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Cutting the cord no longer means giving up live TV. Today, services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer full-featured alternatives to cable, combining live broadcasts, popular networks, on-demand libraries, and cloud DVR — all without contracts or bulky equipment. As of 2025, these two platforms lead the U.S. live TV streaming market, appealing to millions of households who want the freedom to watch what they want, when they want, on nearly any device.
This guide breaks down how YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV compare on price, channels, sports, on-demand content, DVR, 4K streaming, and overall user experience. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a binge-watcher of Hulu originals, or just looking for a simple cable replacement, this side-by-side analysis will help you decide which service fits your needs best.
Overview: YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the two leading live TV streaming options in the U.S., offering strong alternatives to traditional cable in 2025. Both provide major broadcast networks, popular cable channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and support on nearly all modern devices.
YouTube TV stands out with a larger channel lineup — over 136 channels in its base plan (and more than 200 with add-ons) — plus extensive sports coverage and unique features like multiview, which lets you watch multiple games at once. Hulu + Live TV, with about 95+ channels, carves out its own edge by bundling Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra cost and offering a massive on-demand library, including Hulu originals and network shows.
Subscriber numbers reflect their popularity: YouTube TV leads with around 8 million users, while Hulu + Live TV serves about 4.6 million. Both are praised for unlimited DVR, broad device support, and user-friendly interfaces. However, YouTube TV is generally preferred for its sports offerings and overall channel breadth, while Hulu + Live TV is the stronger pick for on-demand content and bundled streaming perks.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV |
| Base Price | $82.99/month | $82.99/month (with ads) |
| Ad-Free Option | N/A (ads on some on-demand) | $95.99/month (ad-free on Hulu) |
| Channels (Base) | 136+ (209+ with add-ons) | 95+ (expandable with add-ons) |
| DVR | Unlimited (kept 9 months) | Unlimited (kept while subscribed) |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 | 2 (unlimited at home w/ $9.99 add-on) |
| 4K Streaming | $9.99/month add-on, more 4K | Limited 4K support |
| On-Demand Library | Limited (separate YouTube Originals) | Extensive (Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+) |
| Sports Coverage | Extensive (NFL, NBA TV, multiview, Sunday Ticket add-on) | Good (no NBA TV, no multiview) |
| Device Support | Broad (no Nintendo Switch) | Broad (includes Nintendo Switch) |
| Bundled Streaming | None | Disney+ and ESPN+ included |
| User Interface | Highly rated, intuitive | Functional, but less praised |
| Subscribers (2025) | 8 million | 4.6 million |
Highlights
- YouTube TV is best for sports fans and anyone wanting the widest channel lineup, plus more 4K options and features like multiview.
- Hulu + Live TV is ideal if you want a strong on-demand library, thanks to the bundled Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+, plus the option for ad-free on-demand and unlimited at-home streams with an add-on.
- Both offer unlimited DVR, but Hulu keeps recordings as long as you subscribe, while YouTube TV stores them for nine months.
This quick side-by-side breakdown makes it easy to see which service fits your needs. Let me know if you want this turned into a short comparison summary or buying guide.
Price & Packages: YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV (2025)
Base Pricing
Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV raised their base prices to $82.99/month at the start of 2025. Hulu also offers a pricier $95.99/month plan that removes ads on its Hulu on-demand content.
| Service | Base Price | Ad-Free Option | Free Trial |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/month | N/A | Yes (limited time) |
| Hulu + Live TV | $82.99/month | $95.99/month (no Hulu ads) | Yes |
| Hulu Live TV Only | $81.99/month | N/A | Yes |
Both typically include a free trial for new users, though the exact duration can vary.
Add-ons & Premium Channels
YouTube TV:
- Sports Plus: $10.99/month (NFL RedZone, Fox Soccer Plus, more)
- 4K Plus: $9.99/month (adds 4K streaming and unlimited home streams)
- Spanish Plan: $34.99/month for 28+ Spanish channels
- Premium channels: HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, Paramount+, Cinemax, and others
- NFL Sunday Ticket: $276/season or $23/month for new subscribers
Hulu + Live TV:
- Disney+ and ESPN+ are included in the base plan at no extra charge
- Premium channels: Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Cinemax, Starz, and more
- Additional sports packages available
- Unlimited Screens add-on: $9.99/month for unlimited at-home streaming
Hidden Fees or Extra Costs
- Equipment: Neither service requires cable boxes or rental hardware; both work on most streaming devices.
