YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Price, Channels, Features, DVR, & More Compared

Cord cutters who are searching for live TV streaming services that offer popular channels at an affordable price should try YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. Both services are favorites of people who have escaped the high prices of cable and satellite as each has millions of subscribers.

Like many streamers, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer month-to-month subscriptions, no annual contracts, and no hidden fees. As long as you have a compatible device and an internet connection then you can stream your favorite live channels, on-demand movies and shows, sports, and more.

To help you decide if YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV is the right choice for you, check out the full breakdown of each service, below.

Which Devices Are Compatible?

Switching to a streaming service can be easy if you have the right equipment. Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV can be found on most major streaming devices. The chart below show which device you watch live TV on with the services.

The Channels

Local channels offer hit broadcasts shows, news, live sports, and much more. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer the Big Four networks and The CW.

Full Channel Lineup

Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV have robust channel lineups that the whole family will love. Each service offers most of the top cable channels with over 85 live channels available on Hulu + Live TV’s base plan and over 100 on YouTube TV.

*Channels vary based on plan, location, and are subject to change.
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Plans, Pricing, Add-ons, & Features

In the live TV streaming market, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV are competitively priced based on the value that customers receive. Both offer base plans and a host of add-ons to give subscribers flexibility and customization.

Cloud DVR, multiple screens, and a live guide are included features on both but there are some differences that we will explain, below.

YouTube TV’s Plans & Pricing

YouTube TV only offers two plans: Base and Spanish. Both give plans a lot of value for subscribers.

Base Plan Overview

The Base plan from YTTV, gives you over 100 live channels from some of the most-watched networks. The ability to record your favorite events, shows, movies, and more with unlimited DVR space and you can keep it stored in your library for up to 9 months. Plus, enjoy special features like Key Play Views, and share the love with 6 household accounts and 3 streams. Since channels vary based on viewers’ location you can check their site to see what channels are included in your area.

Spanish Plan Overview

If you’re in need of a Spanish-language package then the Spanish plan is a perfect option. With over 30 Spanish networks, the plan offers unlimited DVR space to record your favorites for up to 9 months like the base plan. Same special features as Key Play Views and 6 household accounts, but you can watch up to 3 streams. Channels vary by location but you can check to see which channels are available in your area.

Hulu + Live TV Plans & Pricing

Hulu only offers a base plan but the service does include a subscription to Disney+, ESPN+, and all of the content in Hulu’s library.

Base Plan Overview

• Price: $69.99 per month
• Channels: 85+ | ESPN+, Hulu library, & Disney+ included
• DVR: Unlimited
• Trial: No free trial

Hulu + Live TV’s base plan has over 85 live and on-demand channels from some of the most-watched networks for only $69.99 per month. The subscription includes unlimited access to the Hulu (With Ads) streaming library, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads). Subscribers can watch 2 screens at the same time and relive their favorite shows, movies, events, and more for up to 9 months with unlimited DVR.

What Add-Ons Are Available on YouTube TV & Hulu + Live TV?

Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer various add-ons that allow users to get the most out of their subscriptions. Below is a breakdown of each.

YouTube TV

4K Plus – $9.99 per month

Have a new TV or projector and you’re looking for an optimized viewing experience? YouTube TV offers a 4K Plus add-on that lets you watch in 4K Ultra High Definition for certain live and on-demand programs. The add-on event lets you enjoy your programs on unlimited concurrent streams at home, 3 streams outside of your home, and the ability to view DVR recording offline for available content on mobile devices,

YouTube TV Standalone Network and Package Add-ons

If YouTube TV’s Base or Spanish plan doesn’t have the network you are looking for, the streaming giant offers many different networks you can add on to the service. Pricing varies based on the network but here’s a full listing of YTTV’s add-on channels:

• Acorn, ALLBLK, AMC+, ATRESplayer, Cinemax, Comedy Dynamics, Contv, CuriosityStream, Dekkoo, Docurama, Dove, Fandor, Fox Nation, Gaia, Hallmark Movies Now, HBO, HBO Max, HereTV, Hopster Learning, IFC, Law & Crime, MagellanTV, Mangolia Selects, MGM+, MHzChoice, MovieSphere, My Outdoor TV, NBA League Pass, Outside TV Features, Pantaya, PokerGO, RCN Total, Screenpix, Screambox, Showtime, Shudder, STARZ, Stingray Classica, Sundance Now, Tastemade+, Topic, UPFaith & Family, Vix+, and VSiN.

