How to Block Ads on Hulu (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Sitting through Hulu ads is frustrating. 

If constant interruptions make watching Hulu a deal-breaker, you can download one of the best ad blockers, use a browser that blocks ads, or refresh your webpage to block ads on Hulu.

Keep reading to find out how you can get rid of those pesky ads and get on with enjoying the show.

How to block adds on Hulu

If you like using the Hulu streaming platform but can’t take those frequent ad interruptions, there are ways to watch Hulu with no ads. You can get browser extensions, apps, or use a web browser that automatically blocks ads.

You may even try interesting methods, such as reloading your Hulu TV show. That won’t necessarily block the entire ad, but it could shorten the break.

If those options aren’t for you, Hulu offers different subscription plans, and you can upgrade your ad-supported plan to one without ads. Remember, the more premium service you get, the more you will pay.

Here’s how these options work so you can pick the best one for your needs.

1. Block Hulu commercials with a Chrome extension

If you watch Hulu using your Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser, you can download a browser extension to block the ads. Some, like Hulu Ad Skipper, let you fast-forward through commercials to enjoy more time watching your favorite shows.

Because there are numerous ad blockers in existence, you should be aware that not all of them work. You can browse different extensions to find one that effectively blocks your Hulu ads. Here are some popular options we've vetted and can back with in-house testing:

• Total Adblock: Total Adblock is one of the top-performing ad blockers we've reviewed. It received an AdBlock Tester score of 100/100, and it offers a free extension for most major browsers, so your ad-blocking needs can most likely be covered.
  Best Basic Adblocker — Including YouTube Video Ads

  

  4.9

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  Editorial Rating

  Learn More

  On Total Adblock's website

  Ad Blocker

  Total Adblock

  BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 80% off

  • Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
  • Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
  • Improves page load times and enables faster browsing

  Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review

• AdLock: AdLock can block most ads, even with its free browser extension. It can also block tracking ads, annoying follow videos, and social media ads. AdLock scored 97/100 on AdBlock Tester, so it's definitely an effective ad blocker.
  

  4.5

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  Editorial Rating

  Learn More

  On AdLock's website

  Ad Blocker

  AdLock

  • Offers a free extension that's compatible with major browsers and a premium plan with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS compatibility
  • Effective blocker against follow-along videos, banner ads, YouTube ads, and more
  • Doesn't share or sell your data with third parties
  • Social media and spyware blockers only available on paid tier

  Get AdLock | Read Our AdLock Review

• uBlock Origin: uBlock Origin is a free and open-source app that's compatible with multiple browsers. It also offers a lot of customization features so you can keep your browsing ad and tracker-free. It also scored a 96/100 on AdBlock Tester. 
  

  4.5

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  Editorial Rating

  Learn More

  On uBlock Origin's website

  Ad Blocker

  uBlock Origin

  • One of the best totally free ad blockers available
  • Highly customizable, open-source ad blocker that's compatible with multiple browsers
  • Can block advertising and analytics tools, including banner ads, video ads, and trackers, and can even bypass soft paywalls
  • Better suited for advanced users because some features require technical knowledge

  Read Our uBlock Origin Review

2. Use a browser that blocks ads

If you don’t want to look through different browser extensions to find the perfect one, you can opt for an ad-blocking browser.

These are dedicated browsers that detect ads before you see them. These can make watching Hulu a more convenient and fun experience. You can pick a browser you like and enjoy ad-free video streaming. Some of the popular choices are:

• Brave: The Brave browser automatically detects ads on Hulu services and blocks them before they appear on the website.
• Opera: Opera's ad blocker feature helps block ads on Hulu. It also comes with a built-in VPN for streaming on Android and desktop.
• Microsoft Edge: Microsoft Edge is now built on the Chromium engine and comes with add-ons you can use to block Hulu ads. It uses Google’s infrastructure unless you opt for the open-source Chromium browser.
• Mozilla Firefox: Firefox also prioritizes privacy by auto-blocking tracking cookies and social trackers. It provides access to many of the ad-blocking browser extensions we mentioned above.

