Hulu vs YouTube Comparisons – Which One is Better?

June 10, 2025 By Nancy William No Comments 6 minutes

Everyone who streams has heard of Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. They’re both among some of the best streaming platforms. However, despite that, the spike in its prices leaves users confused about choosing the best one. So, Hulu vs YouTube? Which is it going to be? This guide highlights its prices, features, content categories, and much more. Just in case you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, we’ve got you covered. 

TIP

Just in case you’re encountering ISP speed and bandwidth throttling while streaming, consider connecting to the best VPN to prevent it. With FastestVPN, you’re able to not only score stable speeds and unlimited bandwidth but also secure your connection. Plus, if you’re traveling to another country and lose access to your Hulu or YouTube accounts, you can re-access them by connecting to the best FastestVPN server. 

Quick Guide – How to Stream Hulu and YouTube Abroad

Just in case you’re traveling to a country where Hulu Live TV and YouTube are not working, here is how you can gain access to your accounts again: 

• Subscribe to FastestVPN. 
• Create your account by choosing the best package for you. 
• Download and install the VPN on a supported device. 
• Launch the VPN and sign in to your account.
• Connect to a USA VPN server since the services only work there. 
• Start streaming. 

Hulu vs YouTube – How Much Do They Cost?

 As mentioned, both Hulu and YouTube are among the best streaming platforms that have reformed traditional cable TV. However, there has been a major spike in prices that is unfavorable. Here’s a birds-eye-view comparison of what both these services now cost: 

YouTube

• Price of base plan – $59.99/mo. 
• Add-ons – more features, 4K streams, premium shows, more channels, live sports, Spanish TV (separate charges for all).
• Channels – 100+ channels.
• Free trial – 2-day free trial, and then charged.
• Simultaneous streams – 6 household accounts and 3 streams.
• On-demand content – Available.
• Offline viewing – Only via 4K addon and only applicable for smartphones. 
• Device support within the US – Smartphones. 

Hulu

• Price of popular plan – $82.99/mo. 
• Add-ons – Premium networks like MAX, Cinemax, STARZ, unlimited screens, sports addons, Español Add-on, and more.  
• Channels – 95+ 
• Free trial – 3-day free trial, and then charged.
• Simultaneous streams – Up to 3 streams. 
• On-demand content – Available.
• Offline viewing – Via the Hulu (No Ads) plan
• Device support within the US –  Any device. 

YouTube TV vs Hulu TV Features, Interface, and Device Compatibility

The two streaming services have many differences depending on what you’re looking for. Here is a briefing on what each service offers: 

YouTube TV

• Live Channels: come with more than 100 live channels. It includes some of the biggest networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, ESPN, TNT, etc. There are also regional sports networks included.
• On-Demand Streaming: It offers on-demand content from various networks. However, it does not offer an original streaming library like Hulu.
• Cloud DVR: Unlimited DVR, and does not have any limits on storage capacity. Data storage for up to 3 months.
• Streaming Quality: The quality for most of the channels is up to 1080p. However, you can get the streams in 4K with add-on charges.
• Simultaneous Streams: Get three streams for each household. Unlimited streams are via the add-on packages. 
• Interface: Easy to use and access. Has been praised by users. 
• Add-ons: Offers add-ons like Sports Plus, 4K Plus, Spanish Plus, premium networks like Showtime, HBO Max, and more.

Hulu + Live TV

• Live Channels: 90+ channels including NBC, ABC, ESPN, CNN, FOX, FX, and more.
• Cloud DVR: Comes with unlimited DVR storage. Can save recordings for up to 9 months.
• Simultaneous Streams: 2 streams (default). Can get unlimited with the add-on.
• On-Demand Content: You can get complete access to the on-demand library. This is also inclusive of shows like The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, etc.
• Streaming Quality: 1080p (live TV) and a few in 4K quality.
• Add-ons: offers premium channels like Showtime, HBO Max, Starz, live sports channels, Espanol networks, etc.
• Bundled with Disney: Get access to Bundle offers from other networks, including Disney+, ESPN+, etc.  

User Interface

The two platforms have very distinct user interfaces. Hulu is still a streaming platform, even though YouTube TV’s UI is comparable to that of many cable companies. Compared to YouTube TV, Live TV is a little more of a hassle to use. It involves more toggles and work if you’re looking for Live TV options. In terms of user experience, YouTube offers more user-friendliness. Many users have rendered it clean and easy to navigate.

Device Compatibility

Here are the devices that Hulu TV and YouTube TV support:

YouTube TV

• Android TV
• Apple iPhones and iPads
• Xbox
• Google TV
•  Apple TV
• Chromecast
• Samsung smart TVs
• LG smart TVs
• Android phones and tablets
• Google TV
• Vizio SmartCast TVs
• PlayStation 4 and 5
• Hisense smart TVs
• Sharp smart TVs
•  Fire TV Sticks
• Roku
• Sony smart TVs
• Google Nest Hub

Hulu + Live TV

• Fire TV 
• Samsung smart TVs
• Android phones and tablets
• Apple TV 
• Vizio Smart
• Cast TVs
• Xbox
• Chromecast
• Amazon Fire tablets
• Android TV devices
• LG WebOS smart TVs
• Xfinity Flex and X1 TV Boxes
• Contour 2 and Stream Player Boxes
• Roku
• Nintendo Switch 
• Xumo TV and XiOne Box
• Apple iPhones and iPads
• Echo Show
• Android TV
• PlayStation 4 and 5
• Google TV

Hulu vs YouTube (Pros & Cons)

Now, since we’ve covered the basics, let’s weigh out the pros and cons of the two streaming services: 

YouTube TV Pros & Cons

Here’s what we’ve gathered: 

Pros:

• Offers a lot of sports live options. 
• The live TV guide is customizable. 
• Accessible on multiple devices while traveling. 
• Access to more channels via add-ons. 
• Unlimited cloud DVR. 

Cons: 

• Too much content saved on DVR. 
• Monthly costs keep rising. 
• Add-ons are a little too pricey. 
• DVR content is not available for offline viewing. 

Hulu TV Pros & Cons

Here’s what we have so far: 

Pros:

• Streaming quality is top-notch.
• Offers a variety of bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+.
• Offers a wide variety of streaming content. 
• Many add-on options are available.

Cons: 

• Allows only mobile access while traveling. 
• A few DVR issues. 
• Allows only 2 simultaneous streams. 
• Buffering issues between some episodes. 

FAQs – Hulu vs YouTube

To Conclude

So, Hulu vs YouTube TV, which will it be? Truth be told, both streaming platforms offer a variety of streaming content, but the prices are a bit too steep. Plus, these streaming services are only limited to the USA. So, if you travel abroad, you will need the best VPN to change your IP address to a US location.