-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
DIRECTV STREAM vs Hulu + Live TV: Which is the best option in 2024?
DIRECTV STREAM and Hulu + Live TV are two of the top names in live TV streaming, but the two platforms offer packages designed for different kinds of cord-cutters. When choosing DIRECTV STREAM vs. Hulu’s live TV experience, it comes down to what kind of streaming experience you’re aiming for.
Both services offer a wide range of live TV networks with a healthy dose of sports, news, entertainment and family programming, but some major differences emerge when it comes to live sports and on-demand content. To find out which is the best choice for you between Hulu + Live TV vs. DIRECTV STREAM, dig into our comparison below.
DIRECTV STREAM and Hulu + Live TV compared
|
DIRECTV STREAM |
Hulu + Live TV |
|
|
Starting monthly price |
$79.99 |
$76.99 |
|
DVR |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
|
Simultaneous streams |
Unlimited at home, 3 outside home |
2 |
|
Number of live channels |
75–150+ |
95+ |
|
On-demand library |
Yes |
Yes |
| Free trial | 5 days | 3 days |
DIRECTV STREAM vs Hulu + Live TV content
When comparing Hulu vs. DIRECTV STREAM, the two services start out relatively similar. Hulu + Live TV starts at $76.99 and features more than 95 live TV channels, including local networks and a range of sports, news and entertainment coverage. DIRECTV STREAM starts slightly more expensive, at $79.99, and features more local channels but a smaller overall lineup of around 75 networks.
However, once you get into DIRECTV STREAM’s higher-tier plans, it pulls well ahead of Hulu + Live TV in terms of live TV options. You’ll get more than 105 channels at the Choice level or above, including tons of live national, international, and regional sports. Plans at this level include regional sports networks (RSNs) like Bally Sports, while Hulu + Live TV features very few of these options.
In fact, Hulu + Live TV doesn’t offer any packages with more channels than the base plan — the only difference lies in how much advertising you have to endure. However, where Hulu far outperforms DIRECTV STREAM is in its on-demand content. A live TV plan includes the Disney Bundle, which gives you full access to the Hulu and Disney Plus on-demand libraries, plus tons of extra sports content on ESPN Plus. No other streaming package offers this much live and on-demand content in one package.
In terms of add-on options, the two platforms are fairly similar. Hulu offers premium channels like Max and SHOWTIME and extra live sports and entertainment, while DIRECTV STREAM offers similar options, with a few extra over-the-top choices like Peacock and Discovery Plus.
DIRECTV STREAM vs Hulu + Live TV DVR
If you’re someone who wants to record your favorite matchups and programs, you’ll probably be satisfied regardless of which option you choose between Hulu Live vs. DIRECTV STREAM. Both platforms include unlimited cloud DVR storage in all plans, so you can save as many episodes or games as you want.
However, there is a nine-month limit on saved content in both services. Anything you save will automatically be deleted after it’s been in your library for that long, so you’ll need to prioritize watching older content, regardless of which platform you choose.
The basic DVR experience is fairly similar between DIRECTV STREAM and Hulu + Live TV, too. You can record single episodes and games or set them up to record entire series or teams as they air, but neither service allows you to record everything on a single channel.
DIRECTV STREAM vs Hulu + Live TV personalization and user experience
Both platforms are mixed bags when it comes to personalization and user experience, and the decision about which is best will come down to your personal preferences.
On the one hand, Hulu + Live TV shines in terms of its overarching user experience and personalization features. It offers a sleek, intuitive user interface and up to seven unique user profiles, so everyone in the house can create their own customized viewing preferences. However, with only two simultaneous streams, many larger households will be frustrated by their inability to watch on multiple devices without the Unlimited Screens add-on.
DIRECTV STREAM, meanwhile, is weak in personalization — you can’t set up multiple user profiles, period. It’s also a little dated and clunky in its user interface. However, it far outperforms Hulu in terms of parental controls. Where Hulu only offers limited Kids’ profiles or blanket PIN-code protection for the whole account, DIRECTV STREAM allows more finely tuned restrictions based on content ratings. And, with unlimited simultaneous streams at home, larger households will appreciate being able to view plenty of different programs at once.
DIRECTV STREAM vs Hulu + Live TV for sports fans
When it comes to sports, the DIRECTV STREAM vs. Hulu + Live TV comparison gets tricky. Although both services offer a wide range of sports coverage, the details differ significantly.
If you want the full range of live sports, including your top local teams, DIRECTV STREAM’s strong slate of international, national and regional programming is one of the most complete sports packages available. With the Choice plan or higher, you can easily keep up with most of the must-see action.
Hulu is no slouch when it comes to live sports, either. There are a dozen sports-focused channels in its live TV plan — more than what you’ll find in the basic Entertainment plan on DIRECTV STREAM. As a bonus, ESPN Plus also features quite a bit of extra live professional and college action, especially if you’re a fan of NHL hockey, MLB baseball, and college football. However, Hulu + Live TV comes up short on regional sports. In most markets, you simply won’t find coverage for your local team.
At the end of the day, the choice between Hulu Live vs. DIRECTV STREAM primarily comes down to how much you value live TV vs. on-demand content. If you want to max out your live TV channels and get the full range of sports coverage, DIRECTV STREAM is probably right for you. However, if you prefer an all-in-one plan that trades some sports coverage for a deep on-demand library, Hulu + Live TV may be the better choice.
FAQ
Which streaming service is best for live TV?
Each live TV streaming service has pros and cons, so your top choice will come down to your top priorities. For a budget-friendly platform, Sling TV is a great option. For the most live sports coverage, we recommend Fubo. If you prefer an all-in-one package, check out Hulu + Live TV.
Does DIRECTV STREAM carry local channels?
Yes, DIRECTV STREAM offers local channels, including major networks like ABC, CBS, Fox, PBS, NBC and most regional sports networks. To get access to RSNs, you’ll need the Choice plan or higher.
What is the downside to Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV’s biggest downside is its limited channel lineup. Although you get more than 95 channels, there are very few add-ons, and regional sports networks are excluded in most markets.
