(1) If you are using a VPN to access Hulu, and the video refuses to download, then this is most likely due to your VPN, not the download tool. Try using the Ultrasurf anonymous browsing proxy in conjunction with the VPN and see if it works (You will need IE on your machine). Hulu is #1 video portal to watch TV shows, movies, full episodes, series in the USA. Though you must be online to enjoy them. To save Hulu videos for offline.

How to watch your favorite shows on the go without an internet connection

The holiday travel season is prime time for offline video viewing. And if you're among the millions of Americans who'll take that long-planned trip to grandma's this year, you might want to download movies, TV shows, and other content to entertain yourself along the way.

Whether it's binge-watching Netflix’s 'Stranger Things' (image above) or a nonstop loop of Pixar favorites, the last thing you want to think about is the airplane's weak WiFi or the data overage fees associated with the kids streaming video in the backseat of your SUV.

Here’s a rundown of the streaming services that offer offline viewing.

Amazon Prime Video: This service, included with a Prime subscription, offers many downloadable titles, including feature films like 'You Were Never Really Here' and the original series 'Jack Ryan.' And with the Prime Video app available in the Google Play store, it's easy to access that content on Android devices. Apple fans can find the iOS version in the company's App Store, and the Prime Video app comes installed in Amazon's Fire devices.

Go to Consumer Reports' 2018 Holiday Central for updates on deals, expert product reviews, insider tips on shopping, and much more.

Netflix: The king of streaming services allows users to download some movies and series to mobile devices through its Netflix app. These titles include original series such as 'Ozark,' 'Queer Eye,' and 'The Great British Baking Show.' Netflix updates its list of downloadable content every month. You'll see a download button on the details page if a particular show can be downloaded. Users will need to have the latest version of the app.

YouTube Red: Google's monthly subscription service allows you to watch videos without ads and gives you access to exclusive content, such as 'Cobra Kai' and 'Step Up: High Water,' not to mention songs on Google's Play Music. And yes, subscribers have the option to download videos to view offline. Users in India and a host of other countries receive the service free, but U.S. consumers have to dole out $10 per month ($15 for the family plan).

When it comes to downloading video for offline viewing, though, not all of the streaming services have options to offer.

The throngs of 'Game of Thrones' viewers are still out of luck because HBO Now requires an internet connection. The same goes for Crackle from Sony Pictures Entertainment, home to feature films and original shows such as 'StartUp' and 'Snatch.'

Hulu said earlier this year that it will soon allow users to download content for offline viewing. To date, though, it has offered no details on exactly when that will happen and which shows will be available.

Other Options

iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, FandangoNOW, and Amazon Prime Video store: These non-subscription services offer a large selection of downloadable videos, including rentals, some free content, and videos you've purchased in the past. And once you're finished watching the content, it's automatically deleted. That allows you to load up on movies or TV shows for the outbound journey, then easily add all new content for the way home.

Showtime, Starz, and Epix: These premium channels allow subscribers to download videos from their libraries onto mobile devices via their corresponding apps. That means popular titles on Showtime ('Homeland' and 'Billions') and Starz ('Outlander' and 'Ash vs. Evil Dead') and movies from Epix's collection can fill time during your trip without burning through your data plan. The stand-alone subscription services from Showtime and Starz offer the same benefits for $11 and $9 per month, respectively.

Vimeo: Most of this content, including TED Talks and indie films, can be downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet. But content from the platform's TV partnerships with Lionsgate and Starz isn't available for offline viewing on the Vimeo app. So sorry, no watching 'Mad Men' or 'Weeds' without the Starz app.

Before you hit the road, remember to:

• Check the storage space on your device. Your media file won't download if there's not enough room—simple as that. So take a little time to get rid of the stuff you no longer need.

• Download the movies and shows while you're at home instead of relying on your cellular data service. On my high-speed WiFi connection, for example, it took about 7 minutes to download 'Up in the Air' from Amazon Prime Video.

• Consider opting for standard-definition downloads. It takes up less than half a GB of data for a 2-hour movie. If you're viewing on a smartphone, the quality drop isn't too noticeable.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated to include information on current offerings.

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More From Consumer Reports

With DirecTV officially joining the world of online streaming video with DirecTV Now ($40 at AT&T Wireless), it's safe to say that cutting the cord has gone mainstream. The number of streaming services is growing rapidly each year.

For most, watching movies and television from the comfort of a couch is the norm. But for many, mobile viewing is a new way of life. However, streaming video can chew through a data plan faster than anything else. And the ability to predownload movies and TV shows is irreplaceable.

Which streaming services offer this killer feature? Below, you will find all the major streaming services and whether or not they support offline viewing.

Amazon Prime Video: Yes

Last year, Amazon rolled out an update that enabled Prime subscribers to download movies and TV shows within the Amazon Prime Video app. Just choose the quality and start downloading.

You can download anything that's included in the Prime subscription, but note you can't download films and TV shows that are only available to rent or buy from Amazon Video.

Crunchyroll: No

Crunchyroll is a popular anime streaming service available on most major platforms. Currently, there is no option to download episodes or movies for offline viewing.

DirecTV Now: No

DirecTV Now offers over 120 live TV channels and over 15,000 on-demand TV shows and movies. It works much like a cable subscription, without a commitment or required equipment. While it does offer on-demand titles, those titles cannot be downloaded to be watched when you're offline.

Netflix: Some

Until recently, you could not download and enjoy shows and movies from Netflix offline. After an update last week, however, that changed. Now you can download movies and TV shows until your heart is content ... or your phone storage is full.

HBO Now: No

HBO Now may not have the largest content library available, but it's got some heavy hitters, like 'Game of Thrones,' 'Silicon Valley' and 'Westworld,' as well as a rolling catalog of popular movies to choose from. Unfortunately, watching this content offline is not possible.

Hulu: No

With Hulu, you get access to movies, original series, full seasons of television shows and even current episodes after they air. Currently, there is no option to download and watch movies or TV offline with Hulu.

Can You Download Episodes From Hulu