YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV: Which Is Better? (2025)

The debate on YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV has an end with a careful evaluation and analysis of both these platforms, with their latest reviews.

This analysis will compare each streaming platform in terms of features, pricing, DVR, user interface, and more. While one platform offers attractive sports action along with popular channels, the other combines Hulu, ESPN+, Disney+, and live TV action.

With a rapid increase to both YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TVs pricing, this comparison has become all the more close and crucial.

Let’s find which can be the best option to choose between YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV plan in 2025!

Detailed Comparison: YouTube TV And Hulu + Live TV

I have compared the two in-demand streaming services across various features in the table below. Turns out YouTube TV is a far better choice for you!

Features	YouTube TV	Hulu + Live TV	Winner
Price	$82.99/mo	starts at $82.99/mo	None
Active discount	$10*	None	YouTube TV
Free Trial	Up to 21 days*	3 days	YouTube TV
Live Channel Lineup	100+	95+	YouTube TV
On-Demand Content	Yes	Yes	Tie
User Interface	Easy	Learning Curve	YouTube TV
DVR Storage	Unlimited	Unlimited	Tie

Note* : YouTube TV’s free trial duration and available discount for new users varies, as per region and availability. Please check directly on the platform for the latest offer details.

Now that we have skimmed YouTube TV and Hulu+ Live, let’s review their details and understand which platform is more suitable for you!

YouTube TV: User Interface And Experience

YouTube TV is ideal for users who are looking for a straightforward interface.

YouTube TV Ease of Use and NavigationYouTube TV

YouTube TV is known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface.

YouTube TV: User Interface — **Source:** YouTube TV

It closely mirrors the classic YouTube layout, which many users already know.

This makes the transition to YouTube TV quite seamless. The main screen offers a simple tab setup with options like Library, Home, and Live that make navigation straightforward.

YouTube TV Unique Features

One of the standout features of YouTube TV’s interface is its search functionality. Moreover, it includes voice search capabilities too. The service also offers a Dark Mode, which is easier on the eyes and preferable for watching in low-light environments.

In addition, YouTube TV offers three main points that most users have specified liking:-

Multiview: Users can watch up to four games simultaneously on one screen.
Key Plays Catch-Up: A quick summary of important moments in a game.
Seamless Continuity: Users can seamlessly pick up where they left off in their most recent shows or movies.

While using YouTube TV, you can transit between devices without uninterrupted entertainment.

These features contribute to YouTube TV’s reputation for user-friendly design and intuitive functionality. Hence, it is a top choice for those seeking an immersive and hassle-free streaming experience.

Hulu+ Live TV: User Interface And Experience

Hulu + Live TV plan is ideal for users who prefer a personalized interface and are comfortable with a slightly steeper learning curve.

Hulu Ease of Use and Navigation

Hulu+ Live TV offers an interface that is sleek and modern. However, some users find the navigation slightly more complex than YouTube TV.

The platform categorizes content into tabs such as My Stuff, Live TV, and On-Demand, which helps organize viewing choices but can take some getting used to.

Hulu Unique Features

The interface stands out with its personalization features and offers a more tailored viewing experience. As you continue watching on Hulu + Live TV plan, it also suggests content based on your viewing habits.

Additionally, Hulu’s integration of live TV with its vast on-demand library provides a seamless transition between live and recorded content.

YouTube TV And Hulu Live: DVR Storage

Since both platforms are majorly compared for their Sports content let’s compare their DVR capacities. For the times when you miss a live fixture, you need a strong DVR storage to record live action.

YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage for all users.

This means you can record as many shows and movies as you want without worrying about running out of space. Recorded content is stored in the cloud, allowing you to access it from any supported device with an internet connection.

Implementation

YouTube TV’s DVR functionality is seamlessly integrated into its user interface.

Users can easily record upcoming shows or movies by clicking the “+” button next to the title. That’s how the recorded content gets organized in the “Library” tab. Here, you can manage your recordings, including deleting or saving them for offline viewing.

Similar to YouTube TV, Hulu Live also offers unlimited DVR storage.

