Ads on Hulu disrupt your viewing experience. They interrupt your favorite shows and movies, leaving you wondering: How can I watch Hulu without ads? The good news is that there are ways to get an ad-free experience on Hulu.
This guide will discuss a few methods to banish ads from Hulu. We have included ad blockers, tips and tricks to help you avoid Hulu ads, and specialized services, such as VPNs, that include ad blocking. Keep reading to find out how to watch Hulu without ads.
How to watch Hulu without ads (the easiest way)
It should go without saying, but the easiest way to enjoy Hulu without ads is to upgrade to a paid account. The Hulu (No Ads) plan costs $14.99 monthly and provides an almost entirely ad-free experience.
While some shows may still have a brief ad at the start or end due to rights agreements, most content will play without interruptions. If you want a convenient, ad-free experience, this will be the easiest way to watch Hulu without ads.
However, please remember you will still get ads when watching cable TV networks via a Hulu Live TV account. Hulu has no control over the adverts shown on regular TV networks, so if you watch ESPN, Fox, NBC, or any other live TV network, you will still have to suffer through the ads.
How to watch Hulu without ads for free
If you want to block Hulu ads without upgrading, you will need a reliable ad blocker that works with Hulu.
Unfortunately, blocking ads on Hulu isn’t as simple as ad-blocking while surfing the web. To block ads served on most websites, you can use a basic ad blocker that prevents third-party scripts from loading. Programs like Total Adblock work to block these ads but cannot successfully bypass embedded ads in videos.
To block ads on Hulu, you need a sophisticated ad blocker designed to block or fast-forward embedded ads served by Hulu. This dedicated ad blocker type differs from the one you probably already use.
Below, we have included a list of applications you can test to block ads on Hulu. Remember that to block ads on Hulu for free, you will probably need to stream using a laptop or desktop computer, preferably running Windows.
Blocking Hulu ads on Firestick, Android, and Apple Mac is considerably more complicated because it is hard to find specialized add blockers for these platforms. You can still try the methods described in this guide. However, to block Hulu ads for free, you will want to watch Hulu in a browser rather than with the dedicated Hulu app.
1. Use the Slyguy Hulu add-on for Kodi
Slyguy is a popular Kodi repository with various add-ons, including one for accessing Hulu. It is a third-party add-on that allows users to integrate Hulu directly into their Kodi media center. The best thing about this add-on is that you can log in to your regular Hulu account. Once installed, it will effectively skip through the ads on Hulu, which is why it is most people’s favorite way to block Hulu ads.
Where to get the Slyguy repository
If you want to use the Slyguy add-on for Hulu, you will need to install the Slyguy repository in Kodi. Slyguy is unavailable in the official Kodi repository, so you must download it from the Slyguy GitHub page. You must install the Slyguy repo from a trusted source, so we advise sticking to GitHub.
Why use Slyguy to watch Hulu without ads?
Slyguy is a top-recommended method to bypass Hulu ads because it gives you reliable control over Hulu playback in your paid Hulu account. This includes the ability to skip or block ads. Consequently, it is one of the most recommended methods for bypassing Hulu ads on platforms like Reddit.
How to set up Slyguy Hulu add-on
Step 1: Install Kodi
To use Slyguy, you need Kodi installed on your device. The recommended version is Kodi 20 (Nexus) or later. Kodi versions later than Nexus offer the best compatibility with third-party repositories like Slyguy.
Step 2: Enable Unknown Sources in Kodi
Since Slyguy is a third-party add-on, you will need to enable unknown sources in Kodi before you can install it. To do this:
- Open Kodi and go to Settings (the gear icon).
- Navigate to System.
- Select Add-ons and toggle the switch to enable Unknown sources.
Step 3: Install the Slyguy Repository from Official Source
- Go to the following URL for instructions on installing the Slyguy repository: https://www.matthuisman.nz/2020/02/slyguy-kodi-repository.html.
- Follow the steps provided on the site to install the repository correctly.
You can see that this is the official installer for the repo by visiting the official Slyguy Github page.
Step 4: Install the Hulu Add-On
- Once the Slyguy repository is installed, go to Kodi Add-ons and select Install from repository.
- Choose Slyguy Repository and then Video add-ons.
- Find and select the Hulu add-on, then click Install.
Step 5: Configure the Hulu Add-On
- Once installed, open the Hulu add-on and enter your Hulu credentials.
- Next, configure the settings to enable the Slyguy Hulu ad-blocking features. Go to Settings within the add-on and look for options to skip or block ads.
