Hulu + Live TV is a good mixture of on-demand and live TV, but it might not be for everyone. If you’re in need of a Hulu + Live TV alternative, a few current options include Philo, fuboTV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, or Vidgo.
Not sure which service to pick? Try our free streaming service TV guides that let you view live and upcoming content on available channels for popular multi-channel services.
Deal Alert: Before we start, we want to highlight a particularly relevant stream for news, sports, and entertainment. Sling TV is one of the best options for streaming in 2023, with a rich catalog of 50+ live channels and 50k+ on-demand movies and episodes. Get 50% off if you sign up now. Try Sling TV today.
Before we continue, we want to highlight a particularly relevant stream for news, sports, and entertainment. Sling TV is one of the best options for streaming with a rich catalogue of 50+ live channels and 50k+ on-demand movies and episodes.
Try Sling TV today.
Sling TV – best all-around alternative to Hulu + Live TV
If the high cost of Hulu + Live TV is making you second-guess subscribing, Sling TV is a good choice. Sling TV offers two bargain-priced streaming plans that are good alternatives to Hulu + Live TV.
Sling TV pricing and packages
You can subscribe to Sling Orange, which includes over 30+ channels, or Sling Blue, which includes 40+ channels. And for 2022, Sling TV brought back its 7-day free trial.
| Sling Orange Great Value $40.00/ month | 30+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 1 simultaneous stream | Try Sling |
| Sling Blue Great Value$40.00/ month | 40+ channels Fox, NBC, CNN, MSNBC New subscriber special 3 simultaneous streams | Try Sling |
| Sling Orange + Blue Best Value $55.00/ month | 45+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 4* simultaneous streams | Try Sling |
You can also pick from over a dozen add-on channel packages to boost your channel count. Doing so could give you a larger number of channels than Hulu, even at a lower price.
For more information, read our guide on Sling TV plan and pricing.
Sling TV channels
Through Sling Orange, you’ll get channels like ESPN, AMC, CNN, TBS, and TNT, among others.
If you are interested in getting a few more channels, you can subscribe to the 40+ channel Sling Blue package. Blue includes some channels left out of the Orange package, such as NBCSN, Fox Sports, SyFy, and FX.
Check out our guide on Sling TV channels for more info on the current lineup.
Sling TV supported devices
Streaming platform support is also quite robust for Sling TV. You can stream on Android/iOS, your web browser, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung and LG Smart TVs, and all Xbox One devices.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, AirTV
- Smart TVs: LG TV, Samsung TV, Android TV, Roku TV, Mi TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS, Facebook Portal
- Game consoles: Xbox One, Oculus
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
Read our Sling TV supported device guide to see if your device is among the available ones.
Sling TV simultaneous streams
Sling TV’s simultaneous streaming policy is either worse or similar to what you’ll get through Hulu, depending on the package you choose. If you go with Sling Blue, you’ll get three simultaneous streams — the same that Hulu + Live TV offers without paying extra. However, if you opt for Sling Orange (ESPN, Disney), you’ll get just one stream per account.
Sling also has an interesting Watch Party feature. This allows you to share your stream with up to 3 friends for free. Watch Party is only available for streaming on browsers and on iOS devices.
Check out our guide on Sling TV simultaneous streaming for more information.
Sling TV DVR
Although the service provides a 10-hour cloud DVR with each subscription at no additional cost, you can increase that to 50 hours of storage with a paid add-on.
If you’d like to learn more, read our Sling TV DVR storage article.
Sling TV on-demand library
Sling TV’s on-demand library isn’t nearly on the same level as what you’d get through Hulu + Live TV. Still, Sling TV advertises an on-demand library with over 10,000+ hours of movies and TV show episodes. There’s also a growing TV Everywhere support through Sling TV that makes it even more worthwhile to explore.
Don’t hesitate to read our Sling TV VOD library guide for more info about this service.
Philo: Best Low-Cost Alternative to Hulu + Live TV
Philo has a low-cost approach that includes a large channel package with no sports and no local channels. This makes Philo a good Hulu alternative if you still want a large selection of channels with the added features common to internet TV services but don’t want to pay the high cost that comes with Hulu.
