Introduction
Hulu is a popular streaming platform that provides users with various entertainment options. It has become one of the leading sources of TV shows, movies, and other forms of digital media. With its growing popularity, however, comes the influx of advertisements that can be pretty intrusive and disruptive for viewers.
Everyone knows how disturbing ads can be while watching your favorite shows or movies. According to research, Hulu’s ad revenue totaled $2.7 billion in 2021, and the numbers are already growing while increasing the stock price of Hulu. This means the platform will continue to bombard viewers with ads as long as they use their service.
So if you want to enjoy your favorite content on Hulu without any ads, you must know how to block Hulu ads. Luckily, there are several ways and tricks that you can use to do just that. When you know how to block them, you can have an uninterrupted viewing experience and make the most of your subscription. You can also take control of your viewing experience and protect yourself from intrusive ads.
This article will discuss different ways to avoid Hulu ads. It will cover a few tried methods and discuss the pros and cons of each one. Read on to learn more about blocking Hulu ads and how they can benefit you.
Blocking Hulu Ads
Blocking Hulu ads undoubtedly has its benefits. It can help you avoid intrusive and disruptive ads while watching your favorite shows or movies. Furthermore, it will save a lot of time since ads take up precious minutes between the content you want to watch.
But blocking Hulu ads can be tricky due to the possible legal implications. Hulu is a commercial service, and ads are one of its primary sources of revenue. Therefore, blocking the ads can be seen as a violation of the terms and conditions set by Hulu.
Therefore, it is essential to understand how to block Hulu ads without any legal implications. To do this, you must ensure your methods are legitimate and secure. You should also be aware of any potential risks of blocking ads, such as the possibility of malware or viruses. Depending on the method you choose, these risks may be present.
10 Reasons to Block Hulu Ads
There are several reasons why people would want to block Hulu ads. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. To avoid intrusive and disruptive ads
When you watch a show or movie on Hulu, it’s just frustrating when you’re interrupted by ads. Blocking Hulu ads eliminates this problem and makes your viewing experience much more enjoyable.
2. To save time and get to the content you want to watch faster.
Time is precious, and no one wants to spend it watching ads. You can save time by blocking Hulu ads and getting straight to the content you want to watch.
3. To avoid being tracked or monitored by Hulu.
Many users don’t want Hulu to track or monitor their viewing habits. Ads usually come with this tracking feature that can be intrusive and uncomfortable. Blocking Hulu ads will help you avoid being tracked or monitored.
4. To reduce the data and bandwidth used on streaming services like Hulu.
When streaming, ads take up valuable data and bandwidth, affecting your viewing experience. About 18-79% of the average data usage comes from ads, so blocking Hulu ads will help you save a lot of data and bandwidth.
5. To increase your privacy and security while watching Hulu.
Ads come with a lot of data that can be used to track your viewing habits. Targeted ads can also be annoying and intrusive as they can be based on your location, age, gender, and other information.
6. To protect yourself from scams, viruses, and other malicious content.
Many ads can contain malicious content, such as malware or viruses. About 1 out of 100 ads have malicious content, so blocking Hulu ads can help you protect yourself from these threats.
7. To avoid being bombarded with ads for products or services you’re not interested in.
Of course, no one likes to be bombarded with ads for products or services they’re not interested in. If you’re not interested in a particular product or service being advertised, blocking the ads can help you avoid them.
8. To save money since you don’t have to pay for an ad-free subscription.
Hulu offers ad-free subscription options, but they come at a premium. If you don’t want to pay for an ad-free subscription, blocking Hulu ads can help you save some money.
9. To increase the speed of your internet connection.
Ads can slow down your internet connection, especially if you are streaming on low-speed connections. If Hulu is not working due to ads slowing down your connection, blocking them can help you increase your internet connection speed and improve your streaming experience.
10. To make the most of your subscription.
Finally, blocking Hulu ads will make the most of your subscription. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite shows or movies without any interruptions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Block Hulu Ads
If you want to block Hulu ads, there are several methods you can use. Depending on their needs, different techniques may be more suitable for different users. The kind of devices can also affect the methods you use to block ads. As mentioned earlier, it is essential to be aware of potential risks before blocking Ads. Here are various ways to do this:
Block Hulu Ads on Browser
Viewers that use web browsers to watch Hulu will encounter the most ads. Many browsers offer ad-blocking plugins that you can install. These plugins will block or disable any ads on Hulu, allowing you to have an uninterrupted viewing experience. Different browsers also offer various features to help you customize and manage your ad-blocking settings.
Adblock Plus
You can use the Adblock Plus extension to block Hulu ads. It is user-friendly and easy to install. This famous ad blocker offers advanced features, such as preventing tracking and whitelisting for favorite sites. Ads and banners will be blocked from loading, so you can enjoy a faster browsing experience. This also applies to YouTube viewers and users of other streaming services. Additionally, it fights off destructive malvertising hidden in some ads.
