Is Hulu Plus Live TV the Best Choice for Live TV Streaming?

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Hulu Plus Live TV is a solid option for live TV streaming, but whether it's the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

With Hulu Plus Live TV, you get access to over 60 live channels, including local networks, sports, and news, which is a significant upgrade from the standard Hulu streaming service.

One of the key benefits of Hulu Plus Live TV is its affordable price point, starting at just $64.99 per month, which is competitive with other live TV streaming services.

However, Hulu Plus Live TV also includes a cloud DVR, allowing you to record up to 50 hours of content and watch it later, which can be a huge plus for cord-cutters.

Pros and Cons

Hulu Plus has its downsides, and understanding them is key to deciding if it's worth it for you.

Hulu Plus may not be accessible in areas with blackout restrictions on local channels. This can be a problem if you're a sports fan or like to stay up-to-date on local news while traveling.

The cost of Hulu Plus can add up quickly, especially if you opt for add-ons that aren't included in the plan price.

If this caught your attention, see: Does Hulu plus Live Tv Have Local Channels

Pros

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Hulu Plus Live TV offers a solid mix of channels, making it a great option for cord-cutters.

One of the standout features of Hulu Plus Live TV is its fun-to-use interface, which makes navigating the platform a breeze.

The service includes access to Hulu's on-demand content, as well as Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.

If you're a fan of recording TV shows, you'll love the unlimited DVR feature, which lets you save as many episodes as you want.

Here are some of the key benefits of Hulu Plus Live TV:

  • Solid mix of channels
  • Fun-to-use interface
  • Hulu's on-demand, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus included
  • Unlimited DVR

Note that while Hulu Plus Live TV has a lot to offer, it's worth noting that YouTube TV has a stronger live channel selection.

Cons

Hulu Plus Live TV is a great option for those who want a mix of live sports, news, and local channels, but it comes with some downsides.

One major con is the cost - it's eight times the price of the basic Hulu on-demand subscription, at $83 a month.

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Hulu Plus Live TV also has blackout restrictions on certain live shows, events, or sports games, depending on your location.

If you're traveling and want to watch the news or your favorite sports, this could be a problem.

The cost of add-ons can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor that into your budget.

Explore further: Hulu plus Sports

Plus vs

Hulu Plus and Hulu with Live TV are essentially the same thing, with the latter being the updated version of the former.

The main difference between Hulu with Live TV and Hulu Live TV is the name, which can be confusing.

Hulu with Live TV offers the same features as Hulu Live TV, including live TV channels and a cloud DVR.

In reality, all three terms - Hulu Plus, Hulu Live TV, and Hulu with Live TV - refer to the same service with the same features.

You can think of Hulu with Live TV as the updated version of Hulu Plus, with the same great features.

Streaming Options

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Streaming options can be overwhelming, but let's break it down. You can choose from YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, or Fubo, each with its own unique features.

Hulu with Live TV offers a robust channel lineup, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, which is a must-have for many viewers. It's also priced at $83 per month, which is on the higher end of the spectrum.

If you're looking for more flexibility, DirecTV Stream is a good option, offering 20 simultaneous streams at home and 3 outside the home. This is a big plus for families or households with multiple users.

Here's a quick comparison of the top 4 streaming services:

In terms of cloud DVR, all of these services offer unlimited storage, except for Fubo, which has a 1,000 hour limit.

Sling

Sling TV is a budget-friendly option that starts at $46 per month for its Orange and Blue packages. You can combine these for a monthly rate of $61, or $66 in some regions.

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The Orange package gives you one stream, while the Blue package gives you three. This makes it a good choice if you have a larger household or want to share your streaming service with others.

You can add local channels like ABC and CBS in some regions, which will cost you $51 per month. This is a great option if you want to save money and don't mind missing out on local channels.

With a bit of work, including adding an antenna or an AirTV 2 DVR, Sling TV can be an unbeatable value.

Compatible Devices

To stream Hulu Live TV, you'll need a compatible device. You can access the latest Hulu app on a wide range of devices, including Android phones and tablets, Apple TV, Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire Tablets, Fire TV, and more.

One thing to keep in mind is that some devices can only support the Classic Hulu app. This means you won't be able to access Live TV, premium add-ons, or new features on those devices.

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If you're not sure which devices are compatible, you can check the Hulu website for a list of supported devices. For now, here's a rundown of some of the devices that support the latest Hulu app:

Premium Streaming Compared

If you're considering premium streaming options, you'll want to weigh the costs and features of each service. YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and Fubo are some of the top contenders.

YouTube TV offers 78 of the top 100 channels for $73 a month, which is a great deal for those who want a wide range of options. Hulu with Live TV also offers a good selection of channels, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, for $83 a month.

DirecTV Stream provides 57 of the top 100 channels for $80 a month, and Fubo offers 46 channels for the same price. If you're a sports fan, you'll want to know that both DirecTV Stream and Fubo include regional sports networks (RSNs) in their packages.

