Skip to main content
entertainment

YouTube TV vs Hulu Live TV 2026: DVR, Price & Features

YouTube TV offers 70+ channels with unlimited cloud DVR storage and 6 simultaneous streams for $72.99/month, while Hulu + Live TV provides 90+ channels with Disney Bundle integration but limited 50-hour DVR and 2 simultaneous streams for $76.99/month. YouTube TV excels in flexibility and recording capacity, while Hulu + Live TV appeals to users seeking bundled entertainment services.

YT

YouTube TV

Live TV streaming service with unlimited cloud DVR and 6 simultaneous streams.

Cord-cutters prioritizing recording flexibility, multi-device households, and sports enthusiasts who need cloud DVR for every game.

Score67%
VS
Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV

Live TV streaming integrated with Hulu on-demand, Disney+, and ESPN+ through Disney Bundle.

Disney fans, families seeking bundled entertainment, sports viewers wanting ESPN+ access, and users who value extensive channel selection over DVR flexibility.

Score60%

Quick Answer

AI Summary

YouTube TV offers 70+ channels with unlimited cloud DVR storage and 6 simultaneous streams for $72.99/month, while Hulu + Live TV provides 90+ channels with Disney Bundle integration but limited 50-hour DVR and 2 simultaneous streams for $76.99/month. YouTube TV excels in flexibility and recording capacity, while Hulu + Live TV appeals to users seeking bundled entertainment services.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

Choose YouTube TV if you value unlimited DVR storage, want to share streams across 6 devices simultaneously, and prefer competitive pricing with a streamlined interface. Choose Hulu + Live TV if you want access to 90+ channels, the Disney Bundle integration with Disney+ and ESPN+, and prioritize channel variety over recording flexibility.

Community feedback

Was this verdict helpful?

Y
YouTube TV
8.4/10
Hulu + Live TV
6.6/10
Y

Choose YouTube TV if

Best pick

Cord-cutters prioritizing recording flexibility, multi-device households, and sports enthusiasts who need cloud DVR for every game.

Hulu + Live TV

Choose Hulu + Live TV if

Disney fans, families seeking bundled entertainment, sports viewers wanting ESPN+ access, and users who value extensive channel selection over DVR flexibility.

Track this comparison

Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.

Triggers: price change new spec verdict update

No spam. Stop anytime.

Key Differences at a Glance

  • Cloud DVR Storage:YouTube TV wins(Unlimited vs 50 hours)
  • Simultaneous Streams:YouTube TV wins(6 streams vs 2 streams)
  • Live TV Channels:Hulu + Live TV wins(90+ channels vs 70+ channels)
See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

111 numeric metrics compared

MetricYouTube TVHulu + Live TVRatio
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 simultaneous50 simultaneous
Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD)$95.99/month$95.99/month
Starting Monthly Price(USD)$73.99$85.99
Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams)3 screens2 screens
Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month)+$32.99
Base Monthly Cost(USD)$99.99$76.99
Total Live Channels(channels)100+
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)62-3
Free Trial Length(days)73
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)70+
Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD)$875.88
Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD)$72.99
Live TV Channels(channels)70+ channels90+ channels
Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams)3 streams
DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month)None (unlimited included)
Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours)Unlimited500 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)62 devices
Original Content Library(titles)Limited (under 50)
Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours)Unlimited50 hours
On-Demand Library Size(titles)~500 (YouTube Originals)150,000+ (full Hulu)
DVR Recording Retention Period(months)9 months9 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)~3,000250,000+ titles
Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts)66
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(hours)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(streams)6 simultaneous2 simultaneous
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(days)7 days3
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+ channels90+ 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)32
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% coverage98% coverage
Additional Stream Cost(USD/month)No additional cost$9.99 for 2 more
Live TV Channels Available(channels)90+90+
On-Demand Titles(titles)10,000+10,000+
Channel Customization Options(package types)1 fixed package1 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
3YouTube TV
Hulu + Live TV leads
Hulu + Live TV
4Hulu + Live TV
  • Cloud DVR Storage

    YouTube TV

    Unlimited(winner)

    Hulu + Live TV

    50 hours

  • Simultaneous Streams

    YouTube TV

    6 streams(winner)

