The world of streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume television, offering a plethora of options for cord-cutters to choose from. Two popular choices, YouTube TV and Hulu, have been vying for the top spot in the market. But which one is better? In this article, we’ll delve into the features, pricing, and content offerings of both services to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of YouTube TV and Hulu
YouTube TV is a relatively new player in the streaming market, launched in 2017. It’s a live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. YouTube TV is built on the YouTube platform, which means it leverages the vast resources and expertise of the world’s largest video-sharing platform.
Hulu, on the other hand, has been around since 2007 and has undergone significant transformations over the years. It started as a joint venture between NBCUniversal, Fox Entertainment Group, and Disney-ABC Television Group, offering a range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. In 2017, Hulu launched its live TV streaming service, which offers a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment.
Content Offerings
Both YouTube TV and Hulu offer a range of channels, but the content offerings differ significantly. YouTube TV offers over 85 channels, including major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and MSNBC. It also offers a range of sports channels, including NFL Network, NBA TV, and MLB.TV.
Hulu, on the other hand, offers over 65 channels, including major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and MSNBC. However, Hulu’s channel lineup is more limited than YouTube TV’s, and it doesn’t offer as many sports channels.
| Service | Number of Channels | Notable Channels |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | 85+ | ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB.TV |
| Hulu | 65+ | ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC |
Pricing
Pricing is a critical factor in choosing a streaming service. YouTube TV offers a single plan that costs $64.99 per month, which includes access to all its channels, as well as unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Hulu, on the other hand, offers two plans: the Hulu with Live TV plan, which costs $64.99 per month, and the Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV plan, which costs $70.99 per month. The main difference between the two plans is that the latter offers ad-free viewing for Hulu’s on-demand content.
| Service | Plan | Price | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | Single Plan | $64.99/month | Access to all channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage |
| Hulu | Hulu with Live TV | $64.99/month | Access to all channels, limited cloud DVR storage |
| Hulu | Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV | $70.99/month | Access to all channels, unlimited cloud DVR storage, ad-free viewing for on-demand content |
Cloud DVR Storage
Cloud DVR storage is a critical feature for cord-cutters who want to record their favorite shows and watch them later. YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record as many shows as you want without worrying about running out of space.
Hulu, on the other hand, offers limited cloud DVR storage, which is 50 hours for the Hulu with Live TV plan and 200 hours for the Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV plan. While this may be sufficient for casual viewers, it may not be enough for heavy users who want to record multiple shows at once.
Additional Features
Both YouTube TV and Hulu offer a range of additional features that enhance the viewing experience. YouTube TV offers features like:
- Multi-device support: You can watch YouTube TV on up to three devices at the same time.
- Personalized recommendations: YouTube TV offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing history.
- Live TV guide: YouTube TV offers a live TV guide that makes it easy to find what’s on.
Hulu, on the other hand, offers features like:
- On-demand content: Hulu offers a vast library of on-demand content, including TV shows and movies.
- Add-ons: Hulu offers add-ons like HBO, Showtime, and Starz, which can be added to your subscription.
- Profile management: Hulu allows you to create up to six profiles, which makes it easy to manage multiple users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both YouTube TV and Hulu are excellent streaming services that offer a range of channels, features, and content. However, the better service for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a service with a wider range of channels, including sports channels, YouTube TV may be the better choice. Additionally, YouTube TV’s unlimited cloud DVR storage makes it an attractive option for heavy users.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a service with a strong focus on on-demand content, Hulu may be the better choice. Hulu’s vast library of TV shows and movies makes it an excellent option for viewers who want to binge-watch their favorite shows.
Ultimately, the decision between YouTube TV and Hulu depends on your individual preferences and viewing habits. We recommend trying out both services to see which one works best for you.
Final Verdict
- YouTube TV: 4.5/5 stars
- Hulu: 4.2/5 stars
Note: The ratings are based on our analysis of the services’ features, pricing, and content offerings.
What are the main differences between YouTube TV and Hulu?
YouTube TV and Hulu are two popular streaming services that cater to cord-cutters, but they have distinct differences. YouTube TV is primarily a live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment. On the other hand, Hulu is a more versatile service that offers a mix of live TV, on-demand content, and a range of TV shows and movies.
In terms of content, YouTube TV has a stronger focus on live TV, with over 85 channels available, including major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC. Hulu, on the other hand, has a more limited live TV offering, but it makes up for it with a vast library of on-demand content, including a range of TV shows and movies.
