YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live TV are two of the greatest live TV streaming services on the market because it fills a niche between pay-per-view services like Netflix and traditional cable. Similar to cable TV, there’s little point in paying for both services if they provide essentially the same content. We compared them extensively to help you determine which one is more deserving of your time and money. In this article, we will discuss the differences between Hulu Live, Vs. YouTube TV, and Sling according to their channels.
What Is Hulu Live TV?
Hulu Live TV is one of the leading live TV streaming services in the United States (also known as a Multichannel Video Programming Distributor, or MVPD). Hulu With Live TV is an amazing choice for watching live, linear television.
Live TV, as the name suggests, is available exclusively through Disney’s Hulu service. Some of the product’s features are more complex than they need to be, but overall, it’s a straightforward product that sells for a reasonable price.
The number of paid Hulu Live TV subscribers in the United States was over 4.4 million as of the end of 2022. At the moment, YouTube TV has a sizable lead, with “more than 5 million” subscribers. There’s no denying that Hulu Live TV is a popular method of watching television in the United States.
In this way, you can gain access to a live streaming service that is on par with what you might be used to receiving via cable or satellite, albeit more easily and potentially at a lower cost. Previously, watching live TV required a specialty service like a coaxial cable or satellite; now, all you need is an internet connection and this service.
How Much Does Hulu Live TV Cost?
Formerly straightforward, Hulu Live TV’s pricing and plan structure will undergo significant changes in December 2022 due to the introduction of new bundles. There is currently a single plan with 90+ channels that costs $70 per month, includes Hulu (with commercials) + Live TV, and actually comes with a couple of very major incentives – ESPN+ and Disney+.
When you subscribe to Hulu Live TV, you also gain access to unlimited recordings. In line with the 100 channels and $73 monthly fee of YouTube TV, which offers the same service.
It’s possible to watch even more content without leaving the Hulu app thanks to the availability of third-party extensions. Those items are:
- You can watch on two screens simultaneously on the basic plan, but with this $10 monthly subscription, you may watch on an unlimited number of devices within your home network and on up to three devices while traveling.
- Showtime at $11 a month
- Cinemax at $10 a month
- Starz at $9 a month
- HBO Max at $15 a month.
Additional channels can be available through a set of three “network add-ons” for Hulu Live TV. See how they all add up below:
- Sports Add-on ($10 a month): You’ll get NFL RedZone, MAV TV, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, TVG, and TVG2.
- Espaol Add-on ($5 a month): CNN Espanol, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Familiar, ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, Universo, and History en Espanol
- Entertainment Add-on ($8 a month): American Heroes Channel, BET Her, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Crime + Investigation, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life Channel, DIY Network, Great American Country, Military History, and MTV Classic.
Hulu Live TV Features
You can tailor your experience with Live TV and Hulu thanks to their flexible settings.
#1. DVR
Hulu Live TV offers users the convenience of a limitless cloud DVR feature, enabling them to record and store their preferred television programs. Furthermore, apart from the extra space available to store a greater number of shows and sporting events, users also have the capability to bypass ads inside their recorded content.
#2. Simultaneous Streams
Your Hulu Live TV subscription allows you to watch content on two screens at once. You have the option of improving this feature. At home, you may stream on an unlimited number of devices for an extra $10 per month, while on the go, you can stream on up to three devices. This is useful for families where different members of the family all want to watch different shows at the same time.
#3. Sports
Sports aficionados might also greatly benefit from Hulu Live TV. The MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA, and English Premier League are just some of the leagues whose games can be viewed. Channels such as the ACC Network, Big 10 Network, CBS Sports, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, ESPN College Extra, FS1, FS2, Golf, NBC Sports Network, Olympic Channel, TNT, and many more are included in the package’s extensive sports coverage.
Furthermore, the MLB World Series, NFL Super Bowl, US Open of Golf, NASCAR Cup Series, Wimbledon Championships of Tennis, Tour de France of Cycling, and many more important sporting events are available on Hulu Live TV.
#4. Hulu Live TV Interface
The Live Guide is an integral part of Hulu with Live TV. This is the menu you’ll use to travel back and forth between the on-demand library and the live TV feature. Recent, Channels, Favorites, Sports, News, Movies, and Kids are just a few of the filters available on the left side of the screen in the Live Guide.
