What Exactly is Hulu + Live TV?
"Live Sports and On-Demand Entertainment, All in One Place."
Hulu + Live TV is a unique streaming service that offers a powerful hybrid experience, combining a robust lineup of live channels with one of the largest on-demand streaming libraries available. It's designed for viewers who want a complete cable replacement that seamlessly integrates live sports and news with binge-worthy TV shows, hit movies, and exclusive Hulu Originals.
With a Hulu + Live TV subscription, you gain access to:
- ✅The Ultimate Entertainment Bundle: Every plan includes full access to Disney+ and ESPN+, providing an unparalleled library of content for the entire family.
- ✅95+ Live TV Channels: A comprehensive lineup including major broadcast networks, top sports channels like ESPN and FS1, and popular entertainment and news networks.
- ✅Massive On-Demand Library: Instantly watch thousands of episodes and movies, including award-winning Hulu Originals.
- ✅Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record as many live shows, movies, and games as you want and keep them for up to 9 months.
Hulu + Live TV Plans & Pricing
Hulu + Live TV offers straightforward plans, often bundled for exceptional value.
Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV Bundle
$82.99/mo
Most Popular Plan
- Channels: 95+
- Bundled Services: Disney+ (With Ads) & ESPN+ (With Ads)
- DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR (9 months)
- Streams: 2 (upgradeable)
- Free Trial: 3 Days
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV Bundle
$95.99/mo
Ad-Free On-Demand
- Channels: 95+
- Bundled Services: Disney+ (No Ads) & ESPN+ (With Ads)
- DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR (9 months)
- Streams: 2 (upgradeable)
- Free Trial: 3 Days
Hulu + Live TV Only
$81.99/mo
Live TV without the bundle
- Channels: 95+
- Bundled Services: None
- DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR (9 months)
- Streams: 2 (upgradeable)
- Free Trial: 3 Days
Unlimited Screens Add-on
$9.99/mo
Perfect for large households
- Benefit: Upgrade any Hulu + Live TV plan
- At Home: Watch on unlimited simultaneous screens
- On the Go: Includes up to 3 mobile device streams away from home
Comprehensive Sports Coverage
Hulu + Live TV is an excellent streaming service for sports fans, providing a strong mix of national and local coverage.
Key Sports Channels & Features:
Major Networks & Sports Channels: Includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC for local games, plus BTN, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, and NBC Sports Network.
ESPN+ Included: Gain access to thousands of exclusive live events, original programming, and acclaimed series from the world of sports, bundled with your subscription.
NFL & College Sports: Catch NFL Network and get access to NFL RedZone. Enjoy a wide range of college sports coverage through the included conference networks.
Beyond Sports: A World of Entertainment & News
Beyond its robust sports offerings, Hulu + Live TV delivers a rich array of entertainment, news, and lifestyle content for every member of the family.
Popular Included Channels: Enjoy channels like AMC, BET, Comedy Central, Discovery, E!, Food Network, FX, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, MTV, National Geographic, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TBS, TLC, TNT, Travel Channel, TruTV, and USA.
News & Information: Stay informed with channels such as CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and more.
Hulu Originals & On-Demand: Access Hulu's significant catalog of on-demand content, including exclusive titles and a massive library of broadcast programming, setting it apart from many competitors.
Customize your experience with optional premium add-ons (additional fees apply): Max (formerly HBO Max), Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, Starz, MGM+
Stream Hulu + Live TV Without Borders
Hulu + Live TV combines a massive on-demand library with live channels, but your access is tied to a "home location" and is only available within the US.
Why Use a VPN with Hulu + Live TV?
A VPN is essential for accessing your complete Hulu + Live TV subscription while traveling. By connecting to a US server, you can watch your live local channels and the full on-demand library from anywhere in the world.
Don't miss your local news or the big game. A VPN lets you access your designated "home location" channels while traveling overseas.
Just like with other services, a VPN can help you get around frustrating regional sports blackouts on Hulu's live channels.
Encrypt your connection to ensure your viewing habits remain private and to avoid potential ISP throttling of your stream.
