Hulu ads got you hitting the skip button every few minutes? Here’s your ultimate guide on how to block Hulu ads for good and reclaim your uninterrupted streaming sessions!
Let’s be honest: you’re here because Hulu ads are driving you nuts. You sit down, get all comfy, hit play on your favorite show, and bam — a super-loud ad for insurance or pizza rolls hijacks your vibe. It’s annoying, it breaks the flow, and frankly, you’re sick of it.
You’re not alone. Thousands of Hulu users search for how to block Hulu ads every month. So if you’re wondering whether there’s a way to watch Hulu without these interruptions, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we will walk you through how to block Hulu ads, breaking it down step-by-step with real and working methods to use right now.
Let’s get started!
Why Hulu Ads Are a Thing in the First Place
Before we dive into blocking them, let’s understand why they exist. Hulu offers different subscription tiers, and the cheaper ones are ad-supported. It’s part of how they keep the cost low while still making money.
Here’s the deal:
- Hulu (With Ads): Cheapest option, but you get bombarded with ads
- Hulu (No Ads): Pricier, but mostly ad-free except for a few shows due to licensing
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes ads even if you choose the “No Ads” plan because of live content
So yeah, it’s a business model. You can still find a way around it, though.
Quick Answer: Can You Really Block Hulu Ads?
Yes and no. Hulu doesn’t officially let you block ads unless you pay for their higher-tier plan. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. There are workarounds, tricks, tools, and browser extensions that can help reduce or even eliminate ads.
But here’s the thing: not all methods are created equal. Some are shady. Some don’t work. And some are absolute gold.
Let’s walk through what actually works.
Why Do You Need to Block Hulu Ads
One of the most well-known video streaming services available is Hulu, which offers everything from prime-time dramas and news to original Hulu content.
Paying for the basic plan, however, also means you have to deal with commercials, which can be bothersome and make it harder to enjoy your favorite shows.
Although purchasing a premium account is always an option, you must choose which streaming service offers the best value for your money because so many now offer tiered payment plans.
Using a Hulu ad blocker is a long-term, efficient way to improve your streaming experience and potentially conserve bandwidth.
How to Block Hulu Ads in 2025: 7 Effective Methods
1. Upgrade to Hulu (No Ads)
The simplest yet most efficient solution is this one.
- Cost: Around $17.99/month
- Pros: Zero ads on most shows and movies
- Cons: Still ads on a few select shows due to licensing agreements
This isn’t a trick, but if you’re tired of hunting for hacks and just want uninterrupted streaming, it’s your best bet. Plus, you don’t risk breaking Hulu’s terms of service.
Want to explore more streaming freedom? Check out our blog on Best Streaming VPNs to unlock region-blocked content.
2. Use an Ad Blocker (with a Twist)
Now we’re getting into more fun territory.
Most ad blockers don’t work on Hulu. Why? Because Hulu streams ads in a way that makes them hard to detect. But there are a few that kind of work or can be tweaked to help.
Here’s what to try:
- Install a powerful browser-based ad blocker, like uBlock Origin or AdGuard.
- Tweak settings to block Hulu-specific ad URLs. (Some Reddit users share updated filters.)
- Use Brave Browser: Built-in blocking + privacy features help with some Hulu ads.
Heads up: This can be hit or miss. Hulu constantly updates to get around ad blockers.
Also, if privacy online matters to you (and it should), check out our guide on Best Ad Blockers for Streaming.
3. Use a Pi-hole (Advanced Users Only)
If you’re techy and like messing with home networks, Pi-hole is next-level.
- What it is: A network-wide ad blocker you run on a Raspberry Pi or similar device
- How it works: Blocks ad domains at the DNS level
- Pros: Blocks ads on all devices in your house
- Cons: Can be tricky to set up and might block things you don’t want blocked
Not for beginners, but definitely effective if done right.
4. Use Hulu Ad Skipper Extensions
There are a few browser extensions specifically designed to work with Hulu ads. These don’t block the ads, but they skip, mute, or fast-forward them.
Examples:
- Hulu Ad Skipper (Chrome Extension): Mutes ads and resumes video afterward
- Skip Ads on Hulu (Open-source script): Automates ad skipping behavior
These can be buggy, but when they work, they’re pretty awesome.
5. Two-Tab Trick (It’s Weird, But It Works)
Even though it’s a manual trick, it works surprisingly well.
How to do it:
- Open two tabs of the same Hulu show
- Mute the second tab
- Let the second tab play ahead until it hits the ad
- Put it on hold and return to the first tab.