You can see what’s on now and what’s coming up on the schedule by scrolling to the right across a grid of channels, just like on a standard cable box.
Which Channels Do You Get With Hulu Live TV?
More than 75 live TV channels are available on Hulu Right Now, including a solid assortment of news, entertainment, and sports programming. Hulu Live TV users have access to many popular channels, such as:
- NBC
- NFL Network
- SEC Network
- ABC
- CBS
- ESPN
- Fox
With Hulu Live TV, you can upgrade your subscription with a la carte channel packages in addition to the standard offering. Additional channels can be added from both the network and the premium cable providers, such as HBO Max and Showtime. For instance, the Entertainment add-on provides access to over 15 more channels in the entertainment genre. These networks include American Heroes Channel, Crime + Investigation Network, Magnolia Network, MTV2, and Teen Nick, among others. There is also a Sports upgrade that provides subscribers with an additional six sports networks.
Due to its inclusion of local affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in its standard subscription, Hulu Live TV is a strong contender among local channel streaming services. A small percentage of subscribers may not be able to watch their local channels. Channels may be added or removed without notice.
What Is the Downside of Hulu Live TV?
The cost of Hulu Live TV is a major drawback. It’s not the cheapest live TV service, and some people may decide it’s too expensive, at $69.99 a month. Although the inclusion of essential services like Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus increases the value of a subscription, many customers would still be happy to forego these add-ons in exchange for a lower monthly fee. While Hulu technically does offer a Live TV Only package, the price difference is only $1 per month, making it largely superfluous.
A further drawback would be the selection of channels available. The channel lineup may be ideal for many people, but some viewers may be disappointed because their preferred stations aren’t included. For instance, FuboTV and YouTube TV both provide more channels for around the same monthly cost.
Finally, the overall app experience may be a turnoff for certain users of this live TV service. The app isn’t as user-friendly as it should be, and it doesn’t put as much emphasis on watching live TV as competing services. In addition, some users have reported general performance and streaming troubles on occasion.
What Is YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is a streaming service that lets you watch live TV from more than 100 shows. YouTube TV can be used without a cable or satellite subscription. It functions similarly to other video-streaming websites. The YouTube TV app, a streaming device, and a working internet connection are all you need to get started. You can watch your favorite episodes and games whenever and wherever you want with the YouTube TV app, which is accessible on a wide variety of devices.
Google first made the program available in 2017, but initially, only a few American cities could use it. The number of service sites in the US increased to 210 in 2019. YouTube TV has over 6 million active users, making it the best and most popular live TV streaming service in the country despite strong competition from Sling TV, Fubo TV, and Hulu Live TV.
Its popularity stems from the fact that it offers cheap rates, a simple interface, and access to more than a hundred different television networks. With the addition of NFL Sunday Ticket, the service is sure to improve for football enthusiasts.
In addition, YouTube TV is not the same as YouTube, despite sharing a name. YouTube TV and Google’s video-sharing service are two distinct products.
YouTube TV price
At the time of its debut, a monthly subscription to YouTube TV cost $35. As the search giant increased the number of channels available through the service, the price grew with time. The most recent increase occurred in March 2023, when the corporation jumped from charging $65 to $73 per month for the lowest tier of service.
New users can try out YouTube TV risk-free for 10 days. For the first three months, the cost is still $65/month. There is also a Spanish YouTube plan that includes 34+ Spanish network channels. The cost is $35 monthly. For new customers, we offer a free trial period of one week on the Spanish plan.
YouTube TV’s starting package allows for six family accounts and three streams at once. You may record as many episodes, movies, or live games as you like on your unlimited cloud DVR. The DVR will keep your recordings for nine months, so you have plenty of time to watch all of your favorite shows and games.
While the price hikes may appear excessive at first, YouTube TV’s current cost is superior to the competition when you factor in the service’s features.
What Can You Watch YouTube TV On?
In a nutshell, you should be able to stream YouTube TV on just about any modern device, including smartphones, tablets, TVs, and computers.