Recommended VPN Providers:
Hulu is known for its strong VPN detection. Use a top-tier provider like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, or CyberGhost for reliable access.
Why Choose Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV offers a compelling blend of live television and an extensive on-demand library, making it a top choice for cord-cutters seeking a comprehensive entertainment solution.
All Your Favorite Channels, Live & On-Demand
Access over 95 top live channels, including major broadcast networks. Dive into Hulu's massive library of on-demand TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals, ensuring there's always something to watch.
Unlimited Cloud DVR – Record Everything
Enjoy unlimited cloud DVR storage to record all your must-watch live sports, shows, and movies. Keep your recordings for up to 9 months, giving you the flexibility to watch on your schedule.
The Ultimate Entertainment Bundle
Every Hulu + Live TV plan includes full access to Disney+ and ESPN+, creating an unparalleled entertainment bundle with content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and ESPN.
Flexible & Family-Friendly – No Contracts, No Hassle
Offers month-to-month subscriptions you can cancel anytime. The base plan supports 2 simultaneous streams, with an option to upgrade to unlimited streams for busy households.
Device Compatibility
Hulu + Live TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, ensuring you can watch your favorite content on virtually any screen.
Supported Devices Include:
Android and iOS devices (smartphones and tablets).
Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku players and TVs.
Various smart TV models from major brands like Samsung, LG, and Vizio.
PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.
Watch directly through a web browser on your computer.
Pros & Cons of Hulu + Live TV
A balanced look at Hulu + Live TV's strengths and areas for consideration.
Pros
- Extensive On-Demand Library: Offers a massive catalog of TV shows, movies, and Hulu Originals, setting it apart from many live TV services.
- Valuable Bundles: Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ in its base packages, providing significant value for a wide range of content.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record as much as you want, with recordings saved for up to 9 months.
- Solid Channel Roster: Provides a strong selection of over 95 popular live channels, including major sports and entertainment networks.
- Broad Device Compatibility: Available on nearly every media streaming device.
Cons
- Simultaneous Stream Limit: The base plan allows only 2 simultaneous streams, which can be restrictive for larger households unless upgraded.
- Ads on Live TV & Some On-Demand: Even "No Ads" plans still include commercials on live broadcasts and some on-demand content.
- Regional Sports Network (RSN) Limitations: May not include all Bally Sports and most SportsNet RSNs.
- Price Hikes: Like other streaming services, prices have increased over time.
- User Interface: Some users find the user interface confounding compared to competitors.
Hulu + Live TVAlternatives: How Does it Stack Up?
When considering Hulu + Live TV, it's helpful to see how it compares to other streaming services that offer a significant amount of live sports and entertainment.
1. Hulu + Live TV
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Bundle Value: 100+ channels, includes Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
- Unlimited cloud DVR. Live sports (NHL, Soccer, MLB, Auto Racing, NFL, College Football, PGA, Tennis).
Plans & Pricing:
- Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $95.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Live TV Only: $81.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Legacy Bundle ($87.99/mo.): No longer available for new purchase (Learn More)
Our Take: Combines live TV (including ESPN) with a vast on-demand library and ESPN+ exclusives, but be aware of legacy plan availability.
Try 3-Day Free Trial2. FuboTV
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Broad Live Sports: 200+ channels including ESPN, NFL Network, FS1, many RSNs.
- Strong for: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR, 10 simultaneous streams, 4K streaming (Elite plan).
Plans & Pricing:
- Pro Plan: $84.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Elite Plan: $94.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Deluxe Plan: $114.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Latino Plan: $14.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- RSN Fee: $12-$15/mo. (Mandatory) (Learn More)
Our Take: FuboTV is ideal for comprehensive live TV with a strong sports focus, including RSNs, but consider the additional RSN fee.
Try 7-Day Free Trial3. ESPN+
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Exclusive UFC Fight Nights, out-of-market NHL, 6,000+ NCAA games.
- Top international soccer (La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup).
- Complements: Does NOT include linear ESPN channels.
