YouTube TV vs Hulu Live TV: Best Alternatives to Cable TV

Explore and discover all about YouTube TV vs Hulu with features. Put an end to your search with these Top Cable TV Alternatives if you are seeking to replace cable TV in this streaming world:

We are living in an age of digitized information. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the popularity of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. These services have essentially heralded the end of Cable TV. According to a report published by Forbes, 68% of the total view time in America is devoted to streaming, while only 28% is going to Traditional Cable TV.

With each year, more folks are straying away from cable TV in favor of the more convenient streaming platforms. One glance at the plethora of benefits streaming platforms provide over cable TV, and it isn’t difficult to understand why this trend exists.

YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling & Hulu Live: Which Option is the Best

Streaming services are far cheaper than cable TV. You can also catch your favorite shows or movies on the platform anytime you want. You can pause and resume your watch later and there are no contracts, all perks that you won’t find with cable TV.

Despite these advantages, Cable TV is still considered the best medium to catch live streams, sports channels, and local news. The Streaming space is now trying to fill this gap by introducing live TV streaming services. Two of the biggest names in this realm today are YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.

Both platforms are two of the best cable TV alternatives you’ll find in the streaming space. However, which one of these two is the best?

That is the question I am interested in answering with this article. So without much further ado, let’s get started.

YouTube TV vs Hulu: An Overview

Let’s begin with YouTube TV, as this was the first platform I tried.

YouTube TV, as I mentioned before, is a live TV streaming service. This streaming service affords you the privilege of watching content from over 100 TV channels. YouTube TV tries to replicate the feel of traditional satellite TV programming, albeit over the internet and without a cable connection.

All you need for YouTube TV is the app, a compatible streaming device, and a solid internet connection.

Hulu + Live TV or Hulu With Live TV serves as an extension of the Hulu app’s original subscription plans. Alongside the content you get with Hulu, the live TV service also grants you access to over 95 channels. Similar to YouTube TV, you only require a compatible streaming device and a reliable internet connection to enjoy content on the platform.

Both services have USPs that give them an edge over the other. I pit the two against each other based on a few key parameters to find out which was the better cable TV alternative overall.

Better Cable TV Alternative: Based on Parameters

Those parameters include:

#1) User-Experience

The UI that both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer is neat with immaculately organized catalogs. I had no problem finding the channel or content I wanted to watch on either site. Both interfaces have a sleek look to them, which lends an air of sophistication without making their functionality complex.

The video players on both of these platforms are also great. It is easy to rewind or fast-forward through your shows or the movies you are watching. In essence, I have no complaints whatsoever with the UI that YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer. I had a seamless experience navigating and watching content on both platforms.

Winner: Tie

#2) Channels

YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer a compelling assortment of channels. YouTube Live TV promises you access to more than 100 channels while Hulu + Live TV grants you access to somewhere around 95 channels. This consists of well-liked entertainment, family-friendly, informative, and sports channels.

However, the conversation here isn’t about the channels they offer but the ones each service omits from its catalog. Hulu, for instance, does not have the AMC network and Univision. This was disappointing for me as a fan of so many shows that AMC has produced over the years. Hulu also does not offer BBC America, Sundance, and ION.

On the other hand, YouTube TV does not have the Lifetime or History network. If you are a fan of Sports, you are not going to be impressed with YouTube TV.

Ultimately it boils down to personal taste. I do care for programming on Lifetime and History TV. I do, however, love myself some classics on AMC.

For this reason alone, I am going to give YouTube TV an edge here over Hulu + Live TV. Depending on what you like, the winner for you might be different. As this is my opinion, I am going with YouTube TV as the winner in this department.

Winner: YouTube TV

#3) Picture Quality

The Picture Quality for most content offered on Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV ranges from 720p to 1080p in resolution. YouTube TV is now offering a new 4K Plus plan that costs $9.99/month, which will allow you to watch already available content and offline recordings in 4K. However, it is imperative to know that you can live stream in 4K on either YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

There’s on-demand content on both platforms that you can watch in 4K Picture quality but the restricted picture quality of live streams leaves a lot to desire.

I’d still give YouTube TV a win here over Hulu + Live TV for its 4K Plus plan, which at least lets you watch some recorded content in 4K.

Winner: YouTube TV

#4) DVR

I have no complaints about the DVR capabilities of both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Both offer cloud-based DVR specs. There is no restriction to the amount of content you can record on the platforms. These two are by far the best when it comes to DVR capabilities in the industry today. Other live TV streaming platforms can barely go toe-to-toe with these platforms in this realm.

For instance, the famous FuboTV’s base plan only facilitates 1000 hours of recordings whereas Sling TV only lets you record 50 hours of content by default. Overall, both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV should be commended for what they offer to users about DVR.

Winner: Tie

#5) Sports

Sports is why many people still feel so attached to cable TV. Sports is also the reason why most folks will opt for the services of Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV. I do not want to keep anyone in suspense here for too long and reveal straight away that YouTube TV is miles ahead of Hulu + Live TV in the department of sports-related content.