Accessing YouTube TV on the move is simple, as it is compatible with both iOS and Android devices (so long as they have access to Google’s apps). This also applies to tablets.
The number of smart TVs that run their own operating systems and have their own apps continues to grow, and YouTube TV has kept up with this demand. Many popular brands of smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Vizio, Hisense, Sharp, and Sony, support native apps. (This covers any hardware or software running on Android TV.)
However, YouTube TV is compatible with a wide variety of streaming media players. Roku and Amazon Fire TV, two of the most widely used streaming devices, both support it. Chromecast supports YouTube TV with Google TV and older Android TV gadgets like the NVIDIA Shield. In addition, Apple TV is supported.
Also, YouTube is showing its support for game consoles by making its service available on the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X and Series S lines. PlayStation 4, PS4 Pro, and the newest PS5 also have native support for YouTube TV.
You can also use a web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or even Safari, to view YouTube TV. The Google Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max make it simple to stream YouTube TV in your smart home. Also, read HOW TO SET UP YOUTUBE TV FAMILY SHARING IN 7 EASY STEPS
YouTube TV Features
There are more than 100 live TV stations available on YouTube TV, and you can customize your viewing experience with hundreds of add-ons. Let’s take a moment to examine them.
#1. Unlimited DVR Storage
YouTube TV includes unlimited DVR storage in its Basic package, but most streaming services charge extra for this feature. It’s an essential extra for people who are always on the go and who would rather watch the content on the weekend. You can skip commercials when watching recorded material on YouTube TV. In addition, the maximum storage period for recorded material is nine months.
#2. Multiple Users and Multiple Devices
In terms of adaptability, YouTube TV is among the best. Watching YouTube TV on three devices simultaneously is the default. With a 4K Plus subscription, you can watch as many videos as you like from the comfort of your own home.
The number of profiles on a single YouTube TV account can reach six. This information is crucial because it affects recommendations for TV shows and movies. Both you and your children can avoid seeing each other’s recommendations. If you have YouTube TV connected to your Google account, up to five other family members can use the same set of profiles.
#3. Picture-In-Picture Mode
Only iOS and Android devices can use this one. YouTube TV, like YouTube and other streaming apps, allows you to watch content in a small window while interacting with other apps.
#4. Multiview Window
With the 2023 NCAA March Madness tournament, YouTube TV introduced multiview windows. Up to four sports channels can be viewed at once. This comes in handy when you want to watch the NFL but the kids would rather watch the MLB or NBA.
#5. Voice Control
If you have a Chromecast device and a Google Home speaker, such as the Google Nest Mini, you can take advantage of a neat feature of YouTube TV: All you have to do is use your voice to do things like change the station you’re watching live, launch a specific show, set a recording, or manipulate playback controls like pausing, resuming, and rewinding.
YouTube TV Channels
When compared to other similar services like Hulu Live, YouTube TV features a competitive channel lineup, both in terms of regular cable channels and more unique programming. That primarily refers to Hulu With Live TV, the only other streaming service with about the same number of users as YouTube TV.
As usual, the devil can be found in the specifics. Excellent news if the channel you’re looking for is available on YouTube TV! If not, then you’ll need to keep looking. That’s how competition is supposed to work, so don’t feel bad about it.
As of February 2023, the following channels are included in the standard YouTube TV package.
- ABC News Live
- BBC America
- CNBC
- Discovery Channel
- ESPN
- Fox News
- GetTV
- HSN
- ION
- JusticeCentral
- NBC News Now
- Oxygen True Crime
- Paramount
- Sundance TV
- Telemundo
- Univision
When it comes to keeping popular networks like Disney and NBC Network on YouTube TV, the streaming service has had some legal battles in the past. You shouldn’t count on the same thing happening in the future, even though Google has so far succeeded in keeping Disney and NBC channels on YouTube TV.
What Are the Cons of YouTube TV?
The disadvantages of YouTube TV are minimal. Google has made every effort to give its users the best service possible. Here are some of the top disadvantages of YouTube TV.
#1. Limited Channels
A major limitation of YouTube TV is that it currently only provides access to around 110 channels. The average cable or satellite TV package has around two hundred and fifty channels, so this is a huge reduction. The fact that YouTube TV doesn’t offer any history or tennis programs only makes the disadvantages worse.