Here's a quick comparison of the services' features:

Ultimately, the best service for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Additional Features

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With Hulu Plus Live TV, you can stream different channels on up to two screens simultaneously.

The Autoplay feature lets you binge watch your favorite shows without asking if you want to move on to the next one. I've tried it, and it's a game-changer for those who like to get lost in a good series.

You can create up to six profiles per account, each customizable to a different user. This is great for families or households with multiple people who want their own personalized experience.

You can watch Hulu Plus Live TV in 1080p and listen in 2.0 stereo or 5.1 surround sound.

Here's a breakdown of the available add-ons:

Note that occasionally free trials and discounts are offered for the premium network add-ons, so it's worth checking the Hulu website for the latest info.

Other Features

You can stream different channels on up to two screens simultaneously, which is super convenient for family movie nights or sports events.

Streaming Platforms  Home TV channels editorial use
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With Hulu Plus Live TV, you can create up to six profiles per account, each customizable to a different user. This is great for households with multiple people who want their own personalized viewing experience.

The Autoplay feature allows you to binge-watch your favorite shows without having to manually switch to the next episode. No more tedious clicking!

You can watch Hulu Plus Live TV in 1080p and listen in 2.0 stereo or 5.1 surround sound, which provides a great viewing experience.

Certain Hulu Originals can stream in 4K Ultra HD and HDR at no extra cost, making it a great option for those with 4K TVs.

Here are some other features of Hulu + Live TV:

Other Add-Ons Available

You can upgrade your Hulu + Live TV package with various add-ons to enhance your viewing experience.

One of the add-ons available is Unlimited Screens, which costs $9.99/month and allows you to stream on unlimited screens at home and three separate mobile screens on the go.

Curious to learn more? Check out: What Is Verizon Unlimited plus Plan

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You can also add the Entertainment Networks Add-on for $7.99/month, the Sports Networks Add-on for $9.99/month, or the Español Networks Add-on for $4.99/month.

Some popular premium network add-ons include Showtime for $10.99/month, HBO Max for $14.99/month, Cinemax for $9.99/month, and STARZ for $8.99/month.

Occasionally, Hulu offers free trials and discounts for these premium network add-ons, so it's worth checking the Hulu website for the latest information.

User Experience

Hulu's live TV interface has been improved with a large marquee and cover art features on the Home page, and shows are now arranged in a traditional grid according to type. This makes it easier to find what you're looking for.

The Hulu interface has a simplified selection featuring Home, Live, TV, My Stuff, TV, Movies, Sports, and Hubs on the sidebar, which are essentially channels broken up by genre. This makes navigation a breeze.

You can also click on submenus for live programming that includes sports, news, kids, and your favorite channels, giving you more control over what you watch. This is a great feature for sports fans or news enthusiasts.

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Hulu's live programming guide is a traditional grid with guide data up to 14 days out, making it easy to plan your viewing schedule. Scrolling through these pages is zippy, especially on an Apple TV.

However, the Live TV experience can feel a little awkward and incomplete due to the lack of a guide feature, making it hard to see what's coming up in the next few days.

Comparison and Review

Hulu + Live TV offers a wide range of devices to stream on, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs, and smart TVs by various brands.

The service bundles a wide range of both on-demand content and live streaming channels into one easy-to-use package on all your favorite devices. For example, you can access live channels and on-demand shows on your smartphone or tablet.

A Hulu + Live TV subscription costs $69.99 per month, which is a savings over a traditional cable package. This makes it an excellent choice for cord cutters looking for a more affordable option.

Here's a comparison of Hulu + Live TV with some of its competitors:

The unlimited cloud DVR and Disney+ and ESPN+ subscription make Hulu + Live TV a fierce competitor against other live TV streaming services.

The Competition

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Let's take a look at the competition in the streaming TV market. YouTube TV offers 70+ channels, which is a significant jump from Hulu Live TV's 60+ channels.

Sling TV is a more budget-friendly option, with prices starting at $25/month. However, the number of channels available can vary greatly depending on the package you choose, ranging from 25 to 50+ channels.

DIRECTV NOW is a more expensive option, with prices ranging from $93 to $135/month. However, this service offers a wide range of channels, including 65-125+ options.

Here's a quick comparison of the main providers:

Review

Hulu + Live TV offers a wide range of devices to stream on, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs, as well as popular streaming players like Roku and Apple TV.

The service is available on a month-to-month basis, so you can pause your subscription at any time without being locked into an expensive contract.

Hulu + Live TV is a cable alternative that's perfect for cord cutters, offering a savings over a traditional cable package with a price tag of $69.99.

Expand your knowledge: Cox Cable and Netflix

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The service bundles a wide range of on-demand content and live streaming channels into one easy-to-use package, making it a convenient option for those who already subscribe to Hulu, Disney+, or ESPN+.

