Cutting the Cord: Youtube TV vs Hulu Live Comparison
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preferences and needs. If you value more channels, better image quality, and broader device compatibility, Youtube TV is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prioritize access to local channels and customization options, Hulu Live might be the better choice.
1. Introduction
Are you tired of paying for cable TV but don’t want to miss out on your favorite shows and movies? Cutting the cord might be the solution you’re looking for, and Youtube TV and Hulu Live are two popular streaming services that offer live TV and on-demand content.
In this article, we’ll compare Youtube TV and Hulu Live in terms of cost, channel lineup, user experience, device compatibility, DVR capabilities, and simultaneous streams. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a better understanding of which service suits your needs best.
Both Youtube TV and Hulu Live have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to weigh them carefully before making a decision. So, let’s dive into the world of cord-cutting and explore what these two services have to offer.
2. Cost Comparison
When it comes to cutting the cord and switching to a streaming TV service, cost is one of the most significant factors to consider. In this section, we’ll compare the pricing structures of YouTube TV and Hulu Live.
YouTube TV’s base price is $64.99 per month for over 85 channels, including local networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, as well as popular cable networks like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. YouTube TV also offers add-on packages such as HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz for an additional fee.
On the other hand, Hulu Live’s base plan costs $64.99 per month and provides access to over 75 channels, including all four major broadcast networks, FX, TNT, and TBS. Hulu also offers add-ons such as HBO Max, Showtime, and Cinemax.
However, it’s essential to note that both services have some hidden fees that you should account for. For example, Hulu Live charges an additional $10 monthly fee for unlimited simultaneous streams, while YouTube TV allows up to three streams simultaneously with no extra charge. Additionally, both services charge taxes and regional sports fees, which can vary depending on your location.
In conclusion, Both Hulu Live and YouTube TV offer a similar range of channels at the same price point. However, YouTube TV has the edge when it comes to simultaneous streams, providing three streams without any additional fee, making it ideal for larger households. Ultimately, choosing between the two depends on your channel preferences, user experience, and device compatibility.
3. Channel Lineup Comparison
When it comes to choosing between Youtube TV and Hulu Live, one of the essential considerations is the channel lineup. Both services offer a wide range of channels that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Youtube TV offers more than 85 channels, including popular networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, ESPN, and TNT. They also provide access to local broadcast stations based on your location. Additionally, there are options for premium add-ons like HBO Max, Showtime, and STARZ.
On the other hand, Hulu Live offers over 65 live channels, including major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, ESPN, and TNT. They also provide access to local broadcast stations based on your location. Similar to Youtube TV, Hulu Live offers add-ons such as Cinemax, Showtime, and HBO Max.
One significant difference between the two services is that Hulu Live includes access to Hulu’s streaming library, which consists of thousands of movies and TV shows. This feature makes Hulu Live an excellent option for those who enjoy streaming content in addition to live television.
Another notable difference is that Youtube TV includes the YouTube Originals channel, which features exclusive content not available to regular YouTube users. This channel includes shows like “Cobra Kai” and “Escape The Night,” among others.
In terms of sports channels, both services offer access to ESPN and regional sports networks, but Youtube TV provides additional options like NBA TV and MLB Network.
Overall, when comparing the channel lineups of Youtube TV and Hulu Live, it’s clear that both services offer a vast selection of channels to choose from. However, Hulu Live’s inclusion of access to Hulu’s streaming library gives it an edge for those who enjoy both live TV and streaming content. Meanwhile, Youtube TV’s exclusive YouTube Originals channel and additional sports channels may appeal more to some viewers.
4. User Experience Comparison
When it comes to streaming live TV, user experience is crucial. Both YouTube TV and Hulu Live have their unique features that make them stand out from each other. Let’s dive in and compare the user experience of these two services.
Interface
YouTube TV has a simple and elegant interface that is easy to navigate. With its minimalist design, you can easily find what you’re looking for. On the other hand, Hulu Live has a cluttered interface that can be overwhelming for some users.
Streaming Quality
Both services offer high-quality streaming, but YouTube TV edges out Hulu Live when it comes to streaming quality. YouTube TV provides better video quality and faster streaming speeds, making for an overall smoother streaming experience.
Guide Functionality
The channel guide is an essential feature for any live TV streaming service. YouTube TV’s guide is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to quickly browse through channels and find what you want to watch. Hulu Live’s guide can be a bit confusing, with some users finding it difficult to locate channels and shows.
Ads
Advertisements are an unfortunate reality of streaming live TV. However, both YouTube TV and Hulu Live handle ads differently. YouTube TV allows you to fast-forward through ads on most of its recorded shows, while Hulu Live makes you sit through them. This can be frustrating for users who prefer not to watch ads.
