[Diff] Roku and Hulu: Content and Features
Online TV services have become one of the best alternatives to satellite TV and cable as they are a perfect source of shows, live sports and movies. Roku and Hulu are the most famous online TV services, but what are the differences and similarities between both TV services? This article will compare Roku and Hulu and tell about the similarities and differences between them. We will also discuss some FAQs about both TV services and show you how you can download Roku and Hulu videos with the help of a tool named HitPaw Video Converter.
Part 1: Overviews of Roku and Hulu
Roku Content and Features
Roku is a device that you can connect to your TV to watch online content from various channels. Roku devices have many models like Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, Roku Express and Roku Smart Soundbar. Roku helps you access lots of free and paid channels like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max and more. You can also watch YouTube TV, Sling TV and Fubo TV with Roku.
Here are some of the best features of Roku devices:
- Voice control: Roku allows you to use your voice when you are searching for anything or want to launch channels.
- Private listening: Roku allows you to use your headphones, so nobody gets disturbed with the audio.
- Roku mobile app: Roku has also a mobile application, where you can use your smartphone as a remote control or a streaming device.
- Roku Channel: Roku Channel is one the free channels where you can watch TV shows, movies, sports, live news, and more. (with ads).
Hulu Content and Features
Hulu is also a TV service where you can watch content on demand and live TV content. Hulu has a great collection of original shows, such as The Act, The Handmaid’s Tale, Little Fires Everywhere, and more. Hulu is a streaming service where you can watch documentaries, anime & kids’ shows. Hulu helps you watch live TV channels, such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, CNN, and more, with Hulu + Live TV.
Here are some of the best features of Hulu:
- Profiles: You can make a maximum of six profiles on Hulu, and each profile will have its own watch history, settings and recommendations.
- Watch Party: Hulu allows you to watch movies and shows with your friends and the best thing is that you can chat with them in real time.
- Downloads: Hulu allows you to download up to 25 titles on up to five devices, and you can also watch them offline.
- Add-ons: Hulu allows you to enjoy premium channels, such as Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, and Starz.
Part 2: Roku and Hulu: Difference and Similar
Content Selection
Content selection is one of the major differences between Roku and Hulu. Roku is just a device that helps you to access streaming services but it’s not a streaming service itself. That is why the content selection on Roku is greater than Hulu because you can watch anything online. There is no original content on Roku but Hulu has many award-winning movies and great shows.
Subscription Model
Subscription Model is another major difference between Roku and Hulu. You can purchase Roku one time and don’t need a monthly subscription fee. However, there are some services or channels where you may need to pay on Roku, for example, Disney+, Netflix, or Sling TV. On the other hand, you need a monthly subscription to Hulu, and there are various plans to choose from. The cost of the basic plan is $5.99 per month, and it also includes ads.
Advertising
Advertising is another big difference between Roku and Hulu. You will not experience any ads on the interface of Roku but there are some other services or channels on Roku that may have ads and it depends on the policies of those channels. For example, when you use Netflix and Disney+, you will never experience any ads, however, there will be ads on Roku Channel and YouTube. On the other hand, there will be ads on the interface of Hulu and most of the content you watch on it. You will need to subscribe for the ad-free plan, but due to some streaming rights, there are also some movies and shows that will have ads even after you get an ad-free plan.
Geographic Availability
Geographic availability is another notable difference between Roku and Hulu. A lot of countries around the world like Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Australia, and Germany can access Roku. However, there are also some channels or services on Roku that may not be available in your region, due to licensing restrictions. For example, in different countries, Disney+ and Netflix have different content libraries. On the other side, Hulu is only available in the United States and its territories, like Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
Part 3: FAQs About Roku and Hulu
Check out some frequently asked questions about Roku and Hulu, with their answers.
Q1. Can I watch Roku and Hulu on the same device?
A1. Yes, you can, until it’s a Roku device. You just need to download the Hulu app on the Roku device and sign in with your Hulu account. Then, it will be possible to watch Hulu content on a Roku device, along with some other Roku channels.
Q2. Can I watch Cinemax Forbidden Science on Roku or Hulu?
A2. Cinemax Forbidden Science is a sci-fi erotic series that aired on Cinemax in 2009. To watch Cinemax Forbidden Science on Roku, you need to subscribe to the Cinemax channel on Roku, which is about $9.99 per month. It is also possible to watch Cinemax Forbidden Science on Hulu when you add the Cinemax add-on to your Hulu plan, and it also costs $9.99/month.
Q3. Which one is better, Roku or Hulu?
A3. There is no definitive answer to this question because it all depends on your preferences and budget. Both Roku and Hulu have their own advantages & disadvantages. The good thing about Roku is that it has more content variety and flexibility and the bad thing is you may require more payments & subscriptions. On the other side, the good thing about Hulu is that it has more original & exclusive content, and live TV, but the bad thing is that you may have more ads & limitations on Hulu.
Part 4: Way to Download Roku and Hulu Videos
You may need a tool if you want to download videos on Roku and Hulu and watch them offline. HitPaw Video Converter is one of the best tools for this purpose, as it is an easy-to-use, highly powerful video converter and downloader. HitPaw allows you to download videos from Roku, Hulu, and other sources, like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram in high quality and quick speed. HitPaw helps you to convert your videos to any format you like, such as MP4, AVI, MOV, MKV, FLV, WMV, and more. Moreover, it helps you to optimize your videos for different devices, such as iPads, iPhones, TVs, Android, and more.
Features of HitPaw Video Converter:
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How to use HitPaw Video Converter?
Step 1: In the first step download and install HitPaw Video Converter on your computer. Then, go to the Toolbox tab and select the Hulu Video Downloader feature. Click to open it.
Step 2: Log in to your Hulu account to prepare for the download.
Step 3: Now, search for your favorite TV shows or movies on Hulu. After choosing, click the "Download" button and the program will initiate analyzing the target video or series.
Step 4: During the downloading process, you can pause the process by clicking the 'Cancel All' button.
Step 5: Once the download task is completed, you can find the downloaded Hulu video by clicking the icon at the bottom of the screen.
Part 5: Conclusion
Roku and Hulu are the two most popular online TV services, but they have many things in common and may differ in various aspects. In this article, we have provided you a comparison of Roku and Hulu in terms of content & features and answered some Frequently Asked Questions about them. This article has shown you the way to download Roku and Hulu videos using a powerful tool called HitPaw Video Converter. We hope that we have helped you understand Roku and Hulu better, and now you can choose the online TV service that suits you better. We recommend you to use HitPaw Video Converter to download Roku and Hulu videos, and enjoy your videos offline, or even on other devices.
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Joshua Hill
Editor-in-Chief
I have been working as a freelancer for more than five years. It always impresses me when I find new things and the latest knowledge. I think life is boundless but I know no bounds.
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