entertainment
YouTube TV vs Hulu Live TV 2026: Full Comparison
YouTube TV offers more channels (100+) and unlimited cloud DVR storage at a lower starting price ($73/month), while Hulu Live TV includes on-demand Hulu content and has more sports options but costs $85.99/month with limited DVR storage (50 hours).
YT
YouTube TV
Google's live TV streaming service with 150+ channels and extensive cloud DVR
Budget-conscious cord-cutters who want maximum channel selection and DVR flexibility without on-demand needs
Score71%
VS
Hulu + Live TV
Disney streaming service combining live TV with full Hulu on-demand library
Entertainment seekers wanting live TV plus extensive on-demand content and integrated sports without managing multiple subscriptions
Score71%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryYouTube TV offers more channels (100+) and unlimited cloud DVR storage at a lower starting price ($73/month), while Hulu Live TV includes on-demand Hulu content and has more sports options but costs $85.99/month with limited DVR storage (50 hours).
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose YouTube TV if you prioritize cost savings, unlimited DVR storage, and maximum live channels without requiring on-demand content. Choose Hulu Live TV if you want bundled on-demand streaming, better sports integration, and don't mind paying more for a consolidated entertainment experience.
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Y
YouTube TV
8.4/10
Hulu + Live TV
6.6/10
Y
Choose YouTube TV if
Best pickBudget-conscious cord-cutters who want maximum channel selection and DVR flexibility without on-demand needs
Choose Hulu + Live TV if
Entertainment seekers wanting live TV plus extensive on-demand content and integrated sports without managing multiple subscriptions
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Starting Monthly Price:✓ YouTube TV wins($73.99/month vs $85.99/month)
- Live TV Channels Included:✓ YouTube TV wins(100+ channels vs 90+ channels)
- Cloud DVR Storage:✓ YouTube TV wins(Unlimited, no expiration vs 50 hours (limited))
Key Facts & Figures
107 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | — | — |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | — | — |
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | — | — |
| Family Sharing Accounts(profiles) | 6 accounts standard | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams) | Up to 3 | — | — |
| Household Accounts(accounts) | Up to 6 | — | — |
| Free Trial Length(days) | None | — | — |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $82.99/month | $82.99/month | |
| On-Demand Content Titles(titles) | 2,500+ | 10,000+ | |
| Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) | 6 simultaneous | 50 simultaneous | |
| Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $95.99/month | $95.99/month | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $73.99 | $85.99 | |
| Local Channel Coverage(percent of US) | 95%+ of US markets | — | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 3 screens | 2 screens | |
| Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) | +$32.99 | — | — |
| Base Monthly Cost(USD) | $99.99 | $76.99 | |
| Total Live Channels(channels) | 150+ | — | — |
| Sports Networks Included(count) | 20+ networks | — | — |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.49/channel | — | — |
| Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD) | $82.99 | — | — |
| Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens) | 6 simultaneous streams | — | — |
| Sports Content Percentage(percent) | ~50% | — | — |
| Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent) | ~50% | — | — |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | — | — |
| Live TV Channel Count(channels) | 150+ channels | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $72.99 | $54.99 | |
| Live Channels(channels) | 100+ | 90+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 6 | 2-3 | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7 | 3 | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD) | $99.99 | — | — |
| DVR Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | — | — |
| Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) | 3 streams | — | — |
| Number of User Profiles(profiles) | 6 profiles | — | — |
| On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) | Minimal (YouTube originals only) | — | — |
| Monthly Base Price(USD) | $72.99 | — | — |
| Live Channels Included(channels) | 70+ | — | — |
| Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD) | $875.88 | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | — | — |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | 90+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) | 3 streams | — | — |
| DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month) | None (unlimited included) | — | — |
| Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | Unlimited | 500 hours | — |
| DVR Content Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | 30 days | |
| Live TV Channels Included(channels) | 150+ | 90+ | |
| Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) | $875.88 | $923.88 | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $72.99 | $76.99 | |
| Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) | $839.88 | — | — |
