How to Block Ads on Hulu
Hulu is one of the most popular streaming services in the US, but unlike some of its competitors, all its basic plans include advertising, even at the paid levels. Although Hulu offers an ad-free plan, many users still look for ways to reduce interruptions, use a browser-based ad blocker for Hulu, or use smart TV tools to limit ads. Below is an updated guide for 2026 on how to remove Hulu ads so you can enjoy your favorite content :)
- Why Does Hulu Still Show Ads?
- Can you Get rid of Ads on Hulu in 2026
- Do Ad Blockers Work on Hulu?
- How to Skip Ads on Hulu for Free
- Top Hulu Ad Blocker Extensions (Chrome & More)
- Blocking Ads on Hulu via Smart TVs
- The Best Hulu Ad Blocker for 2026 - Stands Adblocker
- Alternative Ways to Avoid Hulu Ads
- Final Thoughts!
- FAQs
Why Does Hulu Still Show Ads?
Platforms like Hulu use a dual revenue model: subscription fees + content with ads. Although users pay for access, Hulu's content licensing agreements and operating costs are way too dependent on advertising. For this reason, most of Hulu's library still contains commercial breaks on standard plans.
Hulu also uses dynamic ad insertion, which loads many ads in real time based on the user and server-side configurations. Since these ads are embedded in the video stream, they cannot be blocked as traditional ads.
Ads on "No Ads" Hulu Plans Explained
The "No Ads" plan removes almost all commercial breaks; however, you may still see some licensed Hulu content with ads due to broadcast rights. Hulu discloses these conditions for ad-free subscribers on its website. Hulu cannot legally remove these embedded breaks because rights holders require them for streaming distribution.
How to Remove Ads on Hulu Completely
There is no official method to remove all ads from Hulu, as ads embedded in the video stream cannot be easily skipped with conventional ad blockers. Even if browser ad blockers are effective at blocking popups, trackers & scripts, they cannot remove server-embedded ad segments.
But how to block Hulu ads or improve your viewing experience? The only way to largely remove ads is to upgrade to the Hulu No Ads plan, except for some titles that include mandatory commercial breaks.
Can you Get rid of Ads on Hulu in 2026
Although no tool can completely remove server-side Hulu ads, there are methods to reduce them, hide overlays, or avoid many ads interrupting your experience in desktop browsers. However, we must note that:
- Using an ad blocker cannot filter them out entirely
- DNS filters cannot block them entirely
- Pi-hole cannot block them entirely
- Using a VPN cannot block them entirely
Use a Hulu Ad Blocker Extension
Do you want to block ads? A reputable ad blocker, such as Stands Adblocker, or similar tools, can help:
- Block pop-up overlays
- Block tracking elements
Ad-blocking browser extensions cannot remove server-inserted commercial segments, but they improve the overall viewing experience by removing ads and also blocking trackers on your browser.
Block Hulu ads with Ad-Blocker Apps Android and iOS
On iOS and Android, ad blocking works differently:
- iOS uses Safari content blockers, which only work in the browser, not within the Hulu app.
- Android supports DNS-based blockers that can block domains used by trackers, but not Hulu video ads.
To reduce ads on mobile, many users turn to:
- DNS filters (e.g., AdGuard DNS, NextDNS)
- VPNs with built-in ad filtering (Surfshark CleanWeb, Proton NetShield, NortonVPN Ad Filter are recommended VPNs on the market.
These improve privacy, but they don't remove ads from the Hulu app, as they are embedded in the server stream.
Ad-Skipping Browsers & Tricks
While no browser tool can remove Hulu's server-side video ads, some desktop enhancements can make navigation slightly smoother. A few video playback extensions for Chrome and Firefox offer features such as picture-in-picture, better keyboard controls, and improved seeking outside ad segments.
However, Hulu's player blocks typically all forms of skipping, fast-forwarding, or playback-speed adjustments during commercial breaks. This means you cannot use speed controllers, PiP mode, or script injections to bypass or shorten ads.
How to Bypass Hulu Ads - Refresh or Use Two Browser Tabs
In older versions of Hulu, some users reported that opening the same episode in a second tab could cause different ad loads due to how the platform cached playback states. However, this was inconsistent and appears to have been caused by temporary bugs rather than an alternative for the user. Nowadays, their ad system reliably enforces commercial breaks across all tabs, Hulu accounts, Hulu subscribers and devices, so this method is no longer effective.

Do Ad Blockers Work on Hulu?
Ad blockers are partially effective on Hulu, depending on the device and browser.
What to Expect From Standard Ad Blockers
Modern blockers like Stands AdBlocker can reliably remove:
- Pop-ups and overlays
- Third-party advertising requests in the interface
Stands AdBlocker cannot remove:
- Server-side ads inserted into the video stream
- Ads delivered through encrypted HTTPS streaming segments
Therefore, ad blockers improve privacy and browsing experience, but cannot guarantee a completely ad-free Hulu stream.
Best Ad Blocker for Hulu App Right Now
As of 2026, Stands Adblocker is one of the most effective tools for Hulu users because:
- It blocks Hulu tracking endpoints
- It reduces page clutter on Hulu.com
- Improve general page responsiveness
- It works on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Opera browser and other Chromium-based browsers.
It cannot remove Hulu's server-inserted video ads, but it improves loading speed and your viewer experience :)
How to Skip Ads on Hulu for Free
You can't remove all ads for free, but you can reduce tracking, avoid some interface clutter and improve your overall viewing comfort on your devices :)
How to Get Rid of Ads on Hulu for Free: Options for Desktop and Mobile
Desktop computers:
- Use Stands Adblocker to block tracking scripts and interface ads.
- Adjust playback settings (for example, volume controls and captions) before the ad break to avoid annoying interaction during ads.
Mobile:
- Use NextDNS or AdGuard DNS to block trackers.
- According to some users, watching Hulu on your mobile device browser instead of the app may result in lighter ad loads (not guaranteed).
- Use privacy browsers such as Firefox or Brave for tracking protection (even if these do not block Hulu's video ads).
Avoiding Ads Without a Premium Plan
There is pretty much no legitimate way to remove Hulu ads without paying for a premium subscription. However, some users may notice lighter ad loads depending on the content, their viewing time or Hulu's ongoing ad format tests.
Would you like to try YouTube without ads?

