Is Hulu + Live TV Right for You?
Hulu + Live TV Review
Hulu is one of the best streaming services available today due to its variety of plans and extensive streaming library . Hulu has a great mix of content with its large on-demand library, next day streams, and growing live sports package. Hulu’s customizable interface, DVR storage, and family stream options make it a great choice for a streaming service. With no hidden rental fees, or installation appointments, Hulu offers convenience and a seamless experience.
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Hulu is a popular streaming service with a basic on-demand streaming package for $7.99/month. The streaming service’s top tier costs $82.99/month and features live TV from more than 85 top channels, including access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Hulu + Live TV also enables recording with unlimited cloud DVR storage. Learn more about Hulu + Live TV below to see if it’s the right streaming service for you.
What Are People Saying About Hulu + Live TV?
"This streaming service is a solid pick for most cord-cutters and TV fans in general, with one of the best content libraries out there." - U.S. News 360 Reviews"Hulu is a dependable option for streaming new and classic shows as well as live TV on nearly every platform. It's a top choice among video streaming services." - Ben Moore & Kim Key, PCMag
"It’s perfect for those who want live TV channels and lots of on-demand content" - Chantel Buchi, Reviews.org
"Hulu with Live TV packs original shows you won't find elsewhere, but it has some navigation issues and annoying ads." - Marshall Honorof, Tom's Guide
"For Hulu devotees, there’s even more to like about Hulu + Live TV, especially if you’ve been looking for an excuse to cut the cord completely." - Bill Frost, CableTV.com
*Disclaimer: These reviews were collected from authoritative sources around the web and do not necessarily reflect SmartMove's official views.
What Do You Get With Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV’s Base Channel Lineup
Hulu’s live channels provide access to many different types of media outlets from CNN and NBC Sports to CNBC and FOX Business. Among the local channels available are ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, along with dozens of other popular cable channels.
- Live sports with top national channels such as ESPN, SEC Network, NFL Network Fox Sports, and more, covering games from various leagues and even the Olympics.
- Channels for family and kids such as Cartoon Network, Disney Junior, Disney Channel, Boomerang, Freeform, and Universal Kids.
- Entertainment favorites such as A&E, Bravo, Discovery Channel, E, Food Network, FX, HGTV, History Channel, National Geographic, TBS, TLC, Travel Channel, and more! Those channels include crime investigation shows, hit movies, comedy specials, and even documentaries.
- Hulu original shows and movies, including The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, Fresh, Palm Springs, and more.
Hulu + Live TV Add-ons include:
Premium Channels: This includes HBO’s Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ for additional monthly fees. - Enhanced Cloud DVR: Upgrade to 200 hours of storage, fast-forwarding through commercials, no limit on simultaneous recordings, and the ability to stream your recordings anywhere.
- Unlimited Screens: This allows you to watch on unlimited screens at home and up to three screens for on-the-go streaming.
- Entertainment Add-on: This package includes more channels, such as American Heroes Channel, CNBC World, Cooking Channel, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Military History Channel, MTV Classic, and Science.
- Español Add-on: This package offers popular Spanish channels, including CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, History Channel en Español, and Universo.
- Sports Add-on: The sports package includes NFL RedZone, FanDuel TV, the Sportsman Channel, and more.
What Do You Need To Get Hulu + Live TV?
First and foremost, you need a broadband Internet connection with at least 25 Mbps to support streaming live TV. Consider exploring Internet providers in your area to find the best and most reliable connection for your home with SmartMove. Not sure if you have enough Internet speed? Run a speed test now to find out in seconds.
Aside from an Internet connection, you’ll need a supported device to stream to your TV. Hulu supports Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android devices, and more. You can even stream Hulu + Live TV through a game console such as Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Playstation 4 and 5. We recommend using a smart TV to minimize your remote controls.
How much does Hulu + Live TV cost?
Below are the various packages and prices Hulu offers:
- Hulu (With Ads): $7.99/month or $79.99/year. This provides ad-supported access to Hulu’s extensive library of TV shows and movies. Eligible students may access Hulu for $1.99/month.
- Hulu (No Ads): $14.99/month. This offers the same TV shows and movies, but without the ad breaks.
- Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $69.99/month. This provides the full library of Hulu’s on-demand content, live channels, plus all of the content offered by Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/month. This offers the best streaming experience, giving you everything Hulu has to offer, free of ads. Plus, you get ad-free Disney+ access and ad-supported ESPN+ access.
No matter which Hulu plan you select, SmartMove recommends taking advantage of any free trials before officially subscribing. That will allow you to test the service before committing.
Cost of Hulu Add-ons
- Max for $15.99/month
- Cinemax for $9.99/month
- SHOWTIME for $10.99/month
- STARZ for $8.99/Month
- Entertainment Add-on for $7.99/month
- Español Add-on for $4.99/month
- Sports Add-on for $9.99/month
- Unlimited Screens Add-on for $9.99/month
How Does Hulu + Live TV Compare?
Check out our streaming service comparison table to see how Hulu + Live TV stacks up against the other top streaming services, like YouTube TV, Sling, Paramount+, and more.
Yes, however, the availability of local sports and live news offerings varies depending on your location. Visit hulu.com to find out what channels are available in your area.
The base Hulu + Live TV package allows you to watch on up to two screens at the same time. If you upgrade to the Unlimited Screens add-on option for an additional $9.99/month, you have unlimited screens at home and three on the go. While you can download the Hulu app to as many devices as you want and be signed in across those apps, the aforementioned restrictions apply to when devices are actively streaming content. If you exceed the screen limit, you’ll receive an error message indicating that you’re watching on too many devices.
With Hulu, you can cancel any time you want and easily renew your subscription if you choose to come back.
Hulu isn't free, but it does offer a 30 day trial as part of your Hulu with ads or Hulu without ads plan. There are no free trials available for the Hulu + Live TV plans.
Yes! Hulu subscribers are able to download content to their devices for access while offline.
Hulu sources its content from many different outlets, including some TV partners who send ads embedded in their content. However, you'll have far less ads if you opt for the no-ads subscription package.
You can have up to six profiles on Hulu.
Hulu has 85+ channels available, including Food Network, ESPN, National Geographic, and more- you can see a current list here: https://www.soda.com/video/hulu-channels-list/
Hulu is not included with Amazon Prime.
The Hulu support phone number is (888) 265-6650.
It’s important to consider your own preferences and needs when determining whether to subscribe to a streaming service. With flexible plan options, many supported devices, and such a wide variety of available channels and on-demand titles, Hulu Live is one of the best streaming options on the market.