The channel lineup includes a good mix of local channels, news, sports, and entertainment, although some viewers might miss a few channels like AMC.

The unlimited cloud DVR is a major perk, allowing you to record and store as many shows as you want without worrying about running out of space.

With the sheer volume and variety of content available, Hulu + Live TV has the potential to be the one and only streaming service you need to subscribe to.

Final Thoughts

Hulu Live TV offers a solid livestreaming service with a decent array of popular channels.

Their on demand library gives you even more options when it comes to major network TV shows, movies, and more.

The DVR, although not perfect, allows for 50 hours of recording, which is still better than DIRECTV NOW's offering.

For a mid-range pricing, you get plenty of live channels, access to the on demand library, as well as add-on and premium content.

Overall, Hulu Live TV is a good option when you're cutting the cord.

Pricing and Discounts

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Hulu Live TV offers two main pricing options: $44.99/mo. for the ad-supported plan and $50.99/mo. for the ad-free plan.

The ad-free plan comes with a catch: some channels still have ads due to licensing agreements with content providers. However, your shows will stream uninterrupted with just an ad before and after.

You can also bundle your subscription with Disney Plus, which can save you some money. If you already have Hulu's basic plan, you can upgrade and keep the Disney Plus bundling discount.

Plans

Hulu Live TV offers two main plans: one with ads and one without. The ad-supported plan costs $44.99 per month and includes 60+ live channels, cloud DVR with 50 hours storage, and 2 simultaneous streams.

The ad-free plan, on the other hand, costs $50.99 per month. This plan also includes 60+ live channels, cloud DVR with 50 hours storage, and 2 simultaneous streams, but some channels still have ads.

Here's a breakdown of the two plans:

*Some channels still have ads.

Discounts

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Discounts are a great way to save money on your subscription. You can bundle your subscription with Disney Plus to get the most out of your package.

If you're already a Hulu basic plan subscriber, you can upgrade and still keep the Disney Plus bundling discount, which can be a huge perk.

See what others are reading: Hulu and Disney plus $2.99 Black Friday

Sports Channels

Hulu Plus Live TV offers a wide range of sports channels, including ESPN, FS1, SEC, BTN, and ACCN. With these channels, you can stream live sports from the NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, and MLB.

You can also get regional sports networks, such as Big Ten Network and CBS Sports Network, depending on your zip code. For example, in my region, I get all four main broadcast networks, plus ABC LOCALish, Telemundo, and the CW.

There are also sports add-on channels available, including MAV TV, NFL RedZone, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, TVG, and TVG 2. These add-ons can be purchased separately for $9.99/month.

Additional reading: Channel Lineup for Youtube Tv

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Here's a list of the sports channels available on Hulu Plus Live TV:

  • ACCN
  • Big Ten Network
  • CBS Sports Network
  • ESPN
  • ESPN College Extra
  • ESPN 2
  • ESPNEWS
  • ESPN U
  • FS1
  • FS2
  • Motortrend
  • NBC Golf
  • NFL Network
  • Olympic Channel
  • ESPN SEC Network

Overall, Hulu Plus Live TV has a solid selection of sports channels, including many of the major networks and some add-ons for specific sports.

Omissions and Limitations

Hulu+ Live TV doesn't have every channel you might want. Notable omissions include AMC, BBC America, and the NBA Network.

Some channels are missing, but others are available exclusively on Hulu+ Live TV, like A&E, Boomerang, CNN, Lifetime, History, TNT, TBS, and VICE.

Whether or not these missing channels are a dealbreaker for you depends on your personal viewing habits.

Direc

DirecTV's base signature streaming package is pricey, costing more than other platforms on the list.

It's ideal for sports fans who want to watch local or national games, thanks to its extensive channel selection.

The service has some unique features, like the ability to swipe left and right to change channels.

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DirecTV's Entertainment with sports package offers 75-plus channels for $90.

However, for cord-cutters who want to follow their local NBA or MLB team, the Choice package is a better option due to its access to more regional sports networks.

The Choice package is more expensive, but it's worth it for sports enthusiasts who want to stay up-to-date on their favorite teams.

You might like: Choice Tv Xfinity

Notable Omissions

Some channels are missing from Hulu+ Live TV, and it's worth noting what's not included. AMC, BBC America, and the NBA Network are notable omissions.

If you're a fan of these channels, you might want to consider other options. I've seen some people get frustrated with these exclusions, but it ultimately depends on your viewing habits.

Hulu+ Live TV does offer some channels that its competitors don't, however. A&E, Boomerang, CNN, Lifetime, History, TNT, TBS, and VICE are all available on this platform.

Leslie Larkin

Senior Writer

Leslie Larkin is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content that informs and inspires her audience. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the digital marketing space. Her expertise has been featured in various articles, including "Virginia Digital Marketing Experts," a series that showcases the latest trends and strategies in online marketing.

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