YouTube TV offers more live TV channels (150+) and better sports coverage, while Hulu provides a larger on-demand library (10,000+ titles) and lower entry price at $7.99/month with ads. YouTube TV costs $72.99/month but includes cloud DVR and 4K streaming, making it better for live TV enthusiasts, whereas Hulu suits on-demand viewers on tighter budgets.
YouTube TV vs Hulu — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Live TV streaming service with 150+ channels and unlimited cloud DVR.
Streaming platform with 10,000+ on-demand titles and limited live TV options.
Live TV Channels Included. Monthly Base Price (With Ads). On-Demand Content Library Size. Cloud DVR Storage. 4K Streaming Available. Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan). Free Trial Period
Choose YouTube TV if you prioritize live sports, news, and want unlimited cloud DVR with 4K streaming—it's ideal for cord-cutters replacing traditional cable. Choose Hulu if you prefer on-demand entertainment at an affordable price point and are willing to accept limited live TV channels; it's best for budget-conscious streamers focused on binge-watching shows and movies.
YouTube TV: $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: 100+ live channels | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: All plans included | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Standard feature (no ads) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: 6 accounts standard | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Moderate (licensed dominant) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: None (discontinued) | Hulu: 7 days
YouTube TV: Yes, select content | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Channel VOD only (~2,000) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: 95%+ of US markets | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Genre-based plans (2026) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: 6 simultaneous streams | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: YouTube Premium, YouTube Music | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Excellent with quick guide navigation | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: 270 days (9 months) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Minimal (YouTube originals only) | Hulu: 10,000+
YouTube TV: Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Standard coverage only | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: None (unlimited included) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: No official bundles | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Unlimited (9-month retention) | Hulu: 50 hours
YouTube TV: Varies (included in channels) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Limited (under 50) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Included via ESPN networks | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: No free trial (5-day trial historically) | Hulu: 30 days (varies by plan)
Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)
YouTube TV: 100+ total channels | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: 90% of U.S. markets | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Minimal original content focus | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: 3,000+ (sports only) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC) | Hulu: N/A
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
YouTube TV: 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | Hulu: N/A
YouTube TV: Yes ($79.99/month) | Hulu: N/A
Recommended Bundle Price (All Services, No Ads)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: $44.99 (with ESPN Unlimited)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Limited, mostly HD
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: 8 participants (Watch Party)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Available with bundles
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Limited (select events only)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Top 3 among streamers
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Yes (Hulu+Live TV)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Yes (premium tier)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: 120 days standard
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Disney+, ESPN+, FX content
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Tell Me Lies (7.2 rating)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: ESPN+ with premium sports
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: 120+ nominations
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Industry standard
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Via ESPN+ partnership
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Standard mobile app
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Included (Hulu Watch Party)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Easier to browse and find content
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: $19.99/month (included)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Next-day episodes of current shows
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Standalone app ending, merging into Disney+
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Yes (ABC, NBC, Fox, FX)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Same-day/next-day (typically 8-24 hours)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: $119.99 (with ads, includes Disney+ & ESPN+)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: 4K HDR, Dolby Atmos
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Yes (most series)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Yes (add-on: $14.99/mo)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Premium tier only
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Yes ($14.99/month with Disney+/ESPN+)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Next-day (24 hours)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Available (select shows)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Available ($76.99/month add-on)
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: Premium plan only
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: 25+ diverse originals
YouTube TV: N/A | Hulu: ABC, Fox, NBC shows included
How to choose between YouTube TV and Hulu
YouTube TV vs Hulu — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for YouTube TV vs Hulu. Contains 212 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
YouTube TV vs Hulu — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for YouTube TV vs Hulu.
Can I watch live sports on both services?
YouTube TV has significantly better sports coverage with 150+ channels including ESPN, Fox Sports, and availability of NFL Sunday Ticket. Hulu's limited 85+ channels include some ESPN content but lacks comprehensive sports programming. For serious sports fans, YouTube TV is the clear choice despite its higher cost.
Which service has better value for families?
YouTube TV offers better value for families with 6 simultaneous streams vs. Hulu's 2 streams, allowing multiple household members to watch simultaneously. However, Hulu's $7.99 base price is significantly cheaper, and when bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $14.99/month, it becomes an attractive option for families wanting entertainment and sports across multiple platforms.
What's the difference in DVR capabilities?
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage with 9-month retention at no extra cost, meaning you can record unlimited shows and keep them for 9 months. Hulu's standard plan offers only 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. If you rely on recording and rewatching programs, YouTube TV is significantly superior.
Which service is better for binge-watching shows?
Hulu excels for binge-watching with 10,000+ on-demand titles compared to YouTube TV's ~3,000. Hulu also offers next-day episode releases for current series, making it ideal for staying caught up on shows. YouTube TV's strength is live TV; for pure on-demand content, Hulu is the better choice.
Only YouTube TV offers 4K streaming, included at no extra cost with all plans. Hulu does not support 4K streaming on any of its current plans. If picture quality and 4K are priorities, YouTube TV is the only option between these two services.
How to Choose Between YouTube TV and Hulu
Live TV Channels Included: YouTube TV has 150+ channels, while Hulu has 85+ channels.
Monthly Base Price (With Ads): YouTube TV has $72.99, while Hulu has $7.99.
Consider: On-Demand Content Library Size
On-Demand Content Library Size: YouTube TV has ~3,000 titles, while Hulu has 10,000+ titles.
Cloud DVR Storage: YouTube TV has Unlimited, 9 months retention, while Hulu has 50 hours standard.
4K Streaming Available: YouTube TV has Yes (included at no extra cost), while Hulu has No (not available).
Consider: Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan)
Simultaneous Streams (Standard Plan): YouTube TV has Up to 6 screens, while Hulu has Up to 2 screens.
Free Trial Period: YouTube TV has None (discontinued), while Hulu has 7 days.