#2. Weak Sports Programming
There are issues and limitations in their sports programming beyond just tennis. For instance, some sporting events have limited availability due to licensing restrictions imposed by their partners and the respective sports leagues. Factors like where you are located play a role in setting these boundaries.
#3. The Price Is Higher Than That of Certain Rivals
The monthly cost of YouTube TV is $64.99, making it one of the most expensive streaming options. Sling TV and AT&T TV Now are two competitors that provide a wider variety of channels at a lower price.
#4. You Can’t Watch It Offline
The inability to download shows to watch later is another downside of YouTube TV. Even though their cloud-based DVR service lets you watch recorded shows without utilizing mobile data, it’s not the best option for everyone.
Hulu Live vs YouTube TV: Difference
Both the Best Live TV Streaming Service of 2023 and the Best Sports Streaming Service of 2023 go to Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV. Both are top-tier offerings from two of the industry’s most established providers. Here is the top difference between the two:
#1. YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live TV: Price
Streaming television has never been easier than with YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live TV. Each only offers a single, all-inclusive plan.
YouTube TV normally costs $73 per month, but discounts do pop up from time to time. Currently, the lowest-priced Hulu Live TV plan is $70 a month (or occasionally less with a promotional price). And as we’ll discuss below, if you choose Hulu With Live TV, you’ll end up paying more for fewer channels.
However, with the YouTube TV package, you can record as much as you like and invite up to five other family members to utilize the service. That’s great since it means each user’s recordings and suggestions will be more easily accessible within their own Google account.
But, and this is a big but, when you sign up for Hulu With Live TV, you get a lot more than just that. To begin, all of Hulu’s on-demand content is accessible. In other words, movies, TV series, and original content. This alone would cost $8 per month, and although you can get Hulu With Live TV without the on-demand features, you’d only be saving approximately $2 per month. Avoid being a miser.
The fact that a Hulu With Live TV subscription also provides access to Disney+ and ESPN+ is a major plus. The Try the Disney Bundle contains all three of these items and is a steal at current pricing. The Disney Bundle, now called the Legacy Disney Bundle, may be purchased separately for $13 per month with advertising and $20 per month without advertising. Having it as an option on Hulu With Live TV is the frosting on the cake.
#2. YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live TV: Compatibility
YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV support a broad variety of gadgets, so you shouldn’t have any trouble watching on the device of your choice. Most streaming devices, including Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV, as well as smart TVs from Samsung and Vizio, support the apps for both live TV streaming services. Additionally, both services are accessible on a wide range of video game consoles. Both services are compatible with a wide range of portable media players, so you can watch your material wherever you go.
#3. YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live TV: Channels
To decide between Hulu Live and YouTube TV, all you need to do is look at the channel lineups and see which one offers more of your favorite shows.
With nearly two dozen more channels than Hulu With Live TV, YouTube TV clearly has the upper hand on paper. Broadcast networks, sports leagues, and the most popular cable news and movie channels are available on both systems. The edges are when the distinction begins to become more obvious.
That, of course, is the crux of the matter. You should compare the services to see if one offers the channels you need that the other doesn’t. The alternative is that you must sacrifice something. It’s up to you.
But Hulu With Live TV has the Disney Bundle. While not an exact comparison, the substance is still relevant.
By the way, your regional broadcast networks should be available on both services. You should double-check with each service in case there’s a remote possibility that your location doesn’t allow for that.
#4. YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live TV: Video Quality
The quality of a broadcast video might vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Incoming data transfer rate. How quick, reliable, and low-latency your private network is. The highest possible resolution of both the streaming service and the video being streamed. That’s not even considering the importance of compression and bit rate.
For the sake of simplification, I’ll say that YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV are on par with one another. The current gold standard for live, linear channels is 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps). You could wind up with 720p as your default resolution. That’s up in the air for now. Don’t stress yourself out about hypothetical situations.
