entertainment
Hulu Live TV vs YouTube TV 2026: Price, Channels, DVR
YouTube TV offers more simultaneous streams (3 vs 2) and a cleaner interface, while Hulu Live TV integrates on-demand content and costs $20/month less. YouTube TV is better for families sharing accounts; Hulu Live TV suits budget-conscious cord-cutters who want bundled entertainment.
HL
Hulu Live TV
Disney's live TV streaming service with 90+ channels and integrated Hulu on-demand content.
Budget-conscious cord-cutters who want the most live channels and don't mind occasional conflicts with household streaming
Score71%
VS
YT
YouTube TV
Google's live TV streaming platform with 70+ channels, unlimited DVR, and 3 simultaneous streams.
Families needing multiple simultaneous streams, tech-savvy users who use Google devices, and viewers who record 50+ hours monthly
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryYouTube TV offers more simultaneous streams (3 vs 2) and a cleaner interface, while Hulu Live TV integrates on-demand content and costs $20/month less. YouTube TV is better for families sharing accounts; Hulu Live TV suits budget-conscious cord-cutters who want bundled entertainment.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose YouTube TV if you prioritize value, need 3+ simultaneous streams, want unlimited DVR storage, and appreciate a streamlined interface—it's the better option for most multi-user households. Choose Hulu Live TV if you want the largest live channel selection, prefer integrated on-demand content from Hulu's library, and want to save $20/month despite restrictions on simultaneous viewing.
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H
Hulu Live TV
7/10
YouTube TV
8/10
Y
H
Choose Hulu Live TV if
Budget-conscious cord-cutters who want the most live channels and don't mind occasional conflicts with household streaming
Y
Choose YouTube TV if
Best pickFamilies needing multiple simultaneous streams, tech-savvy users who use Google devices, and viewers who record 50+ hours monthly
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Price:✓ YouTube TV wins($54.99/month vs $76.99/month)
- Simultaneous Streams:✓ YouTube TV wins(3 devices vs 2 devices)
- Cloud DVR Storage:✓ YouTube TV wins(Unlimited vs 50 hours)
Key Facts & Figures
95 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Hulu Live TV | YouTube TV | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $82.99/month | $82.99/month | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 90+ | 85+ | |
| On-Demand Content Titles(titles) | 10,000+ | 2,500+ | |
| Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) | 50 simultaneous | 6 simultaneous | |
| Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $95.99/month | $95.99/month | |
| Monthly Subscription Price(USD) | $76.99 | $54.99 | |
| Live TV Channels Available(channels) | 90+ | — | — |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 8 Mbps minimum | 3 Mbps (HD) | |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $54.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live Channels(channels) | 90+ | 100+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 2-3 | 6 | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 3 | 7 | |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $76.99 | $82.99 | |
| On-Demand Titles(titles) | 10,000+ | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $76.99 | $72.99 | |
| Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | 500 hours | Unlimited | — |
| DVR Content Retention Period(days) | 30 days | 270 days (9 months) | |
| Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) | 2 devices | 6 | |
| Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) | $923.88 | $875.88 | |
| Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | 50 hours | Unlimited | — |
| On-Demand Library Size(titles) | 10,000+ | YouTube only | — |
| DVR Recording Retention Period(months) | 9 months | 9 months | |
| Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD) | $14.99/month extra | Not available | — |
| On-Demand Content Library(titles) | 250,000+ titles | ~3,000 | |
| Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 2 | 3 | |
| Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) | 6 | 6 | |
| Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $923.88 | $659.88 | |
| Live TV Channels Included(channels) | 90+ | 150+ | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 2 screens | 3 screens | |
| Channel Customization Options(package types) | 1 fixed package | — | — |
