In the Hulu Live TV vs YouTube TV matchup, YouTube TV is usually the better pick if you want the lowest price for a full live TV package and a simple interface, while Hulu + Live TV is better value if you would otherwise pay separately for Hulu’s on-demand library and ESPN’s streaming service. Both include local channels, unlimited cloud DVR and most major cable networks.
Here is how they compare on the details that actually change the decision, using prices and features available at the time of writing.
Price and plans
YouTube TV’s base plan costs around $82.99 a month. It also offers newer genre plans, such as Entertainment from around $54.99 and Sports from around $64.99, plus a 4K add-on at around $9.99.
Hulu + Live TV costs around $89.99 a month for 95+ channels. The price includes the ad-supported Hulu on-demand library and ESPN Unlimited, so the gap shrinks if you were going to buy those anyway.
| Feature | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Base price (approx.) | $82.99/mo | $89.99/mo |
| Channels | 100+ | 95+ |
| Local channels | Yes, most markets | Yes, most markets |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited, kept 9 months | Unlimited |
| Bundled extras | None in base plan | Hulu library, ESPN Unlimited |
| Cheaper genre plans | Yes | No |
| Free trial (recent) | Varies by promotion | Around 3 days |
Taxes and add-ons are extra. Confirm the current price on each provider’s site.
Channels and sports
Both services carry the core lineup most households want: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, CNN, Fox News, TNT, TBS, USA and the big lifestyle networks. Differences are usually at the edges, such as specific Paramount, AMC or Warner channels, and they shift whenever a carriage deal changes.
For sports, neither service carries most regional sports networks, so local NBA, NHL and MLB fans may need DirecTV Stream or Fubo instead. YouTube TV is the home of NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on, which is a deciding factor for out-of-market NFL fans. Hulu + Live TV’s included ESPN Unlimited gives access to ESPN’s full streaming catalog, which matters for college sports and niche events. Our ESPN streaming service guide explains what ESPN Unlimited includes.
DVR, streams and profiles
Both offer unlimited cloud DVR. YouTube TV keeps recordings for nine months and allows six profiles, each with its own library and recommendations. It allows three streams at a time, with more at home if you add the 4K plan.
Hulu + Live TV also includes unlimited DVR and multiple profiles. Check its current stream limits and any unlimited-screens add-on on Hulu’s site before signing up if you have a large household.
Interface and devices
YouTube TV is widely praised for its simple live guide and fast search. Hulu’s app mixes live channels with on-demand shows, which some people love and others find cluttered. Both run on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, most smart TVs and game consoles. If you are shopping for hardware, see our pick of the best streaming device for YouTube TV, which also works well for Hulu.
Hidden costs to check before you sign up
The headline price is rarely the final bill. Before choosing, look at these extras on both services:
- Taxes and fees: some states and cities add sales tax to streaming services.
- Add-ons: premium channels, 4K, extra screens and Spanish-language packs all cost more.
- Sports packages: NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is a separate seasonal purchase.
- Promotional pricing: discounted first months revert to the full price, so set a reminder.
- Hardware: an older TV may need a streaming stick, a one-time cost that varies by model.
Add these up for a typical month in your home. That figure, not the advertised base price, is the fair number to compare.
Who should pick which
- Pick YouTube TV if you want the cheaper full plan, the option to drop to a genre plan, NFL Sunday Ticket, or the cleanest interface.
- Pick Hulu + Live TV if you already pay for Hulu or ESPN’s app, or want one bill for live TV and a big on-demand library.
- Pick neither if you mainly need regional sports (look at DirecTV Stream) or want to spend under $50 (look at Sling or Philo).
Some households also compare these with IPTV subscriptions billed yearly. IPTV is a legal technology, but only licensed providers have the right to stream channels, so check carefully. For reference, our own plan, IPTV Journal, is $89 for 12 months; our IPTV vs YouTube TV comparison lays out the differences honestly.
Our verdict for most households
If you just want reliable live TV with locals and a great DVR, YouTube TV is the slightly cheaper and simpler choice. If the Hulu library and ESPN Unlimited replace subscriptions you already pay for, Hulu + Live TV becomes the better deal overall. Test whichever service you lean toward during a live event you care about before committing.
FAQ
Is Hulu Live TV cheaper than YouTube TV?
No. At the time of writing Hulu + Live TV is around $89.99 a month versus around $82.99 for YouTube TV’s base plan. Hulu includes its on-demand library and ESPN Unlimited, so it can still be cheaper overall if you would pay for those separately.
Which has more channels, Hulu Live TV or YouTube TV?
YouTube TV lists 100+ channels and Hulu + Live TV lists 95+. The raw count matters less than whether your specific channels are included, so check each service’s lineup for your zip code.
Does Hulu + Live TV include Disney+?
Hulu + Live TV plans have been sold as bundles with Disney’s streaming services, and current plans include ESPN Unlimited. Bundle contents change, so check Hulu’s plan page for exactly what is included today.
Which is better for sports?
YouTube TV offers NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on, while Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN Unlimited. Neither carries most regional sports networks. Choose based on the sport and teams you follow.
Can I try both before deciding?
Yes, when trials are available. Hulu + Live TV has offered a short trial of around three days, and YouTube TV runs trials and promotions that vary. Cancel before the trial ends if you do not want to be billed.
Part of our guides: USA streaming guide
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