YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the two premium live TV streaming options — both priced above $70/mo, both offering 75–100+ channels, unlimited DVR, and local affiliates. The key difference is that Hulu + Live TV bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra charge, which changes the value equation significantly.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV wins on value — the included Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle is a meaningful differentiator at a comparable price.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $72.99/mo | $82.99/mo (with ads) |
| Unlimited DVR | Yes (9 months) | Yes |
| Included streaming library | None | Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ |
| Channel count | 100+ | 90+ |
| Simultaneous streams | 3 (unlimited at home) | 2 (unlimited at home) |
The Bundle Factor
Hulu + Live TV ($82.99/mo with ads) includes Hulu's streaming library, Disney+ (ad-supported), and ESPN+ built in. That's effectively three services in one price. If you'd pay for Disney+ and ESPN+ separately, Hulu + Live TV starts to look like a genuinely good deal.
YouTube TV ($72.99/mo) is live TV only. No streaming library, no Disney+, no ESPN+. It's $10/mo cheaper before you account for the added services Hulu bundles.
DVR
YouTube TV's unlimited DVR with 9-month storage is still the best DVR in live TV streaming. Hulu + Live TV offers unlimited DVR on its plans as well, though users have historically found YouTube TV's DVR experience slightly more reliable and faster to search.
Both services allow unlimited simultaneous recordings and multiple user profiles.
Interface
YouTube TV's interface is clean and quick. The guide, search, and DVR management are intuitive. It benefits from Google's platform engineering investment.
Hulu + Live TV's app has improved but is still more cluttered — the blend of live TV and streaming content in the same interface can feel disjointed. Users on r/cordcutters frequently note this as a friction point.
YouTube TV Strengths
- Slightly lower price ($72.99 vs $82.99/mo)
- Cleaner, faster interface
- Excellent unlimited DVR experience
- Strong Google ecosystem integration
Hulu + Live TV Strengths
- Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra charge
- Hulu on-demand streaming library included
- FX and ABC originals (The Bear, Abbott Elementary) accessible
- Better for families who'd use all three services
YouTube TV Weaknesses
- No included streaming library or Disney bundle
- Price increases have eroded original value
- No family-specific add-ons
Hulu + Live TV Weaknesses
- More expensive ($82.99/mo with ads)
- Interface less polished than YouTube TV
- Disney+ and ESPN+ are ad-supported on the base bundle
Best For
- a: Households that only want live TV and already have Disney+ and ESPN+ separately
- b: Families who'd use all three bundled services — live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+
FAQ
Is Disney+ included at full quality in Hulu + Live TV?
The base bundle includes Disney+ Basic (ad-supported). Upgrading to Disney+ Premium (no ads) requires an add-on.
Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?
YouTube TV has run trials periodically but as of early 2026 no standard free trial is consistently available. Check the YouTube TV website for current promotions.