The streaming landscape has created fierce competition between services like Sling TV and Hulu, each offering unique perks. Both platforms have carved out significant audiences, but which is the best choice?
This in-depth guide compares Sling TV and Hulu in terms of features, pricing, channel offerings, and user experience to help you choose the service that aligns best with your viewing preferences.
Table of Contents
Overview of Sling TV and Hulu
Here is the overview of both streaming services:
Sling TV
Launched in 2015, Sling TV is known as an affordable option with customizable channel packages. It offers a more à la carte experience, allowing viewers to select packages based on specific preferences like sports, entertainment, or family channels.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu started as an on-demand service in 2008, later expanding to offer live TV. Hulu + Live TV provides a large on-demand library alongside live channels, creating a more comprehensive streaming experience.
Pricing and Plans
Here is the pricing of both streaming services:
Sling TV Plans
Sling Orange ($40/month): Includes over 30 channels focused on sports and family content. Notable channels include ESPN, Disney, and CNN.
Sling Blue ($45/month): Over 40 channels, with an emphasis on news and entertainment, featuring networks like Fox, NBC, and Bravo.
Sling Orange + Blue ($60/month): Combines both packages for a total of around 50 channels.
Hulu Plans
Hulu (On-Demand) ($7.99/month with ads, $14.99/month without ads): This option is focused on streaming Hulu’s library of TV shows and movies without live TV.
Hulu + Live TV ($76.99/month with ads, $89.99/month without ads): Offers live TV streaming combined with the on-demand library, including over 75 channels.
Click for more about Hulu pricing and plans.
Channel Offerings and Variety
Here are the channel offerings of both services:
Sling TV Channel Selection
Sling TV is ideal for those looking to create a personalized lineup. Subscribers can add various channel packs for sports, comedy, news, and children’s programming.
Sports fans can access channels like ESPN (on Sling Orange) or NFL Network (on Sling Blue).
Sling TV channels complete list
Missing local channels for CBS and ABC can be a drawback.
Hulu Channel Selection
Hulu offers a more extensive channel list with its Live TV package, making it a solid option for households wanting variety.
Access to major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX, as well as speciality channels like National Geographic, Discovery, and FX.
Comprehensive sports coverage with ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports, and more.
Content Libraries: On-Demand Options
Here’s an overview of the on-demand libraries of both services:
Sling TV Library
Sling TV focuses more on live TV, with a smaller on-demand library primarily featuring current shows from partnered channels. It’s not as extensive as Hulu’s library but offers popular shows and movies.
Some channels allow 24-hour replay, so you can catch up on missed shows.
Hulu’s Library
Hulu’s on-demand library is vast, offering access to a wide array of shows and movies, from current-season TV series to exclusive originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building.
Subscribers of Hulu + Live TV get the full Hulu library included, which adds significant value for binge-watchers and families.
Streaming Quality and Reliability
Sling TV provides HD streaming, but the resolution may vary based on internet speed and device capabilities. Sling also allows users to adjust streaming quality to manage data usage better.
Hulu generally offers higher streaming quality across devices, including HD and even some 4K content. Hulu’s reliability and consistency are often rated higher than Sling’s, especially for on-demand content.
Device Compatibility
Here is a device compatibility of both services:
Sling TV
Compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, and many smart TVs. Sling is also supported on mobile devices, so users can watch on the go.
Hulu
Available on most major streaming devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast, Android and iOS devices, gaming consoles, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs.
Hulu’s user interface across devices is often lauded for its intuitive design.
User Experience and Interface
Here is a user experience and interface of both services:
Sling TV Interface
Sling’s interface is easy to use but may feel cluttered due to the segmented channel package model. Customizing the channel list and finding specific programs can require a bit of navigation.
Hulu Interface
Hulu offers a more streamlined, user-friendly interface with easy access to both live and on-demand content.
Hulu’s guide is more user-friendly for viewers accustomed to traditional cable navigation, with a modern design that integrates on-demand recommendations.
DVR and Recording Capabilities
Here is the DVR and recording capability of both services:
Sling TV
Offers 50 hours of free cloud DVR storage, which can be upgraded to 200 hours with a $5/month add-on.
Users can record channels included in their packages, but simultaneous recordings may be limited based on the plan.
Hulu
Offers unlimited DVR storage with recordings saved for up to 9 months.
Users can record multiple shows simultaneously, making Hulu a better option for families who need robust recording options.
Who Should Choose Sling TV?
Budget-conscious viewers: Sling’s lower price points make it more accessible for those looking to watch live TV without a high monthly cost.
Custom channel selection: If you only need specific types of channels, Sling allows you to build a more personalized package.
Sports fans on a budget: Sling’s sports add-ons are affordable, though coverage is limited.
Who Should Choose Hulu?
All-in-one viewers: Those wanting live TV along with a vast on-demand library will find Hulu + Live TV to be a strong choice.
Families: With unlimited DVR and a vast selection of kid-friendly and family-oriented content, Hulu is ideal for families.
TV show and movie enthusiasts: Hulu’s on-demand library is much larger than Sling’s, making it better for binge-watching.
Read more: YouTube TV or Sling TV: Top 2 Streamers Which is Best?
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between Sling TV and Hulu depends on your specific needs. Sling TV is a budget-friendly, customizable option ideal for viewers who want a more tailored experience, while Hulu + Live TV provides a complete package for those willing to pay a bit more for variety, original content, and family-friendly options.
For anyone looking to save money and enjoy a lean lineup, Sling TV is an attractive option. However, Hulu stands out for those who value content variety, access to popular shows, and a user-friendly experience.
Overall, both services are fantastic selections. The decision is based on what fulfils your requirements and budget.
