Best Streaming with Live TV: Hulu vs. YouTube

Are you a cord-cutter looking to improve your basic streaming setup with live TV? Even if you haven’t cut the cord yet, there are several great alternatives to cable TV that offer local and national news, Primetime entertainment, sports, and the latest on-demand movies. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV are two popular options for those wanting to ditch their current TV contract. Let’s take a look at these two streaming services and compare their pricing, key features, channels, and more. 

Hulu + Live TV 

Hulu + Live TV is a streaming platform for watching live sports, news, and entertainment with full access to the entire Hulu streaming library. The streaming service comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage, and the option to upgrade to Enhanced Cloud DVR for 200 hours. You can get a taste of Hulu + Live TV with their seven-day free trial.

Hulu + Live TV is compatible with iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet, Roku (select models), Amazon Fire TV & Fire TV Stick, Apple TV (4th generation or later), Chromecast, Xbox, Xbox One & Xbox 360, Samsung (select TV models), LG (select TV models), Nintendo Switch, Android TV (select models), PlayStation 4, and web. Check out the full list of compatible devices. 

YouTube TV 

YouTube TV is another popular streaming service that allows you to watch live TV from major broadcast and popular cable networks, including local and national live sports and breaking news. It also offers unlimited Cloud DVR storage space, three simultaneous streams, and a five-day free trial. 

YouTube TV is compatible with Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Vizio SmartCast TV, Samsung & LG smart TVs, HiSense TV, Xbox One, iPhone/iPad, Android phone/tablet, and web. Check out the full list of compatible devices. 

Hulu + Live TV vs. YouTube TV Key Features 

Pricing & Plans

Hulu + Live TV

There are several pricing options and plans for Hulu + Live TV. The standard live TV plan is $64.99/mo. If you only want live TV without Hulu’s streaming library content, you can pay $63.99/mo. You can also pay a little more each month to upgrade features like Cloud DVR and screens. For $9.99/mo. you can increase DVR storage from the included 50 hours to 200 hours with Enhanced Cloud DVR. If you have a big family or multiple roommates, you can increase the number of screens you can watch on at the same time from two to unlimited for $9.99/mo. With unlimited screens, you also receive streaming on three different mobile devices. If you need Enhanced DVR and unlimited screens, bundle the two for $14.98/mo.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV has one standard plan. For $64.99/mo., your membership includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage space, three simultaneous streams, and the option to add on premium networks and additional sports channels. 

Channels Offered 

Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer a solid selection of channels. The best choice for you will depend on what your favorites are. Live local, regional, and national channel availability varies by location, so for this comparison we looked at the channels offered in a Denver area code.

Local

News

Sports

Entertainment & Lifestyle

Family & Kids

Available Add-Ons

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV offers several paid add-ons to improve your viewing experience. Premium channel add-ons include HBO Max for $14.99/mo., Cinemax for $9.99/mo., SHOWTIME for $10.99/mo., and STARZ for $8.99/mo. 

There’s also an Entertainment add-on for $7.99/mo. that gives you additional news, entertainment, and lifestyle programming including American Heroes Channel, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, DIY Network, FYI, LMN, and Science. 

For $4.99/mo. you can get popular channels in Spanish with the Español add-on for $4.99/mo. Channels include CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, History Channel en Español, and Universo.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV has similar paid add-ons and a few more premium channels including HBO Max for $14.99/mo., Showtime for $11/mo., Starz for $9/mo, Cinemax for $9.99/mo., EPIX for $6/mo., CuriosityStream for $3/mo., AMC Premiere for $5/mo., Shudder for $6/mo., Sundance Now for $7/mo., Urban Movie Channel for $5/mo., and Acorn TV for $6/mo.

With YouTube TV you can also opt for the Sports Plus package of seven additional networks for $10.99/mo. This includes NFL RedZone, FOX College Sports, GOLTV, FOX Soccer Plus, MAVTV Motorsports Network, TVG / TVG2, and Stadium.

On-Demand & Original Content

When it comes to original content, Hulu + Live TV reigns supreme. Hulu is known for its exclusive, original series and movies (all included with Live TV) which include notable titles like The Handmaid’s Tale, Devs, Shrill, Ramy, The Act, and more. Both Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer on-demand content from the channels available in your area and premium network add-ons. 

Final Thoughts

In the end, the best streaming platform with live TV will depend on your specific needs (DVR storage, screens, etc.), budget, and ultimately, the channels and shows you consider “must-haves.” YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are both great options for cord-cutters, so create a list of your top priorities to make your pick. With streaming, especially on multiple devices, comes the need for more internet bandwidth and speed.

Make sure your current internet plan can support your weekend binging, or find a new internet service provider available near you.