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Lucas Frost

04 Dec 2025

How much data does Hulu use?

Hulu approximately uses 0.65 to 7GB of data, depending on the video quality, the device settings, and cellular data strength. Daily stream on Hulu for hours, takes lots of your data plan.

If you are the one relying on the SIM card's limited data plan, you should definitely know which is the most data-consuming app on your phone. It lets you avoid the data caps, manage limited mobile data plans, and stream smoothly.

In this article, I will explain how much data Hulu uses. How can you check the data usage, and the tips to reduce excessive data usage?

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Does Hulu use a lot of Data?

Hulu data usage depends on several factors, including.

  1. Video quality
  2. Streaming duration
  3. App settings
  4. Internet speed
  5. Background data

The app uses adaptive bitrate streaming, which automatically adjusts the video quality according to the network strength. For example, if the connection is weak, the quality will drop, and in case of stable internet, you can stream at HD quality.

Hulu generally uses the same amount of data as Netflix and YouTube. Here is the breakdown of how much data it uses in an hour.

Hulu Data Usage: Quick Overview (GB Per Hour)


Quality Level

Data Per Hour (Approx)

SD Quality (480p–720p)

0.65GB of data per hour

HD Streaming (720p–1080p)

1.5GB data per hour

4K / Ultra HD

7GB of data per hour

Hulu Live TV

3.5GB of data per hour

How Much Data Does Hulu + Live TV Use?

Compared to the non-live videos, live TV streaming on Hulu consumes more data. Live streaming uses high bitrates. Similarly, the sports, action videos, and motion-heavy scenes require more bandwidth and high-quality frames.

Based on the following, the app adjusts to use the WiFi or cellular data connection. Generally, the standard channel takes 3 to 4.5 GB of data in an hour. At the same time, the sports channels require around 5 to 8 GB.

Hulu Vs Other Streaming Apps

All the streaming apps use more data at high resolution. Here are the details about how much each app uses mobile data based on the video quality.


Streaming Service

Standard Defination (SD) (Approx)

High Defination (HD) (Approx)

4K Ultra HD (Approx)

Hulu

0.65 GB - 1 GB

1.3 GB - 3.6 GB (Live TV)

7 GB

Netflix

1GB

3GB

7GB

Disney+

0.6 GB - 0.7 GB

1.8 GB - 2.5 GB

7.7 GB

Amazon Prime Video

0.45 GB - 0.85 GB

1.4 GB - 2.25 GB

7 GB


How to Check Your Hulu Data Usage?

Here is how you can check the data usage on the Hulu app.

Check Hulu data use on iPhone

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Click the Cellular button.
  3. Scroll to look for the Hulu data usage.

Check Hulu data use on Android phones

  1. Go to the Settings app in Android.
  2. Click the Network & Internet.
  3. Tap the Mobile Network and scroll to check the Hulu data usage.

Similarly, you can check the data usage of other apps. It will let you know which apps on your phone are taking most of your data.

How to Reduce Hulu Data Usage?

The following are the steps you can take to reduce the data consumption of Hulu while streaming your favourite movie or a TV show.

Use the WiFi Connection

Connect your phone to WiFi while streaming on Hulu. It is helpful to save your limited data plan. It's perfect if you have the WiFi router in your home. However, if you are on an international trip, you can connect your phone to the hotel's WiFi.

Enable the Hulu Data Saver Mode

Like other streaming apps, the Hulu app has the Data Saver mode in Settings. Turning on the mode will save your data while streaming.

Here is how you can do it.

  1. Open Hulu and click the Account.
  2. Scroll to click Settings.
  3. Now, tap the Cellular Data Usage.
  4. Click the Data Saver to enable it.

Adjust the Playback Settings

You can adjust the video quality in the app from Settings. Streaming at high quality is the major factor that contributes to excessive data usage.

Here are the steps you can follow to set the video quality.

  1. Open Hulu, click the Settings button in the corner.
  2. Here you can select your preferred video quality.

Buy an eSIM Card Unlimited Data Plan

Rellying on the local SIM card data plans to stream online while travelling leads to early data runout. It also causes inconsistent signal issues and high data roaming charges. The perfect alternative is an eSIM card unlimited plan. It lets you avoid connection with unauthorised public WiFi.

An eSIM card is the digital chip built into modern compatible devices. It ensures to provide a flexible internet connection without any roaming charges. Compared to the physical SIM, you can activate the eSIM in your iPhone and Android via QR code.

What is the best travel eSIM?

eSIMCard is a global eSIM carrier that stands out compared to ordinary ones for its advanced services. The provider offers an eSIM data plan for 200+ countries, each with fixed and unlimited data. If you want data with talk and text services, you can buy the data, voice, and text plan.

If you are a streaming enthusiast, an unlimited data plan is the perfect choice. It lets you stay connected and enjoy watching your favourite content.

Download the Content Offline

You can download your favourite content when your phone is connected to WiFi. It lets you watch the videos and shows offline without enabling mobile data. Here is how you can do it.

  1. Open Hulu and click the Account button.
  2. Choose Settings and select Downloads.
  3. Tap the Video quality and click Standard for smaller files.

Conclusion

Hulu approximately consumes 0.65 to 7GB of data in an hour, depending on the video quality, device settings, and the network strength. Streaming at high video quality consumes more data than standard quality.

In the guide, I have discussed the steps to check how much data Hulu uses. Moreover, you can compare the Hulu data usage with other streaming apps to select the best one. Similarly, to reduce the excessive data usage, you can follow the tips given in the article.

FAQs

Is Hulu 4K worth it?

Hulu 4K is worth it if you have a strong and stable WiFi. Similarly, if you are relying on cellular data, ensure that to have an unlimited data plan.

Does Hulu use data when downloaded videos are watched offline?

No, when you download the Hulu video, it doesn't need the WiFi or cellular data to watch later.

Is Hulu suitable for limited data plans?

Yes, it is. But only if you are streaming at SD quality or the data saver mode is enabled. If you switch to HD or 4K, it will lead to early data runout.

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Highly Rated

Based on 500,000+ customer reviews

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Trusted worldwide

Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted us

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No swaps, global connectivity ensured

With eSIM Card, you can save 100% on roaming fees

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04 Dec 2025

How much data does Hulu use?

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