YouTube TV vs Hulu + Live TV 2026 - Price, Channels, and Which to Choose
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the two most popular live TV streaming services, and they used to cost exactly the same at $82.99/mo. But YouTube TV's new genre-based plans starting at $54.99/mo completely change this comparison. Here is how they stack up in 2026, accounting for all the new plans, bundled services, and hidden costs.
Quick Verdict
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | From $54.99/mo | $82.99/mo |
| Full Plan Price | $82.99/mo | $82.99/mo |
| Live Channels | 100+ (Base Plan) | 95+ |
| On-Demand Library | Limited VOD | Full Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ |
| DVR Storage | Unlimited (9-month retention) | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 (unlimited with 4K Plus) | 2 |
| NFL Sunday Ticket | Available (~$349/season) | Not available |
| 4K Content | $9.99/mo add-on | Select content included |
| Ad-Free Option | No (ads on live TV) | Hulu on-demand ad-free available |
| Contract Required | No | No |
| Free Trial | Yes (5-21 days) | Yes (3 days) |
| Family Accounts | 6 accounts | 6 profiles |
Price Comparison with New Plans
Until February 2026, this was a simple comparison: both services cost $82.99/mo. The differentiator was Hulu's bundled Disney+ and ESPN+ content versus YouTube TV's superior sports coverage and DVR. Now, the math has fundamentally changed.
YouTube TV's Sports plan at $64.99/mo gives sports fans access to ESPN, FS1, NBC Sports, and all broadcast channels for live games - all while saving $18/mo versus Hulu + Live TV. That is $216/year in savings without losing any sports content.
For entertainment viewers, YouTube TV's Entertainment plan at $54.99/mo costs $28/mo less than Hulu + Live TV. However, you lose access to the Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+. If you already subscribe to those services separately, the YouTube TV plan is a clear win. If Hulu's on-demand content is important to you, the bundled value of Hulu + Live TV is hard to beat at any price.
Annual cost comparison
Hulu's On-Demand Advantage
The single biggest differentiator in Hulu's favor is its on-demand library. Hulu + Live TV subscribers get the full Hulu streaming library (including originals like The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, and The Handmaid's Tale), Disney+ (Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic), and ESPN+ (UFC, exclusive soccer, 30 for 30 documentaries).
YouTube TV has some on-demand content through network apps, but it pales in comparison. If you cancel a separate Hulu ($17.99/mo), Disney+ ($13.99/mo), and ESPN+ ($10.99/mo) subscription to switch to Hulu + Live TV, you effectively get all three bundled into your live TV plan. That is up to $42.97/mo in standalone streaming value included.
For viewers who primarily watch on-demand content and only occasionally watch live TV, Hulu + Live TV delivers more total entertainment value per dollar. For viewers who primarily watch live TV - especially sports - YouTube TV's cheaper plans and superior DVR make it the better choice.
Verdict by Viewer Type
Sports Fan
YouTube TVNFL Sunday Ticket exclusivity, more sports channels, Sports plan at $64.99 saves $18/mo versus Hulu + Live TV.
Entertainment Viewer
Hulu + Live TVFull Hulu library, Disney+, and ESPN+ included. The on-demand content value is unmatched unless you already subscribe separately.
Family
Hulu + Live TVDisney+ inclusion is a massive win for families with kids. YouTube TV has Disney Channel but no Disney+ content library.
Budget Cord-Cutter
YouTube TVGenre plans starting at $54.99 make YouTube TV the cheapest live TV option with unlimited DVR and local channels.
News Watcher
YouTube TVThe News plan at $54.99 gives you CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and CNBC for $28 less than Hulu + Live TV.
Mixed Household
DependsIf different family members want sports, Disney content, and news, the YouTube TV Base Plan plus separate Disney+ may be cheapest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV cheaper?
YouTube TV is now cheaper with its genre-based plans. The Entertainment plan costs $54.99/mo versus Hulu + Live TV at $82.99/mo. Even the full YouTube TV Base Plan matches Hulu's price at $82.99/mo. Hulu + Live TV does include the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle, adding value if you use those services.
Does Hulu + Live TV have more channels than YouTube TV?
The YouTube TV Base Plan (All-In) offers 100+ channels, while Hulu + Live TV offers about 95+ live channels. However, Hulu + Live TV includes the full Hulu on-demand library plus Disney+ and ESPN+, giving it a much larger overall content library. YouTube TV has better sports channel coverage, particularly with NFL Sunday Ticket exclusivity.
Which is better for sports, YouTube TV or Hulu?
YouTube TV is better for sports. It has NFL Sunday Ticket exclusivity, more regional sports networks, and the Sports Plus add-on with NFL RedZone. Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN+ in its bundle and has solid sports coverage, but it cannot match YouTube TV's NFL offering. YouTube TV's dedicated Sports plan at $64.99/mo is also cheaper than Hulu + Live TV.
Which has better DVR, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV?
Both services offer unlimited DVR storage. YouTube TV retains recordings for 9 months and lets you fast-forward through all ads on recorded content. Hulu + Live TV also offers unlimited DVR with the ability to fast-forward through ads. The DVR capabilities are essentially equivalent in 2026.
Can I get Disney+ with YouTube TV?
Disney+ is not included with YouTube TV. You would need a separate Disney+ subscription ($7.99-$13.99/mo). Hulu + Live TV includes Disney+ and ESPN+ as part of its $82.99/mo bundle, which is a significant advantage for Disney and Marvel fans.