YouTube TV is the cheaper live TV service at $82.99 a month, while Hulu + Live TV costs $99.99 but adds the Hulu streaming library, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited access in one bill.
This comparison uses the prices both services list for new subscribers in October 2026 and covers channels, local stations, sports, DVR, streams, 4K, devices, home location rules and ads.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV quick verdict: which one should you choose?
Pick YouTube TV if you want live channels at the lowest price with more streams. Pick Hulu + Live TV if you would otherwise pay separately for Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN.
| Feature | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Main plan price | $99.99/mo (with ads) | $82.99/mo |
| Bundled services | Hulu library, Disney+, ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited in the ESPN app | None; add-ons cost extra |
| Channels | Varies by Home network ZIP | 100+ broadcast, cable and regional sports channels |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited, recordings kept up to 9 months | Unlimited, recordings kept 9 months |
| Streams at once | 2 (Unlimited Screens add-on $9.99) | 3 (4K Plus add-on $9.99 for unlimited at home) |
| Accounts | One account with profiles | Up to 6 household accounts, each with its own library |
| 4K live | Not listed for live channels | Select content with 4K Plus |
| Free trial | Offered to new and eligible returning subscribers | 21 days for $0 |
| Contract | None, no cancellation fees | None, no cancellation fees |
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV pricing and plans
Hulu raised Live TV prices for new subscriptions on September 23, 2026. Existing Hulu subscribers see the new price in a billing cycle on or after October 21, 2026.
| Plan | What it includes | Monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN Select | Live TV, Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), ESPN Select | $99.99 |
| Hulu Premium + Live TV, Disney+ Premium, and ESPN Select | Live TV, Hulu (no ads), Disney+ (no ads), ESPN Select | $109.99 |
| Hulu Live TV Only | Live channels only, no Hulu library or Disney+ | $98.99 |
| Hulu + Live TV Espanol, Disney+ | Spanish-language live channels, Hulu and Disney+ with ads | $29.99 |
| Hulu Live TV Only Espanol | Spanish-language live channels only | $28.99 |
| YouTube TV (main plan) | 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, 6 accounts, 3 streams | $82.99 ($59.99 for the first 2 months for new users) |
| YouTube TV Sports + News Plan | 50+ channels including locals, unlimited DVR, 6 accounts, 3 streams | $71.99 ($49.99 for the first 5 months for new users) |
| YouTube TV Sports Plan | 30+ channels of live games, sports analysis and news | $64.99 |
Cost comparison example: a year of the main plans costs $1,199.88 on Hulu + Live TV and $995.88 on YouTube TV, a $204 gap. Add the screens upgrade on each side and the monthly totals become $109.98 for Hulu and $92.98 for YouTube TV.
YouTube TV's introductory prices are for new users and end on November 16, 2026. Neither service charges box rental, DVR or cancellation fees.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV channel lineup: what you get
Both services carry national broadcast and cable networks, local affiliates and regional sports networks, but the exact list depends on your ZIP code.
| Lineup point | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Channel strengths | ESPN networks through ESPN Unlimited, plus the Hulu and Disney+ libraries | 100+ live channels on the main plan, the widest lineup YouTube TV sells |
| Local broadcast stations | Based on your Home network | CBS, FOX, NBC and others, based on your home area |
| Cheaper slimmed lineups | Live TV Only drops Hulu and Disney+ but saves only $1 | Sports + News (50+ channels) and Sports Plan (30+ channels) |
| Spanish-language lineup | Live TV Espanol plans and a $4.99 Espanol add-on | Spanish TV add-on at $14.99 |
| Missing channels to watch for | Channels and affiliates vary by Home network ZIP | Networks vary by home ZIP code and add-on availability |
Before you subscribe, confirm that every channel you watch weekly is in your area's lineup, because a single missing local affiliate is the most common reason people switch services.
Local channels and regional availability on Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV
Both services are U.S.-only and lock local stations to a home location. YouTube TV publishes a ZIP lookup; Hulu ties your locals to the Home network you set within 30 days of signing up, so its free trial is the practical way to check them.
- Open tv.youtube.com/welcome in a browser.
- Scroll to Channel lookup, type your home ZIP code in Your ZIP code and select Submit.
- Check that your local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC affiliates and your regional sports network appear in the list.
- For Hulu, start the Hulu + Live TV free trial at home, set your Home network on your residential internet connection, and open the Live Guide to see which local affiliates you get.
- Cancel from the Hulu Account page before the trial ends if a channel you need is missing.