Hulu Ads Skipper
You can also use Hulu Ads Skipper to block Hulu ads on Chrome. The extension is free and specifically blocks all types of Hulu ads. It also offers various customization settings that you can use to optimize your viewing experience further. It fast-forwards through ads, even on live recordings, and mutes the sound when it detects an ad. This extension is also available on the Chrome Web Store for free.
uBlock Origin
For Firefox, you can use the uBlock Origin extension. It is a free, open-source, comprehensive content blocker emphasizing CPU and memory efficiency. It can block all types of ads, including pop-ups, autoplay videos, banners, etc. It also lets you customize your settings to suit your preferences. You can block JavaScript, cookies, and other tracking scripts to protect your privacy. This extension is available on the Firefox Add-ons Store for free.
Hulu Ad Blocker
Another option is to use the Hulu Ad Blocker extension on Firefox. This is a lightweight extension that will quickly and effectively block ads. It offers various customization options, from removing ads to disabling autoplay videos. Windows, PC, and MAC users can all download this extension from the Firefox website.
AdBlocker Ultimate
You can use the AdBlocker Ultimate extension to block Hulu ads on Safari. It is free and easy to install. It will block all types of ads, malware, and tracking scripts to improve your browser performance. Compared to other ad blockers, this extension has no whitelist for advertisers or ad networks, so you won’t be bombarded with unwanted ads.
Ghostery
Ghostery is a free ad blocker that can help you enjoy Hulu and overall browsing ad-free. Many users have reported that it successfully blocks ads from Facebook and other trackers, pop-ups, and cookies. Hulu ads for the Ghostery browser extension were blocked with ease. It can also seamlessly block video ads or wait for a 30-second black screen. Do note that if you have a VPN enabled, this ad blocker may not work correctly, so you must choose whether to use the ad blocker or the VPN.
Block Hulu Ads on Android
You can also use ad-blocking apps to block Hulu ads on your Android device. Different apps offer various features and settings you can customize according to your needs. Here are some of the most popular ad-blocking for Android devices:
AdGuard
AdGuard is a popular ad-blocking app for Android. Most notably, it offers an “always-on” mode that will block ads even on apps and games. Users can also customize the app according to their needs. Unlike other apps, AdGuard does not require root access to block ads. It is free but offers a premium version with more features and settings.
NordVPN Threat Protection
A more secure option would be NordVPN Threat Protection. This app offers advanced protection from malware and other online threats. It also has an ad-blocking feature that can block ads on Hulu and other streaming services. To use this app, you must have a NordVPN account. It is also available for Apple users, so you can use it on both Android and iOS devices.
Surfshark CleanWeb
For the ultimate ad-blocking experience, you should try Surfshark CleanWeb. It is a next-generation ad blocker as part of a comprehensive security suite. It can block all types of ads, banners, pop-ups, and malicious links. Hulu viewers can also enjoy an ad-free streaming experience by downloading its browser extension on Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. With its advanced features, you can be sure of complete protection from ads and other online threats.
Brave
Brave is a browser that offers built-in ad-blocking features. Besides blocking ads, it also blocks trackers and scripts that can be used to track your browsing habits. Compared to using a separate ad-blocking app, this browser integrates the service directly into its features.
Block Hulu Ads on iPhone
There are several ad-blocking apps available for iPhone and iPad users. iPhones and iPads are Apple products, so they have a different system than Android devices. Therefore, not all ad-blocking apps will work on both systems. Here are some of the most popular ad-blocking apps for iPhone and iPad users:
1Blocker X
1Blocker X is a powerful content blocker for iPhone and iPad users. It can block ads, trackers, and other annoying elements on websites. To start blocking ads and trackers, simply flip a few switches. The process is easy to understand. The app is completely native and is intended to enhance Safari seamlessly. The software automatically receives updates from the cloud, so you don’t have to manually update it to ensure it stays current.
Wipr
Wipr is a fast-loading, lightweight ad blocker that can block ads on Hulu. It is easy to install and configure as well. This software is excellent for blocking tracker ads, EU cookie notices, and crypto miners. It is also updated twice weekly to ensure it is updated with the latest ad-blocking technology. Upgrading to Wipr Extra, the premium version, will give you complete website access and the ability to block YouTube ads.
Total Adblock
Finally, Total Adblock is an excellent option for blocking Hulu ads on iPhones and iPads. This comprehensive ad blocker can block all types of ads, including video ads and pop-ups on Hulu, Facebook, and YouTube. TotalAV, one of the top antivirus providers, developed this software.It can also block trackers and other intrusive adware.
