YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV 2026: Price & DVR
Quick Answer
AI SummaryYouTube TV offers 100+ live channels with unlimited DVR storage at $76.99/month, while Hulu + Live TV includes 90+ channels plus on-demand Hulu content at $84.99/month. The choice depends on whether you prioritize DVR flexibility or on-demand streaming integration.
Read full verdictChoose YouTube TV if you want the lowest price, unlimited DVR storage, more live channels, and don't rely heavily on on-demand content. Choose Hulu + Live TV if you value extensive on-demand programming, prefer a single unified platform for both live and streaming content, and don't mind paying slightly more for the integrated Hulu library.
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Choose YouTube TV if
Best pickCord-cutters who prioritize sports and live content with flexible recording, price-conscious families, and those with heavy DVR needs.
Choose Hulu Live TV if
Streaming-first viewers who want live TV plus on-demand content, Disney/ABC/Fox fans, and those seeking integration with Disney+ and ESPN+.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Base Price:✓ YouTube TV wins($76.99 vs $84.99)
- Live TV Channels:✓ YouTube TV wins(100+ vs 90+)
- DVR Storage:✓ YouTube TV wins(Unlimited vs 50 hours (standard))
Key Facts & Figures
130 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) | 7 days | 7 days | |
| 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 | |
| Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) | +$32.99 | — | — |
| Base Monthly Cost(USD) | $99.99 | $76.99 | |
| Sports Networks Included(count) | 20+ networks | — | — |
| Price per Channel(USD per channel) | $1.04 per channel | — | — |
| Cloud DVR Storage Limit(hours) | Unlimited | 50 hours | — |
| Simultaneous Home Streams(concurrent streams) | 3 streams | 2 streams | |
| 4K Channels Available(channels) | 50+ channels | Limited select channels | |
| Price Difference vs Competitor(USD per month) | 22% more expensive | 22% cheaper | |
| 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 | $76.99 | |
| Live Channels Included(channels) | 150+ channels | 90+ channels | |
| Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD) | $875.88 | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) | 3 streams | — | — |
| DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month) | None (unlimited included) | — | — |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 70+ | 90+ | |
| Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | Unlimited | 50 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/month | $76.99/month | |
| Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) | $839.88 | — | — |
| Total Channels(channels) | 70+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams Allowed(devices) | 6 | 2 devices | |
| Original Content Library(titles) | Limited (under 50) | — | — |
| Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | Unlimited | 50 hours | — |
| On-Demand Library Size(titles) | Minimal (originals only) | 10,000+ Hulu titles included | |
| 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) | 70+ 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) | $73.99 | $76.99 | |
| On-Demand Content Library(titles) | None included | Hulu library included (8,000+ titles) | |
| Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) | 6 | 6 | |
| Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $875.88 | $1,019.88 | |
| 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 | — | — |
| Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) | 5 | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $72.99 | $84.99 | |
| Annual Cost Difference(USD) | $995.88/year | — | — |
| Live Channels(channels) | 100+ channels | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 3 screens | 2 | |
| Bundle Customization Options(bundles) | 1 fixed lineup | — | — |
| Sports Channels(channels) | 40+ | — | — |
| Device Compatibility(supported devices) | 200+ devices | — | — |
| Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) | 25+ | — | — |
| Free Trial Duration(uses) | 0 days | 90 days (3 months) | |
| 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 | |
| Included Streaming Services(services) | YouTube Premium only (1) | Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ (3) | |
| Local Channel Coverage(% of U.S. markets) | 95% coverage | 98% coverage | |
| Additional Stream Cost(USD/month) | No additional cost | $9.99 for 2 more | |
| Sports Channels Included(channels) | 12+ channels | — | — |
| Local Channels (ABC/NBC/CBS/FOX)(markets served) | 150+ markets | — | — |
| Simultaneous Streaming Screens(screens) | 6 screens | — | — |
| Annual Sports Events(events) | 5,000+ | — | — |
| Total Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | — | — |
| Local News & Channels Available(percent of markets) | 90% | — | — |
| Live TV Channels Available(count) | 100+ | 95+ | |
| Annual Commitment Option Savings(percent) | Up to 15% savings | Varies by bundle | — |
