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Although it used to be famous as an on-demand streaming network, Hulu + Live TV is a unique package that adds a curated selection of TV channels to the mix. The deal is more expensive but also delivers a generous amount of content.
Hayu uses a different approach. It's a strictly VOD platform that focuses on reality TV while keeping its services affordable. Hayu isn't available in the United States, so if you want to use it here, check out how to use a VPN for streaming. The platform is available in the UK, Europe, and other countries.
So, which option is better? It's best to read our Hayu vs. Hulu + Live TV review and learn more about the content and features of both networks, and then make a decision!
Hayu and Hulu + Live TV compared?
| Feature | Hayu | Hulu + Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | From €4.99 monthly (varies on the country) | $69.99 monthly |
| Free Trial | 7 days | No |
| Simultaneous Streams | 1 | Unlimited for the home network (3 on the go) |
| On-Demand Content | 10,000+ hours | 40,000+ hours |
| Live Channels | 0 | 85+ |
| Local Channels | 0 | 5+ |
| Sports Channels | 0 | 10+ |
Pricing and Plans
Hayu has a simple approach since there's only a single subscription and no add-ons. You get access to the entire content library. The only thing you can choose is how long your subscription will last. If you pick a monthly subscription, it costs €4.99 per month. The price is similar in all other countries – for example, it's CA$6.99 monthly in Canada.
You can subscribe to Hayu for six months at once and pay €23.99. A special deal allows paying €21.99 to activate a yearly subscription, which is quite affordable since it's less than €2 monthly.
As for Hulu + Live TV, this service only has one subscription. It offers a combo of live channels and a generous VOD library for $69.99 monthly. Customized add-ons include a Sports channel mix ($9.99/month) and Entertainment ($8), and you can even add HBO Max, STARZ, or Showtime. Read our Hulu + Live TV plans and pricing guide for more info.
Channels compared: Hayu vs. Hulu + Live TV
It's not exactly a comparison because Hayu is only a VOD platform, so it doesn't offer live channels. You can enjoy over 300 shows, many of which air or are used to air on live TV.
Hulu + Live TV has over 85 channels in its default package. All audience ages and interests seem well covered. You can keep up with the latest news on FOX News, CBS News, and other channels. Lifetime Movies and TCM are great choices for movie fans; children will enjoy Nickelodeon. As for reality TV, Hulu offers Oprah Winfrey Network, E!, Investigation Discovery, and many others that can compete well with Hayu.
Local channels compared
Hulu + Live Tv secures Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC, but also the CW and some local sports networks. It's a wide selection of local content, making this platform an attractive option.
On the other hand, you can't watch any local channels on Hayu since the service isn't even interested in this market.
Sports channels compared
The first thing that will attract your attention on Hulu + Live TV is the ESPN channel package, but also FS1 and FS2, and CBS Sports. The list doesn't stop there since you can also watch NHL, MLB, and NFL networks, NBA TV, Golf Channel, and several other options via the specialized add-on. It's best to read the detailed Hulu + Live TV channel list to get extensive information on the available sports channels.
Hayu doesn't offer sports channels, but there are some shows connected to them. Examples include Hollywood & Football, Friday Night Tykes: Steel Country, and The Agent.
Which has the better on-demand library?
Hayu has over 10,000 hours of content in the VOD library. The content focuses on reality TV, with over 6,000 episodes of popular shows. The platform keeps adding new shows you can stream on the same day as in the United States. Popular titles include Keeping Up with the Kardashians, content from The Real Housewife franchise, as well as the workplace or travel-focused shows.
Hulu + Live TV has a rich video library with over 40,000 hours of content. It includes originals made by Hulu, such as The Orville, The Dropout, or How I Met Your Father. Popular movies and TV shows from different genres are present to suit a wide range of tastes.
Do both services have a free trial?
You won't get a free trial with Hulu + Live TV. The platform requires people to subscribe to test their service, which could end up in an unnecessarily big expense if you don't like what the provider offers. Hayu is ready to offer a free trial that lasts an entire week. It's available with any subscription, but you need to provide payment details to start the trial.
Other features compared
Apart from the actual content offered, available features can affect your viewing experience. Here's what our two platforms in focus have to offer to their users!
Cloud DVR
Once again, Hayu drops the ball and lacks to offer DVR. But the truth is this service isn't necessary since all content is on-demand, and you can always access it if you have an internet connection.
Hulu + Live TV secures unlimited cloud DVR. It stores all content you record for nine months, but you lose the recordings if you cancel the subscription. The recorded content is neatly organized in a separate section.
Simultaneous streams
No additional streams are available with Hayu. You can only use one device at a time to watch the desired content. Unlike that, Hulu + Live TV supports unlimited simultaneous streaming, but only on the same network. That means all household members connected to the home internet can enjoy watching the desired content on different devices. If you are on the go and use different connections, the limit is on three devices simultaneously. Learn more in a detailed article about Hulu + Live TV simultaneous streams.
Supported devices
Hayu has a dedicated Android and iOS app, which allows enjoying the platform on a wide range of devices. The platform is compatible with media players like Chromecast and Roku, but also Xbox and various smart TVs.
Hulu + Live TV extends this support to PlayStation and some more devices. However, the general impression is both platforms do a good job in this category.
Our verdict: Hulu + Live TV is better than Hayu but not always
These are two platforms with different ideas and target audiences. Hulu + Live TV is for a general audience, and this special package offers a mixture of live TV channels and impressive VOD content for all ages and interests. The price is higher than expected, but the platform compensates for that with an excellent experience and generous content.
Hayu, on the other hand, is an affordable VOD platform focusing on reality TV. If that sounds interesting, give it a shot via the free trial. You literally don't have anything to lose, and the platform secures access to over 300 great shows for an attractive price. Ultimately, choose based on your preferences and which type of cable-free service you'd like!
Aneeca Younas
Aneeca Younas is a graduated journalist with years of experience writing in different niches based in Oakland, CA. She is a huge movie fan that also enjoys watching sports. That's why she spends hours daily using various streaming services. Over the years, Aneeca profiled herself as an expert in cable-free and VOD platforms.