If you’re an Aussie who loves streaming, chances are you’ve spent some quality time with Disney Plus and, perhaps, heard about Hulu. However, you must wonder how to get the Hulu content as it isn’t available in Australia. Well, all you need to do is use a trustworthy VPN for Hulu and sit back to enjoy your favorite shows.
So that is sorted. But what about the Disney Plus and Hulu content? Is Hulu worth subscribing to? These platforms are among the most prominent players globally in the dynamic streaming landscape. But let us find out which is the better option for streamers.
A Tale of Two Streamers in Australia: Disney Plus and Hulu
Disney Plus, founded by the magical minds at Disney, took the streaming world by storm when it launched in 2019. It rapidly soared, with nearly 165 million subscribers in three years.
Hulu, however, is an older player that has grown with the streaming era. Since its launch in 2007, Hulu has evolved from hosting TV show reruns to a platform offering a blend of original content, classics, and live TV.
But here’s a fun twist: Disney has partial ownership over Hulu, making their rivalry a fascinating family affair.
Disney Plus and Hulu Side by Side
There’s much to love about both streaming services, but how do they measure up side by side?
Disney Plus first appeared in 2019, and since then, it has built a global fan base. It is primarily geared towards families and kids and hosts original Disney content, making it a one-stop shop for Disney.
Hulu, the veteran, has been in the streaming game since 2007. However, it remains primarily US-centric, which might be a letdown for some Aussie fans. It boasts a wider range of adult-oriented content and offers a live TV add-on, providing a cable-like experience minus the cable-like costs.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Every streaming service comes with its pros and cons. So, what are they for Disney Plus and Hulu?
Disney Plus gets a thumbs up for its exclusive access to a vast array of Disney content, making it a paradise for Disney fans. It’s also more affordable than many competitors and offers special bundles for more savings.
On the flip side, it’s been critiqued for the variable quality of some of its original series and a lack of focus on classic films. Plus, adult viewers might find the selection a bit limited.
Hulu wins points for its live TV option, swift updates of new TV episodes, and more extensive content for adult viewers.
However, its ad-free subscription can be pretty pricey, and the frequent ad breaks might be a deal-breaker for some. Moreover, movie buffs might feel let down as Hulu focuses more on television than on films.
| Features | Disney Plus | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Launched globally in 2019 | Launched in Australia in 2021 |
| Subscription Cost | $7.99/month | $7.99/month |
| Original Content | The strong line-up, including Mandalorian and WandaVision | Notable originals include The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building |
| Content Library | Excellent family-friendly content and exclusive Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel content | A more varied library including mature content, network shows, and a broader selection of movies |
| Additional Features | Can stream on four devices simultaneously, offers 4K at no extra cost | Live TV option, more user profiles allowed, but charges extra for ad-free viewing |
| Content Release | New content is typically released weekly | Frequently updates with recent TV show episodes |
| Subscribers | Over 100 million subscribers worldwide | Roughly 40 million subscribers, primarily in the U.S |
| Parent Company | Owned by The Walt Disney Company | Majority-owned by Disney, with a stake held by NBCUniversal |
FAQs
Does Hulu still have a free tier?
No, Hulu no longer has a free tier. You can only access Hulu content at no cost through a free trial.
Does Disney Plus have an affordable ad-supported tier?
Yes, Disney Plus launched a cheaper ad-supported tier in late 2022.
Can I bundle Hulu with other streaming services? Indeed, you can! Hulu and Disney Plus offer a bundled subscription with ESPN+ included for a lower price than subscribing to them separately.
What happened to 20th Century Fox?
Disney acquired 20th Century Fox (now known as 21st Century Studios) in 2019, so now you can enjoy some of those Fox classics under the Disney banner.
Does Disney Plus have content for adults?
Initially, Disney Plus planned to reserve all mature content for Hulu, but it reversed this decision. Now, you can find R-rated and TV-MA-rated shows like Deadpool and Daredevil on Disney Plus.
Hulu vs. Disney Plus: The Verdict
If we were to judge purely on availability in Australia, Disney Plus would be the winner. However, when it comes to content, it’s a more subjective decision.
If you’re more into TV shows, enjoy a more mature selection, and like live TV, Hulu might be your pick. Conversely, Disney Plus would be your go-to if you’re a fan of all things Disney and prefer family-friendly content.