| Sports & News Channels(count) | 35+ channels | 32+ channels | |
| Total Live Channels(channels) | 100+ | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)(USD) | $72.99 | — | — |
| Content Library Size(millions or channels) | 100+ live channels | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Standard Tier)(USD) | $875.88 | — | — |
| Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) | $82.99 | — | — |
| On-Demand Titles(titles) | 2,500+ | 10,000+ | |
| Original Series Count(series) | 150+ | — | — |
| Free Trial Period(days) | No free trial (2026) | No trial offered | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 3 streams | 2 screens | |
| Sports-Specific Channels(channels) | 8+ (ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Golf Channel) | — | — |
| Annual Price (Base Tier)(USD) | $875.88/year | — | — |
| 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
- $76.99(winner)Monthly Base Price$84.99
- 100+(winner)Live TV Channels90+
- Unlimited(winner)DVR Storage50 hours (standard)
- Minimal (YouTube integration only)On-Demand Content Library8,000+ titles (Hulu library included)(winner)
- 3 concurrent streams(winner)Simultaneous Streams2 concurrent streams
- 6 family accountsFamily Sharing ProfilesUp to 6 profiles
- Select events included4K Live Sports SupportSelect events included
- Monthly Base Price
YouTube TV
$76.99(winner)
Hulu Live TV
$84.99
- Live TV Channels
YouTube TV
100+(winner)
Hulu Live TV
90+
- DVR Storage
YouTube TV
Unlimited(winner)
Hulu Live TV
50 hours (standard)
- On-Demand Content Library
YouTube TV
Minimal (YouTube integration only)
Hulu Live TV
8,000+ titles (Hulu library included)(winner)
- Simultaneous Streams
YouTube TV
3 concurrent streams(winner)
Hulu Live TV
2 concurrent streams
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 36 more attributesBase Monthly Cost(USD) $99.99 $76.99 Price Difference vs Competitor(USD per month) 22% more expensive 22% cheaper 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 $76.99 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/month $76.99/month 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) $73.99 $76.99 Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $875.88 $1,019.88 Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) $72.99 — Ad-Free Plan Availability Yes ($79.99/month) — Base Monthly Price(USD) $72.99 $84.99 Annual Cost Difference(USD) $995.88/year — Free Trial Duration(uses) 0 days 90 days (3 months) 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) Additional Stream Cost(USD/month) No additional cost $9.99 for 2 more Annual Commitment Option Savings(percent) Up to 15% savings Varies by bundle Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Tier)(USD) $72.99 — Annual Cost (Standard Tier)(USD) $875.88 — Ad-Free Monthly Price(USD) $82.99 — Annual Price (Base Tier)(USD) $875.88/year — 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) | — |
| Sports Networks Included(count) | 20+ networks | — |
| News Networks Included(major networks) | CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News | — |
Show 36 more attributesSports 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) 150+ channels 90+ channels Regional Sports Networks Standard coverage only — Live TV Channels(channels) 70+ 90+ Total Channels(channels) 70+ — Original Content Library(titles) Limited (under 50) — On-Demand Library Size(titles) Minimal (originals only) 10,000+ Hulu titles included Total Channels Available(channels) 70+ channels — On-Demand Content Library(titles) None included Hulu library included (8,000+ titles) Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) 5 — Live Channels(channels) 100+ channels — Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) 25+ — 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 — 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+ Included Streaming Services(services) YouTube Premium only (1) Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ (3) Sports Channels Included(channels) 12+ channels — Local Channels (ABC/NBC/CBS/FOX)(markets served) 150+ markets — Live TV Channels Available(count) 100+ 95+ Sports & News Channels(count) 35+ channels 32+ channels Total Live Channels(channels) 100+ — Content Library Size(millions or channels) 100+ live channels — On-Demand Titles(titles) 2,500+ 10,000+ Original Series Count(series) 150+ — Sports-Specific Channels(channels) 8+ (ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Golf Channel) — | ||