    Hulu + Live TV

    2 streams

  • Live TV Channels

    YouTube TV

    70+ channels

    Hulu + Live TV

    90+ channels(winner)

  • Monthly Price (Base Plan)

    YouTube TV

    $72.99(winner)

    Hulu + Live TV

    $76.99

  • Included Streaming Services

    YouTube TV

    YouTube Premium only

    Hulu + Live TV

    Hulu (ad-supported) + Disney+(winner)

  • Local Channel Coverage

    YouTube TV

    95% of U.S. markets

    Hulu + Live TV

    98% of U.S. markets(winner)

  • Free Trial Period

    YouTube TV

    None (no current offer)

    Hulu + Live TV

    7 days free(winner)

Full Comparison

YYouTube 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
$85.99
Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month)
+$32.99
Show 29 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
$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
$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)
Additional Stream Cost(USD/month)
No additional cost
$9.99 for 2 more
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+
Total Live Channels(channels)
100+
Show 35 more attributes
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)
4K Content Available(titles)
Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on)
Live Channels Included(channels)
70+
Regional Sports Networks
Standard coverage only
Live TV Channels(channels)
70+ channels
90+ channels
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(hours)
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
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+
Included Streaming Services(services)
YouTube Premium only (1)
Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ (3)
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 35 more attributes
Multiview Sports Feature
Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026)
No
DVR Storage (Standard)(hours)
Unlimited
Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams)
3 screens
2 screens
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
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
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+
Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens)
6
2 devices
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
Unlimited
50 hours
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)
6 simultaneous
2 simultaneous
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
Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions)
11.1
Ad-Free Viewing
Standard feature (no ads)
Free Trial Length(days)
None
Free Trial Duration(days)
7 days
3
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 Support(boolean)
No
Yes (select content)
AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year)
2026 (multiview, interactive features)
Free Trial Length(days)
7
3
Free Trial Period(days)
No free trial (5-day trial historically)
No free trial offered
Trial Period(days)
3 months ($1/month)
7 days
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)
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
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(supported)
Yes (included)
Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps)
3 Mbps (HD)
8 Mbps minimum
4K Content Availability(percent)
Yes
Live Stream Video Quality(resolution/fps)
1080p/60fps
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
3.8 stars
Global Availability(countries)
USA only
Local Channel Coverage(% of U.S. markets)
95% coverage
98% coverage
Subscriber Base (2026)(millions)
8
Cost for 3 Simultaneous Streams(USD/month)
$72.99 (included)
Sports & Local News Coverage(availability)
Full coverage (ESPN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, locals)
Channel Customization Options(package types)
1 fixed package

Pros & Cons

12 pros·7 cons across both

YT
Hulu + Live TV
YT

YouTube TV

+6-3

Pros

  • Unlimited cloud DVR storage with no expiration on recordings
  • 6 simultaneous streams across different devices and locations
  • Cleaner, more intuitive user interface with personalized recommendations
  • Access to YouTube Premium included
  • No contract required with month-to-month flexibility
  • 4K streaming available for select content at no extra charge

Cons

  • Fewer live TV channels (70+) compared to competitors
  • Sports-focused channel lineup may lack premium entertainment networks
  • Limited on-demand content library compared to bundled competitors
Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV

+6-4

Pros

  • 90+ live TV channels including premium entertainment and sports networks
  • Integrated with ad-supported Hulu on-demand library (500,000+ titles)
  • Disney Bundle includes Disney+ and ESPN+ for $14.99/month additional savings
  • 98% local channel coverage across U.S. markets
  • Parental controls and content filtering through Disney integration
  • DVR recordings skip ads in selected programs

Cons

  • Limited 50-hour cloud DVR storage with mandatory expiration
  • Only 2 simultaneous streams (requires additional $9.99/month for more)
  • Higher base price ($76.99) for fewer features than YouTube TV
  • Interface can be cluttered when switching between live TV and on-demand content

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

  1. Hulu + Live TV includes more sports channels (ESPN, FS1, MLB Network, NFL Network) as part of the 90+ channel lineup, plus ESPN+ bundled content. YouTube TV has 70+ channels including ESPN and TNT but fewer dedicated sports networks. For comprehensive sports viewing, Hulu + Live TV edges ahead, especially with ESPN+ inclusion.

12 more to explore

4 articles

Explore More

Related comparisons and categories

AI generated