As passionate fans of TV and film, many of us are no strangers to the joys of binge-watching. Whether it’s your fifth rewatch of Brooklyn Nine-Nine or you’re finally starting that critically acclaimed series everyone’s been talking about, streaming services like Hulu have become essential parts of our entertainment diet. But there’s one thing every Hulu user has likely wrestled with — the dreaded mid-show ad break.
TLDR:
If you’re tired of Hulu’s commercials interrupting your binge sessions, don’t worry — there are ways around them. From browser extensions and smart DNS services to small tweaks in how you use Hulu, there are both free and paid methods to minimize or eliminate ads. This guide breaks down the most effective ad-block techniques so you can focus on enjoying your shows interruption-free. Spoiler: Not all hacks are sketchy — some are Hulu-approved upgrades.
Why Does Hulu Have Ads in the First Place?
While many streaming platforms offer paid subscriptions to remove ads, Hulu is unique in maintaining a strong ad-supported model even for some paying viewers. That’s right — you can still get ads even if you’re paying for your subscription. Hulu offers several pricing tiers:
- Hulu (With Ads): The basic, most affordable plan that includes ad interruptions.
- Hulu (No Ads): A higher-priced plan that removes almost all ads (with very few exceptions).
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes both live television and on-demand shows, often still shows ads even with the No Ads add-on.
As a result, many binge-watchers find themselves looking for clever workarounds to enjoy their Hulu content uninterrupted. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the smartest and most effective hacks for cutting those commercials out of the equation.
Hack #1: Opt for the “No Ads” Plan — with a Caveat
If you’re hungry for a seamless experience and don’t mind paying a little extra, upgrading to Hulu’s No Ads plan is the most straightforward way to eliminate commercials. However, note that a few shows — like Grey’s Anatomy or This is Us — might include short ads before and after episodes due to licensing terms.
Essentially, this plan gets you ad-free streaming for 95% of Hulu’s library. If you’re a frequent viewer, it can be worth every penny.
Hack #2: Use Browser Extensions
For viewers watching through a computer browser, one of the most accessible ways to block Hulu ads is by installing a reliable ad blocker. Some of the top ones include:
- uBlock Origin
- AdBlock Plus
- AdGuard
These tools work to filter out ad content by identifying and blocking incoming ad scripts. However, Hulu often updates its ad delivery systems, so effectiveness may fluctuate. It’s important to keep your extensions updated and cross-reference recent user reviews to ensure compatibility.
Pro tip: If the ads start getting through again, disabling and re-enabling your extension or clearing browser cache can help reset things.
Hack #3: Use a Smart DNS or VPN Service
Some VPNs and Smart DNS services can trick Hulu into showing content from a region where ad delivery is different or less frequent. Not every VPN will work, though, since Hulu tries to block VPN usage to protect content agreements.
Services worth checking out include:
- Surfshark
- NordVPN
- Smart DNS Proxy
These tools require a small monthly fee, but they often come bundled with other benefits like global content access and enhanced privacy.
Hack #4: The “Open in Two Tabs” Trick
This old-school internet hack still works occasionally, and here’s how it goes:
- Open the Hulu episode in one tab and let the ad start playing.
- While the ad is playing, open the same episode in a second tab.
- Fast-forward the second video to where the ad ended in the first.
- Close the first tab and enjoy the rest of the episode without that initial ad block.
This method essentially “tricks” Hulu into thinking you’ve already watched the ad. It’s a bit of digital sleight-of-hand, so don’t expect it to work every time, but it’s worth a shot for persistent ad-evaders.
Hack #5: Use Hulu Through Roku or Other Streaming Devices
Believe it or not, the device you use to stream can affect the frequency and type of ads you encounter. Users have reported fewer and shorter ads when accessing Hulu via a Roku as compared to through a browser or smart TV. While there’s no guaranteed formula, trying different devices might result in a more streamlined experience.
Bonus Tip: When watching on a streaming device, pressing mute during commercial breaks offers a passive avoidance tactic, if nothing else works.
Hack #6: Use Hulu Watch Party With Friends
Hulu’s own Watch Party feature allows you to stream shows and movies with friends in real time. Oddly enough, some users have noted that commercials are fewer or even skipped altogether in this mode.
This might be due to Hulu’s test environment for the Watch Party feature or an incentive to make group streaming smoother. Either way, grab a friend and give it a try — your episodes might just play with fewer interruptions.
Hack #7: Create a “Break Playlist”
When watching ad-laden content, some users embrace the ads by turning viewing into designated break time. Here’s what to do:
- Line up a short workout that takes 1–2 minutes.
- Use the ad break to refill snacks or grab a drink.
- Your brain stays refreshed while the ads roll by.
This might not remove the commercials, but it reduces the feeling of time being wasted. Your binge session gets productive — or at least more enjoyable.
Legality and Terms of Use — Proceed With Caution
Before diving into any workaround methods, it’s critical to acknowledge Hulu’s terms of service. Some hacks, especially those involving third-party tools, might violate usage agreements. While many users report using these tools without consequence, there’s always a slight risk of getting your account flagged or banned.
Hulu monitors behavior patterns, especially across multiple IP addresses or suspicious streams. Whenever possible, stick to minimally invasive techniques, or at the very least, proceed with awareness and caution.
The Future of Hulu and Ads
The advertising landscape on streaming platforms is likely to evolve. Hulu, now under full Disney ownership, is bound to explore new monetization models. This could mean more content getting pushed toward ad-supported plans — or, ideally, more advanced personalization where only relevant, skippable, or shorter ads are shown.
Until that utopia arrives, these hacks offer practical steps to regain control over your binge-watching time. Whether you’re willing to pay for ad-free access or want to get creative with workarounds, there’s a method for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Ads might be a necessary evil in the world of streaming economics, but that doesn’t mean we have to sit back and suffer. With the right tools, features, and a little knowledge, you can take charge of your Hulu viewing experience and bring the joy back into your endless night of episodes.
Happy binge-watching — uninterrupted!