Choosing the right streaming services for your needs can be a real head-scratcher. With so many options vying for your attention (and subscription dollars), it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re already a YouTube TV subscriber, you might be wondering if adding Hulu to the mix is worth it. This article breaks down the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
YouTube TV: The Live TV King
YouTube TV excels at providing a cable-like experience without the cable box. It boasts an impressive channel lineup, including major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, along with popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and Bravo visit nbc website nbc.com/roku. A robust cloud DVR with unlimited storage is a major plus, allowing you to record as much content as you want and keep it for up to nine months.
Hulu: On-Demand Content and Originals
Hulu, on the other hand, focuses on on-demand content. It offers a vast library of current and past seasons of popular TV shows, a decent selection of movies, and a growing catalog of original series like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Only Murders in the Building.” Hulu also offers a live TV option, but its channel selection isn’t as comprehensive as YouTube TV’s.
Overlapping Content and Key Differences
While both services offer some overlapping content, there are key differences to consider:
- Live TV:YouTube TV is the clear winner here. Its channel lineup is more extensive, and its interface is designed for a live TV viewing experience.
- On-Demand Shows:Hulu has a larger on-demand library, particularly when it comes to next-day access to current seasons of popular shows from networks like ABC, NBC, and Fox visit the website nbc.com/activate. YouTube TV’s on-demand offerings are primarily limited to shows from the channels it carries live.
- Original Series:Hulu has invested heavily in original programming, with critically acclaimed shows that you won’t find anywhere else. YouTube TV does not have any original series.
- Movies:Hulu offers a decent selection of movies, including some newer releases. YouTube TV’s movie selection is more limited.
- Simultaneous Streams:YouTube TV allows for three simultaneous streams and up to six user profiles, making it a good option for families. Hulu’s basic plan allows for two simultaneous streams.
- DVR:YouTube TV’s unlimited cloud DVR with a generous nine-month storage time is a major advantage over Hulu’s standard DVR with limited storage (50 hours).
- Cost:YouTube TV is more expensive than Hulu’s basic plan, but it’s comparable in price to Hulu + Live TV.
Reasons to Add Hulu to YouTube TV
- Next-Day Access to Network Shows:If you want to watch the latest episodes of your favorite shows from ABC, NBC, and Fox the day after they air, Hulu is the way to go website Activate hulu on phone. While YouTube TV offers some on-demand content, it doesn’t always have the latest episodes.
- Hulu Originals:Hulu’s original series are a major draw for many subscribers. If you’re interested in shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Only Murders in the Building,” or “Little Fires Everywhere,” you’ll need Hulu to watch them.
- Expanded On-Demand Library:Hulu offers a much larger library of on-demand shows and movies than YouTube TV. If you like to have a lot of options to choose from, Hulu is the better choice.
- Bundle and Save:You can bundle Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+ at a discounted rate. This can be a good value if you’re interested in all three services.
Reasons You Might Not Need Hulu
- Budget Constraints:If you’re on a tight budget, adding Hulu to YouTube TV might not be feasible.
- Content Overlap:Some of the content on Hulu is also available on YouTube TV. You’ll need to assess how much overlap there is to determine if the additional cost of Hulu is worth it visit YouTube website tv.youtube.com/start
. - Satisfied with YouTube TV:If you’re happy with the live TV channels and on-demand content offered by YouTube TV, you might not need Hulu.
Making the Decision
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to add Hulu to YouTube TV depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your viewing habits, your budget, and the content that’s most important to you.
Here’s a quick decision-making guide:
- Prioritize live TV and a cable-like experience?Stick with YouTube TV.
- Crave next-day access to network shows and a vast on-demand library?Add Hulu.
- Want to watch Hulu Originals?Hulu is a must.
- On a tight budget?Carefully evaluate the content overlap and consider if Hulu is worth the extra cost.
Conclusion
No matter what you decide, both YouTube TV and Hulu offer free trials. Take advantage of these trials to test out both services and see which one best fits your needs.