With the increasing shift toward streaming, platforms like Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu have gained popularity as comprehensive TV solutions. Each service offers live TV and on-demand options, catering to different audiences.

This comparison guide between YouTube, Hulu and Fubo will help you choose the best streaming service, focusing on features, pricing, channel variety, user experience, and performance.

Overview of Each Service

FuboTV: Originally launched for sports enthusiasts, FuboTV has evolved to offer a broader range of channels and content beyond sports, appealing to fans of news, entertainment, and lifestyle channels.

YouTube TV: Known for its user-friendly interface and unlimited DVR storage, YouTube TV offers a solid lineup of popular channels across various categories.

Hulu + Live TV: As an extension of the Hulu on-demand service, Hulu + Live TV combines a strong library of streaming content with live channels, providing a unique blend of on-demand and live viewing.

Pricing Comparison

Each service offers different levels of add-ons, from sports packages to premium channels. While FuboTV and YouTube TV offer free trials, Hulu no longer provides one for its live TV package, which can impact potential users who want to try it before committing.

Hulu’s Pricing

YouTube TV Cost

Channel Lineup and Variety

FuboTV: Known for sports, it offers over 100+ channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports, along with news and entertainment networks like CBS, AMC, and Bravo. FuboTV is a solid choice for sports fans who want live TV, additional news, and lifestyle content.

List of Fubo channels and upgrades.

YouTube TV: With over 100+ channels, YouTube TV includes a good balance of sports, news, and entertainment. It also offers local affiliate channels for ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, making it appealing to users who want a mix of live broadcasts and national news.

YouTube TV channel list.

Hulu + Live TV: With 90+ channels, Hulu Live TV provides a good selection, though it leans more toward general entertainment and family-friendly channels. Its integration with the Hulu streaming library means that users have extensive on-demand content, with channels like ABC, NBC, FX, and Disney included.

Hulu’s channel list.

Sports Offerings

FuboTV: FuboTV stands out in sports. It provides an impressive selection of channels covering major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and international leagues like the Premier League and La Liga. Fubo also offers unique features, such as sports stats and scores directly in the viewing interface.

YouTube TV: YouTube TV includes popular sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. It also offers MLB Network, NBA TV, and NFL Network, appealing to mainstream sports fans, though its lineup isn’t as extensive as Fubo’s.

Hulu + Live TV: Hulu’s sports coverage is decent, with channels like ESPN and Fox Sports. However, it’s generally considered weaker in sports variety compared to FuboTV and YouTube TV, which may disappoint avid sports fans.

User Interface and Experience

FuboTV: Fubo’s interface is simple and organized, though it can feel cluttered due to a wealth of features. Fubo offers a “Multiview” feature, allowing users to watch up to four streams simultaneously, which is highly beneficial for sports fans.

YouTube TV: YouTube TV is widely praised for its intuitive interface. With a sleek design, easy-to-navigate menus, and an unlimited DVR with no storage limits, YouTube TV offers a smooth and efficient viewing experience.

Hulu: Hulu’s interface is organized around both live and on-demand content. The home screen blends Hulu’s streaming library with live channels, which is convenient but may feel crowded. DVR storage is more limited than YouTube TV, which could be a drawback for those who heavily rely on recording.

Cloud DVR Capabilities

FuboTV: Provides 1000 hours of DVR storage with Pro and Elite plans, allowing extensive recording.

YouTube TV: Offers unlimited DVR storage, a standout feature, with recordings accessible for up to nine months.

Hulu + Live TV: Basic DVR is limited to 50 hours but can be expanded to 200 hours with an additional fee, which may be inconvenient for those who record frequently.

On-Demand Content Library

FuboTV: Fubo’s on-demand content is limited compared to Hulu and YouTube TV, though it does offer a selection of recent broadcasts and popular movies.

YouTube TV: While primarily focused on live TV, YouTube TV includes a decent library of on-demand content, mainly consisting of past episodes of popular shows.

Hulu + Live TV: Hulu excels in on-demand content. With access to the extensive Hulu library, users can enjoy original shows, movies, and exclusive series along with live TV. This combination makes Hulu particularly attractive for those interested in streaming series and movies.

Device Compatibility

All three services are compatible with major devices, including:

FuboTV: Works on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and more.

YouTube TV: Compatible with similar devices, including game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation.

Hulu + Live TV: Supports the same devices and also has a dedicated app for Nintendo Switch, adding some versatility.

Streaming Quality and Performance

FuboTV: Offers 4K streaming on select sports and nature channels, making it the top choice for high-definition sports fans.

YouTube TV: Also provides 4K streaming as an add-on, though it is not as widespread. The platform is known for stable streaming quality and efficient buffering.

Hulu + Live TV: Generally, streams at HD quality; however, 4K content is available only on limited devices and content, making it less ideal for those seeking ultra-high-definition.

Pros and Cons Summary

Conclusion: Which Service is Best?

The best streaming service ultimately depends on your viewing preferences:

Choose FuboTV if you prioritize sports and want access to a wide range of sports channels.

Opt for YouTube TV if you value a straightforward interface, unlimited DVR, and reliable streaming for a variety of channels.

Select Hulu + Live TV if you enjoy a mix of live TV and on-demand content, as Hulu offers the most comprehensive streaming library.

Each service offers unique advantages, so consider which features are most important to you. Happy streaming!