Top Hulu Ad Blocker Extensions (Chrome & More)
If you were wondering does AdBlock work on Hulu? Below are the most commonly used tools that are compatible with the Hulu website interface.
Installation Tips for Chrome & Firefox
Chrome, Edge and Brave:
- Visit the Chrome Web Store.
- Search for Stands Adblocker or your ad-blocker of choice.
- Click Add to Chrome → Add extension.
- Enable "Allow access to all sites" for consistent blocking.
Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Addons.
- Install Stands Adblocker or your preferred ad blocker.
- Grant permissions for "Run on all sites."
- Always restart your browser!
How to Get Rid of Hulu Ads Free: Best Tools to Block Hulu Ads
- Stands Adblocker - Consistent, lightweight and privacy-friendly filtering.
- AdGuard browser extension - powerful DNS + script blocking.
These tools cannot block server-side video ads, but they significantly improve page performance.
Blocking Ads on Hulu via Smart TVs
Smart TVs run native Hulu apps, which are more difficult to filter.
Firestick, Roku and Apple TV Methods
- Roku - Does not support browsers. DNS filtering (AdGuard DNS, NextDNS) can block trackers, but not ads inserted in video streaming.
- Fire TV and Android TV - You can also install DNS-level blockers or download limited apps, but Hulu ads are still built in.
- Apple TV - Enforces strict app isolation; DNS filters only work for tracking, not ad removal.
The only consistent way to reduce ads on smart TVs is through network-wide DNS filtering to protect privacy, not to remove ads.
Discover the best YouTube alternatives to try in 2026!
The Best Hulu Ad Blocker for 2026 - Stands Adblocker
Stands AdBlocker offers one of the most balanced solutions for Hulu users, prioritizing privacy and blocking trackers. While it cannot remove Hulu's server-inserted video ads, it improves browsing performance.
Key Features & Hulu Compatibility
- Reduces non-video ads on streaming.
- Blocks Hulu tracking and analytics domains.
- Compatible with Chrome, Edge, Firefox & Opera.
- Lightweight extension, doesn't affect website performance.
- Improved experience without compromising playback.

Alternative Ways to Avoid Hulu Ads
Is Upgrading to Hulu (No Ads) Worth It?
Absolutely! If you want a nearly ad-free experience while streaming on your browser or device, Hulu's No Ads plan removes commercial breaks from the vast majority of on-demand content. Still, a small number of titles contain required ad segments due to licensing agreements. However, if you watch Hulu frequently, the upgrade will significantly improve your viewing experience :)
Bundles and Hidden Settings
Hulu's ad load can vary depending on the content you are watching and Hulu's dynamic ad inventory. According to some users, older catalog titles sometimes have lighter ad loads because fewer advertisers may bid on those placements. Even if it's not guaranteed, some viewers may experience a cleaner viewing experience depending on the content and timing.
Would you like to explore more options? Learn how to cancel YouTube TV.
Final Thoughts!
Completely blocking Hulu ads is not possible due to server-side ad insertion. However, users can improve their experience with ad blockers, DNS filtering and alternative methods. Browser extensions, such as Stands Ad Blocker Chrome remains one of the most reliable options for reducing clutter, speeding up loading and improving your Hulu streaming experience :)
For users who want truly minimal ad interruptions, the only solution is to upgrade to the Hulu "No Ads" plan.
FAQs
Does Stands Adblocker Work on Hulu?
Yes. Stands blocks trackers, interface ads, pre-roll attempts on older titles, and page clutter on Hulu.com. It does not remove server-inserted commercial breaks.
How to Stop Ads on Hulu for Free?
There is no completely free option. However, if you watch Hulu frequently, the upgrade significantly improves viewing time and overall comfort. This is basically how to get rid of commercials on Hulu.
Is It Safe or Legal to Use Hulu Ad Blocker Chrome?
Yes. Using Hulu ad skippers is legal for browsers. Hulu may detect blockers and display warnings, but you are not breaking any laws by using an extension on your own device :)
Can I use Pi-hole to block Hulu ads on my network?
You can block Hulu's trackers, analytics and non-essential domains, but Pi-hole cannot block Hulu's video ads, as they come from the same content delivery network. Blocking the domain would completely interrupt playback.
Why are Hulu ads louder than the show?
Some ads may sound louder due to differences in audio mastering and dynamic range compression. However, all US streaming ads must regulate volume levels and prevent Hulu's volume spikes.
Does Hulu show fewer ads if I watch during off peak hours?
Hulu uses dynamic ad allocation, so when advertiser demand is low (late at night or early in the morning), some users may receive fewer ads. This is not guaranteed and varies by region, user behavior & content type.
