YouTube TV vs Hulu Live Comparison: Which Is Right for You: Without a doubt, two giants in streaming live TV are YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. But which one should you choose? Is it a situation of both being flavors from an ice cream shop – both equally delicious? Or is there a concrete answer? YouTube TV vs Hulu Live – we will examine everything including channel options, user interface, pricing, and more. Spoiler: both are great, but one might better suit your expectations.
So take a seat or grab your phone let’s get into it!
What Is YouTube TV?
But first things first, what is YouTube TV? Let’s answer that question before we compare YouTube TV vs Hulu Live.
YouTube TV was launched in 2017 with the intention of giving users an alternative to watching live TV channels without the subscription constraints of traditional satellite television. YouTube TV facilitates live viewing of a wide variety of channels, including ABC, NBC, ESPN, and CNN. Users are also provided with cloud DVR storage for recording shows. As the solution for cord-cutters, YouTube TV offers all the convenience of a modern solution to enjoying live television without the need for cables.
Like all Google products, YouTube TV is known for its ease of use and user-friendly interface. YouTube TV has maintained excellent streaming quality, regardless of the device. Users can access the platform using a TV, computer, smartphone, or tablet, which enhances its ease and accessibility.
What Is Hulu + Live TV?
An alternative is Hulu + Live TV, which includes standard channels to its streaming library and original Hulu content. Hulu + Live TV enables users to access Hulu’s extensive library on demand while also giving access to traditional sports, news channels, and other shows.
Hulu + Live TV has been operational since 2017. However, it shines in the execution of its content on demand. Subscribers can access the live TV offerings as well as Hulu’s extensive library of movies and TV shows, including original content. It would be reasonable to assume that if you are a Hulu subscriber, adding the live TV feature will make the offering more valuable.
With a foundational understanding of both services, let’s shift our focus to the comparison of YouTube TV vs Hulu LIVE.
Channel Lineups: What You Get for Your Money
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers one of the most extensive channel offerings with more than 85 channels. YouTube TV has something for everyone. All of the major networks are included like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and The CW, and sports channels such as ESPN, FS1 and NFL Network. YouTube TV also offers cable channels such as TNT, TBS, and the USA Network which is suited for sports enthusiasts and TV lovers.For users needing more custom tailored content, YouTube TV has premium add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz. For international content, YouTube TV also has World Sports and Gusto TV.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu also has a comparable channel list with 65+ channels, so they are not behind. They cover all the basic over-the-air broadcast and cable channels including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX and ESPN, plus some extra sports like the NBC Sports Network and Tennis Channel.
The most notable feature of Hulu + Live TV is the combination with Hulu’s streaming library. Aside from live TV, you can catch Hulu’s original series, their movies and many past season’s TV shows—something that YouTube TV cannot offer. This makes Hulu + Live TV more well rounded for users who prefer to have live TV bundled with on-demand content.
Verdict: YouTube TV seems to come out on top if you want a greater number of channels. However, YouTube TV loses to Hulu + Live TV when it comes to on-demand content.
Comparing Costs: How Much Will You Spend on Each Service? (YouTube TV vs Hulu LIVE)
Pricing always plays an important factor when comparing services like YouTube TV vs Hulu Live. The most optimal option should be the one which gives you the services you are looking for without ripping your pockets apart.
Hulu + Live TV
Base Price: $76.99/month (comes with purchased live TV and Hulu’s on-demand content)
Add-Ons: For an additional charge, you can get primary channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and even Cinemax.
Free Trial: Free trial of 7 days available.
YouTube TV
Base Price: $72.99/month (includes the standard channel lineup, cloud DVR, and up to 6 accounts)
Add-Ons: Extra charges for premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and STARZ.
Free Trial: Free trial of 7 days available.
Verdict: Overall, the difference in cost becomes moot as you have access to Hulu’s large library of on-demand content while capturing entertainment in real time with the Hulu + Live TV version. On the other hand, YouTube TV is ideal for those who want basic live TV without the added value of on-demand shows.
Cloud DVR: How Much Storage Do You Get? (YouTube TV vs Hulu LIVE)
As for most cord-cutters, having access to DVR functionalities presents itself as one of the most vital pieces of a live TV service. Now, lets check how the two services equate.
