The rise of cord-cutting has led to a surge in live TV streaming services, offering a plethora of options for entertainment. However, navigating this landscape can be overwhelming. Two prominent contenders in this arena are Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you determine which service best fits your needs, with considerations for cost, channel lineup, platform support, and more. We’ll also explore whether YouTube TV offers a better alternative for your streaming requirements.
Hulu + Live TV vs. Sling TV: Pricing and Plans
Hulu + Live TV: Priced at $82.99 per month, this plan includes live channels, an on-demand library, and bundled access to Disney+ and ESPN+. However, the base plan includes ads during on-demand content. For an ad-free experience (excluding network partner content), the Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV plan costs $95.99 per month.
Sling TV: Offers two primary plans, Blue ($51 per month) and Orange ($46 per month). A combined Blue and Orange plan is available for $66 per month, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to Hulu + Live TV. Sling also provides discounted streaming hardware bundles, such as the AirTV mini, with prepaid subscriptions.
While these prices are typical for live TV streaming, YouTube TV ($28 per month) stands out as one of the most affordable alternatives. However, its availability and features may vary.
Winner: Sling TV
Platform Support: Where Can You Watch?
Hulu + Live TV: Offers broad compatibility with web browsers, mobile platforms (Android and iOS), streaming devices (Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku), smart TVs, TV boxes, and gaming consoles (Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation).
Sling TV: Supports many of the same platforms as Hulu + Live TV but lacks dedicated apps for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. It compensates with an app for Oculus virtual reality headsets, a feature Hulu discontinued.
Winner: Tie
Channel Lineups: What Can You Watch?
When considering channel lineups, it’s essential to evaluate local channels, news, sports, entertainment, and family content. Channel availability can vary by location, especially for local channels and regional sports networks (RSNs).
Networks
Hulu + Live TV: Includes major broadcast networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and Telemundo.
Sling TV: Offers FOX and NBC in select markets but lacks CBS and Telemundo. ABC can be accessed with an indoor antenna.
News
Hulu + Live TV: Provides access to ABC News Live, CBS News, Cheddar, CNBC, CNN, CNN International, FOX Business, FOX News, HLN, and MSNBC.
Sling TV: Lacks ABC News Live, CBSN, CNBC, CNN International, and FOX Business, but includes BBC America and Local Now.
Sports
Hulu + Live TV: Features CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, and NFL Network. However, it no longer carries FOX-owned RSNs.
Sling TV: Limited sports coverage with ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1, and no FOX-owned RSNs.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Hulu + Live TV: Offers a broad range of channels, including A&E, BET, Bravo, CMT, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, E!, Food Network, FX, FXM, FXX, HGTV, History, ID, Lifetime, MTV, NASA, National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Oxygen, Pop, SYFY, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, USA, and Vice.
Sling TV: Matches most of Hulu’s entertainment channels and adds AMC, AXS TV, Epix Drive-In, and Fuse, but lacks Cozi and Pop.
Family and Kids
Hulu + Live TV: Carries Animal Planet, Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Discovery, Disney Channel, Freeform, National Geographic, and Nick Jr., plus PBS Kids and Smithsonian Channel.
Sling TV: Includes many of the same family-friendly channels, except for PBS Kids and Smithsonian Channel.
Winner: Hulu + Live TV
Channel Add-Ons: Customizing Your Experience
Both Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV offer add-ons to enhance your channel selection. These add-ons can cater to specific interests, such as entertainment, sports, or international content.
Hulu + Live TV: Provides premium channel add-ons like Cinemax, HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz, as well as Entertainment and Español packages. The Entertainment package ($7.99/month) includes channels like American Heroes Channel and Cooking Channel. The Español package ($4.99/month) offers CNN en Español and ESPN Deportes.
Sling TV: Offers a variety of add-ons depending on your base subscription (Orange, Blue, or both). These include Sports Extra ($11/month) and other packages like Comedy Extra and Lifestyle Extra ($6/month each). Sling TV also has premium channel add-ons and robust Latino plans.
Winner: Sling TV (for flexibility)
On-Demand Content: Beyond Live TV
Most live TV streaming services provide on-demand content, allowing you to watch shows and movies after they air. Both Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV offer on-demand content, but there are significant differences in the size and quality of their libraries.
Hulu + Live TV: Includes access to Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, featuring movies, TV shows, and original productions. The library includes content from networks such as FX.
Sling TV: Offers on-demand content, but it is not as extensive as Hulu’s library.
Winner: Hulu + Live TV
Streaming and DVR: Features and Performance
Streaming quality and DVR capabilities are critical factors in the live TV streaming experience. Both Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV offer competitive streaming options and DVR features.
Hulu + Live TV: Supports 1080p streaming at 60 frames per second and 4K resolution on select content. Live TV content supports 2.0 stereo audio, while some on-demand programming is available in 5.1 Surround Sound.
Sling TV: Similar streaming quality to Hulu. Live TV streams are available in standard stereo audio, with some on-demand content supporting 5.1 Surround Sound audio.
Hulu + Live TV includes unlimited DVR storage, allowing you to record as much content as you want and keep it for as long as you subscribe. Sling TV only offers 50 hours of DVR storage by default, but you can upgrade to Unlimited DVR for an additional $5 per month.
Winner: Hulu + Live TV
Final Verdict: Which Service Wins?
Choosing between Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV depends on your specific needs and preferences. Hulu + Live TV stands out with its extensive on-demand library, comprehensive channel lineup, and unlimited DVR storage. However, it comes at a higher price point than Sling TV.
Sling TV offers a more budget-friendly option with customizable add-ons, making it a versatile choice for those who want to tailor their channel selection and manage costs. However, its channel lineup and on-demand library are not as extensive as Hulu’s.
Ultimately, consider your budget, desired channel lineup, and on-demand content preferences to make the best decision. Also, explore alternatives like YouTube TV to ensure you’re getting the best value for your streaming needs.
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