Plans & Pricing:
- ESPN+ Monthly: $11.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- ESPN+ Annual: $119.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- Disney Bundle Trio Basic: $16.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Disney Bundle Trio Premium: $26.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- UFC PPV Event: $79.99/event (Visit Website)
Our Take: Best for dedicated fans of specific sports not found on linear TV, especially when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
Get ESPN+4. YouTube TV
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Extensive Channels: 100+ channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, major networks.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your favorite sports.
- 4K Plus add-on available. NFL Sunday Ticket add-on.
Plans & Pricing:
- Base Plan: $82.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Introductory Offer: $59.99/mo. (First 2 months) (View Offer)
- 4K Plus Add-on: $9.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- NFL Sunday Ticket: $379/season (Add-on) (View Offer)
Our Take: Excellent for broad channel selection and unlimited DVR, covering most major sports, with varying free trial lengths.
Try Free (2-21 days)5. DIRECTV STREAM
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Premium Sports: Strongest offering for RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) from Choice plan upwards.
- Dedicated league channels (MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network on higher tiers).
- Unlimited cloud DVR, up to 20 simultaneous streams in-home.
Plans & Pricing:
- Entertainment: $84.99/mo. (90+ channels, no RSNs) (Visit Website)
- Choice: $89.99/mo. (First month $59.99, includes RSNs) (Visit Website)
- Ultimate: $119.99/mo. (First month $89.99) (Visit Website)
- Premier: $164.99/mo. (Includes all premium networks) (Visit Website)
Our Take: Ideal for extensive channels, especially if RSNs are crucial for local team coverage, with a robust simultaneous streaming capability.
Try 5-Day Free Trial6. Sling TV
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Budget-Friendly: Customizable packages.
- Orange includes ESPN; Blue includes NFL Network.
- 50 hours DVR.
Plans & Pricing:
- Sling Orange: $45.99/mo. (First month $23) (Visit Website)
- Sling Blue: $45.99/mo. (First month $23) (Visit Website)
- Sling Orange + Blue: $60.99/mo. (First month $30.50) (Visit Website)
- Total TV Deal: $21/mo. (Comprehensive add-on) (View Add-ons)
- Sling Freestream: Free (Ad-supported tier) (Watch Free)
Our Take: Most affordable option to get live ESPN or NFL Network, with customizable add-ons and a significant first-month discount.
Get 50% Off First Month7. Peacock Premium
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Niche Sports: Exclusive Premier League matches.
- Big Ten sports, IndyCar, and simulcasts of Sunday Night Football.
- Current seasons of NBC and Bravo programming.
Plans & Pricing:
- Premium (with ads): $10.99/mo. or $109.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- Premium Plus (ad-free, downloads): $16.99/mo. or $169.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- New "Select" Tier: $7.99/mo. or $79.99/yr. (No sports content) (Learn More)
- Price Change Effective: July 23, 2025 (New/Returning) / August 22, 2025 (Existing) (Details)
Our Take: Best for Premier League soccer and Big Ten fans on a budget, with tiered options and recent price adjustments.
Start Free Trial8. Paramount+
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- CBS Sports Content: Exclusive access to NFL on CBS.
- SEC football, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, NWSL.
- Showtime originals (with Showtime plan).
Plans & Pricing:
- Essential (with ads): $7.99/mo. or $59.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- with Showtime (ad-free, downloads): $12.99/mo. or $119.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- Student Discount: 50% off for 12 months (Get Discount)
- Senior Discount (AARP): 10% off (Get Discount)
- Price Change Effective: August 20 (New) / September 20 (Existing for With Showtime) (Details)
Our Take: Essential for fans of CBS Sports, especially European soccer and NWSL, with valuable student and senior discounts available.
Try 7-Day Free Trial9. Amazon Prime Video
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Exclusive NFL: Home of Thursday Night Football.
- New for 2025: NBA games (66 regular season games, playoffs), NASCAR.
- Features WNBA games, NWSL, Premier Boxing Champions, ONE Championship.
