Amazon Prime and Hulu are actually separate streaming services, but there’s often confusion about how they work together. Let me break this down in a way that’ll help you understand your streaming options better.
The Relationship Between Amazon Prime and Hulu
First things first – no, Hulu doesn’t automatically come with your Amazon Prime subscription. While Amazon Prime Video is included with your Prime membership, Hulu requires a separate subscription altogether. Think of them as friendly neighbors rather than roommates – they’re in the same neighborhood (streaming services) but have different houses (platforms).
How to Watch Hulu Through Amazon
Here’s something interesting though – you can actually add Hulu to your Amazon account as a Channel, but it’s not quite the same as having the full Hulu service. When you subscribe to Hulu through Amazon Channels, you’ll only get access to Hulu’s on-demand library, not their Live TV options or add-ons. As of 2025, you’ll still need to pay the regular Hulu subscription price, even when watching through Amazon.
What You Get Instead with Amazon Prime
Let me tell you what you do get with your Prime membership when it comes to streaming:
– Amazon Prime Video (their streaming service)
– Amazon Original Series and Movies
– Access to rent or buy additional movies and shows
– The option to add various channels (like Starz or Showtime)
Making the Most of Your Streaming Options
Here’s a pro tip I often share with friends: instead of trying to access Hulu through Amazon, you might want to consider managing these services separately. This gives you more flexibility and access to all of Hulu’s features, including their Live TV option if you’re interested in that.
The Bottom Line
While it would be convenient if Hulu came bundled with Amazon Prime, keeping them separate actually gives you more control over your streaming choices. Think of it like having both Netflix and Disney+ – they’re different services with different content libraries, each bringing something unique to your entertainment options.
If you’re looking to maximize your streaming value, I’d recommend evaluating what you actually watch and choosing services based on that. For instance, if you love Amazon’s original shows like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” but also can’t live without Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” then having both services might make sense for you.
Remember, the streaming landscape is constantly evolving, so keep an eye out for new bundles and deals that might pop up in the future. For now, though, you’ll need to subscribe to Hulu separately from your Amazon Prime membership.