| Total Channels(channels) | 70+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) | 6 | 2 devices | |
| Original Content Library(titles) | Limited (under 50) | — | — |
| Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | Unlimited | 50 hours | — |
| On-Demand Library Size(titles) | ~500 (YouTube Originals) | 150,000+ (full Hulu) | |
| DVR Recording Retention Period(months) | 9 months | 9 months | |
| Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD) | Not available | $14.99/month extra | — |
| Total Channels Available(channels) | 100+ total channels | — | — |
| Live Sports Events Monthly(events) | 500+ | — | — |
| Original Content Hours Monthly(hours) | Minimal original content focus | — | — |
| Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) | $875.88 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Price(USD) | $54.99 | $76.99 | |
| On-Demand Content Library(titles) | ~3,000 | 250,000+ titles | |
| Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) | 6 | 6 | |
| Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $659.88 | $923.88 | |
| Live Sporting Events Per Year(events) | 3,000+ (sports only) | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams) | 6 (1 in 4K) | — | — |
| Original Sports Content Library(titles) | 0 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | — | — |
| Content Library Size(titles) | 150 channels | — | — |
| Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) | 5 | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $72.99/month | $76.99/month | |
| Annual Cost Difference(USD) | $995.88/year | — | — |
| Live Channels(channels) | 100+ channels | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams(screens) | 3 screens | 2-3 screens | |
| Bundle Customization Options(bundles) | 1 fixed lineup | — | — |
| Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) | 25+ | — | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 0 | 3 | |
| 4K Channel Availability(channels) | 10+ channels | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) | $72.99 | — | — |
| Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $82.99 | — | — |
| Sports Channel Count(channels) | 15+ channels | — | — |
| News Channel Count(channels) | 10+ channels | — | — |
| User Profiles Per Household(profiles) | 5 profiles | — | — |
| Live Channels Available(channels) | 150+ channels | 90+ channels | |
| Family Profiles(profiles) | 6 | — | — |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 3 Mbps (HD) | 8 Mbps minimum | |
| Sports Content Types(types) | All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) | — | — |
| Included On-Demand Library(titles) | 0 (separate subscription required) | 10,000+ (Hulu) | |
| Base Channel Count(channels) | 70+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base)(streams) | 3 (no upgrade needed) | — | — |
| Sports Plus Add-on Cost(USD/month) | $10.99 | — | — |
| HBO Max Add-on Cost(USD/month) | $15.99 (separate sub) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Price (Base Tier)(USD) | $72.99 | — | — |
| Original Content Production (Annual)(titles) | 5-10 | — | — |
| Global Availability(countries) | USA only | — | — |
| Subscriber Base (2026)(millions) | 8 | — | — |
| Included Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ channels | — | — |
| Default Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 3 streams | — | — |
| Cost for 3 Simultaneous Streams(USD/month) | $72.99 (included) | — | — |
| Concurrent Streams(streams) | 3 | 2 | |
| On-Demand Library Included(titles (estimated)) | 0 (separate purchase) | 10000+ | |
| Annual Cost (No Add-ons)(USD) | $887.88 | $1031.88 | |
| Premium Sports Tier Cost(USD/month) | $14.99 (Sports+ add-on) | ESPN+ included in bundle ($99.99 for all three) | |
| Trial Period(days) | 3 months ($1/month) | 7 days | |
| Live TV Channels Available(channels) | 90+ | 90+ | |
| On-Demand Titles(titles) | 10,000+ | 10,000+ | |
| Channel Customization Options(package types) | 1 fixed package | 1 fixed package | |
| Cost Difference for Annual Service(USD per year) | $923.88/year | $923.88/year |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
YT
4YouTube TVYouTube TV leads
YouTube TV
Attribute
Hulu + Live TV
- $73.99/month(winner)Starting Monthly Price$85.99/month
- 100+ channels(winner)Live TV Channels Included90+ channels
- Unlimited, no expiration(winner)Cloud DVR Storage50 hours (limited)
- YouTube Premium only (separate subscription)Bundled On-Demand ContentHulu on-demand included in plan(winner)
- 3 concurrent streams(winner)Simultaneous Streams2 concurrent streams
- Limited add-on optionsSports Coverage (NFL RedZone, etc.)Better integrated sports package(winner)
- None currentlyFree Trial Period3 days free(winner)
- Starting Monthly Price
YouTube TV
$73.99/month(winner)
Hulu + Live TV
$85.99/month
- Live TV Channels Included
YouTube TV
100+ channels(winner)
Hulu + Live TV
90+ channels
- Cloud DVR Storage
YouTube TV
Unlimited, no expiration(winner)
Hulu + Live TV
50 hours (limited)
- Bundled On-Demand Content
YouTube TV
YouTube Premium only (separate subscription)
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu on-demand included in plan(winner)
- Simultaneous Streams
YouTube TV
3 concurrent streams(winner)
Hulu + Live TV
2 concurrent streams
- Sports Coverage (NFL RedZone, etc.)