Plans & Pricing:
- Included with Amazon Prime: $14.99/mo. or $139/yr. (Visit Website)
- Standalone Prime Video: $8.99/mo. (Visit Website)
Our Take: Great for NFL fans who also use Prime for shopping and other content, with a rapidly expanding live sports portfolio.
Try 30-Day Free Trial10. Apple TV+
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Exclusive Soccer & Baseball: Home to MLS Season Pass (additional cost).
- Friday Night Baseball.
- Superior streaming quality (4K HDR, Dolby Atmos).
Plans & Pricing:
- Apple TV+: $9.99/mo. or $99/yr. (Visit Website)
- Student Plan: $5.99/mo. (Get Discount)
- MLS Season Pass (add-on): $14.99/mo. or $99/season (View Offer)
- Apple One Individual Plan: $19.95/mo. (View Bundle)
Our Take: Highly specific for dedicated MLS fans and a good add-on for baseball, best value when integrated into Apple One bundles.
Try 7-Day Free TrialKey Difference Summary
While FuboTV excels in broad live sports and RSN coverage, other services offer unique value propositions. ESPN+ focuses on exclusive niche sports, YouTube TV provides unlimited DVR and a wide channel selection, Hulu + Live TV bundles entertainment with live TV, DIRECTV STREAM offers premium RSN access and multiple streams, Sling TV is highly customizable and budget-friendly, and services like Peacock, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ cater to specific sports leagues or content types, often with unique bundling opportunities.
What Our Users Are Saying
Social proof builds trust and demonstrates the value of Hulu + Live TV, leading to increased confidence in your decision.
"Hulu + Live TV is perfect! I get all my favorite shows and movies on demand, plus live sports and news. The Disney bundle is just icing on the cake!"
- Emily R., Satisfied Subscriber
"I switched from cable to Hulu + Live TV and haven't looked back. The unlimited DVR is fantastic, and having Disney+ and ESPN+ all in one place is incredibly convenient."
- David K., Cord-Cutter
"As a huge movie buff, the on-demand library is what sold me on Hulu + Live TV. I can watch live events and then switch to a classic film or a Hulu Original. It's the best of both worlds."
- Michael B., Film Enthusiast
"The Unlimited Screens add-on is a must for our family. Everyone can watch what they want, where they want, without any arguments. It's been a lifesaver!"
- Maria G., Mom of Four
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Hulu + Live TV
Does Hulu + Live TV offer a free trial?
Yes, Hulu + Live TV typically offers a 3-day free trial for new and eligible returning subscribers. This allows you to test the full service before committing.
How does the Unlimited DVR work?
All Hulu + Live TV plans include Unlimited Cloud DVR storage. You can record as many shows, movies, and games as you want, and the recordings are saved for up to 9 months.
How many people can watch at once?
The standard plans allow for 2 simultaneous streams. For larger households, you can purchase the Unlimited Screens Add-on for $9.99/month, which allows for unlimited streams on your home network and 3 on the go.
Is 4K content available on Hulu?
While the live TV channels stream in standard HD, Hulu does offer a selection of its on-demand content, including many Hulu Originals, in 4K Ultra HD. Availability depends on the specific show or movie and your device.
How does the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle work?
The Disney Bundle is included with Hulu + Live TV plans. You use your Hulu login credentials to access the separate Disney+ and ESPN+ apps, giving you full access to their extensive libraries and live events at no extra cost.
Does Hulu have my local sports networks (RSNs)?
Hulu + Live TV includes the NBC Sports Regional Networks. However, it does not carry Bally Sports or most other RSNs. You should verify the specific RSNs available in your zip code on Hulu's website.
Ready for the Ultimate Entertainment Hub?
Hulu + Live TV offers an unbeatable combination of live sports, news, and entertainment, paired with a massive on-demand library and the incredible value of the Disney Bundle. It's the complete package for anyone looking to replace cable without compromise.
Explore the plans and start your free trial to unlock a world of content today!
Looking for more live sports? Visit the LiveCloak Homepage for comprehensive schedules and streaming links for all your favorite events!