Live TV streaming services have exploded in popularity among cord-cutters looking to replicate the cable TV experience without the costly monthly bills. Two of the most prominent options in this market are FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV. With competitive pricing, solid streaming infrastructure and a growing list of channel offerings, both services aim to be a one-stop shop for cord-cutting households.
But when it comes to deciding between FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV, which streaming provider offers the superior features, content library and overall value? This comprehensive guide breaks down how the two stack up across all the factors that matter most to consumers.
Overview of FuboTV
FuboTV entered the scene in 2015 as a sports-focused live TV streaming platform. It has since expanded its channel lineup to become more of a cable replacement service, while still catering to sports enthusiasts with robust specialty sports offerings.
Here’s an overview of FuboTV’s core features:
Price:
- Fubo Pro – $74.99/month
- Fubo Elite – $84.99/month
- Fubo Ultimate – $94.99/month
Number of channels: Over 210 channels depending on package
Simultaneous streams allowed: Unlimited at home. Up to 10 devices outside home.
Streaming Library: Over 10,000 titles available on-demand
Sports Offerings: Extensive lineup of national and regional sports networks. Fubo Extra add-on includes NFL RedZone.
Additional Features: 500 hour DVR, 4K streaming, easy to use interface
Supported devices: Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, web browsers
Overview of Hulu + Live TV
Hulu’s live TV streaming tier builds upon their vast on-demand library that has over 85,000 TV show episodes and movies. Launched in 2017, Hulu + Live TV grants access to 80+ live channels in addition to Hulu’s streaming catalog.
Here are the vitals on Hulu + Live TV:
Price:
- With Ads: $69.99/month
- Without Ads: $82.99/month
Number of channels: 85+ live channels
Simultaneous Streams Allowed: 2
Streaming Library: 85,000+ movies & shows on Hulu on-demand catalog
Sports Offerings: ESPN, FS1, TNT, TBS. Add-ons available for NBA League Pass, MLB.TV etc.
Additional Features: 50 hour DVR, enhanced voice controls, kids profiles
Supported Devices: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, game consoles, mobile devices
Comparing Core Features and Benefits
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a head-to-head comparison of FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV across some of the most crucial decision factors:
Channel Lineup
FuboTV offers over 210 channels with their Ultra package covering major networks like CBS, NBC, FOX and niche sports channels like NBA TV, MLB Network and PAC 12 Networks. Their channel count beats out competitors, especially for sports programming. However, they lack channels from AMC Networks and some Discovery-owned stations.
Hulu + Live TV provides over 85+ live channels encompassing stalwarts like ABC, ESPN, FX, Disney – essentially most major cable networks. Channel selection not as robust as FuboTV but covers all basics for most viewers.
Verdict: FuboTV’s channel lineup wins out, especially for sports lovers. But Hulu offers plenty for casual viewers.
Price & Budget Considerations
- FuboTV pricing starts at a reasonable $74.99/month for 210+ channels. Going up to $94.99/month grants more niche sports offerings. Can get costly with add-ons.
- Hulu + Live TV starts at $69.99 for 85+ channels. Large on-demand library adds value. Can add unlimited DVR and enhanced DVR for additional monthly fees.
- Verdict: Hulu + Live TV is lower cost for base package. FuboTV offers more channels per dollar spent. Both get pricey with add-ons.
Streaming Library & On-Demand Content
- FuboTV has a modest on-demand library of 10,000+ titles. Library limited to content available within channel packages.
- Hulu + Live TV grants full access to Hulu’s 85K+ show/movie catalog in addition to the live channels. Massive content advantage.
- Verdict: Hulu + Live TV’s combination of live TV plus deep streaming catalog blows FuboTV out of the water for overall content.
Supported Devices
- FuboTV Available on most major streaming platforms – Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, smart TVs and more. Can have up to 10 concurrent streams.
- Hulu + Live TV Also available on all mainstream devices. Limited to only 2 simultaneous streams per account.
- Verdict: Draw. Both have wide device support but FuboTV allows 5X more concurrent streams.
DVR & Additional Features
- FuboTV Includes free 500 hr DVR. Can upgrade to 1000 hr DVR. 4K streaming available for some programs. Intuitive interface.