YouTube TV
Limited add-on options
Hulu + Live TV
Better integrated sports package(winner)
- Free Trial Period
YouTube TV
None currently
Hulu + Live TV
3 days free(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | — |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $82.99/month | $82.99/month |
| Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $95.99/month | $95.99/month |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $73.99(winner) | $85.99 |
| Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) | +$32.99 | — |
Show 28 more attributesBase Monthly Cost(USD) $99.99 $76.99 Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD) $82.99 — Base Monthly Price(USD) $72.99 $54.99 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 (12-month)(USD) $875.88 $923.88 Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $72.99 $76.99 Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) $839.88 — Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD) Not available $14.99/month extra Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) $875.88 — Monthly Subscription Price(USD) $54.99 $76.99 Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $659.88 $923.88 Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) $72.99 — Ad-Free Plan Availability Yes ($79.99/month) — Base Monthly Price(USD) $72.99/month $76.99/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) — Monthly Subscription Price (Base Tier)(USD) $72.99 — Annual Cost (No Add-ons)(USD) $887.88 $1031.88 Premium Sports Tier Cost(USD/month) $14.99 (Sports+ add-on) ESPN+ included in bundle ($99.99 for all three) Cost Difference for Annual Service(USD per year) $923.88/year — | ||
| Content Library Size(titles) | 100+ live channels | — |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | — |
| Original Content Focus (2026) | Moderate (licensed dominant) | — |
| On-Demand Content Titles(titles) | 2,500+ | 10,000+(winner) |
| Local Channel Coverage(percent of US) | 95%+ of US markets | — |
Show 35 more attributesTotal 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 — Live Channels(channels) 100+ 90+ On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) Minimal (YouTube originals only) — Live Channels Included(channels) 70+ — Regional Sports Networks Standard coverage only — Live TV Channels(channels) 100+ 90+ Live TV Channels Included(channels) 150+ 90+ Total Channels(channels) 70+ — Original Content Library(titles) Limited (under 50) — On-Demand Library Size(titles) ~500 (YouTube Originals) 150,000+ (full Hulu) Total Channels Available(channels) 100+ total channels — On-Demand Content Library(titles) ~3,000 250,000+ titles Content Library Size(titles) 150 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) 150+ channels 90+ channels Sports Content Types(types) All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) — Included On-Demand Library(titles) 0 (separate subscription required) 10,000+ (Hulu) Base Channel Count(channels) 70+ — Original Content Production (Annual)(titles) 5-10 — Live Sports Coverage(major leagues covered) All major (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS) — Included Live TV Channels(channels) 100+ channels — Major Sports Channel Inclusion(channels) Included (ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, MLB Network, Pac-12, others) — On-Demand Library Included(titles (estimated)) 0 (separate purchase) 10000+ Live TV Channels Available(channels) 90+ — On-Demand Titles(titles) 10,000+ — | ||
| 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 | — |
| Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) | 6 simultaneous | 50 simultaneous(winner) |
Show 30 more attributesMultiview Sports Feature Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026) No 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 — Cloud DVR Storage(hours) Unlimited 50 Simultaneous Streams(streams) 6 2-3 Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) 3 streams — Number of User Profiles(profiles) 6 profiles — Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) 3 streams — Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) Unlimited 500 hours DVR Content Retention Period(days) 270 days (9 months) 30 days Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) 6 2 devices Cloud DVR Storage(hours) 3,000 hours 50 hours standard Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) Unlimited 50 hours DVR Recording Retention Period(months) 9 months 9 months Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) 6 6 Offline Download Capability No — Simultaneous Streams(screens) 3 screens 2-3 screens 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) — Cloud DVR Storage (Free Tier)(hours) Unlimited — Default Simultaneous Streams(streams) 3 streams — Cloud DVR Storage Standard Tier(hours) Unlimited 50 Concurrent Streams(streams) 3 2 4K Live Streaming Available (select channels) Not available | ||
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | — |
| Ad-Free Viewing | Standard feature (no ads) | — |
