Fubo started as a soccer-centered platform, but now there is a huge array of Fubo channels geared toward sports, entertainment, and news. Meanwhile, Hulu + Live TV built a reputation for airing broadcast shows next-day and offering a massive content library. Now, the platform even has original shows and movies.
If you’re cutting cable and can’t decide which platform is right for your household, consider the benefits and limitations of these two livestreaming giants before you make your choice.
Hulu + Live TV and Fubo compared
| Hulu + Live TV | Fubo | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting monthly price | $76.99 | $79.99 |
| DVR | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Simultaneous streams | 2 | 10 on home network, 3 outside home network |
| Number of live channels | 95+ | 190+ |
| On-demand library | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | 3 days | 7 days |
Hulu + Live TV vs Fubo content
Hulu + Live TV has a single channel lineup with 95+ channels, while Fubo has three plans to choose from with a lot more options. In fact, Fubo has a higher channel count than not only Hulu + Live TV but also most competitors. At the highest tier of service, Fubo can deliver more than 250 networks.
You’ll find a lot of similarities between the two livestreaming platforms when it comes to channel basics, especially for sports fans. Both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo have all local channels, including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox. Plus, each platform carries ESPN, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), NFL Network, MLB Network, and SEC Network. With both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, some sports channels require a paid add-on.
One area where Hulu + Live TV outshines Fubo is the complementary ESPN Plus subscription. As soon as you sign up for live channels, you can use your Hulu login to get into the ESPN app and watch highlights, full college games, original talk shows, and documentaries. Hulu also includes Disney Plus in its subscription, and the two apps are expected to merge in 2024. This gives you content from Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and access to some classic Disney movies.
Hulu falls behind Fubo when it comes to regional sports networks (RSNs). Some Hulu + Live TV subscribers can get an RSN, including New Yorkers who are in the SNY coverage area, but you won’t find most major RSNs on the platform. Meanwhile, Fubo offers a lot of RSN channels, including Bally Sports Networks. Notably, Fubo also has NBA TV, which is unavailable on Hulu + Live TV.
In terms of on-demand content, Hulu wins again. The Hulu on-demand library has thousands of titles. You’ll get a lot of network shows and Hulu Originals like “The Bear” and “Only Murders in the Building.” Fubo has an on-demand library for shows that air on its live channels, but you won’t find any exclusives like you will with Hulu.
Both Fubo and Hulu + Live TV have similar paid sports extras that augment the standard channel roster. Hulu’s is called the Sports Add-on and features NFL RedZone, plus channels like FanDuel TV, FanDuel Racing, Outdoor Channel, and Sportsman Channel. Fubo has Sports Plus with NFL RedZone, which includes NBA TV, NHL Network, SEC Network, and more.
Hulu + Live TV vs Fubo DVR
Both Hulu + Live TV and Fubo give customers unlimited cloud DVR storage. This is a relatively new feature for Fubo, which used to limit plans to 1,000 hours by default. Each platform lets you save recordings for up to nine months, at which point they will be deleted unless you’ve already deleted them manually.
Both livestreaming services allow you to set automatic recordings for TV shows so you never miss an episode. You can also set your DVR to record every game featuring a specific team. Fubo goes one step further, allowing you to record an entire league automatically, including the NFL.
Hulu + Live TV vs Fubo personalization and user experience
Hulu + Live TV automatically sets up a profile for the initial user, but you can add six more for a total of seven unique profiles in your account. Every user can set their own recordings and favorites, plus track their individual progress on series in the Hulu on-demand library. Two simultaneous streams are allowed.
To add a favorite channel on the platform, search for the channel by name and go to the Details page. Select the three dots next to the channel and add it to My Stuff. The channel will also be added to the Favorite Channels tab. On Hulu.com, you can add favorites from the Hub tab. Unfortunately, you can’t rearrange the channels in the guide.
If you want to use Hulu + Live TV away from home, there are a few things to keep in mind. You can stay logged into a mobile device for up to 30 days as long as it was previously logged in on your home network. However, if you want to log into a new living room device like a Smart TV at a new location, you’ll have to change your Hulu home network entirely. You can only change your home network up to four times per year. This means Hulu + Live TV isn’t a viable option for sharing an account between two households.
Fubo lets you create up to six unique profiles, with each account having the ability to create their own favorite channels list and recordings. You can also follow a series under a specific profile. To add a favorite on Fubo, navigate to the channel in the guide and press Enter or OK on your remote. A pop-up menu will appear and you just have to select Add to Favorites. Then the channel will appear at the bottom of your Favorite Channels list.
Like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo makes you choose a home network. While you can stream on up to three mobile devices from different locations simultaneously, you can only stream from one TV at a time. Fubo does not state a maximum number of times you can change your home network, but it also doesn’t say you have to change your home network to use a new TV. The home network for Fubo primarily functions as a way to let the platform know where to give you unlimited screens.
Hulu + Live TV vs Fubo for sports fans
Fubo has more channels overall and a better selection of regional sports networks, including Bally Sports and Marquee Network. If you’re into local teams and making sure that you catch every game, this might make Fubo a no-brainer.
However, Hulu + Live TV offers ESPN Plus for free, so you can watch more college football games from a variety of teams and the popular “30 to 30” documentary series. This makes it a better option for general sports coverage.
Both streamers have a sports add-on that gives you NFL Redzone and other channels, though Fubo’s extra has more networks than Hulu’s.
Which service is best for you?
Fubo and Hulu + Live TV both have channel rosters with tons of sports, news, and entertainment networks. Not only can you get must-have sports coverage from ESPN and FS1, but you can relax with primetime shows and catch up on Bravo reality shows. Fubo is good for people who value a high channel count and regional sports. Hulu might be better if you want Disney and ESPN Plus coverage included in your plan, plus a giant on-demand library.
It’s also worth noting that Hulu + Live TV is more affordable, though the top-tier Fubo plan is still within range for people who want to spend less than traditional cable. Fubo has one package that includes Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME, while Hulu + Live TV doesn’t include any premium networks for free.
FAQ
Which is better, Hulu + Live TV or Fubo?
Hulu + Live TV is better for getting a huge on-demand library, while Fubo is better for regional sports networks and channel lineup choices.
Which streaming service is best for live TV?
The right livestreaming service depends on what you value most. Hulu + Live TV is best for getting a huge on-demand library, Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM are best for getting regional sports, and Sling TV is best for price.
What is the downside to Fubo?
Fubo TV doesn’t have a great on-demand library, and it’s not possible to create a home network using a shared wi-fi.
"We often receive complimentary products to review at Sportsnaut. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team."