The 4K resolution available on YouTube TV is the main difference. The new monthly fee of only $10 is much more reasonable, and it’s not as if you’re suddenly getting everything in 4K. You get a few select live sports in (upscaled) 4K and a fair amount of on-demand programming. Do you think it justifies the added cost? You’ll have to decide that for yourself. But if you haven’t yet tried watching live sports in that higher definition, you should.
On the other hand, you won’t find a 4K option on Hulu Live. Sure, some of Hulu’s on-demand offerings are available in glorious 4K. Yet, higher-quality live linear content is not an option at this time.
#5. YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live TV: Audio Quality
It’s also interesting to compare the audio quality of YouTube TV and Hulu with Live TV. The most notable change is that 5.1 surround sound will soon be available on Roku, Android TV, and Google TV when you watch YouTube TV. We’re still waiting for Apple TV and Fire TV from Amazon. However, this is very dependent on the original material. The 5.1 surround sound option won’t always be available.
Meanwhile, Hulu boasts that some of its on-demand and live programming is equipped with 5.1 surround sound.
That is to say, both providers offer the same features.
On the other hand, not all content supports 5.1 surround sound. (And, of course, having sound equipment that can produce surround sound.) These are the kinds of specifications that sound impressive when written down. Also, let it be known that having this is always a plus. The thing is, when it comes to sound quality, neither service truly stands out from the crowd.
Can I Watch YouTube TV at Two Different Houses?
Yes, it is possible to access YouTube TV from many geographical locations. Nevertheless, it is imperative to adhere to the requirement of visiting the designated Home Area every three months to access the regional networks.
Hulu Live vs. YouTube TV vs. Sling
You can see how YouTube TV stacks up against other streaming services like Hulu+ Live TV and Sling TV by using the handy comparison tool on the YouTube TV website. Sling TV may cost less at $55 a month, but its directory of 40+ channels pales in comparison to YouTube TV’s directory of 100+ channels (as seen in the screenshot below). Even though it costs $5 more per month than YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV is still inferior because it does not offer as many channels as Sling TV does. Hulu’s original content is one of the service’s many advantages.
When it comes to simultaneous playback across several devices, YouTube also comes out on top. While Hulu Plus Live TV is compatible with two devices, Sling TV is only compatible with one. YouTube TV, on the other hand, allows for up to six individual users and three devices to stream at once.
Unfortunately for those in need of a more affordable option, Sling TV does not provide unlimited cloud DVR. Another major rival to YouTube TV, Direct TV also has fewer extras available than YouTube TV. It’s more expensive at $74.99 a month and doesn’t let you skip commercials in DVR content or get unlimited DVR.
Is It Worth Paying For Hulu Live TV?
Hulu Live TV is definitely worth the price of a subscription. It’s possible, though, that not every house would benefit from this. Hulu Live TV’s greatest strength is in the bundles it offers. There is arguably not a better live TV service to go with for households that are currently paying for basic Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus, or even just two of these services. They will likely be paying a substantially lower monthly fee for live TV after subtracting the cost of those additional subscriptions.
However, Hulu Live TV is probably not the best option for households that do not value these supplementary services and would prefer not to have them at all. If you’re looking for cheaper monthly pricing or more channels for the same price, you might look into one of the other live TV packages instead.
You can get a good idea of what Hulu Live TV is and does from the information provided above, but your actual experience and the value of a subscription will depend on a wide variety of other factors.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Hulu Live TV is the better option for most people, although any streaming service is a good choice.
YouTube TV is a terrific alternative to traditional cable because of its comprehensive channel lineup, sports coverage, and 4K upgrade option. Hulu’s on-demand TV and movies combined with Disney+ and ESPN+ are a tough value to beat (and they’re somewhat cheaper than YouTube TV, too), but only if you’re willing to give up a few channels.
Hulu Live vs. YouTube TV FAQs
Should I Switch From YouTube TV to Hulu Live?
If instant access and unique programming are priorities, Hulu is your best bet. If you like more channels and greater sports coverage, though, YouTube TV is the better option.
Is Hulu Live Losing Subscribers?
Hulu announced a decline of 2% in their live TV subscription base, to 4.4 million from 4.5 million at the end of 2022. The first three months of 2023 were referred to as the second quarter by Disney.
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