This allows you to record as much content as you want, and recordings are stored in the cloud for easy access.

Implementation

Hulu Live TV’s DVR feature is integrated into its interface, allowing users to record live TV shows and movies easily. You can access the recorded content in the My Stuff section, where you can manage your recordings and watch them at your convenience.

Additionally, Hulu Live TV offers the option to upgrade to Enhanced Cloud DVR, which provides 500 hours of storage. By doing so, you can fast-forward through commercials.

YouTube TV Offers a Free Trial Up to 21 Days

When you subscribe to YouTube TV’s Base Plan ($82.99), you may get up to 21 day YouTube TV free trial.

Whereas, when you subscribe to the Spanish Plan, you a trial of 7 days! Now, as much as the YouTube TV free trial gives you complete access to the premium service, there are a couple of limitations:

YouTube TV free trial length varies as per region and time of the year.
The free trial is only available to new users of YouTube TV who have never used a free trial before.
Following the expiration of your free trial, your account will automatically convert to a paid membership. You will then be charged the Base Plan’s regular amount as well as any additional subscriptions you have added to your YouTube TV membership.
You will instantly lose access to the service (together with any add-ons) if you cancel YouTube TV during a free trial.

Hulu + Live TV Offers Three Days Free Trial

The platform offers a three-day free trial. During the free trial, users can access all the features and content in their selected plan. After the trial ends, users are automatically charged for the next month unless they cancel their plan.

Following are some of the Hulu+ Live TV Free Trial limitations:-

The free trial is only available to new users of Hulu+ Live TV who have never used a free trial before.
Hulu+ Live TV requires payment info, but you won’t be charged until the trial.
Once the trial ends, you’ll be automatically charged for your first month.
If you cancel Hulu+ Live TV during a free trial, you’ll immediately lose access to the service (including any add-ons) upon cancellation.
Regional restrictions, blackouts, and Live TV terms apply.
Location data is required to watch certain content.

YouTube TV – Pricing Tiers

The base plan costs $82.99 per month, but first-time customers can use a promotional discount for the first few months.

In addition, YouTube TV offers a Spanish plan, which costs $34.99 for 32+ channels.

Subscription Plan	Channel Availability	Price	Popular Channels
Base	136	$82.99/month	ABC and ESPN
Spanish	32	$14.99/month	Telemundo and Univison

Along with the 100+ Live Channels, YouTube TV offers a list of add-ons starting at $1.99 monthly. Let’s take a look at some of them:-

Add-on Network	Channel Availability	Price – One Month
Add Ons Networks	40	From $9.99
Spanish Plus Add-On	29	$14.99 (On top of Base Plan)
Sports Plus Add-On	15	$10.99 (On top of Base Plan)
NFL Sunday Ticket	100+	$179 (or 4 installments of $44.75)

Hulu+ Live TV – Pricing Tiers

Hulu+ Live TV offers four monthly plans and annual plans, starting from $82.99/mo. Unlike YouTube TV, there are no discount deals. In addition, Hulu+ Live TV offers add-on options:-

Español Add-on: $4.99 per month
Entertainment Add-on: $7.99 per month
Sports Add-on: $9.99 per month
Unlimited Screens Add-on: $9.99 per month

Plan	Added Bundles	Price
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV	Disney+ and ESPN+ (With Ads)	$82.99/month
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV	Disney+ and ESPN+ (No Ads)	$95.99/month
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV	Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads)	$81.99/month
Live TV Only	–	$81.99/month

Channel Lineup: Hulu TV vs YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers over 100 live channels across the following categories:-

Local Channels: YouTube TV offers local channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, Telemundo, and The CW. The availability of these channels may vary based on your location.
Premium Channels: YouTube TV offers premium channels as add-ons. These include HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz.
Add-ons: YouTube TV offers a variety of add-ons for an additional cost, allowing you to customize your viewing experience. Some of these include 4K Plus, Sports Plus, Entertainment Plus, and so on.