| 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 41 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 — Cloud DVR Storage Limit(hours) Unlimited 50 hours Simultaneous Home Streams(concurrent streams) 3 streams 2 streams DVR Recording Storage(hours) Unlimited — Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens) 6 simultaneous streams — Cloud DVR Storage(hours) Unlimited 50 Simultaneous Streams(streams) 6 2-3 DVR Storage Capacity(hours) Unlimited 50 standard (200 with upgrade) Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) 3 streams — Number of User Profiles(profiles) 6 profiles — Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) 3 streams — Disney Bundle Eligible(yes/no) No Yes ($14.99/month with Disney+, ESPN+) Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) Unlimited 50 hours DVR Content Retention Period(days) 270 days (9 months) 30 days Live TV Channels Included(channels) 150+ 90+ Simultaneous Streams Allowed(devices) 6 2 devices 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(streams) 3 screens 2 Bundle Customization Options(bundles) 1 fixed lineup — DVR Storage Limit(hours or unlimited) Unlimited — Cloud DVR Retention(days) Unlimited days — 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 Simultaneous Streaming Screens(screens) 6 screens — DVR Content Retention(months) 9 months standard (5 years select) Unlimited (Full retention) Cloud DVR Storage(hours) 100 hours 50 hours (expandable to 200 for $9.99/month) Offline Listening Support(yes/no) No — Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams) 3 streams 2 screens | ||
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | — |
| Ad-Free Viewing | Standard feature (no ads) | — |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7 days | 7 days |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7(winner) | 3 |
| Trial Period(days) | 3 months ($1/month)(winner) | 7 days |
| Free Trial Period(days) | No free trial (2026) | No trial offered |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | — |
| Price per Channel(USD per channel) | $1.04 per channel | — |
| Bundled Premium Services(services) | None included | Disney+, ESPN+ included |
| 4K Streaming Available | Yes ($9.99/month add-on) | No |
| 4K Channels Available(channels) | 50+ channels(winner) | Limited select channels |
| 4K Streaming Support | Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo) | Limited |
| 4K Content Available(yes/no) | Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on) | — |
| 4K Content Support(boolean) | No | Yes (select content) |
Show 1 more attribute4K Streaming Yes, included No | ||
| On-Demand Content Titles(titles) | 2,500+ | 10,000+(winner) |
| Sports Channel Count(channels) | 15+ channels | — |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | — |
| Included Premium Services | YouTube Premium, YouTube Music | Hulu (ad-supported), Disney+, ESPN+ bundles |
| Mobile App Quality | Excellent with quick guide navigation | Good with Hulu integration |
| 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) | — |
| Annual Sports Events(events) | 5,000+ | — |
| 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 | — |
| Local News & Channels Available(percent of markets) | 90% | — |
| Original Content Hours Monthly(hours) | Minimal original content focus | — |
| Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams) | 6 (1 in 4K) | — |
| Original Sports Content Library(titles) | 0 | — |
| Sports Channels(channels) | 40+ | — |
| Major Sports Networks Included(networks) | Most major networks | ESPN, ABC, FOX Sports (enhanced) |
| Device Compatibility(supported devices) | 200+ devices | — |
| 4K Streaming Support(availability) | Available (select channels + $10.99/mo add-on) | — |
| 4K Content Availability(% of library) | Yes | — |
| Maximum Streaming Resolution(resolution) | 4K/60fps | — |
| Live Stream Video Quality(resolution/fps) | 1080p/60fps | — |
| 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(out of 5 stars) | 4.3 stars(winner) | 3.8 stars |
| Live Sports Coverage | All major (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS) | — |
| Global Availability(countries) | USA only | — |
| Local Channel Coverage(% of U.S. markets) | 95% coverage | 98% coverage(winner) |
| Subscriber Base (2026)(millions) | 8 | — |
| Cost for 3 Simultaneous Streams(USD/month) | $72.99 (included) | — |
| Free Tier Availability(yes/no) | No (trial only) | — |
| Total Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | — |
| Sports League Coverage Breadth(primary leagues) | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports across ABC/Fox/ESPN | — |
| Sports & Local News Coverage(availability) | Full coverage (ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, locals) | — |
| Channel Customization Options(package types) | 1 fixed package | — |
Show 36 more attributes
Show 36 more attributes
Show 41 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
10 pros·5 cons across both
YouTube TV
Pros
Cons
Hulu Live TV
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
It depends on your priorities. YouTube TV is better if you: (1) record a lot of content and want unlimited DVR storage with no extra fee; (2) are already a heavy YouTube user and want seamless integration; (3) don't need Disney+ or ESPN+ separately. Hulu + Live TV is better if you: (1) want Disney+, Hulu on-demand, and ESPN+ bundled together (saving vs. separate subscriptions); (2) value a large on-demand library alongside live TV; (3) are a Disney/Marvel/Star Wars content household. For most families with streaming-age children, Hulu's Disney Bundle is the stronger value proposition.