| Cost Difference for Annual Service(USD per year) | $923.88/year | — | — |
| Base Monthly Cost(USD) | $76.99 | $99.99 | |
| Included On-Demand Library(titles) | 10,000+ (Hulu) | 0 (separate subscription required) | |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 | 90 days (3 months) | |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | 11.1 | |
| Family Sharing Accounts(profiles) | 6 accounts standard | 6 accounts standard | |
| Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams) | Up to 3 | Up to 3 | |
| Household Accounts(accounts) | Up to 6 | Up to 6 | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 0 days | 0 days | |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | $0.86 | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $72.99/month | $72.99/month | |
| Local Channel Coverage(percent of US) | 95%+ of US markets | 95%+ of US markets | |
| Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) | +$32.99 | +$32.99 | |
| Total Live Channels(channels) | 150+ | 150+ | |
| Sports Networks Included(count) | 20+ networks | 20+ networks | |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.49/channel | $0.49/channel | |
| Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD) | $82.99 | $82.99 | |
| Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens) | 6 simultaneous streams | 6 simultaneous streams | |
| Sports Content Percentage(percent) | ~50% | ~50% | |
| Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent) | ~50% | ~50% | |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | |
| Live TV Channel Count(channels) | 150+ channels | 150+ channels | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD) | $99.99 | $99.99 | |
| DVR Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | 270 days (9 months) | |
| Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) | 3 streams | 3 streams | |
| Number of User Profiles(profiles) | 6 profiles | 6 profiles | |
| On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) | Minimal (YouTube originals only) | Minimal (YouTube originals only) | |
| Monthly Base Price(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live Channels Included(channels) | 70+ | 70+ | |
| Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD) | $875.88 | $875.88 | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) | 3 streams | 3 streams | |
| DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month) | None (unlimited included) | None (unlimited included) | |
| Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) | $839.88 | $839.88 | |
| Total Channels(channels) | 70+ | 70+ | |
| Original Content Library(titles) | Limited (under 50) | Limited (under 50) | |
| Total Channels Available(channels) | 100+ total channels | 100+ total channels | |
| Live Sports Events Monthly(events) | 500+ | 500+ | |
| Original Content Hours Monthly(hours) | Minimal original content focus | Minimal original content focus | |
| Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) | $875.88 | $875.88 | |
| Live Sporting Events Per Year(events) | 3,000+ (sports only) | 3,000+ (sports only) | |
| Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams) | 6 (1 in 4K) | 6 (1 in 4K) | |
| Original Sports Content Library(titles) | 0 | 0 | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Content Library Size(millions of items) | 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | |
| Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) | 5 | 5 | |
| Annual Cost Difference(USD) | $995.88/year | $995.88/year | |
| Live Channels(channels) | 100+ channels | 100+ channels | |
| Bundle Customization Options(bundles) | 1 fixed lineup | 1 fixed lineup | |
| Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) | 25+ | 25+ | |
| 4K Channel Availability(channels) | 10+ channels | 10+ channels | |
| Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $82.99 | $82.99 | |
| Sports Channel Count(channels) | 15+ channels | 15+ channels | |
| News Channel Count(channels) | 10+ channels | 10+ channels | |
| User Profiles Per Household(profiles) | 5 profiles | 5 profiles | |
| Live Channels Available(channels) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Family Profiles(profiles) | 6 | 6 | |
| Sports Content Types(types) | All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) | All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) | |
| Base Channel Count(channels) | 70+ | 70+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base)(streams) | 3 (no upgrade needed) | 3 (no upgrade needed) | |