| Free Trial Length(days) | None | — |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7(winner) | 3 |
| Free Trial Period(days) | No free trial (5-day trial historically) | No free trial offered |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 0 | 3(winner) |
| Trial Period(days) | 3 months ($1/month)(winner) | 7 days |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | — |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.49/channel | — |
| Bundled Premium Services(services) | None included | Disney+, ESPN+ included |
| 4K Streaming Available | Yes ($9.99/month add-on) | No |
| 4K Streaming Support | Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo) | Limited |
| 4K Content Available(titles) | Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on) | — |
| 4K Content Support(boolean) | No | Yes (select content) |
| 4K Streaming Support | Yes (included) | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 3 screens(winner) | 2 screens |
| Mobile App Quality | Excellent with quick guide navigation | Good with Hulu integration |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | — |
| Included Premium Services | YouTube Premium, YouTube Music | Hulu (ad-supported), Disney+, ESPN+ bundles |
| DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | Unlimited | 50 standard (200 with upgrade) |
| DVR Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | — |
| 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 | — |
| 4K Content Availability(percent of library) | Yes | — |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 3 Mbps (HD)(winner) | 8 Mbps minimum |
| Streaming Device Compatibility | All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile) | All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile) |
| Supported Devices(count) | 40+ devices | — |
| User Interface Rating(stars out of 5) | 4.4/5 (user reviews 2026) | 7.2(winner) |
| Global Availability(countries) | USA only | — |
| Subscriber Base (2026)(millions) | 8 | — |
| Cost for 3 Simultaneous Streams(USD/month) | $72.99 (included) | — |
| Major Sports Networks Included(networks) | Most major networks | ESPN, ABC, FOX Sports (enhanced) |
| Live Stream Video Quality(resolution/fps) | 1080p/60fps | — |
| Sports & Local News Coverage(availability) | Full coverage (ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, locals) | — |
| Channel Customization Options(package types) | 1 fixed package | — |
YYouTube TV
Hulu + Live TVBase Monthly Price (2026)(USD)
$60 (intro) / $83 (standard)
—
Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD)
$82.99/month
$82.99/month
Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD)
$95.99/month
$95.99/month
Starting Monthly Price(USD)
$73.99
$85.99
Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month)
+$32.99
—
Show 28 more attributes
Base Monthly Cost(USD)
$99.99
$76.99
Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD)
$82.99
—
Base Monthly Price(USD)
$72.99
$54.99
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 (12-month)(USD)
$875.88
$923.88
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$72.99
$76.99
Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD)
$839.88
—
Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD)
Not available
$14.99/month extra
Annual Cost (12 months)(USD)
$875.88
—
Monthly Subscription Price(USD)
$54.99
$76.99
Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD)
$659.88
$923.88
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD)
$72.99
—
Ad-Free Plan Availability
Yes ($79.99/month)
—
Base Monthly Price(USD)
$72.99/month
$76.99/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)
—
Monthly Subscription Price (Base Tier)(USD)
$72.99
—
Annual Cost (No Add-ons)(USD)
$887.88
$1031.88
Premium Sports Tier Cost(USD/month)
$14.99 (Sports+ add-on)
ESPN+ included in bundle ($99.99 for all three)
Cost Difference for Annual Service(USD per year)
$923.88/year
—
Content Library Size(titles)
100+ live channels
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
100+
—
Original Content Focus (2026)
Moderate (licensed dominant)
—
On-Demand Content Titles(titles)
2,500+
10,000+
Local Channel Coverage(percent of US)
95%+ of US markets
—
Show 35 more attributes
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
—
Live Channels(channels)
100+
90+
On-Demand Content Library Size(titles)
Minimal (YouTube originals only)
—
Live Channels Included(channels)
70+
—
Regional Sports Networks
Standard coverage only
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
100+
90+
Live TV Channels Included(channels)
150+
90+
Total Channels(channels)
70+
—
Original Content Library(titles)
Limited (under 50)
—
On-Demand Library Size(titles)
~500 (YouTube Originals)
150,000+ (full Hulu)
Total Channels Available(channels)
100+ total channels
—
On-Demand Content Library(titles)
~3,000
250,000+ titles
Content Library Size(titles)
150 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)
150+ channels
90+ channels
Sports Content Types(types)
All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.)