YouTube TV costs $72.99/month for the base package (100+ channels, unlimited DVR, 3 simultaneous streams, 6 user profiles). The 4K Plus add-on is $9.99/month extra, enabling 4K streaming where available and adding unlimited simultaneous streams for home viewers. Sports Plus ($10.99/month) adds niche sports channels (RedZone, NFL Network, Big Ten Network, etc.). Total with all add-ons: approximately $93-100+/month. Hulu + Live TV starts at $77.99/month (with Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle included) or $82.99/month if you want both Hulu live and on-demand together.
Yes — YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. Recordings are stored for 9 months (not indefinitely), but there is no storage cap. You can record as many shows, movies, and sports events as you want simultaneously. Hulu + Live TV provides 50 hours of DVR storage in the base plan; unlimited DVR upgrade costs $9.99/month extra. For households that record many shows or sports events, YouTube TV's unlimited included DVR is a significant advantage over Hulu's base DVR offering.
Yes. Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with Disney+ (ad-supported) and ESPN+ at $82.99/month (including Hulu on-demand). If you want Disney+ with no ads, the premium bundle costs $95.99/month. This makes the Hulu + Live TV bundle highly valuable for households that subscribe to Disney+ separately ($7.99-$13.99/month) or ESPN+ ($10.99/month) — you're effectively getting live TV plus multiple streaming services for a combined price lower than subscribing separately.
YouTube TV allows 3 simultaneous streams per account — meaning 3 people in the household can watch on separate devices at the same time. You can have up to 6 user accounts per YouTube TV membership. Unlimited simultaneous streams for home viewers (on the home network) is available with the 4K Plus add-on ($9.99/month). Hulu + Live TV allows 2 simultaneous streams in the base plan; the Unlimited Screens add-on ($17.99/month) removes the stream limit for home viewing.
Expert Analysis: YouTube TV vs Hulu Live TV
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the two most popular live TV streaming services (vMVPDs — virtual multichannel video programming distributors) in the United States, with combined subscriber counts representing the majority of the paid live streaming market.
YouTube TV, launched by Google in 2017, has approximately 8 million subscribers as of 2026 and costs $72.99/month. Its content lineup includes 100+ live channels covering all major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS), major cable news (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC), sports (ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, NBCSN, Golf Channel, NBA TV, MLB Network), and entertainment (TBS, TNT, USA, Bravo, HGTV, Discovery, History). YouTube TV's signature feature is its unlimited cloud DVR storage — recordings never expire and aren't limited by storage cap, allowing subscribers to record any content and keep it for 9 months. Up to 3 simultaneous streams per account; up to 6 user accounts per household. YouTube TV's interface is deeply integrated with the YouTube app (browse, search, and switch between YouTube videos and live TV seamlessly), which is valuable for households that use YouTube extensively. 4K Plus add-on ($9.99/month) enables 4K streaming where available.
Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/month with Hulu on-demand and Disney Bundle included; $77.99/month without) is owned by Hulu, LLC (a Disney majority-owned entity, with Comcast's 33% stake being acquired by Disney in 2024). Its content lineup is similar to YouTube TV: 90+ live channels including broadcast networks, cable news, sports, and entertainment. Hulu + Live TV's key differentiation is its bundle value: the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu on-demand, ESPN+ included) at comparable pricing makes it highly competitive for households that already subscribe to Disney+ separately ($7.99-$13.99/month) or ESPN+ ($10.99/month). Hulu's on-demand library — 100,000+ titles including next-day broadcast TV, FX originals, and a substantial movie catalog — is a genuine content advantage. DVR storage: 50 hours base, unlimited DVR upgrade ($9.99/month). 2 simultaneous streams base; 3-screen unlimited upgrade ($17.99/month).
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Head-to-head: YouTube TV's unlimited DVR is the better choice for heavy DVR users who record many shows — no storage anxiety, no paying extra for unlimited. Hulu + Live TV with Disney Bundle provides more streaming content value at comparable price for households that want live TV + on-demand + Disney+ + ESPN+ in a single subscription. The Disney Bundle value proposition improves the effective cost per service significantly.
Channel lineup overlap is approximately 80-90% — most users find both services cover their essential channels. The decision typically comes down to DVR preference, Disney Bundle value, and interface preference (YouTube's search/recommendation vs. Hulu's on-demand catalog browsing).
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