- Fast forward past the ad point (now cached)
Is it annoying? Yes. Does it work? Most of the time.
6. Stream Hulu Through a DVR App
Using software like PlayOn Cloud or similar digital recording tools lets you record Hulu shows and skip the ads during playback.
- Pros: Watch offline, skip ads like you would on a TiVo
- Cons: Limited recordings per month, not real-time streaming
Still, if you’re okay waiting a bit, this is a solid option.
Want more control over how you stream? You might like our post on How to Stream Anonymously and Block Trackers.
7. Block Ads Using Custom DNS or Smart DNS
Some smart DNS services allow limited ad-blocking capabilities.
These services reroute your DNS queries and can help filter out some known ad servers. It can lower the volume, but it is not entirely dependable.
Myths That Don’t Work (Don’t Fall for These)
Let’s clear up a few bad pieces of advice you might see floating around:
- “Activate airplane mode right before the ad”: No, it causes the stream to crash.
- “Use a VPN to trick Hulu into ad-free streaming”: Doesn’t work and can block your access.
- “Inspect element and delete the ad code”: Hulu streams don’t work that way.
Stick to methods that have actual results.
Real User Experiences: What People Say Actually Works
On Reddit, Discord, and forums, real users share what’s working right now:
- uBlock Origin + custom filters: Mixed results, better on older shows
- Hulu Ad Skipper: Works 70-80% of the time, but needs updates
- Pi-hole + custom blocklists: Power move for tech-savvy folks
The results vary based on your device, setup, and the most recent changes made to Hulu.
Devices Matter: Some Methods Work Better Than Others
Here’s how different devices handle ad blocking:
| Device | Ad Blocking Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC/Desktop | High (with extensions) | Best for trying tweaks and tricks |
| Mobile (iOS) | Low | App-based ads are harder to block |
| Mobile (Android) | Medium | Rooted devices can do more |
| Smart TVs | Low | Can’t run extensions or custom scripts |
| Fire Stick/Roku | Low | Ad blockers don’t work well here |
What to Do if There are Still Ads on your Hulu Account
You are undoubtedly annoyed if you have upgraded to Hulu (No Ads) and are still seeing advertisements.
Unfortunately, Hulu has some exceptions (no advertisements).
- Excluded shows: Before and after each episode, some shows will have a brief commercial break due to streaming rights.
- Live TV: Live TV subscribers will see the same advertisements as everyone else watching the same programs on cable.
- DVR recordings: Ad breaks will still occur when using Cloud DVR recordings, but you can skip them.
- Premium add-on channels: Premium add-ons (like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz) may have promotional content before some of the videos, but you won’t get ad breaks. These serve as a showcase for additional streaming content, much like movie trailers at the theater.
Bonus Tip: Mute, Multitask, and Maintain Your Sanity
Alright, this might not be the most advanced solution. But it’s undeniably effective. When you are desperate to avoid the never-ending Hulu advertisements while watching content:
- Hit Mute: As soon as that ad block begins to appear, pick up the remote and silence your TV or device. It’ll save your ears from the repetitive, loud commercials.
- Multitask: Wisely, use those 90 seconds. Whether it’s checking your phone, grabbing a snack, or catching up on an email. Keep yourself occupied until the show comes back.
- Return When It’s Over: After the brief interlude. Unmute and dive back into your program without having to endure the ad.
While this won’t remove ads altogether, it’s a quick and easy way to restore a bit of peace during your Hulu binge sessions. Sometimes, it’s the small things that help keep you sane!
Conclusion: Your Best Bet for Ad-Free Hulu
So, how to block Hulu ads without losing your mind? Here’s the TL;DR:
- If you want the cleanest solution, upgrade to Hulu (No Ads)
- If you want free fixes, try ad skipper extensions or uBlock with custom filters
- If you’re tech-savvy, go full nerd with Pi-hole or Smart DNS
- Want offline viewing? Use DVR software
FAQs about How to Block Hulu Ads
1. Can I block ads on Hulu without a subscription?
No, ads can only be removed with a Hulu (No Ads) subscription. The basic Hulu plan includes ads, while the ad-free plan offers uninterrupted viewing.
2. Are there any third-party tools to block Hulu ads?
While ad-blockers or VPNs may help limit ads, they don’t guarantee complete ad-blocking on Hulu, and using third-party tools might violate Hulu’s terms of service.
3. How can I skip Hulu ads if I don’t have the ad-free plan?
You can’t skip ads without a subscription upgrade. However, some people mute the ads or multitask during the ad breaks as a temporary solution.