- Taxes: Local taxes may apply based on where you live.
- Regional Sports Fees: Not charged separately, but some sports content still requires add-ons.
- Add-ons: All extra packages and premium channels are billed separately, which can raise your monthly total.
Summary
Both services now start at $82.99/month, with Hulu offering an ad-free upgrade for its on-demand content. Add-ons for sports, 4K, premium channels, or unlimited streaming can quickly increase your monthly bill. There are no equipment fees, and both provide free trials, but taxes and optional extras will impact your final cost. Hulu’s inclusion of Disney+ and ESPN+ adds notable value for households that want more than just live TV.
Number of Subscribers & Market Share
As of early 2025, YouTube TV leads the live TV streaming market with about 8 million subscribers, making it the largest in the U.S. Hulu + Live TV follows with 4.6 million subscribers.
A Nielsen report from December 2024 shows this in overall TV watch time:
- YouTube TV: 11.1% share
- Hulu + Live TV: 2.5% share
This highlights YouTube TV’s stronger reach and engagement, though both remain top choices for replacing traditional cable.
Channel Lineup & Content: YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV (2025)
Total Channels
- YouTube TV: 136+ channels in the base plan, over 200 with add-ons.
- Hulu + Live TV: About 95+ channels, expandable with add-ons.
Local Networks
Both services carry ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX in most U.S. markets.
News
- YouTube TV: CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, BBC America, BBC World News, Local Now, TYT, CBSN, CNN International.
- Hulu + Live TV: CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CNBC, HLN, Fox Business, and more.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
- YouTube TV: FX, Bravo, AMC, TNT, TBS, HGTV, Food Network, USA, E!, Syfy, BBC America, NBA TV.
- Hulu + Live TV: FX, Bravo, TNT, TBS, HGTV, Food Network, USA, E!, Syfy, Magnolia Network. Missing AMC, BBC America, and NBA TV.
Family & Kids
Both offer Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Universal Kids, and PBS Kids.
Sports
- YouTube TV: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, NBCSN, CBS Sports, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, Tennis Channel, Golf Channel, plus regional sports where available. Supports multiview and offers NFL Sunday Ticket.
- Hulu + Live TV: Similar sports coverage but no NBA TV or multiview. Includes ESPN+ with the base plan.
Popular Shows
- YouTube TV: Popular for family content like Ms. Rachel.
- Hulu + Live TV: Known for originals like Shōgun, Only Murders in the Building, and The Bear, plus a large library of on-demand titles.
On-Demand Content
- YouTube TV: Limited library focused on recent episodes and some movies.
- Hulu + Live TV: Extensive on-demand library, full Hulu originals, plus Disney+ and ESPN+.
Summary Table
| Category | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV |
| Total Channels | 136+ (209+ with add-ons) | 95+ (expandable with add-ons) |
| Local Networks | ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX | ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX |
| News | CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, BBC, more | CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CNBC, more |
| Entertainment | FX, Bravo, AMC, BBC America, NBA TV | FX, Bravo, Magnolia, missing AMC/NBA TV |
| Family & Kids | Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network | Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network |
| Sports | NFL, NBA TV, MLB, multiview, Sunday Ticket | NFL, MLB, ESPN+, no NBA TV/multiview |
| Popular Shows | Ms. Rachel | Shōgun, Only Murders, The Bear |
| On-Demand | Limited | Extensive (Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+) |
Key takeaway:
YouTube TV is stronger on live channels, sports, and advanced features like multiview and Sunday Ticket. Hulu + Live TV is the clear winner for on-demand content, thanks to its bundled Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.
Streaming Quality & Tech: YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV (2025)
Device Support
Both work on most modern smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, PCs, Macs, iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and Fire tablets.
- YouTube TV: Does not support Nintendo Switch.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes support for Nintendo Switch.
Simultaneous Streams
- YouTube TV: Up to 3 streams at once.
- Hulu + Live TV: 2 streams by default; unlimited at home with a $9.99/month add-on.
Cloud DVR
- YouTube TV: Unlimited storage, recordings kept for 9 months. Lets you fast-forward through ads.
- Hulu + Live TV: Unlimited storage as long as you keep your subscription, but ad-skipping is restricted on the ad-supported plan.