| Sports Plus Add-on Cost(USD/month) | $10.99 | $10.99 | |
| HBO Max Add-on Cost(USD/month) | $15.99 (separate sub) | $15.99 (separate sub) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
HL
3Hulu Live TVYouTube TV leads
YT
4YouTube TVHulu Live TV
Attribute
YouTube TV
- $76.99/monthMonthly Price$54.99/month(winner)
- 2 devicesSimultaneous Streams3 devices(winner)
- 50 hoursCloud DVR StorageUnlimited(winner)
- 90+ channels(winner)Live Channels Included85+ channels
- Integrated (Hulu catalog)(winner)On-Demand LibraryLimited third-party
- 7.2/10User Interface Rating8.1/10(winner)
- 7 days(winner)Free Trial PeriodNo free trial
- Monthly Price
Hulu Live TV
$76.99/month
YouTube TV
$54.99/month(winner)
- Simultaneous Streams
Hulu Live TV
2 devices
YouTube TV
3 devices(winner)
- Cloud DVR Storage
Hulu Live TV
50 hours
YouTube TV
Unlimited(winner)
- Live Channels Included
Hulu Live TV
90+ channels(winner)
YouTube TV
85+ channels
- On-Demand Library
Hulu Live TV
Integrated (Hulu catalog)(winner)
YouTube TV
Limited third-party
- User Interface Rating
Hulu Live TV
7.2/10
YouTube TV
8.1/10(winner)
- Free Trial Period
Hulu Live TV
7 days(winner)
YouTube TV
No free trial
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Hulu Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $82.99/month | $82.99/month |
| Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $95.99/month | $95.99/month |
| Monthly Subscription Price(USD) | $76.99 | $54.99(winner) |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $54.99(winner) | $72.99 |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $76.99(winner) | $82.99 |
Show 26 more attributesFree Trial Period(days) No free trial offered No free trial (5-day trial historically) Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $76.99 $72.99 Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) $923.88 $875.88 Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD) $14.99/month extra Not available Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $923.88 $659.88 Cost Difference for Annual Service(USD per year) $923.88/year — Base Monthly Cost(USD) $76.99 $99.99 Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) — Starting Monthly Price(USD) $72.99/month — Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) +$32.99 — Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD) $82.99 — Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD) $99.99 — Monthly Base Price(USD) $72.99 — Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD) $875.88 — Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $72.99 — DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month) None (unlimited included) — Bundle Discount Available(boolean) No official bundles — Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) $839.88 — Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) $875.88 — Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) $72.99 — Ad-Free Plan Availability Yes ($79.99/month) — Annual Cost Difference(USD) $995.88/year — Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) $72.99 — Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) $82.99 — Sports Plus Add-on Cost(USD/month) $10.99 — HBO Max Add-on Cost(USD/month) $15.99 (separate sub) — | ||
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 90+(winner) | 85+ |
| On-Demand Content Titles(titles) | 10,000+(winner) | 2,500+ |
| Live TV Channels Available(channels) | 90+ | — |
| Live Channels(channels) | 90+ | 100+(winner) |
| On-Demand Titles(titles) | 10,000+ | — |
Show 29 more attributesOn-Demand Library Size(titles) 10,000+ YouTube only On-Demand Content Library(titles) 250,000+ titles ~3,000 Live TV Channels Included(channels) 90+ 150+ Included On-Demand Library(titles) 10,000+ (Hulu) 0 (separate subscription required) Content Library Size(titles) 100+ live channels — Live TV Channels(channels) 100+ — Original Content Focus (2026) Moderate (licensed dominant) — Local Channel Coverage(percent of US) 95%+ of US markets — Total Live Channels(channels) 150+ — Sports Networks Included(count) 20+ networks — News Networks Included(major networks) CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News — Sports Content Percentage(percent) ~50% — Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent) ~50% — Live TV Channel Count(channels) 150+ channels — On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) Minimal (YouTube originals only) — Live Channels Included(channels) 70+ — Regional Sports Networks Standard coverage only — Total Channels(channels) 70+ — Original Content Library(titles) Limited (under 50) — Total Channels Available(channels) 100+ total channels — Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) 5 — Live Channels(channels) 100+ channels — Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) 25+ — Sports Channel Count(channels) 15+ channels — News Channel Count(channels) 10+ channels — Included On-Demand Streaming No (separate subscriptions needed) — Live Channels Available(channels) 100+ — Sports Content Types(types) All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) — Base Channel Count(channels) 70+ — | ||