Overall, YouTube TV has a cleaner and more user-friendly interface, better streaming quality, and more flexible ad options. While Hulu Live may have a more extensive content library, YouTube TV has a smoother and more enjoyable user experience.
5. Device Compatibility Comparison
When it comes to streaming services, device compatibility is crucial, as you want to ensure that the service can be accessed from all the devices that you own. Both YouTube TV and Hulu Live have a wide range of compatible devices, including smart TVs, streaming players, and gaming consoles.
YouTube TV is compatible with Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox One, Android TV, Samsung and LG smart TVs, iOS and Android devices, and web browsers. Hulu Live, on the other hand, can be streamed on Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android devices, and web browsers.
One advantage that Hulu Live has over YouTube TV is that it is available on the Nintendo Switch, which is not currently supported by YouTube TV. However, if you are a gamer and have an Xbox One, you may prefer YouTube TV as it is optimized for the console with a dedicated app, making it easier to navigate through channels and shows.
Both services also offer the ability to stream content simultaneously on multiple devices, with YouTube TV allowing up to three streams at once, and Hulu Live allowing up to two streams. However, Hulu Live offers the option to add an unlimited number of screens for an additional fee.
Overall, both YouTube TV and Hulu Live offer extensive device compatibility, making it easy to access your favorite content from a variety of devices. However, if you are looking to stream on a Nintendo Switch, Hulu Live may be the better option, while Xbox One users may appreciate the dedicated app offered by YouTube TV.
6. DVR Comparison
If you’re someone who likes to record TV shows and movies to enjoy later, then the DVR feature is important in choosing between YouTube TV and Hulu Live. Both services offer DVR capabilities, but there are some differences to note.
Firstly, YouTube TV offers an unlimited DVR feature, which means you can record as many shows as you want without worrying about storage space. Plus, your recordings are saved for up to nine months, giving you plenty of time to catch up on missed episodes.
On the other hand, Hulu Live has a similar DVR feature, but it comes with some limitations. With Hulu Live, you get 50 hours of storage space, which may not be enough if you record a lot of content. Also, if you want to increase your storage capacity, you need to upgrade to their Enhanced Cloud DVR plan, which costs extra.
Another difference between the two services is how they handle ads in recorded content. With YouTube TV, any recorded content will have fast-forward enabled, allowing you to skip through ads effortlessly. However, Hulu Live’s DVR feature doesn’t always allow for ad skipping, even on recorded content, unless you pay for their No Ads add-on.
Overall, YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR feature and ad-skipping capabilities make it a better option for those who rely heavily on recording and watching TV shows on their own terms. However, if you don’t mind paying extra for additional storage or an ad-free experience, Hulu Live might be a suitable choice for you.
7. Simultaneous Streams Comparison
When it comes to streaming services, the number of simultaneous streams may be a deciding factor for many households. This is especially true if you have multiple people living under the same roof who want to watch different shows at the same time. So, which service offers more simultaneous streams, YouTube TV or Hulu Live?
YouTube TV allows up to three simultaneous streams per account. This means that three different devices can stream content at the same time with one subscription. However, there is an option to add unlimited screens to your account for an additional fee of $10/month. With unlimited screens, you can stream on as many devices as you want, but there are restrictions on how many can be used outside of your home network.
On the other hand, Hulu Live only allows two simultaneous streams per account by default. But similarly to YouTube TV, they offer an add-on feature called Unlimited Screens that allows for unlimited simultaneous streams. However, unlike YouTube TV, Hulu Live’s Unlimited Screens add-on costs $9.99/month in addition to the base subscription price.
In terms of simultaneous streams, both services have their pros and cons. YouTube TV offers one more default stream than Hulu Live, but Hulu Live’s add-on is slightly cheaper than YouTube TV’s. Additionally, both services restrict the number of screens used outside of the home network, so keep that in mind if you plan on traveling with your streaming device.
Overall, while the slight difference in default simultaneous streams may not be a deal breaker for some, those who require more streams should take into consideration the additional cost of adding unlimited screens to their account.
Conclusion
After comparing YouTube TV and Hulu Live, it’s clear that both streaming services have their advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a streaming service.
If you’re looking for a more extensive channel lineup and a lower price point, Hulu Live may be the better option for you. However, if you prioritize DVR storage and compatibility with multiple devices, then YouTube TV might be the way to go.
User experience is another important factor to consider, and both services offer a sleek and user-friendly interface. It really comes down to which layout you prefer and how easy it is for you to navigate.
Finally, simultaneous streams are essential if you plan on sharing your account with family or friends. Both services allow for multiple streams at once, but Hulu Live has an additional cost for more than two.
Overall, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each service and determine which one fits your needs best. No matter which streaming service you choose, cutting the cord has never been easier or more affordable!