YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Which Is Better?

Two of the best streaming options for cord-cutters looking to watch live TV are Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV.

Hulu is owned by Disney and has been around since 2017, while YouTube TV is owned by Google and came along the same year, although it rolled out nationally in 2019.

But which service is better? We're going to compare Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV in a variety of categories, like channel selection, device support, price, and more.

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Channel Selection

Hulu + Live TV's base package offers 65 channels, live and on-demand. YouTube TV's base package is larger than that, with 85 channels.

Both Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer major local channels in most markets in the US, barring the occasional carriage dispute. YouTube TV offers PBS channels, while Hulu + Live TV does not, although you can get the bulk of PBS programming from the free PBS video app. Both services also offer every major cable news channel.

YouTube TV offers certain channels that Hulu + Live TV doesn't, like AMC, IFC, and ViacomCBS channels such as MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon.

Hulu + Live TV also offers some channels that YouTube TV does not, such as Lifetime and the History Channel.

Both services have add-ons available for additional cost, including HBO, Showtime, and Starz.

Winner: YouTube TV

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Sports

Sports is a big reason why some people are reluctant to cut the cord, as it can be difficult to watch sports without a subscription package. Happily, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV will satisfy most sports fans.

The base packages offered by the two services both include the majority of major sports networks, in addition to the non-sports channels (NBC, ABC, CBS, TNT) that air a lot of major sports, including the NFL and NBA.

YouTube TV offers multiple ESPN networks (FSI, FS2, CBS Sports Network, and more) as well as networks for individual sports such as MLB Network, NFL Network, The Golf Channel, NBA TV. It also networks dedicated to college sports like the Big Ten, ACC, and SEC Networks.

Hulu + Live TV has ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, college networks, and Golf Channel, but it does not have MLB Network, NBA TV, or NFL Network. YouTube TV only offers RedZone as an add-on.

There is one rub: a great deal of local sports broadcasts are on regional sports networks. If you live in a city where the games are on NBC Sports regional channels, those are available on both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. If you live somewhere where the games are on Bally Sports Networks, they are not available on either, although you can get them on AT&T TV.

Winner: YouTube TV

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: User Interface

Hulu + Live TV has a user interface that's been widely praised for its ease of use. It has a simple search function. Finding, watching, and recording content is very easy. Its Channel Guide is especially useful; you can either view alphabetically or by the most-viewed channel. If a show you want to watch is airing currently, it'll show up on the front menu.

YouTube TV's interface isn't far behind and is inspired by YouTube itself. It features an easy search function and it allows you to easily toggle among live TV, DVR, channels, and different genres of content.

They're both quite good, especially Hulu's easy-to-use guide, but Hulu + Live TV wins by a nose.

Winner: Hulu + Live TV

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: DVR

The two services both offer cloud-based DVRs, which can be accessed from multiple devices.

YouTube TV offers more storage, but only saves recordings for nine months. Hulu + Live TV offers 50 hours of storage while saving it indefinitely.

The latter also offers what it calls an Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on, which ups the storage to 200 hours, and allows for fast-forwarding through commercials. That costs an additional $9.99/month, increasing to $14.99/month for unlimited screens.

Winner: YouTube TV

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Device Support

Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are available on most modern TV and mobile devices.

Hulu + Live TV is available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Google Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, and various smart TV platforms, including those manufactured by LG, Samsung, and Vizio. It's even on Xfinity Flex TV boxes.

As for YouTube TV, it's available on all of those as well, except for Flex. It's also available on Sony, Sharp, and Hisense smart TVs.

Winner: Tie

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Additional Content Library

Hulu + Live TV is almost two services in one, since you're getting the live TV package alongside Hulu's entire library of originals, as well as a massive amount of entire TV shows that are available to stream. It's all seamlessly integrated into Hulu + Live TV, as the two do not operate separate apps.

YouTube TV gives you access to all the YouTube Originals, though the selection isn't that varied. It also offers YouTube Music ad-free, which is a bonus if that's important to you.

Winner: Hulu + Live TV

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: Cost

Both Hulu + Live and YouTube TV currently have a base price of $64.99/month. That is, however, subject to change. Both services had price increases in 2020, and since programming continues to get more expensive, it's likely to rise again in the future

Hulu + Live TV requires additional add-ons for many key features, especially the Cloud DVR, that are included in YouTube TV's base price.

Winner: YouTube TV

YouTube TV vs. Hulu + Live TV: The Verdict

Both Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV are fine services, offering an easier and more rounded experience than traditional cable. In the end, YouTube TV wins the contest because it offers just a little more, without making you pay extra.

Can't decide between the two? There are plenty of free live TV channels that you can watch online, so dip your toe in before taking the dive on these paid services.

source https://www.makeuseof.com/youtube-tv-vs-hulu-live-tv/