selection of movies.

In many ways, Amazon Prime is a slightly inferior version of Netflix. Amazon has some great original content, but it doesn't have nearly as much original content as Netflix. That's changing, though, with additions like The Expanse, Carnival Row, The Boys, and Jack Ryan. Amazon also offers a range of movies and television shows, although not everything is included with Prime. Many new movies are available as separate rentals only.

One nice bonus is Amazon's deal with HBO, which gives access to older series like True Blood and The Sopranos. You can also subscribe to HBO, Starz, or Showtime through your Amazon Prime subscription. However, when you consider each of these offers a standalone service, the appeal is somewhat limited.

Amazon Prime also has the worst interface of the three. While Netflix and Hulu both have irritations, the main problem with Amazon Prime is how non-Prime movies and television are mixed into the subscription shows. You can usually filter these out through the app, but it can be annoying when you find a movie through the search feature only to find out it isn't free.

Plans and Pricing: Amazon Has Benefits Beyond Video Content

Netflix's standard plan offers both basic and HD streaming on two devices. The service also offers a plan for Ultra HD streaming, although the library of Ultra HD/4K titles is limited. Hulu's lower subscription rate includes commercial breaks, but you can get rid of commercials by paying more a month.

The biggest things going for Amazon's Prime service may be everything on the list that isn't related to streaming video. Amazon Prime offers two-day free shipping on anything bought on Amazon. However, free is relative when you consider that third-party items often have the shipping included in the item price. Prime also includes a music service similar to Spotify and Apple Music, cloud storage for photos, and other benefits. Unlike Netflix and Hulu, Amazon offers both yearly and monthly memberships.

Platform Compatibility: Netflix and Amazon Have the Advantage

When it comes to platform availability, Netflix and Amazon are clear winners. These services are widely available on many streaming media devices, mobile devices, smart TVs, and more. Hulu is widely available as well, but with some caveats. For example, both the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 have the latest Hulu app, but live programming isn't available on either console. Some older devices only support the classic Hulu app, which doesn't have access to live TV, select premium add-ons, and new features.

Final Verdict: Each Has Its Benefits

All three subscription services have their benefits, so many cord-cutters may want to subscribe to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime simultaneously. But what if you could only choose one?

• Netflix is the winner for those who want the best movie selection. It's also a good choice for those who prefer to binge-watch an entire season or an entire series in one sitting and those who love the superhero genre. The only thing Netflix is missing is the current television episodes. In terms of selection and original content, it's the easy winner.
• Hulu Plus is a great substitute for the DVR. It's a cable subscription without the need for a cable subscription. It may not cover every show, but when the cost savings are taken into account, it may be worth it.
• Amazon Prime is the choice for those who often shop on Amazon. The savings on two-day shipping alone could be worth it. When you throw in the streaming music service in addition to streaming movies and TV shows, it's the best overall deal of the bunch.