Hulu's live TV plan costs $100 a month and folds in Disney Plus and ESPN, but YouTube TV costs $17 less and Sling is far cheaper.
Hulu's live TV plan costs $100 a month. That is eight times the $12.50 price of basic Hulu, which only streams shows and movies on demand. CNET's review says the extra money buys a bundle no other live TV service matches, though price and a few gaps may give some cord-cutters pause.
The plan includes more than 90 live channels, a cloud DVR with no storage limit and a program guide. It also comes with ad-supported Disney Plus and ESPN Select. With Hulu itself, CNET puts those three at a $22 value on their own. The app runs on computers, iPhones, Android phones, Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku and smart TVs.
The channel lineup has a few fewer major cable channels than YouTube TV. Hulu lacks AMC and BBC America, which every rival carries except Fubo. It does carry PBS stations now. It also has the History Channel, MLB TV, Lifetime and A&E, none of which YouTube TV offers.
Sports fans should read the fine print. Hulu dropped some regional sports networks, as YouTube TV did. MLB regular-season games are still available, and NFL Network is included. To avoid regional blackouts, CNET suggests DirecTV Stream's $109 plan may suit NBA, NHL and baseball viewers better.
CNET says the redesigned interface now matches YouTube TV for ease of use. The guide is a traditional grid showing up to 14 days ahead, and it scrolls quickly, especially on Apple TV. A few quirks are worth knowing:
YouTube TV offers what CNET calls a more robust, cable-like service for $17 less. Sling TV Blue starts at $46 a month, depending on your region. It suits people who need fewer channels and do not need local ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox affiliates.
Before paying $100 a month, list the channels and teams your household actually watches. Check them against YouTube TV and Sling. If Disney Plus and ESPN are already on your bill, the bundle may save money. If not, a cheaper plan may do the job.
Hulu's $100 live TV plan bundles a lot, but check your must-have channels against YouTube TV and Sling before you commit.
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