YouTube TV
The YouTube TV subscription provides one of the best offers in the market as it comes with unlimited cloud DVR’s recording space and a retention period of 9 months. Moreover, you will not be limited to recording a certain number of shows or sports events as you have no restrictions when it comes to saving content. This is a great feature for those users who like to record multiple shows and also want to relive sporting events later.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offer DVR plans tailored for different users. Compared to other services, Hulu’s Basic Plan comes with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage which is expandable to 200 hours of storage with Enhanced DVR for $9.99 a month (also with some other features). Though, like Youtube TV, recordings are only available for 9 months.
Verdict: The competition is pretty even but if unlimited storage is a necessity, Youtube is the clear winner. For casual DVR users, Hulu + Live TV offers a good alternative at a better price.
User Interface & User experience: Who’s Easier to Navigate for the Users? (YouTube TV vs Hulu LIVE)
A functionality is a service can be packed with, does not make this service good or even usable. If the design is poorly done, Users will not appreciate it. Let us get into detail with Youtube TV vs Hulu Live’s finer details regarding this subject.
Youtube TV
YouTube TV offers a relatively straightforward and appealing interface since it permits effortless browsing through the live TV guide, on-demand titles, and even stored recordings. The program works on all devices in a sleek and fast manner. Looking up channels, shows, and movies is also simple and can be done in no time.
Hulu + Live TV
Compared to Hulu’s other iteration, Hulu + Live TV has a more organized interface. However, it is slightly less user-friendly due to the integration of live TV with on-demand content, which makes it a bit cluttered. Users that primarily use live TV may find it frustrating to sift through numerous kind of Hulu’s shows and movies just to locate live ones.
Verdict: Each service is relatively simple to work with, however YouTube TV does have a more user friendly approach towards streaming as it entirely focuses on live content. For those who prefer something uncomplicated and easy to use, YouTube TV is the best choice.
Streaming Quality: What’s the Picture Like? (YouTube TV vs Hulu LIVE)
It is expected of one to receive top tier high-definition experience when paying for streaming services. Let’s see how both services get compared in terms of streaming quality.
YouTube TV
The majority of channels on YouTube TV are available in 1080p HD, with some sports channels offering 4K streaming during certain events. It is quite reliable and does not buffer too often.
Hulu + Live TV
Like Hulu, Hulu + Live TV offers 1080p HD streaming but does not support 4K streaming yet. Most users will find it more than acceptable, though those who seek out the highest possible streaming quality might be slightly let down.
Verdict: Customers who are looking to have 4K video quality will undoubtedly prefer YouTube TV, as it is the only one of the two that offers 4K support in select situations. Everyone will appreciate the excellent HD quality both services provide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does YouTube TV offer more sports channels when compared to Hulu Live?
Absolutely! YouTube TV wins this round as it offers more sports channels in the basic package. You also get access to ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network.
Q2: Is there any type of on demand content included with Hulu Live TV?
Definitely! Live television is available alongside Hulu’s massive library of on-demand shows, movies, and exclusives which is included with Hulu Live TV subscription.
Q3: Who is the cheaper between YouTube TV and Hulu Live?
Hulu Live TV is currently priced at $76.99/month, while YouTube TV is at $72.99/month. So, strictly from the perspective of live TV offerings, YouTube TV is less expensive.
Q4: Is there a free trial for YouTube TV and Hulu Live?
Both YouTube TV and Hulu Live offer a free trial of the service for 7 days so that potential customers can fully evaluate the services before signing any long term contracts.
Final Thoughts: YouTube TV vs Hulu Live
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV each have their positives. As an example, YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR storage, larger sports channel lineup, and simpler interface makes it stand out from the rest. In contrast, Hulu + Live TV comes out on top if it is a streaming bundle of live TV and Hulu’s catalog that is sought.
One thing to remember is that it all comes down to individual preference. If one is primarily interested in live TV viewing and prefers a simple interface, they may find YouTube TV to be a better fit. However, if someone expects an all-inclusive streaming platform that also allows access to Hulu’s on-demand shows and movies, then Hulu + Live TV is
the one to go with.
The final decision is up to you to make…but make it wisely. You will be the one to enjoy the show!
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