| Cloud DVR Storage(hours) | 50 | Unlimited (9-month retention) |
| Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) | 50 simultaneous(winner) | 6 simultaneous |
| Multiview Sports Feature | No | Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026) |
| Cloud DVR Storage(hours) | 50 | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 2-3 | 6(winner) |
Show 25 more attributesCloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) 500 hours Unlimited DVR Content Retention Period(days) 30 days 270 days (9 months) Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) 2 devices 6 Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) 50 hours Unlimited DVR Recording Retention Period(months) 9 months 9 months Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) 6 6 Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams) 2 screens 3 screens Unlimited DVR All plans included — Family Sharing Accounts(profiles) 6 accounts standard — Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams) Up to 3 — Household Accounts(accounts) Up to 6 — DVR Storage (Standard)(hours) Unlimited — Customizable Channel Selection(yes/no) Genre-based plans (2026) — No-Contract Cancellation(yes/no) Yes, anytime — DVR Recording Storage(hours) Unlimited — Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens) 6 simultaneous streams — Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) 3 streams — Number of User Profiles(profiles) 6 profiles — Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) 3 streams — Offline Download Capability No — Bundle Customization Options(bundles) 1 fixed lineup — 4K Channel Availability(channels) 10+ channels — User Profiles Per Household(profiles) 5 profiles — Family Profiles(profiles) 6 — Simultaneous Streams (Base)(streams) 3 (no upgrade needed) — | ||
| Live Stream Video Quality(resolution/fps) | 1080p/60fps | — |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 8 Mbps minimum | 3 Mbps (HD)(winner) |
| 4K Content Availability(percent of library) | Yes | — |
| Sports & Local News Coverage(availability) | Full coverage (ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, locals) | — |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 3 | 7(winner) |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 | 90 days (3 months)(winner) |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 0 days | — |
| Included Premium Services | Hulu (ad-supported), Disney+, ESPN+ bundles | YouTube Premium, YouTube Music |
| 4K Streaming Support | Limited | Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo) |
| 4K Content Support(boolean) | Yes (select content) | No |
| 4K Streaming Available | No | Yes ($9.99/month add-on) |
| 4K Content Available | Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on) | — |
| 4K Streaming Support | Yes (included) | — |
| Mobile App Quality | Good with Hulu integration | Excellent with quick guide navigation |
| User Interface Rating(stars) | 7.2(winner) | 4.4/5 (user reviews 2026) |
| Bundled Premium Services(services) | Disney+, ESPN+ included | None included |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | — |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.49/channel | — |
| DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | 50 standard (200 with upgrade) | Unlimited |
| DVR Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | — |
| Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 2 | 3(winner) |
| Channel Customization Options(package types) | 1 fixed package | — |
| Streaming Device Compatibility | All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile) | All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile) |
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | — |
| Ad-Free Viewing | Standard feature (no ads) | — |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | — |
| Contract Required | No | — |