Sometimes, these browsers can prevent Hulu from working by default, and you may have to adjust some of your settings. This may happen because the Hulu business model revolves around ads for cheaper subscriptions — so if a browser blocks ads, it could also block your Hulu content.

If this happens, try changing your settings:

1. If you use a browser that includes an ad blocker, such as the Opera browser, disable your ad blocker extension.
2. Make sure you enable location services on your browser. You can usually do this from your browser’s settings menu.
3. If using the Brave browser, you will need to go to the Settings menu, under the Shields section, and turn Trackers & Ads Blocking to Standard or Disabled. If that doesn’t work, you may need to tweak your settings under Privacy and Security to make them less strict.

3. Use an ad blocker app

If you like watching Hulu on your mobile device, there are third-party apps that can block ads. These apps will allow you to watch the streaming service without ads interrupting your favorite shows. That can come in handy if you’re commuting or watching Hulu while you wait at an appointment.

When you want to use mobile-friendly ad-blocker apps, you can try out different ones to see which you like the best. As with browser extensions, not all of them work, so if your first one is a bust, don’t hesitate to keep trying.

Here are some apps you can download to block ads on your smartphone. All three of these tested providers block YouTube ads. Plus, VPN services that bundle ad blocking features can also unblock streaming libraries on other services like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix

• Total Adblock: Total Adblock offers ad blocker extensions and apps for iPhone or Android. This easy-to-use ad blocker blocks ads and pop-ups without interrupting your web surfing or streaming experience. Total Adblock has a limited free plan, but you can try out the premium service with its money-back guarantee. The premium plan also includes the award-winning antivirus software TotalAV. 
  Best Basic Adblocker — Including YouTube Video Ads

  

  4.9

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  Editorial Rating

  Learn More

  On Total Adblock's website

  Ad Blocker

  Total Adblock

  BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 80% off

  • Instantly blocks distracting ads on millions of websites, including Facebook and YouTube ads
  • Blocks third-party trackers to protect your privacy and information
  • Improves page load times and enables faster browsing

  Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review

• NordVPN Threat Protection: Nord offers more than just a virtual private network (VPN). NordVPN includes Threat Protection. Once enabled, you can keep your device safe and clutter-free with ad, tracker, and malware blocking capabilities. 
  Enjoy Privacy and Security Even When Not Connected to a VPN

  

  4.6

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  Editorial Rating

  Learn More

  On NordVPN Threat Protection's website

  Ad Blocker

  NordVPN Threat Protection

  BLACK FRIDAY: Up to 74% off + 3 months extra

  • Stops intrusive ads before they can even load, improving browsing experience and speed
  • Identifies malware-ridden files and protects against visiting malicious websites
  • Encrypts your data and blocks third-party trackers for increased security and privacy

  Get NordVPN Threat Protection | Read Our NordVPN Threat Protection Review

• Surfshark CleanWeb: Surfshark VPN comes with CleanWeb 2.0, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Surfshark offers one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with a low starting cost and an allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the ad blocker risk-free.
  Comprehensive Ad Blocking Online and in Apps + VPN Connection

  

  4.7

  AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

  Editorial Rating

  Learn More

  On Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking's website

  Ad Blocker

  Surfshark CleanWeb Ad Blocking

  BLACK FRIDAY: Starting at $1.99/mo + 4 months extra

  • Blocks ads, banners, and pop-ups on your browser and apps, including smart TVs
  • Enjoy boosted browsing speeds and save money on mobile data with its effective ad-blocking capabilities
  • Added benefit of a VPN to encrypt your data, hide your IP address, avoid phishing scams, and minimize malware risks

  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark CleanWeb Review

Featured ad blockers compared

4. Reload your Hulu TV show

Because Hulu gets money from showing commercial ads, you may find yourself sitting through several minutes of advertisements. Depending on the length of the show, that can get pretty annoying.

One way to fix this is to reload or refresh the Hulu page. Doing this won’t stop the ads entirely, but it might shorten their duration, which can be helpful with the long ones. Reloading your Hulu TV show is a simple process that only takes a couple of steps.

