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, AT&T TV Now, YouTube TV, or Vidgo. If all you need is Discovery’s line-up of channels, you may also want to consider the new Discovery+ streaming service.
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.
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 2021 with a rich catalogue of 50+ live channels and 50k+ on-demand movies and episodes.
Get 3 days free. Try Sling TV today.
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 from 90+ channels to over 130 channels, depending on the package and add-ons that you choose.
| Family 7-day free trial $64.99/ month | 114 channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Family Plan with Showtime 7-day free trial $74.99/ month | 114 channels 2 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME included Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
| Ultra 7-day free trial $84.99/ month | 196 channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space ESPN SHOWTIME included Sports Plus add-on | SIGN UP |
The service starts at $59.99 per month, primarily because of the large number of sports and locals it offers (which are expensive to provide for services of this kind).
Learn more about fuboTV’s pricing and packages here.
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.
Learn more about fuboTV’s channel packages here.
FuboTV Supported Devices
You’ll find fuboTV’s device support doesn’t come close to Hulu’s device support. That said, you’ll still be able to stream on most popular streaming devices, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and the Roku.
The full list of fuboTV’s supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick (1st gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (2, 3 and 4)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (4.4 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
To learn more about fuboTV’s supported devices, check here.
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV are similar when it comes to streaming policies, at least at the base level. FuboTV offers 2 streams per account for its Standard subscription plan, but offers 3 streams, or up to 5 streams with add-ons, or through its Family or Elite packages. Unlike Hulu, however, fuboTV does not have an unlimited simultaneous streams option (Hulu + Live TV is the only service that has that offer at this time).
You can learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy here.
FuboTV DVR
You can store up to 30 hours’ worth of content through FuboTV’s Standard cloud DVR. Beyond that, the service offers add-ons for 250 or 1,000 hours of storage. The Family and Elite packages also carry the expanded DVR options, with the 1,000-hour storage option included at the Elite level.
You can learn more about fuboTV’s cloud DVR here.
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.
Learn more about fuboTV’s on-demand library here.
Philo: Best Low-Cost Alternative to Hulu + Live TV
Philo’s low-cost approach 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 $20.00/ month | 64 channels Starz and Epix add-ons 3 simultaneous streams 30-Day DVR | Try Free |
Philo’s 60+ channels come in at less than half the price, however, thanks to its no sports, no local channels approach.
For more information on Philo plans, check here.
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.
For more information on Philo channels, check here.
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 (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all models), Chromecast and Roku (all current models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (5.0 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (7.0 and up), iOS (10.3 and up)
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Check here for more information on Philo’s supported devices.
Philo Simultaneous Streams
You can stream Philo on 3 devices at once. This is one more than Hulu offers, without having to pay extra.
To learn more about Philo’s simultaneous streams, click here.
Philo DVR
You can record an unlimited amount of content on Philo, but you’ll have a 30-day expiration date on all videos. This is somewhat better than Hulu’s DVR if you need more storage, but not as good if you want to keep your video recordings long term.
Check here to learn more about Philo’s DVR.
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.
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
For $30/month, you can subscribe to Sling Orange which includes over 30 channels, or Sling Blue, which includes 40 channels.
| Sling Orange Limited time offer $35.00/ month | 30+ channels ESPN Try 3 days free 1 simultaneous stream. | TRY FREE |
| Sling Blue Limited time offer$35.00/ month | 45+ channels Fox, NBC, CNN, MSNBC Try 3 days free 3 simultaneous streams | TRY FREE |
| Sling Orange + Blue Limited time offer $50.00/ month | 50+ channels ESPN Try 3 days free 4* simultaneous streams | TRY FREE |
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.
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 45+ channel, $30/month Sling Blue package. Blue includes some channels left out of the Orange package, such as NBCSN, Fox Sports, SyFy, and FX.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s channels here.
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 (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all versions), Chromecast, Roku (LT and up), AirTV,
- Smart TVs: LG TV (Web OS 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, as well as select 2016-2018 models), Samsung TV (2016 through 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV, Mi TV,
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can learn more about Sling TV’s streaming policy here.
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 3 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 1 stream per account.
To learn more about Sling TV’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
Sling TV DVR
Although the service provides a 10-hour cloud DVR with each subscription at not additional cost, you can increase that to 50 hours of storage with a paid add-on.
To learn more about Sling TV’s DVR, check here.
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.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s on-demand library here.
