Live TV streaming services have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people opting to cut the cord. YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo are some of the most popular live TV streaming services available today. It can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
In this blog post, we will compare these four services and highlight their differences. We’ll cover channel offerings, sports programming, exclusive features, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Channels
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a live TV streaming service is the channels selection. All four services offer a range of channels, but the number and selection of channels vary.
YouTube TV offers over 100 channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and CW.
Hulu with Live TV offers over 65 channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and CW, as well as the History Channel.
Sling TV offers a range of packages, with the base package offering around 30 channels, including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV.
Fubo offers over 100 channels, including ESPN, CNN, and HGTV, but it does not offer Turner networks like CNN, TBS, and TNT.
Pricing
Pricing is another important factor to consider when choosing a live TV streaming service. YouTube TV costs $73 per month, while Hulu with Live TV costs $70 per month. Sling TV’s base package starts at $40 per month, while Fubo’s base package starts at $70 per month. However, both Sling TV and Fubo offer a range of packages, with different channels and pricing options.
All of the above services allow you to build on top of the base packages. For example if you want additional sports, Spanish or premium channels, you can have it. Of course, with more money.
Each streaming service offers unique features that can help set them apart. YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and store as many shows and movies as you want. Hulu with Live TV includes access to Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, providing even more content to watch. Sling TV offers a customizable experience, with various add-on packages available to create your perfect channel lineup. Fubo’s main selling point is its focus on sports, but it also provides 250 hours of cloud DVR storage and a robust on-demand library.
Moreover, all the services offer new subscriber specials at various times, without the contracts and hidden fees usually associated with traditional cable/satellite TV.
Features
All four services offer a range of features, including cloud DVR, multiple streams, and on-demand content. YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and store as many shows and movies as you want.
Hulu with Live TV offers 50 hours of cloud DVR storage and access to Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, providing even more content to watch.
Sling TV offers 50 hours of cloud DVR storage, with various add-on packages available to create your perfect channel lineup.
Fubo offers 250 hours of cloud DVR storage and a robust on-demand library.
All four services allow multiple streams, but the number of streams allowed varies. YouTube TV allows up to three streams, while Hulu with Live TV and Sling TV allow two streams. Fubo allows up to three streams. In some instances, additional streams can be purchased.
User Interface
An important component to consider when choosing a live TV streaming service is the user interface. All four services offer a user-friendly interface, but the layout and design vary.
YouTube TV which is a Google product, has a clean and simple interface, while Hulu with Live TV has a more cluttered interface.
Sling TV has a customizable interface, allowing users to choose their favorite channels and organize them as they see fit. Fubo has a modern and sleek interface, but can be overwhelming for some viewers.
Which Live TV Streaming Service Has the Most Sports Channels?
For sports enthusiasts, Fubo is the clear winner in this category. Fubo specializes in sports programming, providing over 35 dedicated sports channels, including regional sports networks and international sports.
YouTube TV is the only streaming service that has secured the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket. NFL Sunday Ticket is a package that allows viewers to watch out-of-market NFL games. Additionally, YouTube TV carries NBA TV, SEC Network, and ESPNU.
Hulu with Live TV offer a solid sports selection for sports fans, including ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, FS1, FS2, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, and four Regional Sports Networks.
Sling TV lags slightly behind, but its Orange package does provide access to ESPN and several other sports channels.
Conclusion
YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, and Fubo are all great live TV streaming services, but they have their differences.
YouTube TV offers a wide range of channels and unlimited cloud DVR storage, while Hulu with Live TV offers a good selection of channels and a lower price point.
Sling TV is the least expensive of the four, offers a customizable interface and a range of add-options while Fubo offers over 100 channels and a large amount of cloud DVR storage.
Ultimately, the best live TV streaming service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. The best way to decide is to take advantage of their free trials to test them out and see which one is best for your household.
Leon Thomas
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Are you using any of these services? What do you think? Are you happy with your monthly fee? Let other readers know in the comments below.
Additional Resources
Read Which Streaming Services Have The Best Sports Coverage, here.
Which is Better Netflix or Hulu, here.
What is Peacock TV, here.
What Streaming TV Service is Best, here.