Best Hulu + Live TV Alternatives in 2022
By Staff • Published Aug 05, 2022
Hulu + Live TV is known for having an extensive on-demand library and the most local broadcast channels of any streaming service. But with its recent price increase, it may be a good idea to look at other options.
There are several Hulu + Live TV alternatives that are worth looking at. In today’s article, we’ll look at Sling TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV.
To help you select the best streaming service that fits your needs, we’ll look at some of the broadcast, entertainment, news, and sports channels being offered by each streaming service. We’ll also look at the best add-on premiums that fit your viewing preferences.
Top 4 Hulu + Live TV Alternatives
1. Sling TV
If you're looking for a good Hulu + Live TV alternative, Sling TV should be at the top of your list. It has a wide variety of channel packages and is relatively cheap compared to other streaming services, like Hulu and YouTube TV.
Sling TV is a good choice for most people who want to watch live TV without cable or satellite.
Sling TV Pricing
Sling TV Channels
Sling TV's entry-level packages have over 30 channels, including AMC, BBC America, CNN, and the Disney Channel. If you want a package with more kids and sports channels, go with Sling Orange. But if you're planning to watch more news and entertainment channels, choose Sling Blue.
Sling Orange - 32 channels
Sling Blue - 42 channels
Sling Orange + Sling Blue Services - 50 channels
Sling TV Supported Devices
Smart TVs - Android TV, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Vizio Smart TVs,
TV streaming media players - Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVs, Roku, Air TV, TiVo, Chromecast,
Smartphones and tablets - Android, iOS,
Game consoles - Xbox One, Oculus Go,
Desktops and laptops - Most Mac and PC browsers
Sling TV Simultaneous Streams
Your Sling TV plan determines the number of shows you can stream at the same time. Sling Orange subscribers can only stream on one device at a time, while Sling Blue subscribers can stream up to three devices simultaneously. If you get the Sling Orange + Blue package, you can stream on up to four devices simultaneously.
Sling TV DVR
All three of Sling TV's standard packages include cloud DVR capabilities and each one has a 50-hour storage capacity. You can also upgrade to 200 hours of storage for an extra $5 per month.
The amount of DVR storage from Sling TV isn't nearly as generous as the unlimited storage offered by Hulu + Live TV. However, it's still a significant improvement over Sling TV's previous 10-hour limit. And unlike Hulu, you may fast forward through the advertisements in the DVR content you've recorded with Sling TV.
2. FuboTV
FuboTV is another great Hulu + Live TV alternative for sports fans, especially those who enjoy watching the NBA, NHL, and MLB.
It's also an excellent choice for NFL fans since FuboTV offers the NFL Network and the optional RedZone. Both Hulu + Live and FuboTV provide this channel for sports fans.
FuboTV Pricing
FuboTV Channels
FuboTV offers around 120 channels, including local ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS stations. AMC, CNN, the Food Network, FX, Discovery, TLC, and other major cable channels are also included in their package.
Turner networks such as TNT and TBS are unavailable on FuboTV. These channels are available on rival providers, such as YouTube TV.
FuboTV Supported Devices
Smart TVs - Android TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs,
TV streaming media players - Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast,
Smartphones and tablets - Android, iOS,
Game consoles - Xbox
Desktops and laptops - Most Mac and PC browsers
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
The FuboTV Starter Plan includes Family Share, which allows you to stream up to three devices simultaneously. If you subscribe to the FuboTV Latino package, it will come with Standard Share. This lets you stream up to two devices simultaneously.
The most generous packages when it comes to simultaneous streams are their FuboTV Pro and Elite bundles. These premium packages allow you to watch content on up to 10 screens simultaneously.
FuboTV DVR
The FuboTV Starter and Latino plans offer only 250 hours of Cloud DVR storage space. But for a minor price bump, you can have 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage space with the FuboTV Pro and Elite bundles.
3. DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream, formerly known as AT&T TV, is the best option for people who want to watch live TV and regional sports. It starts at $70 per month, making it similar to Hulu + Live TV in terms of pricing.
DirecTV Stream Pricing
DirecTV Stream Channels
DirecTV Stream's entry-level package (Entertainment) includes more than 65 channels. Local TV stations such as ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX affiliates, as well as regional sports networks, are available on this bundle. Note though that you'll probably have to upgrade to the Choice package if you want a regional sports network that broadcasts your favorite team's games.
When comparing DirecTV Stream with Hulu + Live TV, Hulu’s 70-channel subscription includes more popular cable channels and sports networks than DirecTV Stream's cheapest package. However, if you pay more for DirecTV Stream's Ultimate or Premier plans, you'll have access to virtually all of the sports networks you need.
DirecTV Stream Supported Devices
Smart TVs - Android TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Chromecast-enabled TVs,
TV streaming media players - Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV (4th generation), Roku, Chromecast,
Smartphones and tablets - Android, iOS,
Desktops and laptops - Most Mac and PC browsers
DirecTV Stream Simultaneous Streams
You'll have access to up to 20 simultaneous streams on your home network regardless of which DirecTV Stream package you choose. You can also have three concurrent streams even if you're not connected to your home network.
DirecTV Stream DVR
Like Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream offers unlimited DVR, but exclusively to new users only. If you’re a DirecTV or U-verse TV customer switching to DirecTV Stream, this offer isn’t available to you either.
Existing customers will be charged an additional $10 per month to upgrade to unlimited cloud DVR storage. The unlimited DVR add-on also limits you to 30 episodes of any given TV show, and your recordings will expire after nine months.
4. YouTube TV
Another option that might be a good alternative to Hulu + Live TV is YouTube TV. Its $65-per-month service provides a wide range of live channels and on-demand shows. Its platform is also easy to use and accessible on phones and tablets.
YouTube TV is one of only two services with local PBS stations, and it even offers surround sound on live broadcasts. Like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV provides unlimited storage for DVR and includes all major broadcast networks.
YouTube TV Pricing
YouTube TV Channels
YouTube TV’s channels list contains around 85 live TV channels as well as content from the YouTube Originals channel. The most popular YouTube TV channels are CBS, NBC, ABC, and FOX. Meanwhile, the only sports network Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer that others don't is CBS Sports.
YouTube TV Supported Devices
Smart TVs - Android TV, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Vizio Smart TVs,
TV streaming media players - Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, TiVo Stream 4K,
Smartphones and tablets - Android, iOS,
Game consoles - Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Oculus,
Desktops and laptops - Most Mac and PC browsers
YouTube TV Simultaneous Streams
Each user gets three simultaneous streams on YouTube TV. This is better than Hulu + Live TV, which only allows for two simultaneous streams.
If you upgrade to YouTube TV's 4K Plus service ($19.99 per month), you'll be able to watch on unlimited devices at home. However, the devices must all be on your home Wi-Fi network.
YouTube TV DVR
The cloud DVR storage on YouTube TV is unlimited, and there are no extra costs. That means you can record as many episodes, movies, or football games as you want.
YouTube TV is one of the few streaming providers that gives you unlimited cloud storage for your DVR. Like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV allows you nine months to watch your recordings before they expire.
Hopefully, highlighting the channels and features of each of these streaming services has helped you narrow down the best Hulu + Live TV alternatives for you. To choose the best one, you'll want to consider your personal preferences and then use the information we've provided to make your decision.
You can start a free trial with some of these streaming services to see which of them fits your entertainment needs the best.