4K & Streaming Quality
- YouTube TV: Offers 4K streaming on select live and on-demand content with a $9.99/month add-on, plus unlimited home streams and offline downloads.
- Hulu + Live TV: No live TV in 4K; some on-demand titles stream in 4K. Most live content is up to 1080p.
Summary Table
| Feature | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV |
| Device Support | Wide (no Nintendo Switch) | Wide (includes Nintendo Switch) |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 | 2 (unlimited with add-on) |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited (9 months, skip ads) | Unlimited (kept while subscribed, ad limits) |
| 4K Streaming | Yes (live & on-demand, add-on) | Limited (on-demand only, no live 4K) |
| Streaming Quality | Up to 4K, 1080p/60fps live | Up to 1080p/60fps |
Key takeaway:
YouTube TV is the better pick for sports fans, 4K live streaming, multiview, and more flexible DVR features. Hulu + Live TV offers broad device support—including Nintendo Switch—and unlimited in-home streams with an add-on, but it lags in live 4K and advanced sports tech.
User Experience & Features: YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV (2025)
Interface & Navigation
YouTube TV is widely praised for its clean, intuitive design. The home screen organizes live TV, recommendations, and your library for quick access. Its channel guide is fast and user-friendly, and the multiview feature makes watching multiple games simple. Navigation is smooth and consistent across devices.
Hulu + Live TV is functional but less polished. It combines live TV with Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ content in one interface, which can feel cluttered. The live TV guide works well, but moving between live channels and on-demand content often takes more steps.
Recommendations & Personalization
YouTube TV offers tailored recommendations and supports up to six profiles, each with its own DVR library, watchlist, and suggestions.
Hulu + Live TV provides strong personalization with individual profiles, watchlists, and recommendations that span live TV and its large on-demand library, including Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.
Ads & Ad-Free Options
Both services include ads on live TV.
- YouTube TV allows some ad-skipping on DVR recordings.
- Hulu + Live TV also includes ads on live TV and most on-demand content, unless you pay for the pricier ad-free plan. Disney+ and ESPN+ will still have ads unless upgraded separately. DVR recordings may also have ad restrictions on Hulu’s ad-supported plans.
Key takeaway:
YouTube TV offers a simpler, more intuitive live TV experience, making it better for channel surfing and sports. Hulu + Live TV stands out for deep personalization and combining live TV with extensive on-demand libraries, though the interface can feel more complex. Both have ads on live TV, but Hulu gives you the option to upgrade to an ad-free on-demand plan.
Which Is Better for You?
Quick Comparison by Need
| Feature / Need | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV |
| Sports Coverage | Best: More sports channels, multiview, NFL Sunday Ticket | Good: ESPN+ and regional sports, but no NBA TV or multiview |
| Families with Kids | Strong: Major kids channels | Strong: Same channels, plus Disney+ |
| Movie Lovers | Good: Premium add-ons like HBO, Starz | Best: Hulu originals, Disney+, and movie channels |
| DVR / Cloud Recording | Unlimited (kept 9 months, more ad-skipping) | Unlimited (kept while subscribed, some ad limits) |
| On-Demand Library | Limited | Extensive: Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+ |
| 4K Streaming | More live & on-demand 4K (with add-on) | Limited: Select on-demand only |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 (unlimited with 4K add-on) | 2 (unlimited at home with add-on) |
| Budget-Conscious | Same base price, fewer bundled perks | More value: Disney+ & ESPN+ included |
| User Interface | Most intuitive for live TV | Good, but more complex due to bundles |
Best Pick For:
- Sports fans: YouTube TV offers more sports channels, multiview for watching multiple games, and the exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket add-on.
- Families with kids: Hulu + Live TV bundles Disney+ for on-demand family content, plus all major kids channels.
- Movie lovers: Hulu + Live TV stands out with Hulu originals, Disney+ movies, and access to premium add-ons.
- DVR users: Both provide unlimited cloud DVR, but YouTube TV generally allows more ad-skipping on recorded content.
- Budget-minded households: Hulu + Live TV delivers more value by including Disney+ and ESPN+ in the base price.