2. Use a Specialized ad blocker for Hulu
To block Hulu ads effectively, you must use an ad blocker designed to disable Hulu’s embedded ads. Regular ad blockers like uBlock Origin or AdGuard are often insufficient for Hulu. Instead, we recommend that you use the specialized ad blocker: Hulu Ad Skipper
The great thing about this ad blocker is that it communicates directly with users in the comments of Chrome extensions. The developers are working on the extension and are always working on fixes to keep it blocking Hulu ads. If it stops working, you can leave a message on the Chrome extension page, and the developers should get it working again quickly.
Users of this ad blocker say that it has been working for many years. So, while it may not work daily (the devs may have to fix it if Hulu pushes an update), it is still well worth knowing about.
3. Use Ad blocker extensions
Although some people say they have trouble using these extensions to block ads, others on Reddit claim it works great for them. For this reason, we still think it is a good idea to test these ad-blocking extensions:
Both of these extensions are highly trusted and reliable for blocking ads. And they have a reputation for being able to block some Hulu ads. However, please remember that you will need to stream Hulu in your browser (Chrome or Firefox).
4. Try Ad-blocking browsers
Browsers like Brave and Opera come with built-in ad-blocking features. These features may help boost your other ad blockers and help prevent ads from loading when you stream on Hulu. That said, these native ad blockers are less likely to be effective when compared to a dedicated ad blocker like Hulu ad-skipper.
5. Use a VPN with ad-blocking features
Some VPNs provide DNS-based ad blocking. This ad-blocking technology blocks ads at the VPN server, which reduces the appearance of ads when you surf the web and saves on page load times and mobile data.
A VPN is a privacy service that works by encrypting your internet connection. This stops local networks, ISPs, government snoops, hackers, and other eavesdroppers from being able to monitor your traffic.
A VPN also conceals your location from the websites you visit. This means you can use the best VPNs for Hulu to get an IP address in the USA and watch Hulu in Canada, the UK, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else.
However, while the best VPNs include ad blocking, it is important to note that these ad blockers are unlikely to work with Hulu.
The ad blocking provided by VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark is designed to block website ads. DNS-based ad blockers do not necessarily work to eliminate embedded ads on video services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Twitch, and YouTube.
What are the best Hulu VPNs with built-in ad-block?
Want to stream Hulu abroad? Interested in using VPN ad blocking to bolster your ad blocking efforts? Below, we have included a list of the best Hulu VPNs that include ad blocking:
- NordVPN: The best choice for Hulu streaming. Offers Threat Protection, which can block many types of ads and trackers.
- Surfshark: Budget-friendly Hulu VPN with unlimited device connections. The CleanWeb feature blocks ads and malware.
- IPVanish: Provides strong encryption and excellent speeds for streaming, along with DNS-based ad-blocking capabilities.
- ExpressVPN: High-speed servers and excellent region-unblocking abilities for Hulu. Includes DNS-based ad-blocking.
- CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN with a large server network. Provides VPN ad blocking with every connection.
- ProtonVPN: Privacy-focused VPN that works well for accessing streaming services, including Hulu. NetShield feature provides ad blocking.
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6. Open Hulu in two tabs to stream without ads
Although this method might seem crude, it can work to watch Hulu without ads. Best of all, it’s pretty simple. When you launch Hulu, open your account in two different tabs. Start playing the show in both tabs simultaneously, but mute Hulu in tab 2.
Now, watch Hulu in tab one until an ad starts playing. When an ad starts, mute your tab and flick to the other tab. Keep watching tab two until an ad begins, and at this point, switch back to the other tab.
Admittedly, this method isn’t perfect, and it may not always work perfectly if both tabs show an advert simultaneously. However, Hulu users online claim that this method does work for them to reduce the number of ads they have to watch during shows, so it is worth knowing about!
Can I block Hulu ads on mobile devices?
Do you want to block Hulu ads on Android or iOS? Unfortunately, blocking ads on Hulu when using the official mobile apps is difficult. Instead, you can stream Hulu on a browser like Firefox or Chrome.
However, blocking ads is challenging even then because ad-blocking extensions are not available in the mobile versions of popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
If you want to block ads on mobile, you may need to use a standalone ad-blocking app like AdLock (which offers versions for both Android and iOS) or AdGuard (which provides system-wide ad blocking for mobile devices). Remember that these apps aren’t guaranteed to block embedded ads on Hulu. Another option is a VPN with built-in ad-blocking features, though this is not a foolproof method for blocking Hulu ads.
