If you want to replace cable without losing your channels, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV often come up in the United States.
Their prices are almost similar. But the services take different approaches. YouTube TV focuses on live viewing. Hulu + Live TV includes the Hulu library and lots of live TV stations.
Here is a comparison of YouTube TV vs Hulu:
About YouTube TV
YouTube TV is Google’s cable replacement service. Its main package includes more than 100 channels. These are national cable networks and local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC stations in most markets.
Your exact lineup depends on your home ZIP code. So check the YouTube TV channel lookup before subscribing.
For the main YouTube TV plan, you will pay $82.99 each month. The Sports Plan is cheaper for just $64.99. For that amount, you have 34 channels, including local stations and the sports networks from the main plan.
Optional upgrades for everyone include the 4K Plus for $9.99 per month. You can also get NFL RedZone with Sports Plus for $10.99 per month.
About Hulu + Live TV
This giant includes a live channel package and several streaming libraries. It has over 95 channels. Local stations are also available in supported markets.
The package not only has Hulu. You also get Disney+ and ESPN Select.
The standard Hulu + Live TV plan costs $89.99 for a whole month. This is billed after your three-day free trial. Hulu Premium + Live TV costs $99.99 per month. It removes most ads.
The Sports Add-on will cost you $9.99 per month. It gives you additional streams for NFL RedZone and the Tennis Channel. You also get networks like the MLB Strike Zone.
For the Unlimited Screens add-on, you will shell out $9.99 per month.
YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV comparison
Below are the differences between these services:
1. Price and value
YouTube TV costs $7 less each month. When you only need live channels, DVR recording, and sports coverage, it gives you the lower regular price.
Hulu earns back the difference through its included streaming services. The plan makes more sense when you would otherwise pay separately for Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Select. YouTube TV’s cheaper Sports Plan is useful for sports-first households, but it removes too many entertainment channels to count as a full Hulu + Live TV rival.
2. Channel lineup and local stations
YouTube TV has 100+ channels. Hulu lists more than 95, including Christian TV. Both carry the main broadcast networks in most areas,
The gaps matter more than the total. YouTube TV includes AMC. Hulu’s live list includes A&E, History, Lifetime, and LMN.
3. Live sports
Both services cover national sports channels, local broadcast games, and major college networks. Hulu also includes ESPN Select, adding NHL, soccer, college sports, golf, and other events outside the regular cable lineup.
YouTube TV offers better sports viewing tools. Multiview displays up to four live channels on one screen. You also get Key Plays View. This feature helps you catch up quickly.
NFL Sunday Ticket is also available through YouTube TV for out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
4. Simultaneous streams and profiles
YouTube TV includes three simultaneous streams. It has six household accounts. Each person receives a separate library, although all members must live in the same household.
Hulu supports up to six profiles but starts with two streams. Its Unlimited Screens add-on costs $9.99 per month.
YouTube TV’s 4K Plus upgrade also unlocks unlimited streams at home.
5. On-demand movies and shows
Hulu + Live TV wins this section. Your subscription includes Hulu Originals and much more.
YouTube TV includes network on-demand episodes and movies, but it does not include YouTube Premium or a comparable original entertainment library.