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Fubo vs Hulu + Live TV: Who's got what you need?

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Fubo and Hulu + Live TV are two juggernauts of the streaming world, both offering a premium streaming experience for around the same price. But while they are similar in price, they offer a fairly different experience in terms of the content they offer and who they may be best suited for.

Hulu + Live TV can be packaged with additional Disney-owned brands, ESPN+, and Disney+, giving you access to three libraries of content, all in one package. Fubo is well-suited for the avid sports fan and features access to many different kinds of sports and many sports networks that are not easy to find. We cover everything you need to know to find out if either one is a good fit for your streaming needs.


Hulu + Live TV and Fubo compared


Hulu + Live TV
Fubo
Starting monthly price
$82.99
$84.99
DVR
Unlimited
Unlimited
Number of live channels
95+
221+
On-demand library
Yes
Yes
Free trial 3 days 7 days

Fubo highlights

Fubo has been a sports-focused streaming service since day one, making it one of the best choices on the market for fanatics of any kind. Fubo offers access to hundreds of national broadcasting networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, as well as local channels and regional sports networks for an additional fee. It also offers access to popular sports networks like NBA League Pass, MLB Network, NFL Network, and more. And while Fubo may be a home for sports fans, it is not lacking elsewhere.

Fubo offers access to many other channels like STARZ, National Geographic, USA, FX, and Nickelodeon, so there's sure to be something for everyone. Each Fubo package includes unlimited cloud DVR, 10 simultaneous streams on your home network, and regional NBA, NHL, and MLB games. Note that a regional sports fee may apply.

If you're on the fence about Fubo, they offer a 7-day free trial to all new subscribers. During the trial, you can access the full Fubo experience, with every add-on and bonus, and the full content library. Additionally, Fubo is offering $20 off your first month's subscription price, after your free trial period expires.

To sign up, just visit the Fubo website and click "Start Free Trial". From there, you will create a Fubo account and enter a payment method. It is important to note that payment information is required to access the free trial. If you do not cancel your subscription before your trial period expires, you will be automatically charged for your first month's subscription of whatever package you chose. If you do not want to be charged, you must cancel your subscription before your trial period expires.


Hulu + Live TV Highlights

Hulu + Live TV is one of the major Disney-owned streaming brands, featuring a robust catalog of shows and movies. On its own, it offers access to 95+ live TV channels and hundreds of on-demand shows and movies in its base package. But arguably one of the best perks of Hulu + Live TV is the fact that you can package it with ESPN Plus and Disney Plus. This means with a Hulu + Live TV subscription, you get access to all three streaming platforms in one package. And while it may not have quite the sports catalog that Fubo does, it still offers enough to satisfy the average sports fan, especially with ESPN Plus included.

Each Hulu + Live TV package includes up to 2 simultaneous streams on your home network, as well as 100+ live channels and unlimited cloud DVR. There are also add-on options available for platforms like Max, Cinemax, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ, to help you further customize your package to fit your streaming needs. Because a Hulu + Live TV subscription gives you access to three streaming platforms in one, it makes it a fantastic option for families or streamers with a wide range of tastes and preferences.

If you are unsure about Hulu + Live TV, they offer a 3-day free trial for all new subscribers. So you can take all three platforms for a spin before spending a dollar. Visit the Hulu website and click "Start Your Free Trial". Then create a Hulu account and enter a payment method. Just like with Fubo, a payment method is required to access the free trial, and you will be automatically charged if you do not cancel your subscription before your trial period ends. Additionally, Hulu offers both military and student discounts to eligible subscribers.


Fubo vs Hulu + Live TV: Which is better?

When it comes to deciding which of these platforms is better, it comes down to preference. Fubo and Hulu + Live TV both offer a unique streaming experience that is better suited depending on what you like to watch. Fubo is the stronger option for sports fans looking for the most access to any network or channel they need to watch their favorite teams and events. Hulu + Live TV is great for a family or a person who loves watching a variety of content from a variety of different channels and networks.

Both platforms are priced about the same, and they both feature similar bells and whistles. Both platforms are available on most smart TVs and mobile devices, and their apps are free to download. And both platforms offer a free trial, with Fubo's being significantly longer at 7 days, vs Hulu's 3-day free trial. We recommend giving them both a try to see if one of them is more tailored to you. And who knows, you might take both.


What does the online community have to say?

Online forums make these points about Hulu + Live TV:

  • Has high-quality audio and video, including support for 1080p/60fps and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound
  • Has better content options than most because of the Disney+ bundle. It also includes MLB Network in its base package
  • It is more expensive than other competitors like YouTube TV, but it does offer a military and student discount to eligible subscribers
  • You have to re-watch ads if you rewind on a live broadcast
  • The user interface (UI) can be clunky and confusing to navigate

Online forums make these points about Fubo:

  • Offers one of the best lists of sports channels available, including regional sports networks (RSNs)
  • Reliable DVR feature, including unlimited cloud DVR recording space
  • Audio and picture quality are limited, and some users reported the app being buggy and, in some cases, crashing on Apple TV
  • Has a more limited content selection outside of sports than competitors and is missing popular channels like TNT, History Channel, and some local channels
  • It is more expensive than competitors like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, and some users prefer DIRECTV for sports content and RSNs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Fubo or Hulu + Live TV for Free?

Both streaming services offer free trials to new subscribers. Fubo's free trial is 7 days long, and Hulu + Live TV's free trial is 3 days long. Each free trial gives you access to the full library of content for each service and all the bells and whistles. Additionally, Fubo is offering $20 off your first month's subscription price, after your free trial period expires. And Hulu + Live TV offers a military and student discount to eligible subscribers.

Is there a downside to Fubo or Hulu + Live TV?

The main downsides to Fubo are its relatively high starting subscription price (starting at $84.99/mo) and its limited content selection outside of sports. Hulu + Live TV has better content availability than a lot of competitors, but can also be quite expensive once you start adding channels and upgrades to your package. It has also been noted that Hulu + Live TV's interface can be clunky and difficult to navigate.

Which streaming service is best for live TV?

Every live TV streaming service has strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately depends on your viewing preferences. Fubo is a leader in the sports world, but some streamers prefer alternative services like DIRECTV for their live TV. Hulu + Live TV is great for accessing a wide variety of live and on-demand content, but some users prefer YouTube TV or Sling TV as cheaper alternatives.

Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager based in St. Louis. His work covers business, marketing, and personal finance, as well as many of his personal passions, including coffee, music, and social issues.