Is NHL on Hulu Free? A Comprehensive Guide to Streaming NHL Games

The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, with a massive following in the United States and Canada. With the rise of streaming services, fans can now watch their favorite teams and players from the comfort of their own homes. One of the most popular streaming services for NHL games is Hulu. But is NHL on Hulu free? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive guide to streaming NHL games on Hulu.

What is Hulu?

Before we dive into the details of NHL on Hulu, let’s take a brief look at what Hulu is. Hulu is a popular American streaming service that offers a range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. It was founded in 2007 and is owned by The Walt Disney Company. Hulu offers a variety of subscription plans, including a basic plan that starts at $6.99 per month.

NHL on Hulu: What’s Available?

Hulu offers a range of NHL games and content, including:

• Live games: Hulu offers live streaming of NHL games, including regular season and playoff games.
• On-demand games: Hulu also offers on-demand streaming of NHL games, allowing fans to watch games they missed live.
• Highlights and analysis: Hulu offers a range of NHL highlights and analysis shows, including NHL Network and NHL Tonight.

NHL on Hulu: Subscription Options

So, is NHL on Hulu free? Unfortunately, the answer is no. To watch NHL games on Hulu, you’ll need to subscribe to one of their plans. Here are the current subscription options:

• Hulu with Live TV: This plan starts at $64.99 per month and includes live streaming of NHL games, as well as access to Hulu’s on-demand library.
• Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV: This plan starts at $70.99 per month and includes live streaming of NHL games, as well as access to Hulu’s on-demand library without ads.
• ESPN+: Hulu also offers an add-on subscription to ESPN+, which includes exclusive NHL content, including out-of-market games and original programming. This plan starts at $6.99 per month.

How to Watch NHL on Hulu

Watching NHL on Hulu is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Sign up for a Hulu subscription: Head to the Hulu website and sign up for a subscription plan that includes live TV.
• Download the Hulu app: Download the Hulu app on your device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smart TV.
• Log in to your account: Log in to your Hulu account using your email and password.
• Find NHL games: Use the Hulu app to find NHL games, either by searching for “NHL” or by browsing the live TV schedule.

NHL on Hulu: Devices and Platforms

Hulu is available on a range of devices and platforms, including:

• Smartphones and tablets: Hulu is available on both iOS and Android devices.
• Smart TVs: Hulu is available on a range of smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, and Vizio.
• Streaming devices: Hulu is available on popular streaming devices, including Roku, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV.
• Gaming consoles: Hulu is available on popular gaming consoles, including Xbox and PlayStation.

NHL on Hulu: Blackouts and Restrictions

One of the downsides of watching NHL on Hulu is the risk of blackouts and restrictions. Here’s what you need to know:

• Blackouts: Hulu may blackout NHL games in certain areas, particularly if the game is being broadcast on a local channel.
• Restrictions: Hulu may also restrict access to NHL games in certain areas, particularly if the game is being broadcast on a national channel.

NHL on Hulu: How to Avoid Blackouts and Restrictions

While blackouts and restrictions can be frustrating, there are ways to avoid them. Here are a few tips:

• Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can help you avoid blackouts and restrictions by masking your IP address.
• Check the Hulu schedule: Before signing up for a Hulu subscription, check their schedule to see if the NHL games you want to watch are available in your area.
• Consider a different streaming service: If you’re experiencing frequent blackouts and restrictions on Hulu, you may want to consider a different streaming service, such as NHL.TV or ESPN+.

Conclusion

While NHL on Hulu is not free, it’s a great option for fans who want to watch live and on-demand NHL games from the comfort of their own homes. With a range of subscription options and devices to choose from, Hulu is a convenient and affordable way to stay up-to-date with the latest NHL action. Just be aware of the risk of blackouts and restrictions, and take steps to avoid them if necessary.