Philo pricing and packages
Like Hulu + Live TV, Philo has just one streaming service package with almost a similar number of channels:
| 64 Channels 7-day free trial $25.00/ month | 60+ channels Starz and Epix add-ons 3 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR | Try Free |
Philo’s 60+ channels come in at less than half the price of its biggest competitors and with a 7-day free trial. Although the price increased in 2022, its no-sports option is still one of the cheapest options on the market, especially compared to Hulu + Live TV.
For more information, read our guide on Philo plan and pricing.
Philo channels
Through Philo, you’ll get a full load of entertainment and lifestyle networks, including Paramount Network, AMC, A&E, HGTV, Game Show Network, MTV, CMT, BBC America, and more. You won’t get any sports channels, however, and no local networks like FOX or CBS. The exclusion of these types of networks makes it possible to offer a larger number of channels and features for less money.
This service also now offers movie channel add-ons. As an extra, you can get the Movies, and More, Epix, or Staz packages added to your subscription.
Check out the latest Philo channel lineup to see if it fits your preference.
Philo supported devices
Philo doesn’t have nearly as many supported apps and devices as Hulu + Live TV. However, its library of options is growing and now includes iOS and Android, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Roku
- Smart TVs: Android TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (7.0 and up), iOS (10.3 and up)
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Our guide on Philo supported devices will tell you if your favorites are among the available ones.
Philo simultaneous streams
You can stream Philo on three devices at once. This is one more than Hulu offers, without having to pay extra.
Check out our guide on Philo simultaneous streaming for more information.
Philo DVR
Philo previously offered a DVR with videos that expired after 30 days. Now, however, it’s taken a page from YouTube TV and offers an unlimited storage DVR with a 1-year expiration date for videos. If you had a pre-existing account, you’d need to contact Philo to upgrade to the 1-year DVR option.
If you’d like to learn more, read our Philo DVR storage article.
Philo on-demand library
Philo advertises an on-demand library with 20,000+ hours of content. That’s not nearly as large as what Hulu + Live TV offers, but you can enhance this with Philo’s impressive TV Everywhere support. As well, Philo offers a 72-hour rewind feature for most channels, making new content always available on-demand without using your DVR storage.
FuboTV – best Hulu + Live TV alternative for sports fans
Hulu + Live TV has a wide selection of sports, but fuboTV offers the largest sports channel package available on the market. If Hulu + Live TV doesn’t have enough sports channels for you, fuboTV may be your best alternative.
FuboTV pricing and packages
Through fuboTV, you’ll go from 100+ channels to over 130 channels, depending on the package and add-ons that you choose.
| Pro 7-day free trial $69.99/ month | 138 channels 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
| Elite 7-day free trial $79.99/ month | 202 channels 54 more channels with fubo Extra 12 more channels with fubo News Plus 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
| Latino Monthly $8 off for the first month $33/ month | 45 channels 2 simultaneous streams 250 hours of DVR space | SIGN UP |
| Ultimate 7-day free trial $99.99/ month | 240 channels 54 more channels with fubo Extra 12 more channels with fubo News Plus Showtime Live and On Demand Sports Plus with NFL Redzone 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
The service needs to keep its price at a reasonably high level primarily because of the large number of sports and locals it offers (which are expensive to provide for services of this kind).
For more information, read our guide on fubo TV plans and pricing.
FuboTV channels
Sports are what fuboTV does best. You’ll get over 30 sports channels, including CBS Sports, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, BTN Sports, beIN Sports, NBA TV, Pac-12 Network and more. You’ll also get a wide selection of entertainment TV, like AMC, A&E, SyFy and HGTV, as well as a selection of local networks.
Check out the latest fuboTV channel lineup to see if it fits your preference.
FuboTV supported devices
You’ll find that fuboTV’s device support doesn’t come close to Hulu’s device support. That said, you’ll still be able to stream on the most popular streaming devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku.
The full list of fuboTV’s supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Cube and TV Stick, Chromecast, and Roku
- Smart TVs: Android TV, Hisense, LG, Samsung Smart TV, Vizio
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Gaming Devices: Xbox
You can see if your device is among the available ones in our fuboTV supported device guide.