Which is better for locals? Neither wins everywhere. The service that carries all of your area's affiliates and your regional sports network is the better one for you.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV sports comparison
| Sports feature | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | Included; Live TV plans unlock ESPN Unlimited in the ESPN app (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, ESPN on ABC) | No ESPN Unlimited or ESPN+ bundle |
| NFL Sunday Ticket | Not offered | Optional paid add-on for out-of-market Sunday afternoon games; needs an active YouTube TV plan |
| NFL RedZone | Not listed | Sports Plus add-on, $10.99/mo, with 13+ extra sports networks |
| Extra sports channels | Sports Add-on, $9.99/mo | Sports Plus, $10.99/mo |
| Regional sports networks | Carried where available for your Home network | Included where available for your home area |
| Game-day viewing features | Live Guide recording by team | Multiview (up to 4 games), Key Plays and Stats View |
| Sports-only plan | None | Sports Plan $64.99 or Sports + News $71.99 |
Sports winner: YouTube TV for NFL fans because of Sunday Ticket, RedZone and multiview; Hulu + Live TV for college sports and ESPN+ viewers because ESPN Unlimited comes in the price.
Both services enforce blackouts set by leagues and networks, so some games stay unavailable depending on where you are.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV DVR: recording shows, games, and movies
| DVR detail | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Unlimited Cloud DVR | Unlimited, no storage space limits |
| How long recordings last | Up to 9 months while subscribed | 9 months |
| How to record | Details page of a show, movie or team, or the Live Guide | Select Add next to a show, team or event |
| Where recordings live | My Stuff > Recordings | Your personal Library |
| Per-person DVR | One Recordings list per account | Each of 6 household members gets their own library |
| Skip ads in recordings | Yes | Yes |
| Offline recordings | Not listed for Live TV | With 4K Plus, on phones and tablets |
| If you cancel | Recordings are lost (kept if you pause) | Access lasts to the end of the payment period |
DVR winner: YouTube TV, because every household member keeps a separate library and 4K Plus adds offline viewing. Recording a sports team on YouTube TV captures all current and upcoming games, except NFL RedZone, which must be added on its own.
Simultaneous streams and household sharing on Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV
| Sharing rule | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Streams included | 2 screens at once | 3 streams at once |
| Upgrade | Unlimited Screens, $9.99/mo: any number of devices on your Home network plus up to 3 mobile devices away | 4K Plus, $9.99/mo: unlimited simultaneous streams at home |
| Separate logins | Not offered for Live TV | Family group of up to 5 other members, aged 13 or older |
| Who counts as household | One Home network; a second house needs a second Live TV account | Members must live in the family manager's household |
| Extra Member add-on | Not available with Live TV plans | Not applicable |
| Premium add-on limits | HBO Max on 2 screens; other premium add-ons on 5 | Add-ons bought by the manager are shared with the family group |
Streaming winner: YouTube TV, with one more stream in the base price and separate Google accounts for each family member.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV picture quality, 4K, and audio
| Quality point | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | Hulu library titles stream in up to 4K UHD; 4K is not listed for live channels | Select live and on-demand content in 4K with the $9.99 4K Plus add-on |
| Surround sound | Hulu library supports up to 5.1 audio | 5.1 surround sound on supported devices |
| Check your device | Hulu's device list and web browser requirements | Settings > Support > Device Capabilities in the app shows 4K, 5.1 and multiview support |
| Minimum internet | 3 Mbps download to subscribe | Varies by device and quality |
Picture quality winner: YouTube TV for live sports in 4K, as long as you pay for 4K Plus and own a compatible TV or streamer. Hulu's 4K and 5.1 support applies to its on-demand library.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV interface and ease of use
| Interface point | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Recording a show | Select the title in the Live Guide grid or on its Details page | Select Add next to a show, team or event |
| Recordings view | My Stuff > Recordings, newest airdate first; tabs for TV, sports and movies on the website | Personal Library for each member |
| Recommendations | Per account | Personalized for each of up to 6 household accounts |
| Sports tools | Standard player | Multiview, Key Plays and Stats View |
| One app for everything | Live TV, Hulu library and Disney+ content | Live TV, add-ons and NFL Sunday Ticket in one app |
Interface winner: YouTube TV for live TV and sports, because each viewer gets their own library and the game tools are built in. Hulu suits households that move between live channels and on-demand series all evening.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV on-demand content and originals
| On-demand source | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming library | Full Hulu on-demand library, including Hulu originals | Network on-demand episodes and movies |
| Disney+ | Included (with ads; no ads on the Premium plan) | Not included |
| ESPN+ content | Included through ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited | Not included |
| YouTube videos | Not included | Included; ads removed only with YouTube Premium |
| Plan without the library | Live TV Only, $98.99 | Every plan is live channels plus network on-demand |
Hulu + Live TV is the stronger on-demand package by a wide margin, because its library and Disney+ are part of the price.
