Hulu Live tv vs Youtube tv: Which is Better?
You can thank TV writers and producers for the bounty of first-rate television shows available as COVID concerns continue. With more on the way, seemingly every week, now is a great time to explore live-streaming services. These streaming services allow you to cut the cable cord, save cash and still access your favorite live TV channels and streaming services.
But which to choose? Two of the most popular services––YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV––may seem the same, but they're not. Consider the particulars of each and choose the one that's right for you.
Hulu Plus Live TV Primer
- Subscriptions start at $64.99 per month, or you can go ad-free for just a little more
- Optional 7-day free trial
- Add-ons include Disney Plus and ESPN Plus
- Two streams and six accounts per household
YouTube TV Primer
- Subscriptions start at $64.99 per month
- Optional 14-day free trial
- Three streams and six accounts per household
Hulu Plus Live TV Details
What Channels You Get
Hulu Plus Live TV subscribers have access to 75 live and on-demand channels, including BET, FX, History Channel and Nickelodeon. Although channel access varies depending on your zip code, Hulu Plus Live TV subscribers can access extremely popular channels such as ESPN, HGTV, MSNBC, CMT, CNN, TBS, Hallmark, TNT and live local stations ABC, CBS and NBC.
What Channels You Don't Get
Sports and culture fans should note that Hulu Plus Live TV does not give them access to PBS or any league networks. The site urges prospective subscribers to stay tuned for future sports network additions.
How the Cloud DVR Works
Subscribers get 50 hours of Cloud DVR capacity for the household. That means that if your kids record 30 hours of content, you'll have just 20 hours left. Once you've reached the maximum, the DVR will automatically delete shows, oldest first. You can't skip ads.
You can pay $10 extra per month to boost your DVR storage to 200 hours of content. That service also gives you fast-forward capabilities.
Where You Can Watch
You have an array of streaming options for Hulu Plus Live TV. Of course, you need an adequate internet connection (Hulu suggests at least 8 Mbps) to stream. The devices you can use include:
- Android phones and tablets
- Android TV (select models)
- Apple TV (4th generation or later)
- Chromecast
- Echo Show
- Fire Tablets
- Fire TV and Fire TV Stick
- iPhones and iPads
- LG TV (select models)
- Nintendo Switch
- Mac and PC browsers/apps
- PlayStation
- Roku (select models)
- Samsung TV (select models)
- VIZIO SmartCast TVs
- Xbox
- Xfinity Flex Streaming TV Box
- Xfinity X1 TV Boxes
Internet Needed
Hulu Plus Live TV recommends a minimum internet speed of 8 Mbps to stream its service.
Other Notable Features
Subscribers also have access to the TV shows and movies in the Hulu Streaming Library.
Hulu Plus Live TV offers subscribers access to Showtime, HBO Max, ESPN plus, Cinemax, Starz and other premium streaming channels. You can also choose from Entertainment, Sports, and Espanol add ons.
Summary
You can stream Hulu Plus Live TV on an array of devices. Up to three household members can stream various shows at the same time. Sports fans should note that they won't have access to major league sports channels. Also, the DVR cloud is limited to 50 hours unless you spring for $10 extra per month, which boosts capacity to 200 hours.
YouTube TV
What Channels You Get
YouTube TV subscribers get 85-plus channels, including many of those on Hulu Plus Live TV like ESPN, HGTV, MSNBC, CMT, CNN, TBS, Hallmark, TNT and more. Subscribers also have access to live local stations such as ABC, CBS and NBC.
Sports and culture fans can also access PBS and major league sports channels.
What Channels You Don't Get
History Channel fans will find that missing from YouTube TV.
How the Cloud DVR Works
Subscribers get unlimited cloud DVR storage. Users have full rewind, fast forward and pause capabilities. There are no extra charges for these services.
Where You Can Watch
YouTube TV offers streaming on many internet-connected devices. The players you can use include:
- Select TVs with Android TV built-in and NVIDIA Shield
- Samsung Smart TVs (2016 or later)
- LG smart TVs (2016 or later)
- Select Vizio SmartCast models
- Select Hisense Smart TV models
- Select Sharp Smart TV models
- Select SONY Smart TV models
- Chromecast
- Roku
- Apple TV (4th Gen and 4K)
- Fire TV Sticks (2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, 4K, and Lite), Fire TV Cube and Fire TV Edition Smart TVs
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Xbox One S, & Xbox One X
- PlayStation PS5, PS4, and PS4 Pro
- Google Nest Hub
- Android phones
- IOS phones 11 or later
Internet Needed
YouTube recommends internet speeds of at least 3 Mbps for standard definition video, 7 Mbps for single high definition shows and 13 or more Mbps for high definition viewing if other devices with other devices on the network.
Other Notable Features
Sports fans can add on seven sports channels, including NFL Red Zone. For the entertainment buffs, there are 24 premium channels, such as Acorn, AMC Plus.
Also available to subscribers is a 4K Plus add-on to boost image quality.
The Bottom Line
Both Hulu Plus Live TV and YouTube TV offer superior streaming services geared toward specific households and users. To decide which is best for you, check your devices' capabilities and determine your must-have channels and services. Remember, both offer free trials, too.
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