YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV
Choose YouTube TV if you want the strongest local channel coverage and a clean, live-first experience. Choose Hulu + Live TV if you also want a large on-demand library and Disney bundle content in the same subscription. Both include a cloud DVR and bill month to month.
YouTube TV
Best overall
Hulu + Live TV
Best live TV + on-demand bundleYouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV at a glance
| YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Live TV | Live TV + on-demand library |
| Local channels | Most US markets; check your ZIP code | Many US markets; check your ZIP code |
| On-demand library | On-demand from included channels | Full Hulu library included |
| Bundled services | Optional add-ons | Disney bundle content; check current bundle contents |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited DVR space | Included; check current limits |
| Contract | Month to month | Month to month |
| Our editorial score | 9.3 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 |
Which should you choose?
Pick YouTube TV if live channels, locals and a simple guide are what you care about most.
Pick Hulu + Live TV if you want live TV plus a big on-demand library and Disney bundle content.
How they differ
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the two closest things to a full cable package in streaming. Both carry a broad lineup of news, entertainment and sports channels, local stations in much of the country and an included cloud DVR. The difference is what comes with the live channels.
YouTube TV is live-first. Its guide, search and DVR are built around channels you would otherwise get from cable. Hulu + Live TV adds Hulu's full on-demand library and Disney bundle content, so it doubles as an on-demand service.
Local channels and sports
YouTube TV has the edge on local coverage in our review, carrying locals in most US markets. Hulu + Live TV covers many markets too. Both carry major national sports networks, but regional sports networks vary by area. Enter your ZIP code on each provider's site before you decide.
Bundles and value
Hulu + Live TV's bundle has historically included Disney+ and ESPN content, and ESPN.com lists Hulu + Live TV among the services whose customers may already get ESPN Unlimited. Hulu + Live TV is now owned by FuboTV, after a combination with Disney's live TV business closed on October 29, 2025, though it is still sold separately through Hulu. Check the current bundle contents. If you would subscribe to Disney+ anyway, the bundle can make Hulu + Live TV the better overall deal. Plan prices change on both, so check the current price on each site.
Features and ease of use
Both services run on most smart TVs, streaming sticks, game consoles, phones and web browsers, and both support profiles so each person in the household gets their own recommendations and recordings. YouTube TV keeps the experience focused on live channels and its DVR, which makes it quick to learn. Hulu + Live TV has more to browse because live channels and the on-demand library sit side by side, which some people love and others find busier. If you can, try each app on the TV you use most before you commit.
The bottom line
If you mainly watch live TV and want the most reliable local coverage, choose YouTube TV. If your household also binges on-demand series and Disney titles, Hulu + Live TV saves you juggling separate subscriptions.
YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV FAQ
Is YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV better for local channels?
In our review YouTube TV has broader local coverage, carrying locals in most US markets. Hulu + Live TV also carries locals in many markets. Check both by ZIP code.
Does YouTube TV include Disney+ like Hulu + Live TV?
No. Disney bundle content is a feature of Hulu + Live TV. YouTube TV sells optional add-ons instead. Check current bundle contents on each site.
Which has the better DVR?
YouTube TV says its plans include unlimited DVR space. Hulu + Live TV also includes a cloud DVR; check current storage and retention terms on each provider's site.