Alternatives to NHL on Hulu

If you’re not interested in subscribing to Hulu, there are several alternative ways to watch NHL games. Here are a few options:

• NHL.TV: NHL.TV is the official streaming service of the NHL, offering live and on-demand games, as well as exclusive content.
• ESPN+: ESPN+ is a popular streaming service that offers exclusive NHL content, including out-of-market games and original programming.
• Sling TV: Sling TV is a streaming service that offers live TV, including NHL games, at an affordable price.
• YouTube TV: YouTube TV is a streaming service that offers live TV, including NHL games, as well as a range of other sports and entertainment channels.

Comparison of NHL Streaming Services

Here’s a comparison of the different NHL streaming services:

Ultimately, the best NHL streaming service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Be sure to do your research and compare the different options before making a decision.

Is NHL on Hulu Free?

NHL on Hulu is not entirely free. While Hulu offers a range of free content, its live TV streaming service, which includes NHL games, requires a subscription. You can sign up for a free trial to test the service, but after the trial period ends, you’ll need to pay for a subscription to continue watching NHL games on Hulu.

However, if you’re looking for free NHL content, Hulu does offer some on-demand content, such as highlights and analysis shows, that you can watch without a subscription. Additionally, you can also check out the NHL’s official website or YouTube channel for free content, including game highlights and analysis.

What NHL Games Can I Watch on Hulu?

Hulu’s live TV streaming service offers a wide range of NHL games, including games from NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network, and NHL Network. You can watch games from all 32 NHL teams, including your local team, as long as you have a subscription to the service. Hulu also offers on-demand content, including full-game replays and highlight packages.

It’s worth noting that Hulu’s NHL game selection may vary depending on your location. Some games may be subject to blackout restrictions, which means they won’t be available to stream in certain areas. However, Hulu offers a tool on its website that allows you to check which games are available in your area.

How Much Does it Cost to Watch NHL on Hulu?

The cost of watching NHL on Hulu depends on the type of subscription you choose. Hulu’s live TV streaming service, which includes NHL games, starts at $69.99 per month. This plan includes access to over 75 live TV channels, including NBC, NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network, and NHL Network.

If you want to add additional features, such as the ability to watch on multiple screens at once or access to a wider range of on-demand content, you can upgrade to a higher-tier plan. Hulu also offers a range of add-ons, including a sports package that includes additional sports channels.

Can I Watch NHL on Hulu on Multiple Devices?

Yes, you can watch NHL on Hulu on multiple devices. Hulu’s live TV streaming service allows you to watch on up to two screens at once, depending on your subscription plan. You can watch on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast.

If you want to watch on multiple devices at once, you can upgrade to a higher-tier plan that includes additional screens. Hulu also offers a feature called “simultaneous streams,” which allows you to watch on multiple devices at the same time.

Is NHL on Hulu Available in 4K?

Some NHL games on Hulu are available in 4K, but not all games are available in this format. Hulu has been expanding its 4K offerings in recent years, but it still depends on the specific game and broadcast. If a game is available in 4K, you’ll see a “4K” badge on the game’s listing in the Hulu app.

To watch NHL games in 4K on Hulu, you’ll need a compatible device and a fast internet connection. Hulu recommends a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps to stream 4K content.

Can I Record NHL Games on Hulu?

Yes, you can record NHL games on Hulu using the service’s cloud DVR feature. This feature allows you to record live TV, including NHL games, and watch them later on-demand. You can record up to 50 hours of content with Hulu’s base plan, and you can upgrade to a higher-tier plan for more storage.

To record an NHL game on Hulu, simply navigate to the game’s listing in the app and click the “record” button. You can also set up a series recording to record all games from a particular team or league.

Is NHL on Hulu Available Internationally?

NHL on Hulu is not available internationally, as the service is only available in the United States. If you’re trying to watch NHL games from outside the US, you may be able to access them through other streaming services or the NHL’s official website.

However, if you’re a US resident traveling abroad, you may be able to access NHL on Hulu using a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN allows you to mask your IP address and access content from other countries, but be aware that using a VPN to access geo-restricted content may be against Hulu’s terms of service.