Hulu has long been the “missing piece” for international streaming fans. While the service remains officially restricted to the United States, its identity is shifting as Disney completes its “One App” strategy. In 2026, the standalone Hulu app is being phased out in favor of a fully unified Disney+ experience, where Hulu exists as a specialized content hub.

Because of this transition, pricing has been adjusted to align with the Disney ecosystem. As of early 2026, the standalone rates are:

• Hulu with Ads: $11.99 / month (or $119.99 / year).
• Hulu Premium (No Ads): $18.99 / month.
• The Disney Bundle: $12.99 / month (Hulu & Disney+ with ads) or $26.99 / month (Premium ad-free).
• Hulu + Live TV: Now $89.99 / month, including Disney+ and ESPN+.

For viewers in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia, and Canada, “Hulu” as a brand does not technically exist as a standalone service. Instead, the majority of Hulu’s “Adult” and “Original” content (like The Bear, Shōgun, and Only Murders in the Building) is found within the Star or Hulu hub inside the local Disney+ app. However, international versions often lack the next-day airings of major US network shows (from ABC and FOX) and the live sports found on the US version.

To access the “true” US version of Hulu—including the full library of next-day TV and the Live TV cord-cutting service—users outside the US still rely on the VPN + US Unlocked combination. Because Hulu’s payment security is among the strictest in the industry, a virtual card with a verified US billing address is almost always required to bypass their “US-issued card only” filter.