Choosing between Hulu and YouTube TV in 2024 can be tough. Both offer live TV, on-demand shows, movies, and sports, but each has its strengths. Whether you’re looking for more channels, better sports coverage, or original content, this guide will help you decide which one is better for your needs.
Keep reading to find out which service is the best choice for you!
YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Which is Better for Content?
Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV both offer lots of shows and movies. You can watch live sports, news, kids’ shows, reality TV, and dramas. Hulu + Live TV gives you over 90 channels, while YouTube TV offers around 130.
The channels are similar on both, but it depends on what you want to watch. If you like BBC America or HGTV, YouTube TV is a better choice. If you prefer Lifetime or The History Channel, go with Hulu.
Both services share these popular channels:
- Paramount
- Comedy Central
- Disney
- BET
- FX
- National Geographic
- ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS (depending on where you live)
What’s the main difference?
Hulu has a lot of its original shows and includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in its plan, giving you more content. YouTube TV has fewer original shows, as it stopped making new ones in 2022.
For sports, Hulu + Live TV comes with ESPN+. Both services show live sports like NFL, NBA, UFC, and more. YouTube TV also offers add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket for extra sports coverage.
Hulu vs. YouTube TV: Plans, Extras, and Pricing
User Interface and Ease of Use
Hulu and YouTube TV have different designs. YouTube TV feels like traditional cable, while Hulu focuses on streaming. On Hulu, you need to go through the app to switch from streaming to Live TV, which takes a few more steps than on YouTube TV.
Stream Quality
Both Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer 1080p video. YouTube TV also has a 4K Plus option for some shows. However, some users say YouTube TV’s video quality can be poor, especially in dark or fast scenes (like shows on FX). Hulu’s video quality is generally reported to be better.
DVR
Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV both have unlimited DVR storage. Each user on your account gets their own space. You can record as many shows as you want, and the recordings are deleted after nine months. Hulu lets you delete recordings earlier, but YouTube TV doesn’t allow deleting anything.
The DVR systems work differently. Hulu’s DVR works like traditional cable. On YouTube TV, you add shows to your library, and it automatically records all episodes. For movies, it saves every time it airs, so you might get duplicates. YouTube TV also sends older episodes to help you catch up, which can be confusing. Some Hulu users say the DVR doesn’t save your place when you stop watching and starts from the beginning when you come back.
Downloading Options
Hulu lets you download most shows and movies from its streaming library to watch offline. You can save up to 25 titles on five devices. Hulu doesn’t allow downloading Live TV recordings. YouTube TV allows downloading DVR recordings, but only if you pay for the 4K Plus add-on.
YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Price
It’s pretty straightforward. YouTube TV costs $72.99 per month, and there are often deals that give you a discount at the start. On the other hand, Hulu + Live TV costs $76.99 per month, and discounts are not as common.
However, things get even clearer with Hulu + Live TV’s price increase coming soon. On October 17, the price will rise to $82.99 per month, making it $10 more expensive than YouTube TV. Even though Hulu + Live TV includes Hulu with ads and Disney Plus with ads (which usually costs $16.99 a month for the Disney Duo Basic), the $10 difference is harder to justify now than before.
Winner: YouTube TV, by $10 starting October 17.
Pricing is effective starting October 17, 2024.
YouTube TV vs. Hulu with Live TV
| Feature | YouTube TV | Hulu with Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (per month) | $72.99 | $76.99* |
| Channels (in entry-level package) | 100+ | 95+ channels, plus Disney Plus (with ads), ESPN Plus (with ads), Hulu (with ads) |
| DVR | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| On-Demand | Yes | Yes |
| Device Support | Works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, iOS 12 or later, iPad OS 12 or later, Android L or later, Android TV, Google TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One or later, select Smart TVs (Hisense, LG, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung, Vizio), PS4, PS5, TiVo Stream 4K, Xfinity Flex devices | Works on web browsers, iOS, iPad OS, Android, Android TV, Google TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio and more), Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and more |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 (Unlimited for an additional fee) | 2 (Unlimited for an additional fee) |
*Note: Price will increase to $82.99/month starting October 17, 2024.
Hulu vs. YouTube TV: Which One Should You Pick?
So, which is better: Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV? Since their prices are almost the same (only $4 difference), it comes down to what you want.
Hulu usually offers better video quality. But if you plan to travel frequently or share your account with others, YouTube TV might work better for you.
YouTube TV is probably the best choice if you’re a big sports fan. You can watch on multiple screens at once, see player stats, and replay key moments. Both services show live sports, but YouTube TV’s Sports Plus add-on gives you 15 channels like beIN Sports and NFL RedZone, while Hulu’s add-on has only 8 channels for almost the same price.
For entertainment, Hulu shines with shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Bear, plus reality shows like Love Island UK. Hulu also adds great value by including ESPN+ and Disney+ in its package. But if you care more about the number of channels, YouTube TV is the winner with over 130 channels, compared to Hulu’s 90+.
FAQs: Hulu vs. YouTube TV: Which is Better?
What are the main differences between Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV?
Hulu + Live TV offers around 90 channels and includes Disney+ and ESPN+ in its package, making it a great choice for entertainment and sports fans. YouTube TV has over 130 channels and provides more sports options with add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket and 4K streaming.
Which service is cheaper, Hulu or YouTube TV?
Hulu + Live TV starts at $76.99 per month, while YouTube TV starts at $72.99 per month. The price difference is small, so your choice depends more on the content and features you prefer.
Does Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV have better video quality?
Both services offer 1080p video quality. YouTube TV offers a 4K Plus add-on for higher-quality streaming, while Hulu is generally known for more consistent video quality across its content.
Which service is better for sports fans?
YouTube TV is usually the better option for sports fans. It offers more sports channels and the ability to add NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass, and more. Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN+ but has fewer sports channels overall.
Can I record shows on both Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV?
Yes, both services offer unlimited cloud DVR storage. You can record as many shows as you want, but Hulu allows you to delete recordings manually, while YouTube TV automatically deletes them after nine months.
Which service has more original content?
Hulu is the winner when it comes to original content. It offers popular shows like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Bear, along with many movies and exclusive series. YouTube TV doesn’t focus much on originals, so Hulu is the better choice for unique content.