FuboTV simultaneous streams
FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV are similar when it comes to streaming policies, at least at the base level. FubotTV carries two simultaneous streams per account for the Latino Plus subscription level. If you want the English-language subscriptions, the Starter pack offers three screens per account, while the other two subscription levels (Pro and Elite) provide up to 10 streams per account.
Check out our guide on fuboTV simultaneous streaming for more information.
FuboTV DVR
If you sign up for the Latino Plus or Starter subscriptions, fuboTV offers 250 hours of DVR storage. With the Pro or Elite packages, you’ll get a hefty 1,000 hours of cloud DVR storage.
If you’d like to learn more, read our fuboTV DVR storage article.
FuboTV on-demand library
FuboTV doesn’t describe its on-demand library size, but needless to say, it’s not nearly as large as Hulu’s offering. However, fuboTV’s large number of channels means you’ll still get a fairly large on-demand offering. And because fuboTV provides a 72-hour rewind feature for most channels, you’ll get fresh content from those channels on a regular basis.
Don’t hesitate to read our fuboTV VOD library guide for more info about this service.
DirecTV Stream: Best Hulu + Live TV Alternative For Those Who Need Channels
On the high end, DirecTV Stream is quite a bit more expensive than Hulu + Live TV. However, its starting package offers a similar channel lineup compared to Hulu, although you do sacrifice some networks that might be available on the competitor’s platform.
DirecTV Stream pricing and package
DirecTV Stream completely changed its package options last year as AT&T divested itself of the streaming arm. Its introductory PLUS package is among the highest-priced on the market. However, some of the features make it among the best options you’ll find.
| Entertainment The Essentials $69.99/ month | 75+ channels Unlimited streams at home Unlimited cloud DVR space | SIGN UP |
| Choice Must-Have Sports $89.99/ month | 105+ channels Unlimited streams at home Unlimited cloud DVR space Regional sports networks | SIGN UP |
| Ultimate Sports, News, Movies $104.99/ month | 140+ channels Unlimited streams at home Unlimited cloud DVR space Regional sports networks | SIGN UP |
| Premier Maximum TV $149.99/ month | 150+ channels All you can watch Regional sports networks HBO Max, Showtime and Starz Included | SIGN UP |
For more information, read our guide on DirecTV Stream plan and pricing.
DirecTV Stream channels
Even the lowest-priced package has a reasonable, although a small lineup of channels. The basic package offers ESPN, FX/FXX, TBS, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and even HBO. The inclusion of HBO and locals is what makes this package so expensive, however, compared to other streaming services’ channel packages.
Check out the latest DirecTV Stream channel lineup to see if it fits your preference.
DirecTV Stream supported devices
Platform support is good and comparable to Hulu + Live TV. You can stream on your web browser, Amazon Fire devices, Chromecast, Android/iOS devices, Apple TV, and select Roku models, though there is currently no support for gaming consoles.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, AirTV
- Smart TVs: LG TV, Samsung TV, Android TV, Roku TV, Mi TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can see if your device is among the available ones in our DirecTV Stream supported device guide.
DirecTV Stream simultaneous streams
Part of its revamp last year included increasing the simultaneous streaming limit up to an industry-leading 20 screens per household. You can also stream on up to 3 devices not connected to your home Wi-Fi.
Check out our guide on DirecTV Stream simultaneous streaming for more information.
DirecTV Stream TV DVR
DirecTV Stream’s DVR is among the smallest on the list. You can record up to 20 hours of video, which expires after 90 days. The company offers an unlimited DVR option as a paid add-on.
If you’d like to learn more, read our DirecTV Stream DVR storage article.
DirecTV Stream on-demand library
DirecTV Stream’s on-demand library is not a match for Hulu’s, but it’s also larger than most other options on the market. Even with the introductory package of 45+ channels, you’ll get 40,000+ titles on-demand through the service. DirecTV Stream also features a 72-hour rewind feature through its service that ensures fresh, new content from the channel it offers.
Don’t hesitate to read our DirecTV Stream VOD library guide for more info about this service.
Vidgo: A New Option for Sports and Entertainment
While it’s one of the more recent entries on the market, Vidgo features a competitive package of channels for a low price. Its selection of channels also makes it a match for Hulu+Live TV, depending on what you’re looking for.