Purchasing Hulu No Ads Monthly Plan
If you don’t want to go through with the hassle of blocking ads, you can simply purchase Hulu’s “No Ads” monthly plans. This will allow you to watch your favorite shows or movies without any interruptions from ads. It is slightly more expensive than the regular plan, but it could be worth the price if you don’t want to bother with ad-blocking. Two plans offer ad-free streaming – Hulu (No Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) with Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN.
Hulu (No Ads)
For $14.99 per month, you can watch all on-demand shows and movies with no ads and access the full library of Hulu Originals. This plan also includes access to Hulu’s streaming library. Subscribers can also avail of Premium or Partner Add-ons (including Cinemax, Max, SHOWTIME, ESPN+, STARZ, and Disney+) with an additional monthly charge.
There are also excluded shows from the Hulu (No Ads) plan, where you must watch a short ad break before and after each episode. The list of excluded shows can change over time.
Hulu (No Ads) with Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN
For $82.99 monthly, you can access Hulu (No Ads) with Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ for a seamless streaming experience. Note that ESPN+ will have ads, but you can watch ad-free Hulu (No Ads) content. Disney+ content is only accessible via the Disney+ app and website, while ESPN+ content may be accessed via Hulu and the ESPN+ app and website. Due to limitations, Disney+ and ESPN+ are unavailable through Live TV plans for subscribers billed by T-Mobile.
Be aware that there may be promotional content before certain videos in premium content, highlighting other shows and movies included with the add-on. This content is not ad-based and will remain visible even if you block Hulu ads with your subscription plan.
If you plan on purchasing these monthly plans, do your research first. Some viewers still get ad breaks even after purchasing the No Ads plan, which may be due to certain shows being excluded from the plan. Some also suggest blocking ads instead of purchasing the No Ads plan if you are only interested in watching Hulu Originals. Some subscribers even cancel Hulu No Ads because they find it too expensive.
Built-In Ad Blocker for Hulu Ads
Although Hulu does not offer an ad-blocking feature, some viewers speculate it is considering building its own ad-blocking technology. This could help viewers get rid of ads without blocking them manually.
But Hulu supports ad-supported viewing as its primary business model, so it is unlikely to introduce an ad-blocking feature anytime soon. It relies mainly on ad revenue to produce and stream content as a streaming service. A general Hulu (with Ads) plan allows viewers to access the streaming library for a lower monthly price than the No Ads plan, so they may be reluctant to introduce an ad-blocking feature.
Additionally, statistics show that many users prefer the ad-supported plan over the No Ads plan. About 62% of new Hulu members opt for the ad-supported plan, while only 38% pay extra for the ad-free plan. This indicates that viewers are more open to watching ads as long as they can access the content at a lower cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is it possible to block ads on Hulu?
You can use ad-blocking plugins or extensions on your web browser or install an ad-blocking app on your Android or iOS device to block Hulu ads. You can also purchase the No Ads monthly plan for ad-free streaming.
2) What are the reasons why people want to block ads on Hulu?
The main reason why people want to block ads on Hulu is to have an uninterrupted viewing experience. Ads can also be intrusive and annoying, with the added risk of exposing viewers to malicious content such as malware or phishing links.
3) Can ad blockers effectively block ads on Hulu?
Ad blockers effectively block Hulu ads, but they may not be 100% successful. Some viewers still encounter ads even after installing an ad blocker. Also, some ads are not blocked by certain ad blockers due to incompatibility issues.
4) Is it against Hulu’s terms of service to use ad blockers?
Hulu does not explicitly state that using ad blockers is prohibited. However, viewers should be aware of any potential risks and know the consequences of blocking ads on Hulu.
5) Are there any alternative methods to block ads on Hulu without ad blockers?
The only other way to block ads on Hulu without using ad blockers is to purchase a No Ads monthly plan. This will grant you access to Hulu’s streaming library without any ads (with a few exceptions).
6) Can a premium or ad-free subscription plan on Hulu eliminate ads?
A premium or ad-free subscription plan on Hulu will eliminate the majority of ads, but some types of ads may still be visible. Additionally, some shows and movies may not be included in the ad-free plan.
Conclusion
Blocking Hulu ads is the best way to enjoy a seamless streaming experience. You can use ad-blocking extensions or apps on your web browser or Android/iOS device. Alternatively, you can purchase the No Ads monthly plan and access Hulu’s streaming library without any ads. Be aware of potential risks and restrictions when using ad-blocking software or subscribing to the No Ads plan. Also, these methods are not guaranteed to block all Hulu ads completely, as certain ads may still be visible due to incompatibility issues.
With this in mind, you should carefully choose the best option for your needs. Explore different ad-blocking software, subscription plans, and other alternative methods to find the best ad-blocking solution for you.