| Live Events Per Year(events) | Varies (included in channels) | — |
| Live Sporting Events Per Year(events) | 3,000+ (sports only) | — |
| NFL Regular Season Games (Annual)(games) | Included via ESPN networks | — |
| Live Sports Events Monthly(events) | 500+ | — |
| NFL Game Broadcasts Available(percent) | All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC) | — |
| Local Broadcast Network Access(markets covered) | 90% of U.S. markets | — |
| Original Content Hours Monthly(hours) | Minimal original content focus | — |
| Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams) | 6 (1 in 4K) | — |
| Original Sports Content Library(titles) | 0 | — |
| Content Library Size(millions of items) | 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | — |
HHulu Live TV
YYouTube TV
Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD)
$82.99/month
$82.99/month
Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD)
$95.99/month
$95.99/month
Monthly Subscription Price(USD)
$76.99
$54.99
Base Monthly Price(USD)
$54.99
$72.99
Base Monthly Price(USD)
$76.99
$82.99
Show 26 more attributes
Free Trial Period(days)
No free trial offered
No free trial (5-day trial historically)
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$76.99
$72.99
Annual Cost (12-month)(USD)
$923.88
$875.88
Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD)
$14.99/month extra
Not available
Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD)
$923.88
$659.88
Cost Difference for Annual Service(USD per year)
$923.88/year
—
Base Monthly Cost(USD)
$76.99
$99.99
Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD)
$60 (intro) / $83 (standard)
—
Starting Monthly Price(USD)
$72.99/month
—
Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month)
+$32.99
—
Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD)
$82.99
—
Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD)
$99.99
—
Monthly Base Price(USD)
$72.99
—
Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD)
$875.88
—
Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD)
$72.99
—
DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month)
None (unlimited included)
—
Bundle Discount Available(boolean)
No official bundles
—
Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD)
$839.88
—
Annual Cost (12 months)(USD)
$875.88
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD)
$72.99
—
Ad-Free Plan Availability
Yes ($79.99/month)
—
Annual Cost Difference(USD)
$995.88/year
—
Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD)
$72.99
—
Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD)
$82.99
—
Sports Plus Add-on Cost(USD/month)
$10.99
—
HBO Max Add-on Cost(USD/month)
$15.99 (separate sub)
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
90+
85+
On-Demand Content Titles(titles)
10,000+
2,500+
Live TV Channels Available(channels)
90+
—
Live Channels(channels)
90+
100+
On-Demand Titles(titles)
10,000+
—
Show 29 more attributes
On-Demand Library Size(titles)
10,000+
YouTube only
On-Demand Content Library(titles)
250,000+ titles
~3,000
Live TV Channels Included(channels)
90+
150+
Included On-Demand Library(titles)
10,000+ (Hulu)
0 (separate subscription required)
Content Library Size(titles)
100+ live channels
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
100+
—
Original Content Focus (2026)
Moderate (licensed dominant)
—
Local Channel Coverage(percent of US)
95%+ of US markets
—
Total Live Channels(channels)
150+
—
Sports Networks Included(count)
20+ networks
—
News Networks Included(major networks)
CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News
—
Sports Content Percentage(percent)
~50%
—
Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent)
~50%
—
Live TV Channel Count(channels)
150+ channels
—
On-Demand Content Library Size(titles)
Minimal (YouTube originals only)
—
Live Channels Included(channels)
70+
—
Regional Sports Networks
Standard coverage only
—
Total Channels(channels)
70+
—
Original Content Library(titles)
Limited (under 50)
—
Total Channels Available(channels)
100+ total channels
—
Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations)
5
—
Live Channels(channels)
100+ channels
—
Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels)
25+
—
Sports Channel Count(channels)
15+ channels
—
News Channel Count(channels)
10+ channels
—
Included On-Demand Streaming
No (separate subscriptions needed)
—
Live Channels Available(channels)
100+
—
Sports Content Types(types)
All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.)