AT&T TV Now: Best Hulu + Live TV Alternative For Those Who Need Channels
On the high end, AT&T TV Now is quite a bit more expensive than Hulu + Live TV. However, its $55 starting price is less than what Hulu has to offer, although you do sacrifice a large number of channels at the entry point.
AT&T TV Now Pricing and Package
AT&T TV Now completely changed its package options in 2019, and then further refined its product over the course of 2020. Its introductory PLUS package is now lower-priced than Hulu + Live TV, but it comes with around 40% fewer channels. However, the $80/month MAX option has a similar channel lineup to Hulu + Live TV, with the added bonus of HBO MAX subscription rolled into the offer.
| Plus 7-day free trial $55/ month | 45+ channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space Add-ons like HBO and Showtime | SIGN UP |
| Max 7-day free trial $80/ month | 60+ channels 3 simultaneous streams 500 hours of DVR space HBO Max Included | SIGN UP |
You can get almost any popular channel you might find on traditional cable through AT&T TV Now, which is not the case with every other option. However, you’ll pay a hefty amount to get every channel.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s pricing here.
AT&T TV Now Channels
Even the $55/month package has a reasonable, although 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.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s channels here.
AT&T TV Now 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 (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all versions), Chromecast, Roku (LT and up), AirTV
- Smart TVs: LG TV (Web OS 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, as well as select 2016-2018 models), Samsung TV (2016 through 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV, Mi TV,
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s streaming policy here.
AT&T TV Now Simultaneous Streams
Part of its 2020 service revamp included increasing the simultaneous streaming limit for 2 screens to 3 screens per account.
To learn more about AT&T TV Now’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
AT&T TV Now TV DVR
The DVR option was also retouched in 2020. It now provides a 500-hour cloud DVR, as well as a 90-day expiration date on stored videos.
To learn more about AT&T TV Now’s DVR, check here.
AT&T TV Now On-Demand Library
AT&T TV Now’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. AT&T TV Now also features a 72-hour rewind feature through its service that ensures fresh, new content from the channel it offers.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s on-demand library here.
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 of channels costs $64.99. That’s just $5 more than Hulu + Live TV, but for a larger channel package.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s pricing here.
YouTube TV Channels
You’ll get 70+ channels from YouTube TV, with a heavy emphasis on sports. YouTube TV offers major networks, like ESPN, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, many regionals sports networks. You’ll also get a full line-up of locals in most regions, and a wide selection of entertainment channels, like AMC, A&E, HGTV, and more.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s channels, check here.
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 device, 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 (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (select models), Samsung TV (2016+ models only), LG TV (2016+ models only), Vizio (select SmartCast models), Hisense (select models), Sharp (select models)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (9.1 and up)
- Game consoles: Xbox One X and S, Xbox Series X and S, PS4
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s supported devices here.
YouTube TV Simultaneous Streams
You can also stream on 3 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.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s streaming policy here.
YouTube TV DVR
YouTube TV offers the single best DVR service in the industry. You get completely unlimited DVR storage for 9 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 6 separate user profiles through YouTube TV, making it a far superior option for account sharing.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s DVR storage, check here.
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.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s on-demand library here.
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 now features one large package of channels for $55 per month. Get 80+ English and Spanish-language networks for less than Hulu + Live TV (and with a potential first-month discount).
Vidgo Channels
With over 80+ channels, 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
Vigdo 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.
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 agreement.
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 (just $6.99 per month), 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 on January 4, 2021, offering the following channels:
- 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.
Our Verdict – The Best Alternative for Hulu + Live TV
Sling TV Blue wins big here. For $30/month, 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 ones to ignore. Philo’s package is incredibly robust for $20/month, while Discovery+ is attractive for people whose primary TV viewing involves the Discovery, Inc. channel lineup.
Our top overall picks
FuboTV is our top overall pick. The $59.99/month starting price delivers 80+ channels, even if the features are a bit slim in comparison.
Outside of that, YouTube TV is a pound-for-pound competitor on almost all aspects, except with a unique feature offering.
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 an additional monthly fee to get unlimited streaming on devices on your home Wi-Fi network, and on 3 devices outside your home network. That’s a nice option – but add that to the $64.99 base subscription and you’ll pay over $75/month for it.
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, YouTube TV, and PlayStation Vue.
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 is 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 Disney Channel. You also get access to Marvel and Star Wars-branded content.
ESPN+ is a great addition to any streaming line-up thanks to its exclusive sports contracts. You’ll find a large selection for US and international sports unavailable on regular ESPN channels, while ESPN+ is also the exclusive broadcast option for many UFC events.
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?