Which service is more affordable, YouTube TV or Hulu?
The cost of YouTube TV and Hulu varies depending on the plan you choose. YouTube TV’s base plan starts at $64.99 per month, which includes access to over 85 channels. Hulu’s base plan, on the other hand, starts at $54.99 per month for its ad-supported option, which includes access to its on-demand library and a limited selection of live TV channels.
However, Hulu’s live TV plan, which includes access to over 65 channels, starts at $64.99 per month, which is the same price as YouTube TV’s base plan. Ultimately, the choice between YouTube TV and Hulu will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with a strong focus on on-demand content, Hulu may be the better choice. But if you’re looking for a live TV streaming service with a wide range of channels, YouTube TV may be the better option.
Which service has better channel options, YouTube TV or Hulu?
YouTube TV has a more comprehensive channel lineup, with over 85 channels available, including major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC. It also includes a range of sports channels, such as ESPN and Fox Sports, as well as news channels like CNN and MSNBC. Hulu’s live TV plan, on the other hand, includes over 65 channels, but it’s missing some of the major networks and sports channels that are available on YouTube TV.
However, Hulu’s on-demand library is much more extensive than YouTube TV’s, with a vast range of TV shows and movies available to stream. Hulu also has a stronger focus on original content, with a range of exclusive shows and movies that can’t be found on YouTube TV. Ultimately, the choice between YouTube TV and Hulu will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a live TV streaming service with a wide range of channels, YouTube TV may be the better option. But if you’re looking for a service with a strong focus on on-demand content, Hulu may be the better choice.
Can I record shows on YouTube TV and Hulu?
Yes, both YouTube TV and Hulu offer cloud DVR capabilities, which allow you to record shows and watch them later. YouTube TV’s cloud DVR is unlimited, which means you can record as many shows as you want without running out of space. Hulu’s cloud DVR, on the other hand, is limited to 50 hours of storage, unless you upgrade to its Enhanced Cloud DVR add-on, which increases storage to 200 hours.
In terms of recording capabilities, YouTube TV has a more user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to record shows and manage your DVR recordings. Hulu’s DVR interface is a bit more clunky, but it still gets the job done. Ultimately, the choice between YouTube TV and Hulu will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a service with unlimited cloud DVR capabilities, YouTube TV may be the better option.
Which service has better streaming quality, YouTube TV or Hulu?
Both YouTube TV and Hulu offer high-quality streaming, but YouTube TV has a slight edge in this department. YouTube TV streams at 1080p resolution, which is the standard for high-definition video. Hulu, on the other hand, streams at 720p resolution, which is still high-quality but not quite as sharp as YouTube TV.
However, Hulu has been working to improve its streaming quality, and it now offers 4K streaming on select content. YouTube TV also offers 4K streaming on select content, but it’s not as widespread as Hulu’s 4K offerings. Ultimately, the choice between YouTube TV and Hulu will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a service with the highest possible streaming quality, YouTube TV may be the better option.
Can I watch YouTube TV and Hulu on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, both YouTube TV and Hulu allow you to watch on multiple devices at the same time. YouTube TV allows you to stream on up to three devices at the same time, which is a generous allowance compared to some other streaming services. Hulu, on the other hand, allows you to stream on up to two devices at the same time, unless you upgrade to its Unlimited Screens add-on, which increases the limit to unlimited devices.
In terms of device support, both YouTube TV and Hulu have a wide range of compatible devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast. However, YouTube TV has a slight edge in this department, with support for more devices and a more user-friendly interface. Ultimately, the choice between YouTube TV and Hulu will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a service that allows you to watch on multiple devices at the same time, YouTube TV may be the better option.
Can I cancel YouTube TV and Hulu at any time?
Yes, both YouTube TV and Hulu offer month-to-month contracts, which means you can cancel at any time without penalty. This is a major advantage over traditional cable TV, which often requires a long-term contract and charges hefty fees for cancellation.
In terms of cancellation policies, both YouTube TV and Hulu are relatively straightforward. You can cancel your subscription online or through the mobile app, and your service will be terminated at the end of the current billing cycle. However, it’s worth noting that Hulu has a more complex pricing structure, with multiple plans and add-ons available. This can make it more difficult to cancel your subscription, as you’ll need to navigate the various options and ensure that you’re canceling the correct plan.