Vidgo pricing and packages
This service updated its package offering to the following:
- English Plus for 95+ channels
- English Premium 112+ channels
- Spanish Mas for 30 channels
Each option is available with a 7-day free trial. The channel packages are among the cheapest for the number of channels, making this a good option if you want something slightly cheaper than Hulu + Live TV.
Vidgo channels
With over 95+ channels to start, Vidgo has most of the channels you might want. For sports fans, that includes ESPN1 and 2, Fox Sports, NFL Network, and more. And for entertainment TV fans, you’ll find HGTV, FX, History Channel, Science Channel, and many others.
Vidgo supported devices
Vidgo has apps for the most popular devices and operating systems on the market.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, and Roku
- Smart TVs: Android TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge
Vidgo simultaneous streams
You can stream Vidgo’s packages on up to 3 devices at once. The service also features a Live Watch Party similar to what you’ll find with Sling TV (and which it offered before Sling TV).
Vidgo DVR
There is no DVR available through Vidgo at this time of writing.
Vidgo on-demand library
Most of the channels available on Vidgo provide their content on-demand through the service. However, if you want TV Everywhere access, you’ll be a bit out of luck. Vidgo’s channels mostly do not work with TV Everywhere, likely due to licensing agreements.
YouTube TV: Best Hulu + Live TV Alternative for DVR and Sharing
YouTube TV is the most similar service on the market to Hulu + Live TV, although it’s slightly more expensive and offers a slightly larger channel package. But if you need better DVR storage, sports channels, and account sharing features, YouTube TV is a good alternative.
YouTube TV pricing and packages
As of this time of writing, YouTube TV’s single package carries 85+ channels. That’s equivalent to Hulu + Live TV, which is why these two are the closest services on the market. On occasion, the company offers multi-month discounts to new customers.
For more information, read our guide on YouTube TV plans and pricing.
YouTube TV channels
You’ll get 85+ channels from YouTube TV, with a heavy emphasis on sports. YouTube TV offers major networks, like ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, and many regional sports networks. You’ll also get a full lineup of locals in most regions, and a wide selection of entertainment channels, like AMC, A&E, HGTV, and more.
Check out the latest YouTube TV channel lineup to see if it fits your preference.
YouTube TV supported devices
One area where it is still fairly lacking is device support. You can watch YouTube TV on Chromecast, Android and iOS devices, and your web browser, as well as Android TV, Xbox One consoles, and Samsung/LG Smart TVs. There is limited support for the Apple TV via Airplay and, as of this time of writing, no support for Amazon Fire devices.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, and TiVo Stream
- Smart TVs: Android TV, Samsung TV, LG TV, Vizio, Hisense, Sharp
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS
- Game consoles: Xbox One X and S, Xbox Series X and S, Playstation 4 and 5
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can see if your device is among the available ones in our supported device guide.
YouTube TV simultaneous streams
You can also stream on three devices at once with YouTube TV. Again, you would need Hulu’s rather pricey “Unlimited Screens” add-on to get this same level of service from Hulu + Live TV.
Check out our guide on YouTube TV simultaneous streaming for more information.
YouTube TV DVR
YouTube TV offers the single best DVR service in the industry. You get completely unlimited DVR storage for nine months. You can record and store as many shows and hours of television as you want, with no simultaneous recording restrictions or limits. Compare that to Hulu’s 50-hour DVR (or the 200-hour DVR available for an added fee), and YouTube TV is the clear winner here.
Additionally, you can create six separate user profiles through YouTube TV, making it a far superior option for account sharing.
If you’d like to learn more, read our YouTube TV DVR storage article.
YouTube TV on-demand library
As with every other option on our list, YouTube TV simply can’t match Hulu’s on-demand library. Nevertheless, what you’ll get is good, as YouTube TV’s channels offer a wide selection of their content on-demand, and YouTube lets you skip through commercials on some of its on-demand content.
Don’t hesitate to read our YouTube TV VOD library guide for more info about this service.