1. When the ad begins playing, refresh the entire browser tab by pressing the reload button.
2. Wait for the page to reload. Once it does, you should see a couple of quick ads. After that, your show will resume where you left off.

5. Open Hulu in two browser tabs

You may think it’s overkill to use two web browser tabs. But before you discount this way to skip Hulu ads, you should know it’s not difficult to do.

To do this, you open two browser tabs and watch your Hulu program on the first tab. When an ad begins to play, you mute it and use the other browser tab. For example:

1. Open two browser tabs and start your Hulu show on both.
2. Watch your show on the first tab, and when the first ad starts, mute the show and go to your second tab.
3. When your second tab starts to play an ad, mute it and go back to your first tab. Unmute your first tab and enjoy your ad-free show. The first tab you muted should play the ad while you’re not watching.

You could also upgrade to Hulu (No Ads)

One of the easiest ways to skip through those unpleasant ads is to upgrade your Hulu subscription.

When you choose the Hulu (No Ads) option, you can binge your favorite shows back-to-back without commercials. Your viewing doesn’t stop until you want it to, so you can watch as many hours of streaming as you like — with no ads.

If you’re ready to upgrade, go to “Manage Your Account” when you log in to Hulu.com. You can upgrade to your preferred plan and select other available channels.

How much is Hulu without ads?

If you want to upgrade your Hulu plan, it will cost more than the basic plan. You’re paying a premium to forego the ads and commercials. Sometimes you can get a 30-day free trial of Hulu (No Ads) to make sure you want to upgrade before paying.

Here are most of the plans Hulu currently offers:

Plan	Monthly price	Does it include ads?
Hulu	$7.99/mo	Yes
Hulu (No Ads)	$17.99/mo	No*
Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ (All With Ads)	$76.99/mo	Yes
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), ESPN+ (With Ads)	$89.99/mo	Hulu and Disney+ content: No* Live TV content: Yes

What to do if your Hulu (No Ads) still has ads

If you’ve paid more money to upgrade to Hulu (No Ads) and still see commercials, you’re probably frustrated, to say the least.

Unfortunately, there are some exceptions with Hulu (No Ads).

• Excluded shows: Due to streaming rights, some shows will have a short ad break before and after each episode.
• Live TV: Live TV subscribers will get the same ads as anyone else watching the same shows on cable.
• DVR recordings: When you use Cloud DVR recordings, you’ll still get ad breaks, but you can fast-forward through them.
• Premium add-on channels: When you pay for premium add-ons (such as HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz), you won’t get ad breaks, but you may see promotional content before some of the videos. These are similar to movie trailers at the theater, meant to showcase other streaming content.

Why does Hulu have so many ads?

Although it may be annoying to see so many ads, Hulu does have a solid reason for why you see them. The main reason is that Hulu gets revenue from the ads. There’s a lot of content on the platform — with that comes more ads.

It may cause some minor interruptions for viewers, but this means Hulu can offer Hulu originals and other exclusive content at an affordable price. Here are some more reasons you see so many ads while watching Hulu.

1. Some of the shows are owned by other networks, and the viewing is subject to their terms.
2. Hulu is owned by the Walt Disney Company, and that means it can monetize a ton of commercial content.
3. Ads can make up for TV network and studio revenue losses.
4. Hulu can use data-driven ads to its advantage. That means it tracks what you watch most to offer more relevant ads.
5. The ad revenue generates a lot of income for Hulu.

FAQs

Bottom line

When you want to enjoy Hulu but don’t want the pesky ads that come with it, you have options:

1. Use one of the recommended best ad blockers we've extensively vetted and tested.
2. Get an ad blocker or applicable VPN app.
3. Use a browser that blocks ads.
4. Reload your Hulu TV show.
5. Open two browser tabs.
6. Upgrade your Hulu plan.

You can choose the option that's best for you, but the easiest way may be to upgrade your Hulu subscription. Many of these options also work to block ads on Facebook and other sites.

Remember, even when you upgrade to a more premium subscription, such as Hulu (No Ads), you may still see some ads from time to time. But it’s still a better viewing experience for most people.