Hulu+ Live offers 90+ Channels across the following categories:-

Local Channels: Hulu + Live TV offers local channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, Telemundo, and The CW. The availability of these channels may vary based on your location.
Premium Channels: Hulu + Live TV offers premium channels as add-ons. These include HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz.
Add-ons: Hulu + Live TV offers a variety of add-ons for an additional cost, allowing you to customize your viewing experience. These include Unlimited Screens, Entertainment Networks, Sports Add-on, Español Networks, and Disney+ & ESPN+.

YouTube TV: Device Support

YouTube TV Is Compatible With Several Devices, Which Include:-

Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, VIZIO)
Streaming media players (Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast)
Gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)
Smartphones, web browsers, and tablets.

Hulu Live TV: Device Support

Hulu Live TV is also available on a variety of devices, including streaming media players, smart TVs, smartphones, gaming consoles, tablets, and web browsers.

Some supported devices include:

Roku
Apple TV
Chromecast
Xbox
PlayStation

YouTube TV vs Hulu+ Live TV: Additional Services

When comparing additional services offered by YouTube TV and Hulu+ Live TV, each platform provides unique value-adds that cater to different viewer preferences:-

YouTube TV

YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket allows subscribers to watch all out-of-market NFL games on Sundays. (The games are not broadcast locally on CBS or FOX.)

In addition, the feature also offers multiple features:-

Multiview (up to 4 games on one screen)
Unlimited home streams
Game replays with key plays
No satellite dish is needed, and you can start watching on any connected device.

Hulu+ Live TV

This package includes Disney Plus and ESPN+ with add-ons. It is priced from $82.99 per month and offers you a comprehensive entertainment solution that combines live TV with on-demand content from three popular streaming platforms:-

Disney Plus offers:-

Disney classics
Pixar animations
Marvel movies
Star Wars series
National Geographic documentaries

ESPN Plus offers:-

Sports content
Exclusive live events
Original studio shows
In-depth sports analysis

There are no additional mandatory charges beyond the monthly fee. However, there are optional add-ons that subscribers can choose for an additional cost, such as:

Add-On	Description	Price Per Month
Enhanced Cloud DVR	Unlimited DVR storage	No cost
Unlimited Screens	Simultaneous streams	$9.99
Premium Channels	Add-ons like HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz	Varies
Commercial-Free Viewing	Ad-free	$17.99

Overall Value:-

YouTube TV is more tailored towards NFL fans and those who prefer sports over general entertainment. Thus, exclusive games provide significant value.
Hulu+ Live TV offers a more diversified entertainment package, making it appealing to a wide range of viewers who enjoy movies, series, and various sports.

Real-Time Testimonials: Praises & Complaints

Please note that these are summaries of various user reviews and experiences. If you are interested in individual experiences, you can head to the public forums.

YouTube TV – Praises

More channels than any other competitor, which includes PBS.
The cloud DVR is incredible.
Brilliant on-screen interface and easy-to-use search bar.
Slick and speedy on a variety of TVs and mobile devices.
Offers an experience similar to cable TV.

YouTube TV – Complaints

Rapidly increasing subscription cost.
The $20 upgrade does not contain 4K content.
The service has more than doubled in price since its debut.

Hulu Live – Praises

A solid mix of channels.
Fun to use.
Hulu’s on-demand, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus are included.
Unlimited DVR.
Comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+.
Unlimited DVR storage space.

Hulu Live – Complaints

YouTube TV has a stronger live channel selection.
Hulu’s interface was a bit confusing in tests.
Hard to use on the go.
You can find lower prices and a more conventional viewing experience elsewhere.

More on YouTube TV & Hulu

Conclusion: YouTube TV Offers Better Benefits Than Hulu + Live TV

While Hulu Live TV has its own strengths, YouTube TV’s comprehensive package, price savings and consistent performance make it a clear winner. Some of YouTube TV’s winning points are:-

Free Trial length
New user discount
User-friendly interface
Extensive channel lineup
Include valuable add-ons like the NFL Sunday ticket.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up with YouTube TV with its 5 to 7 days free trial for subscription plans like Base and Spanish.