—
Base Channel Count(channels)
70+
—
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
50
Unlimited (9-month retention)
Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings)
50 simultaneous
6 simultaneous
Multiview Sports Feature
No
Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026)
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
50
Unlimited
Simultaneous Streams(streams)
2-3
6
Show 25 more attributes
Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
500 hours
Unlimited
DVR Content Retention Period(days)
30 days
270 days (9 months)
Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens)
2 devices
6
Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
50 hours
Unlimited
DVR Recording Retention Period(months)
9 months
9 months
Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts)
6
6
Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams)
2 screens
3 screens
Unlimited DVR
All plans included
—
Family Sharing Accounts(profiles)
6 accounts standard
—
Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams)
Up to 3
—
Household Accounts(accounts)
Up to 6
—
DVR Storage (Standard)(hours)
Unlimited
—
Customizable Channel Selection(yes/no)
Genre-based plans (2026)
—
No-Contract Cancellation(yes/no)
Yes, anytime
—
DVR Recording Storage(hours)
Unlimited
—
Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens)
6 simultaneous streams
—
Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams)
3 streams
—
Number of User Profiles(profiles)
6 profiles
—
Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams)
3 streams
—
Offline Download Capability
No
—
Bundle Customization Options(bundles)
1 fixed lineup
—
4K Channel Availability(channels)
10+ channels
—
User Profiles Per Household(profiles)
5 profiles
—
Family Profiles(profiles)
6
—
Simultaneous Streams (Base)(streams)
3 (no upgrade needed)
—
Live Stream Video Quality(resolution/fps)
1080p/60fps
—
Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps)
8 Mbps minimum
3 Mbps (HD)
4K Content Availability(percent of library)
Yes
—
Sports & Local News Coverage(availability)
Full coverage (ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, locals)
—
Free Trial Length(days)
3
7
Free Trial Duration(days)
7
90 days (3 months)
Free Trial Length(days)
0 days
—
Included Premium Services
Hulu (ad-supported), Disney+, ESPN+ bundles
YouTube Premium, YouTube Music
4K Streaming Support
Limited
Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo)
4K Content Support(boolean)
Yes (select content)
No
4K Streaming Available
No
Yes ($9.99/month add-on)
4K Content Available
Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on)
—
4K Streaming Support
Yes (included)
—
Mobile App Quality
Good with Hulu integration
Excellent with quick guide navigation
User Interface Rating(stars)
7.2
4.4/5 (user reviews 2026)
Bundled Premium Services(services)
Disney+, ESPN+ included
None included
Cost Per Channel(USD per channel)
$0.86
—
Price Per Channel(USD per channel)
$0.49/channel
—
DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
50 standard (200 with upgrade)
Unlimited
DVR Retention Period(days)
270 days (9 months)
—
Simultaneous Streams(devices)
2
3
Channel Customization Options(package types)
1 fixed package
—
Streaming Device Compatibility
All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile)
All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile)
Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions)
11.1
—
Ad-Free Viewing
Standard feature (no ads)
—
AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year)
2026 (multiview, interactive features)
—
Contract Required
No
—
Live Events Per Year(events)
Varies (included in channels)
—
Live Sporting Events Per Year(events)
3,000+ (sports only)
—
NFL Regular Season Games (Annual)(games)
Included via ESPN networks
—
Live Sports Events Monthly(events)
500+
—
NFL Game Broadcasts Available(percent)
All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC)
—
Local Broadcast Network Access(markets covered)
90% of U.S. markets
—
Original Content Hours Monthly(hours)
Minimal original content focus
—
Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams)
6 (1 in 4K)
—
Original Sports Content Library(titles)
0
—
Content Library Size(millions of items)
100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours)
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·5 cons across both
HL
YT
HL
Hulu Live TV
+5-2
Pros
- 90+ live channels including sports and news (most of any competitor)
- Integrated access to Hulu's 10,000+ on-demand titles without extra cost
- 7-day free trial for new subscribers
- Bundle option with Disney+ and ESPN+ saves $14.99/month
- 47% lower base price than YouTube TV
Cons
- Limited to 2 simultaneous streams (vs 3 for YouTube TV)
- Only 50 hours of cloud DVR storage (YouTube TV offers unlimited)
YT
YouTube TV
+5-3
Pros
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage (vs 50 hours for Hulu Live TV)
- 3 simultaneous streams across devices (vs 2 for Hulu)
- Google TV interface rated 8.1/10 for clarity and speed
- Seamless integration with Google Home and Chromecast ecosystem
- Family Sharing allows up to 6 user profiles with independent recommendations
Cons
- $21.99/month more expensive than Hulu Live TV base plan
- No free trial available
- Limited on-demand content compared to Hulu's integrated library
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Both services allow sharing within households, but YouTube TV is more family-friendly. YouTube TV offers Family Sharing with up to 6 user profiles, independent watch histories, and allows 3 simultaneous streams (perfect for families). Hulu Live TV allows only 2 simultaneous streams and doesn't have dedicated family profiles, making it less ideal for large households.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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