Premium channels and add-ons on Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV
| Add-on | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| HBO Max | $10.99 (Basic with ads) or $18.49 (Standard, no ads) | Part of Entertainment Plus, $29.99, with Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and STARZ |
| Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | $13.99 | Part of Entertainment Plus |
| STARZ | $11.99 | Part of Entertainment Plus |
| Cinemax | $9.99 | Not listed |
| Smaller premium channels | Not listed | ALLBLK, MGM+, Shudder and others from $1.99 |
| Sports add-on | $9.99 | Sports Plus with NFL RedZone, $10.99 |
| Spanish add-on | $4.99 | $14.99 |
| Entertainment/lifestyle add-on | $7.99 | Not offered as a lifestyle pack |
| Screens or 4K upgrade | Unlimited Screens, $9.99 | 4K Plus, $9.99 |
If you want all three of HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and STARZ, YouTube TV's Entertainment Plus bundle is cheaper than buying them one by one on Hulu.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV device support
| Device type | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming players | Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV (4th gen and later), Chromecast, Roku | Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, Apple TV (4th gen and 4K), Chromecast with Google TV, Roku, TiVo Stream 4K |
| Smart TVs | LG webOS, Samsung, Vizio SmartCast | LG and Samsung (2017+), Hisense, Vizio SmartCast, Roku TVs, Fire TV Edition TVs |
| Game consoles | PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox | PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X/S |
| Phones and tablets | iPhone, iPad, Android, Amazon Fire tablets | iPhone, iPad, Android |
| Computers | Web browsers, Windows 10 and 11 | Latest Chrome, Firefox or Safari |
| Cable boxes | Xfinity Flex; Live TV does not work on Xfinity X1 or Contour boxes | Xfinity Flex |
| Other | Echo Show 15 and 21, Xumo TV | Casting and AirPlay, Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro |
Both services run on every mainstream streamer and console, so device support rarely decides the choice. The one trap is an Xfinity X1 or Contour box, which cannot play Hulu's live channels.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV travel, home location, and account rules
| Rule | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| How home is set | Home network on a residential, non-mobile connection, within 30 days of signing up | Home ZIP code, verified with device location |
| Connections that cannot be home | Mobile hotspots and shared Wi-Fi such as dorms and offices | Not specified |
| Keep mobile access while away | Check in at home at least once every 30 days | Use YouTube TV in your home area at least once every 3 months |
| TVs away from home | Living room devices must be on the Home network | Watch with locals from your current location |
| Changing home | Up to 4 times a year | Twice in 12 months, only while you are in the new area |
| Second house | Needs a second Live TV account | Members must share the manager's household |
| Outside the U.S. | Not available | Not available; VPNs and proxies block playback |
Frequent travellers get more freedom on YouTube TV, because TVs keep working away from home with local channels from wherever you are.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV reliability and performance
Neither service publishes uptime figures, so performance comes down to your connection, device and location rules.
| Factor | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Internet requirement | At least 3 Mbps download | Internet connection required; 4K needs a compatible device |
| Older devices | Fire TV Stick (1st gen) no longer supported | Devices with 512 MB of memory or less may lose features; first-gen Chromecast can error more and take up to 30 seconds to open |
| Common interruption | Live TV or DVR stops when a mobile device has not checked in for 30 days | Home-area channels drop after 3 months away from home |
| Blocked connections | Hotspots and shared Wi-Fi cannot be the Home network | VPN or proxy blocks streaming |
| Support | Live support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | Chat or phone support 24/7 |
Most playback complaints on both services trace back to location checks rather than outages, so set your home correctly on day one. For billing or location problems, you can reach YouTube TV customer service by phone at any hour.
