As a picky shopper and retail expert, I know firsthand how important it is to get the most value out of your wireless plan. With the rise of streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, many consumers are looking for ways to bundle their mobile and entertainment needs. Verizon, one of the largest wireless carriers in the U.S., has taken note of this trend by offering select streaming perks to its customers.
But with an ever-changing landscape of plans and promotions, it can be tough to keep track of exactly what‘s included. If you‘re wondering whether Verizon offers free Hulu and Netflix, you‘ve come to the right place. In this ultimate guide, I‘ll dive deep into Verizon‘s streaming partnerships, plans, and offers to help you make an informed decision.
Verizon‘s Streaming Service Partnerships
Over the past few years, Verizon has formed strategic alliances with several major streaming platforms to enhance its wireless plans and attract customers. Here are the key streaming services currently offered through Verizon:
Disney+: In 2019, Verizon struck a deal with Disney to provide the Disney+ streaming service to select Verizon customers. Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for 6 months or more of free Disney+.
Hulu: Verizon has also partnered with Hulu to offer free subscriptions to the ad-supported tier of the service. The length of the free period and other specifics vary by Verizon plan.
ESPN+: Sports enthusiasts, listen up: Verizon has a partnership with ESPN+ to provide free access to the sports-focused streaming platform on select plans.
Apple Music: Though not a video streaming service, it‘s worth noting that Verizon has an agreement with Apple to offer 6 months of free Apple Music to certain subscribers.
What about Netflix, the pioneer and market leader of streaming? Interestingly, Verizon does not currently have a direct partnership with Netflix to provide the service for free to its wireless customers. However, the company‘s Fios internet and TV service does have some compelling Netflix offers, which we‘ll cover later.
The Popularity of Streaming Partnerships
Verizon‘s move to bundle streaming services with its wireless plans is part of a larger industry trend. A recent survey by Deloitte found that 43% of U.S. consumers are interested in getting a streaming video service through their wireless carrier. The same study revealed that carrier-provided streaming services drive higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
According to Verizon‘s Q4 2021 earnings report, the company had over 43 million wireless postpaid phone customers, many of whom are eligible for free streaming perks. By partnering with popular platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, Verizon aims to differentiate its offerings and reduce churn in a highly competitive market.
Verizon Wireless Plans with Free Hulu and Netflix
Now that we‘ve covered Verizon‘s streaming partnerships, let‘s get into the nitty-gritty. Which specific Verizon plans come with free Hulu and Netflix? Here‘s a detailed breakdown:
| Plan | Hulu | Netflix | Disney+ | ESPN+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Start | 6 months free | Not included | 6 months free | Not included |
| 5G Play More | Included | Not included | Included | Included |
| 5G Do More | 6 months free | Not included | 6 months free | Not included |
| 5G Get More | Included | Not included | Included | Included |
As you can see, none of Verizon‘s current wireless plans offer free Netflix. The streaming perks are primarily focused on Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, and a few other services.
Analyzing the Value of Verizon‘s Streaming Offers
While getting Hulu or Disney+ for free with your Verizon plan might seem like a great deal, it‘s important to consider the bigger picture. Verizon‘s unlimited plans with streaming perks tend to be pricier than their basic unlimited offerings. For example, the 5G Play More plan with Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ costs $45 per line per month with 4 lines, compared to $35 per line for the entry-level 5G Start plan.
When you do the math, the "free" streaming services are essentially baked into the higher monthly cost of the plan. That said, if you were already planning to subscribe to Hulu or Disney+, getting them bundled with your Verizon service could still save you money compared to paying for them separately.
According to a 2021 report by J.D. Power, the average monthly spending on streaming video services is $55.94 per household. By taking advantage of Verizon‘s streaming offers, you could significantly reduce or eliminate that expense.
How to Activate Free Hulu with Verizon
If your Verizon plan includes a free Hulu subscription, activating the service is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps:
- Sign in to your My Verizon account on the Verizon website or app.
- Go to the "Add-ons & apps" section and choose "Entertainment."
- Find the "Disney Bundle" (which includes Hulu) and click "Learn more."
- Select "Get it now" and agree to the terms & conditions.
- Enter the email address you want to use for your Hulu account.
- Check your email and follow the prompts to complete your Hulu account setup.
- Start streaming your favorite Hulu content!
If you encounter any issues during the activation process, contact Verizon customer support for help.