If you’re looking to package some of the channels, YouTube TV offers an Entertainment Plus, Sports Plus, and Spanish Plus add-on.

• Entertainment Plus – $29.99 per month: With the Entertainment Plus add-on, you’ll gain access to HBO Max, STARZ, and Showtime.
• Sports Plus – $10.99 per month: If you’re a sports lover, the Sports Plus add-on will pair perfectly with your Base plan and gives you access to beIN SPORTS / beIN SPORTS XTRA, Billiard TV, FOX Soccer Plus, MAVTV Motorsports Network, NFL RedZone, Outside, PlayersTV, PokerGO+, SportsGrid, Stadium, FanDuel TV, VSiN, Fight Network and iMPACT Wrestling
• Spanish Plus – $14.99 per month: Stream the best Spanish-language networks: beIN SPORTS en Español, Antena 3, NTN 24, Nuestra Tele, TyC Sports, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, Baby TV Español, ESPN Deportes, Estrella TV, FOX Deportes, Cinelatino, Pantaya, WAPA América, Cine Mexicano, Cine Sony, Tastemade en Español, CNN en Español, Bandamax, De Película, De Película Clásico, FOROtv, Telehit, Música, tlnovelas, Universo, and The Weather Channel en Español

Since channels are subject to change, you can check out YouTube TV’s official site for the latest add-on networks.

To begin streaming your favorite channels, shows, movies, and more, sign up for YouTube TV and take advantage of a two-week free trial.

Hulu + Live TV

Network Add-On

• Entertainment Add-on – $7.99 per month: if you need more news, entertainment, and lifestyle programming then this add-on will give you access to a stellar lineup featuring American Heroes Channel, BET Her, Boomerang, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Crime + Investigation, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Magnolia Network, Military History Channel, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nick Toons, Science, and Teen Nick.
• Español Add-on – $4.99 per month: Add-on the most popular Spanish-language channels: CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, History Channel en Español, and Universo.
• Sports Add-on – $9.99 per month: Perfect for the sports fan, this package includes a diverse range of content from NFL RedZone, MAVTV, FanDuel TV/FanDuel Racing, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel

Premium Networks Add-on

• HBO Max – $14.99 per month: Stream hit movies, comedy specials, and shows with HBO Max on Hulu
• Cinemax – $9.99 per month: The Cinemax add-on gives you access to original series, hundreds of movies, and more.
• Showtime – $10.99 per month: The Showtime add-on gives you access to all of the Showtime channels which have content for everyone.
• STARZ – $8.99 per month: With a diverse library of shows, movies, and docuseries, the Starz add-on is a valuable addition to the base Hulu plan.

Unlimited Screens Add-on

• For $9.99 per month, you can upgrade your Hulu subscription with the Unlimited Screens Add-on. Perfect for people who have large families, the add-on allows you to simultaneously stream on any number of supported devices that are connected to your home network. If you’re on the move, the add-on lets you stream from up to 3 separate mobile devices.
• Unlimited Screens with Premium Add-ons – However, if you’re enjoying the content on a premium channel (HBO, Cinemax, STARZ, and/or Showtime), there’s a limit on the number of screens you can watch simultaneously. Premium channels can only be viewed on a total of 5 screens: 3 out-of-home on mobile devices and 2 in-home on your home network.

The Final Cut

Overall, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are two premier streaming services that cord cutters have came to love. YouTube TV offers a bigger selection of live channels and quality features but Hulu has a large library of content and the additions of ESPN+ and Disney+ make it a great value.

Either way, you cannot go wrong with either. For now, you can test out YouTube TV for free for 3 weeks, and if isn’t something you enjoy then give Hulu + Live TV a chance.