Cutting the cord is easier than ever, but choosing the right live-TV streaming service can still feel overwhelming. Two of the biggest contenders—YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV—both offer strong channel lineups, DVR perks, and on-demand libraries. Still, each service has its own strengths, quirks, and ideal audience.
If you’re stuck deciding between youtube tv vs hulu live, this breakdown will help you understand which platform best matches your viewing habits, budget, and lifestyle.
Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are full-featured cable-replacement streaming platforms. They give you access to live channels, sports, movies, local networks, and cloud DVR storage without needing a cable subscription or equipment rental.
Choosing between hulu live tv vs youtube tv really comes down to what type of content you value most.
Part 1: What’s Included in YouTube TV & Hulu + Live TV
YouTube TV: $82.99/month
YouTube TV keeps things simple with one primary plan that includes:
- 100+ live channels (varies by region)
- Unlimited DVR storage
- Six household accounts with personalized recommendations
- Three simultaneous streams
- On-demand content from included networks
Premium add-ons—such as NFL RedZone, Max, STARZ, and 4K streaming—are available for an extra fee.
Hulu + Live TV: $89.99/month
Hulu’s structure is slightly more complex, but also more robust. The main Hulu + Live TV plan includes:
- 90+ live channels (depending on location)
- The entire Hulu on-demand library
- Disney+ and ESPN+ bundled automatically
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Two simultaneous streams (upgrade available)
You can also upgrade to an ad-free version of Hulu’s main library or add premium networks like Max and SHOWTIME.
Part 2: Channel Lineup & On-Demand Content
Live Channel Count
- YouTube TV: 100+ channels
- Hulu + Live TV: 90+ channels
Both platforms include major networks such as:
- ABC
- CBS
- NBC
- FOX
- ESPN
- CNN
However, their specialty channel offerings differ.
YouTube TV tends to excel at:
- Regional sports networks (depending on area)
- Local channels
- Sports add-ons, especially NFL coverage
Hulu + Live TV shines in:
- Entertainment and lifestyle channels
- Disney-owned networks
- ESPN integration (especially appealing for sports fans)
On-Demand Libraries
This is the area where Hulu + Live TV stands out. Subscribers get access to:
- Hulu Originals
- Disney+ movies and shows
- ESPN+ sports documentaries and exclusive events
Meanwhile, YouTube TV provides on-demand replays from its network partners, but it cannot match Hulu’s massive streaming library.
If you prefer binge-watching entire seasons or enjoying original series, Hulu + Live TV offers a clear advantage.
Part 3: DVR Features
Both services offer unlimited cloud DVR, but the experience differs in important ways.
YouTube TV DVR
YouTube TV’s DVR is widely considered the most user-friendly. You can:
- Save unlimited hours of content
- Keep recordings for up to 9 months
- Skip ads on most recordings
- Create custom libraries for each household member
If you want to record on YouTube TV, the process is simple: just click the “+” icon next to a show or sports team and the service records all upcoming episodes or games automatically.
Hulu + Live TV DVR
Hulu also offers unlimited DVR storage, but with some differences:
- Some recordings still include unskippable ads
- Recorded content may be replaced by on-demand versions
- The interface is slightly less intuitive than YouTube TV’s
For viewers who prioritize DVR flexibility, YouTube TV tends to be the winner.
Part 4: Streaming Methods (Simultaneous Streams, Profiles & Devices)
Simultaneous Streams
- YouTube TV: 3 streams at once, upgrade available for unlimited in-home streaming
- Hulu + Live TV: 2 streams, upgrade available to unlimited in-home streams
Profiles
Both services offer customizable profiles, allowing each household member to:
- Save personal DVR content
- Maintain separate recommendations
- Track watch progress
YouTube TV supports up to six profiles per subscription; Hulu offers the same.
Device Support
Both platforms are widely compatible with:
- Smart TVs
- Roku
- Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- Mobile devices
- Game consoles
However, YouTube TV is sometimes smoother on older devices thanks to its lightweight interface.
Part 5: Which One Fits You?
Choosing between the two services comes down to your priorities. Here’s a quick breakdown:
✔ For Students and Individual Viewers
If you mostly care about live channels and DVR, YouTube TV’s clean interface and reliability make it a great choice. Hulu + Live TV works well if you also want access to Hulu originals and a massive on-demand library for solo binge sessions.
✔ For Sports Lovers
YouTube TV is often the winner thanks to:
- NFL Sunday offerings
- More regional sports networks
- Sports add-ons
However, Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN+—a huge perk for UFC fans, college sports lovers, and documentary watchers.
✔ For Movie Lovers
Hulu + Live TV’s bundle with Hulu and Disney+ makes it a powerhouse for movie streaming, especially with Disney, Marvel, FX, and 20th Century films included.
✔ For People on a Budget
This depends:
- If you want a full entertainment ecosystem (live TV + Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+), Hulu + Live TV is more cost-effective as a bundle.
- If you only want live TV channels and a good DVR, YouTube TV may offer more value without extras you don’t need.
Part 6: FAQs
1. Which one works better for families?
YouTube TV tends to perform better for large families because it offers three simultaneous streams and very intuitive profile separation. Hulu + Live TV works well too, but households with multiple devices running at once may find the two-stream limit restricting unless they purchase the upgrade.
2. Can I try these services before subscribing?
Both services have offered free trials historically, although their availability varies throughout the year. You can generally expect a short trial for new users, especially during promotional periods.
3. Can I download content to watch offline?
Live TV streams cannot be downloaded for offline viewing through either service. However, Hulu’s on-demand library does allow offline downloads for certain plans. If you want to save videos from live platforms, third-party solutions like CleverGet Recorder are often used to download content for personal offline viewing.
4. Do YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV work internationally?
No. Both services are currently restricted to the United States due to licensing agreements. They cannot be streamed outside the U.S., even with travel mode.
Final Thoughts
The battle of hulu live tv vs youtube tv doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all winner. YouTube TV offers the best interface, smoother navigation, and excellent DVR capabilities. Hulu + Live TV, on the other hand, integrates live TV with a massive streaming library—perfect for viewers who crave both live channels and endless on-demand content.
Ultimately, your choice depends on how you watch TV:
- Want simplicity, sports, and top-tier DVR? Choose YouTube TV.
- Want live TV + Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ in one bundle? Choose Hulu + Live TV.
Whichever service you pick, you’ll be getting a powerful cable-replacement platform built for modern streaming habits.