—
Included On-Demand Library(titles)
0 (separate subscription required)
10,000+ (Hulu)
Base Channel Count(channels)
70+
—
Original Content Production (Annual)(titles)
5-10
—
Live Sports Coverage(major leagues covered)
All major (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS)
—
Included Live TV Channels(channels)
100+ channels
—
Major Sports Channel Inclusion(channels)
Included (ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, MLB Network, Pac-12, others)
—
On-Demand Library Included(titles (estimated))
0 (separate purchase)
10000+
Live TV Channels Available(channels)
90+
—
On-Demand Titles(titles)
10,000+
—
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
—
Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings)
6 simultaneous
50 simultaneous
Show 30 more attributes
Multiview Sports Feature
Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026)
No
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
—
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
Unlimited
50
Simultaneous Streams(streams)
6
2-3
Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams)
3 streams
—
Number of User Profiles(profiles)
6 profiles
—
Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams)
3 streams
—
Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
Unlimited
500 hours
DVR Content Retention Period(days)
270 days (9 months)
30 days
Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens)
6
2 devices
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
3,000 hours
50 hours standard
Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
Unlimited
50 hours
DVR Recording Retention Period(months)
9 months
9 months
Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts)
6
6
Offline Download Capability
No
—
Simultaneous Streams(screens)
3 screens
2-3 screens
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)
—
Cloud DVR Storage (Free Tier)(hours)
Unlimited
—
Default Simultaneous Streams(streams)
3 streams
—
Cloud DVR Storage Standard Tier(hours)
Unlimited
50
Concurrent Streams(streams)
3
2
4K Live Streaming
Available (select channels)
Not available
Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions)
11.1
—
Ad-Free Viewing
Standard feature (no ads)
—
Free Trial Length(days)
None
—
Free Trial Length(days)
7
3
Free Trial Period(days)
No free trial (5-day trial historically)
No free trial offered
Free Trial Duration(days)
0
3
Trial Period(days)
3 months ($1/month)
7 days
Cost Per Channel(USD per channel)
$0.86
—
Price Per Channel(USD per channel)
$0.49/channel
—
Bundled Premium Services(services)
None included
Disney+, ESPN+ included
4K Streaming Available
Yes ($9.99/month add-on)
No
4K Streaming Support
Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo)
Limited
4K Content Available(titles)
Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on)
—
4K Content Support(boolean)
No
Yes (select content)
4K Streaming Support
Yes (included)
—
Maximum Simultaneous Streams(devices)
3 screens
2 screens
Mobile App Quality
Excellent with quick guide navigation
Good with Hulu integration
AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year)
2026 (multiview, interactive features)
—
Included Premium Services
YouTube Premium, YouTube Music
Hulu (ad-supported), Disney+, ESPN+ bundles
DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
Unlimited
50 standard (200 with upgrade)
DVR Retention Period(days)
270 days (9 months)
—
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
—
4K Content Availability(percent of library)
Yes
—
Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps)
3 Mbps (HD)
8 Mbps minimum
Streaming Device Compatibility
All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile)
All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile)
Supported Devices(count)
40+ devices
—
User Interface Rating(stars out of 5)
4.4/5 (user reviews 2026)
7.2
Global Availability(countries)
USA only
—
Subscriber Base (2026)(millions)
8
—
Cost for 3 Simultaneous Streams(USD/month)
$72.99 (included)
—
Major Sports Networks Included(networks)
Most major networks
ESPN, ABC, FOX Sports (enhanced)
Live Stream Video Quality(resolution/fps)
1080p/60fps
—
Sports & Local News Coverage(availability)
Full coverage (ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, locals)
—
Channel Customization Options(package types)
1 fixed package
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
YT
YT
YouTube TV
+5-2
Pros
- 100+ live TV channels covering major networks and sports
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage with no expiration dates
- 3 simultaneous streams vs Hulu's 2
- Lower starting price at $73.99/month
- Google account integration with seamless casting to Chromecast devices
Cons
- No bundled on-demand content library (YouTube Premium sold separately)
- Limited sports premium add-ons compared to competitors
Hulu + Live TV
+5-2
Pros
- Includes Hulu on-demand library (10,000+ titles) with base subscription
- Better integrated sports coverage with ESPN channels and sports add-ons
- Access to Disney+ and ESPN+ at discounted bundle rates
- Wider theatrical movie availability through bundled Hulu
- 3-day free trial available
Cons
- Only 50 hours of cloud DVR storage (requires premium tier for 200 hours)
- Fewer live TV channels (90+ vs YouTube's 100+) and higher base price at $85.99/month
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
YouTube TV is $12 cheaper per month ($73.99 vs $85.99), saving $144 annually. However, if you need on-demand content with Hulu, YouTube TV users must pay an additional $7.99-14.99/month for YouTube Premium, which narrows the cost advantage. Hulu Live includes Hulu on-demand at no extra charge.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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Wikipedia
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