Technical Requirements for Streaming Hulu on Verizon
To enjoy your free Hulu subscription through Verizon, you‘ll need a compatible device and a reliable internet connection. Hulu supports a wide range of devices, including:
- Android and iOS smartphones and tablets
- Android TV and Apple TV
- Roku and Amazon Fire TV
- Xbox and PlayStation gaming consoles
- Select smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Vizio, etc.)
For smooth streaming, Hulu recommends the following minimum internet speeds:
- 3 Mbps for Hulu‘s Streaming Library
- 8 Mbps for live streams
- 16 Mbps for 4K content
If you‘re planning to stream Hulu over Verizon‘s cellular network, keep in mind that it will count against your monthly data allowance unless you have an unlimited plan with premium network access. To avoid overage charges or reduced speeds, consider connecting to Wi-Fi when streaming.
Verizon Fios and Netflix
While Verizon‘s wireless plans don‘t currently include free Netflix, the company‘s Fios internet and TV service has a few attractive options for Netflix fans:
One Year of Netflix Free: In the past, Verizon Fios has run promotions offering a free year of Netflix to new customers who sign up for select plans. Keep an eye out for similar deals in the future.
Netflix Integration with Fios: Verizon has made it easy to access Netflix right from your Fios TV box. Just tune to channel 838, use the Widgets menu, or navigate to the Netflix app in the On Demand section. You‘ll still need a paid Netflix subscription, but the seamless integration is a nice bonus.
Comparing Verizon Fios to Other Internet Providers
If you‘re considering Verizon Fios for its Netflix integration and potential free subscription offers, it‘s worth comparing the service to other internet providers in your area. Major competitors like Comcast Xfinity, AT&T, and Spectrum also offer Netflix integration with their TV boxes and have been known to run promotions that include free or discounted Netflix subscriptions.
When shopping for an internet and TV bundle, look for plans that offer fast download speeds, unlimited data, and flexible TV channel lineups in addition to streaming perks like Netflix. Be sure to read the fine print and understand any contract requirements or promotional pricing that may expire after a certain period.
Comparing Verizon‘s Streaming Perks to Other Carriers
Verizon isn‘t the only wireless provider that bundles streaming subscriptions with its plans. Here‘s a quick rundown of what the other major carriers are offering:
AT&T: Depending on the plan, AT&T customers can get free HBO Max, Starz, Cinemax, Showtime, Spotify Premium, and Pandora Premium.
T-Mobile: Most T-Mobile plans come with a free Netflix subscription (either Basic or Standard). The carrier also offers a free year of Paramount+ and Apple TV+ to select customers.
Sprint: Now part of T-Mobile, Sprint used to provide free Hulu to its customers. These days, Sprint subscribers get T-Mobile‘s Netflix and Paramount+ perks.
As you can see, each carrier has its own unique mix of streaming partnerships and offerings. If access to Hulu, Netflix, or other platforms is a priority for you, be sure to compare plans and read the fine print before making a decision.
The Future of Wireless Streaming Partnerships
With the streaming wars heating up and more platforms entering the market, it‘s likely that we‘ll continue to see wireless carriers using streaming perks as a key differentiator. In a 2021 interview with CNET, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg said, "We believe that the future is about aggregating content and making it easy for our customers to access their favorite shows and movies on our network."
As 5G networks expand and wireless speeds improve, carriers have a unique opportunity to position themselves as one-stop shops for mobile entertainment. By bundling popular streaming services with their plans and offering exclusive content deals, providers like Verizon can attract and retain customers in an increasingly competitive market.
However, some industry experts caution that the long-term sustainability of "free" streaming perks is uncertain. As content costs rise and streaming platforms look to increase their direct-to-consumer subscriptions, carriers may face pressure to raise prices or limit their offerings. For now, though, consumers can enjoy the benefits of these partnerships while they last.
The Bottom Line on Verizon‘s Free Hulu and Netflix Offers
If you‘re a devoted streaming fan, Verizon‘s free Hulu and Netflix offers can provide some nice added value to your wireless or Fios plan. Just remember that the specifics of these perks can vary significantly depending on your exact plan and when you sign up.
To make the most of Verizon‘s streaming partnerships, be sure to:
- Choose a plan that aligns with your streaming priorities (Hulu vs. Netflix vs. Disney+, etc.)
- Read the fine print and understand the terms of any free subscription offers
- Take advantage of Verizon‘s occasional Fios promotions that include free Netflix
- Consider using Verizon‘s other streaming perks like Disney+, ESPN+, and Discovery+
- Regularly compare Verizon‘s plans and streaming bundles to those of other carriers
By staying informed and strategic, you can unlock hours of free Hulu and Netflix binge-watching with your Verizon plan. Happy streaming!
