The latest YouTube TV price increase has customers thinking about switching to Hulu Live TV, the best alternative for cable cord-cutting services. In an email sent to customers on Thursday, December 12, YouTube TV will once again be raising its price by $10, from $72.99 a month to $82.99 a month, starting on January 13, 2025. This puts its cost essentially in line with Hulu + Live TV, which also costs $82.99 for the plan with ads. Here’s a quick comparison between YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.
How does YouTube TV compare to Hulu + Live TV?
The main differences between YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are their channel lineups and Hulu’s various bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+. YouTube TV has a slight advantage when it comes to sports viewing, while a Hulu Plus Live TV subscription has many more choices for on-demand TV shows and movies.
In 2024, both services have similar features, including unlimited cloud DVR storage, free trials, and local channels for ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and PBS. There are some notable differences, though, when it comes to a dozen cable channels that are available on one service and not the other, per CNET.
- YouTube TV – AMC, BBC America, BBC World News, IFC, NBA TV, Sundance TV, Tastemade, WE tv
- Hulu Plus Live TV – A&E, History Channel, Lifetime, Vice
YouTube TV also gives users exclusive access to NFL Sunday Ticket, a sports package that broadcasts NFL regular season games, for $449. And as pointed out by users on Reddit, the service automatically extends recordings for sports in case of overtime or extra time, something that Hulu TV does not do.
The base plan for YouTube TV also offers up to three simultaneous streams, which is better for households with multiple members. This is compared to Hulu’s two simultaneous streams.
That said, the shows and movies included with Hulu Plus as well as ad-supported versions of Disney+ and ESPN+ make up much of the difference for customers who want more bang for their buck. This makes the Hulu’s on-demand library much larger than YouTube TV’s selection.
