With streaming rising in popularity over the years, it’s no wonder that corporations like Amazon Prime, Youtube Red, HBO GO, Netflix, and Hulu are growing and other companies (like DC and Disney) want to get in on the cash grabbing media.But the two most popular would have to be between Netflix and Hulu, so the age-old question besides the obvious, is “streaming worth it?” would really be “which streaming service is better, Hulu or Netflix?

Here’s some history for those of you who care about that kind of information. Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph founded Netflix in 1997, shipping DVD’s by mail by evolved to streaming media and television production later on. Hulu launched in 2008 as a streaming video service owned in parts by Disney, Fox, and Turner, and NBC. Both sites require registration, but Netflix is recorded to have 103.95 million while Hulu is said to have 47 million worldwide users.

I know that some people have both subscriptions but for those of us who don’t have tons of cash to spend on programming, here’s the breakdown for which service has more bang for your buck.

For starters, there’s the pricing, both companies have a free month trail However, Netflix has three streaming plans, the basic plan for $7.99 a month, the standard plan (which adds HD) for $9.99 a month, and the premium plan (ultra HD) for $11.99 a month. Netflix also includes a DVD plan for $7.99 on its own, and a total of $15.98 if added with the streaming plan.

Hulu, on the other hand, has two plans, limited commercials for $7.99 and no commercials for $11.99 a month. Hulu also has an option to include Live TV for $39.99 a month. Money wise, the “better” plan for a subscription of shows goes to Netflix on this one as all of the plans, even the basic $7.99, has no commercials.

But point two has to go to Hulu because despite both services having a hub of different movies and television shows, Hulu provides access to new episodes of everyone’s beloved shows after they premiere. Unlike their competitor Netflix, which waits until the whole season is over before making them available to watch. Binge watching ability may be fun but it doesn’t beat instant entertainment, as no one likes to wait.

Much like upcoming and current streaming services, both Netflix and Hulu have created numerous original programming. Netflix has over 100 programs that include around 15 drama series, 21 comedy series, 3 adult animations, 36 family friendly shows, 10 foreign shows, 16 documentary-series, and 30+ films and stand up acts.

Hulu also have their own original content, with 9 drama series, 12 comedies, 2 horror shows, 4 documentary series, and 8 various shows. Netflix also has 7 (announced) upcoming features, while Hulu was 11 approaching shows. Both services have also picked up shows that have already aired for continuations, but Hulu has two while Netflix has nine. Quantity wise, I’d say that Netflix has Hulu beat by a long shot.

However, many follow the saying, which states “quality over quantity.” Despite quality being subjective, we can view the success of a series as a measure of value.Of all

Netflix originals, around 48 have been stated for renewal while 29 have been cancelled. For Hulu, seven shows are being renewed while 24 have ended.

Despite Hulu having more shows terminated than continued, keep in my mind that Netflix has way more shows so all of their numbers will be higher. Netflix’s pump out shows quickly meaning that the shows are rushed out and quality suffers for the sake of quantity. Also, there are many shows that hang in the balance as it’s undecided whether the series will be canceled. Hulu, for instance, has five pending shows. But, Netflix has around 47 up in the air that could call it quits.

Despite hits like “Stranger Things” and “Orange is the New Black”, shows like “Between” and “Fuller House” make Hulu’s own “Handmaid’s Tale” shine brighter. So sorry, but another point to Hulu on that one.

Another point to discuss would be the service’s streaming capabilities. While Netflix can connect to 6 devices and have 2-4 (depending on plan) simultaneous streams, Hulu can connect to devices but only allows one person to watch at a time (however, some have been able to stream on two different devices).

Both services also allow for profiles to be created that changes watched history and recommendations with kid options. Hulu can have up to six profiles while Netflix has five. However, most families only need four and what’s the point of having multiple profiles when Hulu only lets one stream happen at a time? So, points to Netflix on that front.

Lastly, Netflix’s library of shows via original content is ever growing, but the fact that hooked us into Netflix in the first place is not. Netflix’s catalog of shows and movies are depleting. They are losing rights to many shows and despite adding content; they lose a significant amount of media every month.

While Netflix’s films drop, Hulu grows quickly. They might have more movies right now, but soon their decision to focus on original content and neglect rights might be the death of them (especially with new completion like Disney removing even more content from them to stream for themselves.) So points to Hulu for knowing that more often than not, less is not more.

Therefore, with three points each, the battle of the streams lives to fight another day. I guess both services have their ups and downs, so it’s up to each user to find their own right fit. I know, I know… you didn’t click on this article for an “everyone’s a winner” finale. But there are also factors like Youtube Red, Amazon Prime, and the upcoming new ones to consider. So, sorry, not sorry but you’ll have to decide for yourself. Until then, the war between Hulu and Netflix rages on.,