Ads and commercials on Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV
| Where ads appear | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Live channels | Ads play; cannot be skipped | Ads play; skippable only after pausing, until you catch up to live |
| DVR recordings | Fast forward through ads | Fast forward through ads |
| On-demand | Ads on the $99.99 plan; no ads in the Hulu library on the $109.99 Premium plan, except a few shows | On-demand ads usually cannot be skipped |
| Ad-free upgrade | Hulu Premium + Live TV ($10 more) removes library ads, not live TV ads | No ad-free option for live TV; YouTube Premium removes ads only on YouTube videos |
Live TV carries commercials on both services. Record the shows you watch most if you want to skip them.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV: best choice by viewer type
| Viewer type | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget cord cutter | YouTube TV | $17 a month cheaper on the main plan, and slimmer sports plans from $64.99 |
| NFL fan | YouTube TV | NFL Sunday Ticket add-on, NFL RedZone and multiview |
| College sports and ESPN+ fan | Hulu + Live TV | ESPN Unlimited, SEC Network and ACC Network access come with the plan |
| Family that already pays for Disney+ and Hulu | Hulu + Live TV | The library and Disney+ are bundled, which offsets the higher price |
| Large household with many viewers | YouTube TV | 3 streams, 6 accounts and per-person DVR libraries |
| Frequent traveller | YouTube TV | TVs work away from home with local channels where you are |
| 4K sports viewer | YouTube TV | 4K Plus adds 4K on select live content |
| Spanish-language viewer on a budget | Hulu + Live TV Espanol | Spanish live channels plus Hulu and Disney+ for $29.99 |
Hulu + Live TV pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hulu library, Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited included | $99.99 a month, $17 more than YouTube TV |
| Unlimited Cloud DVR | Only 2 simultaneous screens without the $9.99 add-on |
| Strong college sports through ESPN networks | No NFL Sunday Ticket |
| Cheap Spanish-language plans | TVs must stay on the Home network; mobile check-in every 30 days |
| A la carte HBO Max, Cinemax, STARZ and Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | Recordings are lost if you cancel |
YouTube TV pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| $82.99 main plan, cheaper sports-focused plans | No bundled on-demand streaming service |
| 3 streams and 6 accounts with separate DVR libraries | 4K and unlimited home streams cost $9.99 extra |
| NFL Sunday Ticket, RedZone and multiview | Home area can change only twice in 12 months |
| 21-day free trial | Premium channels cheapest only as the $29.99 bundle |
| TVs work away from home with local channels | Home-area locals unavailable while travelling |
Fix missing local channels on Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV
YouTube TV is not showing your home local stations
You are outside your home area, or the app has the wrong current playback area.
- Open YouTube TV in a browser and select your profile photo, then Location.
- Select Update next to Current playback area.
- If asked, go to tv.youtube.com/verify and allow the site to use your device's location.
- If you have moved, select Update next to Home area while you are in the new area.
Hulu says your TV is not at home
The living room device is on a different network from your Home network.
- Connect the TV or streamer to your residential home internet connection, not a hotspot.
- If you have moved, use one of your four yearly Home network changes to update your Home location.
- Contact Hulu support if no changes are left.
Hulu Live TV stopped working on your phone
The mobile device has not checked in at your Home network in the past 30 days.
- Connect the phone to your home Wi-Fi.
- Open the Hulu app so it checks in at your Home location.
- Contact Hulu support if Live TV stays blocked after the check-in.
Hulu + Live TV vs YouTube TV FAQ
Is Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV cheaper?
YouTube TV is cheaper. Its main plan costs $82.99 a month, while Hulu + Live TV costs $99.99 for new subscribers from September 23, 2026. Hulu's price includes the Hulu library, Disney+ and ESPN Select, which YouTube TV does not.
Does Hulu + Live TV include Disney+ and ESPN?
Yes. Every Hulu + Live TV plan except Live TV Only and the Espanol plans includes Disney+ and ESPN Select. Live TV subscribers also get the full ESPN Unlimited experience when they sign in to the ESPN app.
Which has better DVR, Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV?
Both offer unlimited cloud DVR with recordings kept for 9 months. YouTube TV gives each of up to 6 household members a separate library and adds offline recordings with 4K Plus, so it is the better DVR for families.
How many people can watch Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV at the same time?
Hulu + Live TV allows 2 screens at once, or unlimited screens on your Home network for $9.99 more. YouTube TV allows 3 streams, or unlimited streams at home with the $9.99 4K Plus add-on.
Does YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV have NFL Sunday Ticket?
Only YouTube TV. NFL Sunday Ticket is an optional paid add-on that needs an active YouTube TV plan and covers out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Hulu + Live TV does not offer it.
Can I watch Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV in 4K?
YouTube TV streams select live and on-demand content in 4K with the 4K Plus add-on on compatible devices. Hulu lists up to 4K UHD for its on-demand library but does not list 4K for live channels.
Can I use Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV at a second home?
Hulu + Live TV is meant for one Home network, so a second house needs a second Live TV account. YouTube TV TVs work away from home, but you get the local channels where you are, not your home area's.
Do Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV have free trials?
Yes. YouTube TV offers 21 days for $0. Hulu offers free trials on Hulu + Live TV to new subscribers and returning subscribers who have not had Hulu in the past 12 months; the length shows on your Account page.
Final verdict: Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV?
Choose YouTube TV for live TV and NFL at the lowest price; choose Hulu + Live TV if you would otherwise pay for Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN separately. YouTube TV costs $17 a month less and gives more streams, per-person DVR and Sunday Ticket, while Hulu + Live TV's higher price buys a full on-demand bundle and ESPN Unlimited that YouTube TV cannot match.
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