YouTube TV offers you access to both the NBA and NFL network while Hulu + Live TV only offers the latter. As of this date, no service offers the MLB network or is strong when it comes to regional sports networks. However, I expect this to change in the coming years.

YouTube TV’s sports add-on package is much better than Hulu + Live TV’s package. With YouTube TV’s add-on, which costs $10.99/month, you get over 13 sports channels. Hulu + Live TV only offers you 6 additional sports channels for $9.99/month.

That said, what truly sets YouTube TV stand tall here are the advanced features it offers to elevate your viewing experience. You get real-time insights into the game with key stats while the match is still on. The “Key Plays View” is a phenomenal feature that’s sure to tempt sports fans by letting them watch certain critical moments from the match again.

YouTube TV is simply great and enhances your experience when live-streaming sports events.

Winner: YouTube TV

#6) Compatibility

Both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are compatible with almost all types of smart TVs and media players out there. YouTube TV’s native app can be found on Chromecast, FireStick, Roku Streaming Sticks, iOS and Android devices. The app is also available for PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

You can find Hulu+ Live TV’s native app on all the above-mentioned devices as well. It is important to note that Hulu + Live TV is also available on Nintendo Switch, which is not the case on YouTube TV. I don’t think this exception makes any difference, as most people won’t use a Nintendo Switch to stream live TV.

Winner: Tie

#7) Features

YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer some enticing features that distinguish them from each other. Both services offer amazing add-on packages, including access to additional channels from around the world.

However, Hulu + Live TV also grants you access to the complete streaming library of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN +.

That said, YouTube TV has a Hulu + Live TV beat in one critical aspect. YouTube TV offers a bunch of advanced features designed to satiate sports fans. Sports fans can view match starts with real-time insights while a game is still underway.

The amazing “Key Plays View” feature also sets YouTube TV apart from so many of its contemporaries out there. The feature allows viewers to catch up on some of the game’s best moments long after its live broadcast is over. You will not find such features on Hulu + Live TV.

YouTube TV also outshines Hulu + Live TV by offering viewers the privilege of streaming on 3 devices simultaneously. Hulu + Live TV only allows you to stream on 2 devices. Both offer add-on packages that facilitate unlimited streams.

I would again pick YouTube TV as a clear winner here, particularly for its features that cater to sports fans.

Winner: YouTube TV

#8) Price

Hulu + Live TV offers three subscription plans. Each plan offers you access to over 95+ channels along with exclusive access to the streaming library of ESPN + and Disney+. The difference between all three plans ultimately boils down to the existence of ads.

The base plan will cost you $76.99/month with ads. If you only want access to live TV channels without Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN + streaming library, then it’ll cost you $75.99/month.

A plan with no ads will cost you $89.99/month. While there will be no ads interrupting your watch when accessing live TV or content from Disney+ and Hulu, ads remain on ESPN+.

On the contrary, YouTube Live TV’s base plan starts at $57.99/month. The Spanish plan with 30+ Spanish networks will cost you $34.99/month. There is a new NFL Sunday Ticket Bundled or Standalone plan, which will cost you $179.

Looking back at the plans and what is being offered, I would like to give Hulu + Live TV a win here. While YouTube TV’s base plan is cheaper, Hulu + Live TV offers more value by offering access to the massive streaming library of Disney+ and ESPN + alongside 95 live TV channels.

Winner: Hulu + Live TV

Comparing the Two Live TV Streaming Giants

Other Live TV Streaming Services

#1) Sling TV

Sling TV earns the distinct honor of being one of the cheapest live TV streaming services out there. Its base offering includes a package replete with local channels and sports content. Its add-on features are where it ultimately shines. The streaming itself is also very reliable, with little to no downtime experienced by users.

Price: Starts at $21/month

Website: https://www.sling.com/

#2) Fubo

If you are a sports fanatic, then you’ll adore what Fubo offers. Like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, Fubo also offers you the NFL network. It also grants you access to local sports networks like FOX, NBC, NBA TV, and more. You are also provided with a plethora of options for entertainment-centric channels. This includes the AMC network, ABC, FX, SYFY, etc.

Price: Starts at $79.99/month

Website: https://www.fubo.tv/welcome

#3) Philo

Philo is yet another platform that stands out because of how cheap its subscription plans are. You are offered a compelling channel lineup along with impressive DVR functionality and streaming performance. The platform is excellent for fans of original American TV shows and lifestyle entertainment.

Price: Starts at $25/month

Website: https://www.philo.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

The Final Verdict: Which is Better – YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV

In hindsight, while comparing YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV, both signify a revolution in online entertainment. In the end, the opinion on which of these services is better will vary from person to person. For me, YouTube TV is the better option because of its sports add-on package and the features it offers you like match stats and “Key Play Views”.

Hulu + Live TV isn’t bad either though. Getting access to 95+ live channels alongside the entire streaming library of Disney +, ESPN +, and Hulu at $76.99 is a tempting deal. YouTube TV is the clear winner for me. However, depending on your preferences, you might not feel the same way.

Regardless, from this review of YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV, I believe both are great alternatives to traditional Cable TV. To understand which will satisfy you better, simply pit them against each other on the above-mentioned parameters and determine the value they offer you.