Looking to replace your traditional cable or satellite TV plan with a more flexible, contract-free set-up?
You’ve likely heard about YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV which offer access to live channels without lengthy set-ups, extra equipment and long contracts, but which one should you choose?
Although we haven’t reviewed Hulu Plus Live TV, we have reviewed YouTube TV and gave the service a solid four-star rating.
So if you’re torn between the two cable replacements then we have you covered in our YouTube TV vs Hulu Plus Live TV guide, where we’ve highlighted the key differences, and any noteworthy similarities, below.
Pricing and Availability
Both YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV are only available in the US, with the specific amount of channels depending on your location too, although more on that later. YouTube TV is a monthly subscription service that can be cancelled anytime, and at the time of writing will set you back $82.99. However, new members can usually benefit from deals.
Much like YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV is a monthly subscription that can be cancelled anytime. Not only that, but it also has the exact same starting monthly cost of $82.99.
YouTube TV currently offers a 10-day free trial period which allows you to test the service before making the splurge. Comparatively, Hulu Live Plus is less generous as it only offers a measly three-day trial period.
YouTube TV has slightly more channels
Of the two, YouTube TV has the edge when it comes to the amount of live channels it offers, with over 100 available in its base plan, all of which we’ve noted in our YouTube TV channel list. Keep in mind that the exact amount of channels available will depend on your location, so make sure to check your zip code before subscribing on its website.
Hulu Plus Live TV has over 95 live channels available, including ABC, CBS and Nickelodeon. Much like YouTube TV, the exact amount of channels available will depend on where you live, so make sure you double check your zip code on Hulu’s website.
Remember that the live channels for both YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV don’t factor in any additional subscriptions or add-on channels you can purchase separately, which brings us to our next point.
YouTube TV Channels
Hulu Plus Live TV Channels
Hulu Plus Live TV includes Disney Plus and ESPN
Alongside more than 95 live channels, Hulu Plus Live TV also includes a subscription to Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus too (all “with ads” plans), which is a total saving of $21.98 each month. While Disney Plus offers lots of TV series and films, including original content like The Bear and The Kardashians, ESPN Plus offers live streams of huge sporting events such as the Masters, UFC and even Spanish La Liga.
While YouTube TV doesn’t have any subscriptions included in its base plan, users can add-on streaming platforms for an additional price including Max, Paramount Plus and MGM Plus.
Similarly, Hulu Plus Live TV also allows users to add more networks to their plan including Max, Cinemax and Starz, with prices starting from $9.99 a month.
YouTube TV allows for three devices to stream simultaneously
With the option to have six separate household accounts and stream across three devices simultaneously as standard, YouTube TV is a great choice for families who want to watch different shows at once.
Hulu Plus Live TV on the other hand permits just two devices to stream simultaneously, although there is the option to upgrade to the “Unlimited Screens” package which allows you to watch across multiple screens at home. This package also lets you stream across three screens when you’re on the go too.
Both have two packages to select from
Both YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV include ads in their standard plans. YouTube explains its “live TV programming comes from networks similar to traditional TV broadcasts, so many of the networks we offer have ad breaks.” However Hulu Plus Live TV also offers an almost ad-free package at an extra cost.
For $95.99 a month, you can receive Hulu and Disney Plus without ads. However, you’ll still receive ads in ESPN Plus and across both select live and linear content too.
Otherwise, YouTube TV also offers an NFL Sunday Ticket add-on, which can be paid monthly at $94.50 or annually at $378, and allows you to watch every NFL game on Sunday without needing a contract.
Both have unlimited DVR space
Much like traditional set-top boxes, both YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV allow users to record and save their favourite shows and movies for later viewing via their respective unlimited DVRs.
Both YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV allow you to keep your live TV recordings for up to nine months, and unlimited DVR recording isn’t available for on-demand shows either. Finally, YouTube TV also explains that all six household accounts can have their own personal DVR library too.
Early Verdict
Considering Hulu Plus Live TV comes equipped with Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus (all with ads) subscriptions for the same price as YouTube TV, it arguably has better value than its competitor. However, YouTube TV also boasts slightly more channels, allows for more household accounts and more devices to stream simultaneously.
We’d recommend checking your zip code for both YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV to ensure you can receive the channels you want.