- Hulu + Live TV Includes basic 50 hr DVR. Can upgrade to 200 hrs for $9.99/month. Support profiles, enhanced voice control
- Verdict: FuboTV DVR storage is vastly superior. Interface also tailored for sports fans. Both offer 4K streaming for some content.
Sports Content & Offerings
- FuboTV Started off as soccer streaming service. Still a sports-centric platform with broad regional sports network and national sports channel coverage. Fubo Extra add-on includes NFL RedZone.
- Hulu + Live TV Has sports stalwarts like ESPN but network breadth can’t match FuboTV’s regional sports dominance. Can add on MLB.TV, NBA League Pass for out of market games.
- Verdict: FuboTV is still king for sports, especially regional networks. But Hulu + Live TV satisfactory for more casual sports viewers.
Which Service Provides Better Overall Value?
For sports enthusiasts wanting access to niche sports channels and regional sports networks, FuboTV is the clear choice. They offer unmatched breadth of sports content, especially once you factor in add-ons like NFL RedZone. Pricing is reasonable given the channel count, and cloud DVR features are excellent.
However, for more casual sports viewers and households looking for general entertainment programming, Hulu + Live TV likely provides better all-around value. The base package is cheaper than FuboTV while still offering 20+ top cable channels. And you get the full Hulu on-demand library of 85K+ shows and movies included. If you want premium sports add-ons, those remain an option down the road.
The chart below summarizes the key pros and cons of each service:
| FuboTV | Hulu + Live TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | – Competitive starting tier – Premium package gets expensive | – Cheaper base tier – Easy to tack on incremental costs |
| Channels | – Over 210 total channels – Robust specialty sports offerings | – 85+ channels – Sports offerings sufficient but not elite |
| Streaming Library | – Just ~10K on-demand titles – Library limited based on channel offerings | – 85K+ shows and movies – Massive content advantage |
| DVR | – Free 500 hour DVR – Can upgrade to 1,000 hours | – 50 hours basic – Pay extra for 200 hours |
| Simultaneous Streams | – Unlimited in-home – Up to 10 out-of-home | – Only 2 streams at once |
| Sports Content | – Regional sports network leader – Add-ons like NFL RedZone | – Major national sports channels – Can add sports packages à la carte |
| Drawbacks | – Missing some entertainment channels – Streaming library lacks depth | – Simultaneous stream limits – Have to pay to remove ads |
So in summary – diehard sports fans who want RedZone, regional sports networks and niche sports offerings will be ecstatic with FuboTV. But for general entertainment and mainstream sports viewing, Hulu + Live TV brings fantastic value with cheaper base pricing and a vault of on-demand movies and shows. Determine your must-have features and content priorities, then choose the streaming TV service aligned with your needs.
Recent Updates (Q1 2023)
As consumer preferences evolve and new partnerships arise, FuboTV and Hulu continue enhancing their streaming TV offerings. Here are some recent updates:
FuboTV
- Raised prices across the board in early 2023. Now starts at $74.99/month.
- Dropped all AMC-owned channels due to failed carriage negotiations.
- Added Bally Sports regional networks through new Sinclair Broadcasting deal. Huge gain for sports.
- Enabled streamers to access local ABC, CBS and NBC stations in over 90% of US markets.
Hulu
- Disney announced Hulu + Live TV surpassed 4 million subscribers in late 2022. Continues strong growth trajectory.
- Ink extensions with CBS and NBC that allow continued streaming of live local affiliate stations.
- No major feature updates but focus has shifted to fine-tuning performance and stability.
Both services are clearly responsive to consumer feedback and eggs in their court to shore up deficiencies that could be causing subscribers to jump ship. For FuboTV, their loss of AMC channels dealt a blow. But Sinclair deal helps woo back sports lovers. Hulu, on the other hand, has a solid all-around offering and seems focused on optimization rather than overhauling features.
The Bottom Line
When comparing FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV in their current forms, Hulu comes out ahead for the average entertainment viewer wanting the best overall value. But sports enthusiasts who demand specific regional sports networks, NFL RedZone access and niche sports offerings will still find the best fit with FuboTV.
If you have specific sports programming asks, check each service’s channel finder tools to see if they carry your required regional or national sports networks. From there, factor in pricing, DVR allowances, simultaneous stream allowances and streaming library depth to determine the best live TV streaming provider for your household.
