YouTube TV vs Hulu Live TV: Which Streaming Service is Right for You?
For cord-cutters, choosing between streaming services can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which service is the best fit for your needs. Two of the most popular streaming services are YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, both of which offer live TV channels and on-demand content.
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are both excellent alternatives to traditional cable TV. Both services provide access to a wide range of live TV channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. However, there are some key differences between the two services that may make one a better fit for your needs than the other. For example, YouTube TV has a slightly higher channel count, while Hulu + Live TV is generally more affordable.
Ultimately, the decision between YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV will depend on your specific preferences and needs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between the two services to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to cable TV or simply want to stream your favorite shows and movies, we’ve got you covered.
Pricing
When it comes to comparing YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV, one of the most important factors to consider is pricing. Both services offer a range of packages and add-ons, so it’s essential to understand what you’re getting for your money.
YouTube TV Pricing
YouTube TV’s pricing has changed over the years, and as of 2023, the service costs $73 per month. This price includes over 100 channels, including local networks, sports channels, and popular cable channels like CNN, ESPN, and HGTV. There are no hidden fees or long-term contracts, so subscribers can cancel at any time without penalty.
YouTube TV also offers a few add-ons that subscribers can purchase for an additional fee. For example, the Sports Plus add-on includes channels like NFL RedZone, Fox College Sports, and Stadium, while the Entertainment Plus add-on includes channels like MTV Classic, BET Her, and VH1 Classic. These add-ons cost $10.99 per month each.
Hulu Live TV Pricing
Hulu Live TV’s pricing is slightly more complicated than YouTube TV’s, as there are a few different packages and add-ons to choose from. The basic package costs $70 per month and includes over 65 channels, including local networks, sports channels, and popular cable channels like FX, TNT, and TBS.
For an additional $6 per month, subscribers can upgrade to the No Ads plan, which eliminates commercials from most on-demand content. Hulu Live TV also offers a few add-ons, like the Enhanced Cloud DVR (which allows subscribers to record up to 200 hours of content) and the Unlimited Screens add-on (which allows subscribers to stream on an unlimited number of devices at home and up to three devices outside of the home). These add-ons cost $9.99 and $14.99 per month, respectively.
It’s worth noting that Hulu Live TV also offers a few other packages, like the Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV package (which costs $76 per month) and the Disney Bundle (which includes Hulu Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $13.99 per month).
Channels
YouTube TV Channels
YouTube TV offers a range of channels across various categories including sports, news, entertainment, and more. With 93 channels, YouTube TV has something for everyone. Some of the popular channels included in the package are ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, CNN, and more.
YouTube TV also offers add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz for an additional fee.
One of the benefits of YouTube TV is that it offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means that users can record as many shows as they want and keep them for up to nine months.
Hulu Live TV Channels
Hulu Live TV offers around 75 channels, which is less than YouTube TV. However, Hulu Live TV offers a good mix of channels across various categories. Some of the popular channels included in the package are ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, CNN, and more.
Hulu Live TV also offers add-ons like HBO Max, Cinemax, and Showtime for an additional fee.
One of the benefits of Hulu Live TV is its on-demand library, which includes a range of TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals.
Overall, both YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV offer a good selection of channels. While YouTube TV has more channels, Hulu Live TV’s on-demand library may be a deciding factor for some users.
DVR and On-Demand
YouTube TV DVR and On-Demand features
YouTube TV offers an unlimited cloud-based DVR, which means you can record as many shows or movies as you want and keep them for up to nine months. Additionally, you can fast-forward through commercials in recorded content, so you can watch your favorite shows without interruptions. YouTube TV also has an extensive on-demand library, which includes full seasons of popular TV shows and movies.
Hulu Live TV DVR and On-Demand features
Hulu Live TV also offers an unlimited cloud-based DVR, and you can record up to 50 hours of content. However, you can upgrade to Enhanced Cloud DVR with 200 hours of storage for an additional monthly fee. Hulu Live TV also has an extensive on-demand library, which includes full seasons of popular TV shows and movies.
One advantage of Hulu Live TV is that it allows you to download shows and movies to watch offline on your mobile device. This feature is not available on YouTube TV.
Another advantage of Hulu Live TV is that it comes with the Disney+ bundle and all of Hulu’s on-demand library. This means that you can watch a wide range of movies and TV shows, including Hulu Originals like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Little Fires Everywhere.”
Both YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV have unlimited DVR storage space, but Hulu Live TV has a lower entry-level price and comes with the Disney+ bundle and all of Hulu’s on-demand library.
User Experience
YouTube TV User Experience
YouTube TV’s user interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. The homepage displays a list of recommended shows and movies, as well as a list of live channels. Users can easily search for specific shows or movies, and the platform also offers personalized recommendations based on viewing history.
One of the standout features of YouTube TV is its unlimited DVR storage. Users can record as many shows and movies as they want, and the recordings are saved for up to nine months. This allows users to watch their favorite shows on their own schedule, without having to worry about missing an episode.
YouTube TV also allows for up to three simultaneous streams, which is great for families or roommates who want to watch different shows at the same time. The platform also offers a picture-in-picture mode, which allows users to browse the app while still watching their show in a small window.
Hulu Live TV User Experience
Hulu Live TV’s user interface is also easy to navigate, but it can feel cluttered at times. The homepage displays a mix of live channels, recommended shows and movies, and personalized content. Users can search for specific shows or movies, but the search function can be slow and cumbersome.
One of the standout features of Hulu Live TV is its extensive on-demand library. In addition to live TV, users have access to a large selection of TV shows and movies. However, some of the content is only available with the ad-supported plan, which can be frustrating for users who want to watch without interruptions.
Hulu Live TV allows for up to two simultaneous streams, but users can pay an additional fee to add unlimited streams. The platform also offers a feature called “Hulu with Live TV (Beta),” which allows users to watch live TV while browsing the Hulu library.
Device Compatibility
YouTube TV Device Compatibility
YouTube TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. Users can watch YouTube TV on Android and iOS devices, as well as on devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox, and PlayStation.
YouTube TV also supports web browsers on Windows and Mac computers, allowing users to watch TV on their desktop or laptop. However, YouTube TV is not currently available on all smart TVs, so users should check for compatibility before purchasing.
Hulu Live TV Device Compatibility
Hulu Live TV is also compatible with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. Users can watch Hulu Live TV on Android and iOS devices, as well as on devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Hulu Live TV also supports web browsers on Windows and Mac computers, allowing users to watch TV on their desktop or laptop. However, like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV is not currently available on all smart TVs, so users should check for compatibility before purchasing.
One potential advantage of Hulu Live TV is that it is available on some gaming consoles that YouTube TV does not support, such as the Nintendo Switch. However, this may not be a major factor for many users.
Conclusion
Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer great options for cord-cutters who want to watch live TV without a traditional cable subscription. Each service has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it really comes down to personal preferences and priorities.
For those who want a larger channel selection and a better cloud DVR, YouTube TV is the way to go. With over 100 channels and unlimited cloud DVR storage, YouTube TV offers a comprehensive live TV experience. However, it does come at a higher price point of $73 per month.
On the other hand, Hulu + Live TV offers a more affordable option with a starting price of $70 per month. It also offers the ability to watch on-demand content without ads, which can be a big plus for some viewers. However, Hulu + Live TV’s channel selection is slightly smaller than YouTube TV’s, and its cloud DVR is not quite as robust.
Ultimately, the decision between YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV will depend on individual preferences and priorities. It’s important to consider factors such as channel selection, cloud DVR capabilities, and price when making a decision.