Overall, the best option for blocking ads is to stream Hulu on a desktop or laptop. This will allow you to download and install the necessary applications.
Can I block Hulu ads on Smart TVs and streaming devices?
Blocking Hulu ads on a smart TV or streaming device (such as Roku, Amazon Firestick, Apple TV, etc.) is difficult. Unlike computers, most smart TVs and streaming devices don’t support installing ad-blocking software. One potential solution is installing Kodi on your streaming device and using the Slyguy repository and the Slyguy Hulu add-on.
It may also be possible to set up network-level ad blocking by using a router with a VPN or connecting to DNS-based ad-blocking services like AdGuard DNS or Pi-hole. These solutions aim to block ads before they reach your streaming device.
However, these methods are often ineffective since Hulu ads are embedded in the streaming service, and most streaming devices use the official Hulu app rather than browser-based streaming. For this reason, using Kodi remains your best option.
How much does it cost to get Hulu without ads?
Hulu offers several plans, ranging from basic with ads to premium bundles. To help you out, we have included all the prices and plans below:
- Hulu With Ads: $7.99/month or $79.99/year. This plan gives you access to all Hulu content, including ads during your shows and movies.
- Hulu (No Ads): $14.99/month. This ad-free version provides an uninterrupted experience, except for a few shows that may still have a short ad.
- Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, ESPN+ (With Ads): $76.99/month. This is a comprehensive package that includes on-demand Hulu content, live TV channels, Disney+, and ESPN+, but all services have ads.
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), ESPN+ (With Ads): $89.99/month. This premium bundle is for those who want ad-free Hulu and Disney+, though live TV and ESPN+ still include ads.
- Hulu (Student Discount): $1.99/month. This is a deeply discounted plan for students, but it includes ads.
Is ‘Hulu (No Ads)’ truly ad-free?
Although Hulu’s “No Ads” plan removes ads during TV shows and movies, you may still see some ads. Certain content may include brief ads at the beginning or end due to licensing agreements. Additionally, Hulu cannot remove ads from live TV broadcasts, so you will still receive regular ads if you watch Hulu with live TV.
Is it legal to block ads on Hulu?
As a paying subscriber, you have the right to stream content available on Hulu. This means that, technically, streaming Hulu without ads does not break the law. Avoiding ads on a paid Hulu account is not considered piracy since you have paid for the content you’re watching.
However, Hulu does not want viewers to bypass ads without paying for a premium “No Ads” account. Using a VPN or an ad blocker to remove ads is against Hulu’s Terms of Service. As a result, Hulu could potentially terminate your account for improper use if it detects that you are blocking ads on one of its cheaper subscription plans.
That said, we are unaware of anyone having their Hulu account terminated for using a VPN or ad blocker. This means you may not face issues watching Hulu using these methods.
Please note that we are not attorneys, and while we have attempted to provide useful information, nothing in this guide should be considered legal advice. Always do your research before using any ad blockers or services mentioned here.
Why isn’t the Slyguy repository available with Kodi?
Unfortunately, many Slyguy plugins do not comply with Kodi’s repository guidelines. Kodi does not permit add-ons that block ads, as this violates streaming providers’ terms of service. For this reason, Slyguy is not currently available in the official Kodi repository.
However, it’s important to note that while Kodi does not officially support Slyguy add-ons, using them to watch your Hulu account does not necessarily constitute piracy. As a paying subscriber, you can watch your Hulu content.
That said, anyone interested should proceed with caution. Using Slyguy add-ons is at your own risk, as it violates both Kodi’s guidelines and Hulu’s Terms of Service by attempting to bypass ads.
Related:
- How does Hulu detect VPNs?
- Hulu not working with a VPN? Troubleshooting guide
- How to unblock Hulu at school
How to watch Hulu without ads – FAQs
Can I watch Hulu without ads in Canada?
Yes. If you are traveling to Canada you can use a VPN to regain an IP address in the US. This will allow you to watch your Hulu account while outside of the US. Once you have connected to your VPN, you can use the tips and tricks in this guide to block ads.
Does a VPN help block Hulu ads?
Although some VPNs include ad blocking, it is unlikely to work on its own to block ads on Hulu. We advise using a VPN as part of your ad blocking strategy alongside Kodi, or a browser extension.
Can I watch Hulu Live TV without ads?
No. US TV networks that are available via Hulu with Live TV will still have the same ads as usual. These ads are part of the live broadcast, and you cannot remove them.