Summary:
Choose YouTube TV if you want the best live sports experience, widest channel lineup, and a straightforward, user-friendly interface. Pick Hulu + Live TV if you prefer a rich on-demand library, bundled streaming with Disney+ and ESPN+, and great value for families and movie fans. Both are strong cable replacements; your decision comes down to whether you prioritize live sports and channels or on-demand streaming and bundles.
Final Verdict: Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV
Choose Hulu + Live TV if you:
- Want a robust on-demand library with Hulu originals, Disney+, and ESPN+ included.
- Are looking for family-friendly or movie-heavy viewing.
- Prefer getting bundled streaming services at the same price as YouTube TV.
- Like having live TV and major streaming platforms in a single subscription.
Choose YouTube TV if you:
- Are a sports fan who values the broadest sports coverage, multiview, and NFL Sunday Ticket.
- Want the largest channel lineup and a smoother live TV experience.
- Appreciate a more intuitive interface and flexible DVR that makes skipping ads easier.
Bottom line:
Hulu + Live TV is best for those who want both live TV and a rich on-demand lineup with Disney+ and ESPN+ rolled in. YouTube TV is ideal for sports fans and anyone who values a wide channel selection, excellent live TV features, and a user-friendly design. Both are excellent cable alternatives; your choice depends on what matters most—on-demand streaming or top-tier live sports and channels.
Conclusion
Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are powerful options for replacing cable, offering robust channel lineups, unlimited DVR, and broad device support. YouTube TV shines for sports enthusiasts and viewers who want the widest range of live channels, advanced features like multiview, and better 4K options. Hulu + Live TV stands out for its bundled value — combining live TV with full access to Hulu’s on-demand library plus Disney+ and ESPN+, all under one subscription.
Choosing between them comes down to your priorities: if you’re mainly after live sports and the biggest channel selection, YouTube TV is tough to beat. If you want a mix of live TV and extensive on-demand streaming for movies, shows, and family content, Hulu + Live TV delivers unmatched variety. Either way, both services make cutting the cord easier than ever, giving you the flexibility to tailor your TV experience to exactly how you like to watch.
FAQs: YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV
Both start at $82.99/month, but Hulu + Live TV includes Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra cost, adding more bundled value. Hulu also offers a pricier plan ($95.99/month) that removes ads on its on-demand library.
YouTube TV offers more channels overall — about 136+ in its base plan and over 200 with add-ons, compared to Hulu + Live TV’s 95+ channels. If having the largest channel lineup matters most, YouTube TV is the stronger pick.
YouTube TV is generally better for live sports. It includes NBA TV, more regional sports networks, multiview to watch multiple games at once, and even offers NFL Sunday Ticket (for an added fee). Hulu + Live TV covers most major sports networks and bundles ESPN+, but lacks NBA TV and multiview features.
Yes. Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV carry local ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates in most U.S. markets. You’ll also get local news and regional sports where available.
Hulu + Live TV wins easily here. You get Hulu’s entire on-demand catalog, including original series like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building, plus full access to Disney+ and ESPN+. YouTube TV’s on-demand library is limited to recently aired episodes and some movies.
YouTube TV offers live and on-demand 4K content with its $9.99/month 4K Plus add-on, covering channels like ESPN, FOX Sports, and FX.
Hulu + Live TV does not offer live TV in 4K; some on-demand shows and movies stream in 4K.
YouTube TV keeps recordings for 9 months and generally allows skipping ads on recordings.
Hulu + Live TV keeps recordings as long as you stay subscribed but may restrict ad-skipping on its ad-supported plan.
YouTube TV allows up to 3 simultaneous streams by default.
Hulu + Live TV allows 2 streams, but offers an add-on for unlimited streams at home.
Hulu + Live TV may offer more value for families thanks to its Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle, plus a huge on-demand library for kids. Both have popular family networks like Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network.
No. Both are month-to-month services with no contracts or hidden equipment fees, and you can cancel anytime. They work with most existing smart TVs and streaming devices.
Aditya Kumar B. is your go to lifestyle curator sharing daily entertainment rich tips and tricks for streamlined, joyful living. Avidly exploring the worlds of streaming and leisure, Adi blends chill vibes with thoughtful recommendations, helping audiences stay on top of trending shows, streaming hacks, and laid back self care routines. Whether you’re searching for your next binge worthy series, the perfect TV setup, or clever ways to unwind, Aditya has your back making every moment feel relaxed and effortlessly enjoyable.