Discovery+: Best Hulu+ Live TV Alternative for Discovery Inc. Channels
The newest multi-channel provider on the market, Discovery+ brings you every network currently in the Discovery, Inc. family of channels. And it does so at an incredibly low price, making it a perfect alternative if all you watch are Discovery, Inc. channels or if you want to do a combination of Sling TV (for sports) and Discovery+ for entertainment.
The service officially launched at the beginning of 2021 and offers the following networks’ content on-demand (as well as original content):
- HGTV
- Food Network
- TLC
- Investigation Discovery (ID)
- OWN
- Animal Planet
- Discovery
- Discovery+ Originals
- Magnolia Network
- BBC Planet Earth
- A&E
- Lifetime
- History
- Travel
- Science
- DIY
- The Dodo
The company expects to offer more channels in the future, as well. It boasts 55,000 episodes and 2,500 shows at launch.
Sling TV is the best alternative for Hulu + Live TV
Sling TV Blue wins big here. You can get a good selection of cable channels and simultaneous streaming on 3 devices, which is better than Hulu + Live TV. You’ll have to pay extra for a DVR, but even if you do, you’ll still be paying less per month than for Hulu + Live TV.
Outside of that, Philo and Discovery+ aren’t the ones to ignore. Philo’s package is incredibly robust for its low price, while Discovery+ is attractive for people whose primary TV viewing involves the Discovery, Inc. channel lineup.
The biggest problems of Hulu + Live TV
Before we dive into our top picks for Hulu + Live TV alternatives, let’s discuss some problems with the service that may make you want to consider other options.
Limited simultaneous streaming options
Hulu + Live TV only lets you stream live television on two devices at once. This is pretty restrictive, especially for anyone who plans on sharing an account with friends, family, or roommates.
However, you can add an additional monthly fee to get unlimited streaming on devices on your home Wi-Fi network and on three devices outside your home network. That’s a nice option, but it could end up costing more than you expected.
There are quite a few other services out there that allow you to stream on more than two devices simultaneously – without any added fees. This includes Sling TV and YouTube TV.
Users report buffering issues – especially during sporting events
For the most part, streaming on Hulu + Live TV works well. However, some have reported slowdowns during sporting events. The official Hulu + Life TV Beta feedback site is littered with users complaining about slow loading, buffering, poor picture quality, and other issues, even with 1GB/s fiber connections.
Limited subscription customization options
Hulu + Live TV offers only two subscription options, but there’s little variation between the two. The primary subscription option is the one Hulu promotes, but if you scroll all the way to the bottom of the page, there’s a small-print link that lets you know you can sign up for Live TV Only. That will give you Live TV without Hulu’s on-demand service. Fur this option is more than a bit laughable, as Hulu offers it for only 1 dollar less. It’s not a serious option.
You also can’t add any additional channels, except for premium channels HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz. If you’re looking to customize your cable package and add more channels, Hulu + Live TV does not give you many choices.
Other great streaming services
Among the primary reasons for using Hulu + Live TV are its on-demand content library and sports channels. If you’re ditching the service for another one, you can still supplement the sports and on-demand content with Disney+ and ESPN+.
Using Disney+, you’ll get access to hundreds of high-quality content, including TV shows typically only available on the Disney Channel. You also get access to Marvel and Star Wars-branded content.
ESPN+ is a great addition to any streaming lineup thanks to its exclusive sports contracts. You’ll find a large selection of US and international sports unavailable on regular ESPN channels, while ESPN+ is also the exclusive broadcast option for many UFC events.
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming. He loves whittling down complex ideas within these areas that make decisions easier for buyers. When he’s not reading books with his son Miles and playing video games with the family, you can find him immersed in his growing collection of Euro-style board games.
There’s a good website that compares all the TV service options — http://www.suppose.tv. It matches the TV service choices to the channels you watch. It also compares DVRs, devices, streams, etc. of each service.
The big annoyances with paying $55 a month for Hulu Live are the following: 1. limited episodes on certain shows 2. being forced to watch commercials STILL even when paying extra for none 3. I have a vacation home and can’t watch ANY HULU at all because its not on my home network (how could it be?) so hulu just doesnt work there, so I would have to get a whole different account… not even just streaming content. so to me paying almost as much as I would for cable to only have it at home? makes no sense to me at all… why did I cut the cable?