For sports fans, or those looking for cable alternatives, fuboTV and Hulu With Live TV are two of the most popular choices. But how do they really compare?
See which is better for your streaming needs with this in-depth feature by feature breakdown.
Introduction
Live TV streaming services are quickly replacing traditional cable and satellite TV. With more flexible pricing and no contracts, they offer a modern alternative with many of the same popular channels.
fuboTV focuses primarily on live sports, including many international soccer leagues and niche sports. Their base package runs $79.99 per month.
Hulu + Live TV takes a more balanced approach with a mix of sports, news, entertainment and on demand shows. Their ad-supported base package runs $76.99 per month.
This guide will compare these two popular services across ten categories to see how they stack up:
- Pricing
- Channels
- Sports
- Devices
- DVR & Streams
- On Demand
- Features
- Experience
- Support
- Pros & Cons
By the end, you’ll have all the details to determine which is better suited for your household’s needs.
Pricing and Plans
Hulu and fuboTV take different approaches with their pricing and plans, so it’s important to look at all available options.
fuboTV Packages
fuboTV offers set packages beyond their base Pro plan:
fubo Pro – $79.99/month
180+ channels, 1000 hrs Cloud DVR, 10 streams
fubo Elite – $89.99/month
250+ channels, 1000 hrs Cloud DVR, unlimited streams
fubo Premier – $99.99/month
260+ channels, 1000 hrs Cloud DVR, unlimited streams
They also offer many add-ons with additional channels focused on sports, entertainment, news and more. Add-on pricing ranges from $3-15 per month depending on content.
With fuboTV, everyone gets the same core plan to start. You can then customize by adding channels via optional add-ons.
YouTube TV competes closely with fuboTV but at a higher price point. Niche sports fans still gain with fubo.
Hulu + Live TV Packages
Hulu takes a different approach with only two base packages:
Hulu + Live TV – $76.99/month
90+ channels but includes ads on Hulu on demand content
Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV – $89.99/month
90+ channels without any ads
The only difference is whether you want the on demand Hulu library with or without ads.
Unlike fuboTV, add-ons are mostly for premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime or STARZ. There are also Spanish language and entertainment add-on bundles.
Cost Comparison
Comparing the most popular configuration:
| Service | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| fubo Pro | 180+ | $79.99/month |
| Hulu + Live TV (Ads) | 90+ | $76.99/month |
Winner: fuboTV – More channels for less in base packages
Hulu + Live TV costs $3 less for 90 fewer channels. But if you want no ads on Hulu on demand, fuboTV is the better value.
Ultimately, fuboTV offers more flexibility to pick add-ons, while Hulu makes you pick limited bundles. But Hulu bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ by default which is hugely popular.
Channel Lineups
Beyond just overall numbers, the specific channel lineups can vary drastically between services.
Important factors include:
- Local affiliate coverage
- Sports network availability
- News and entertainment breadth
- International channel options
- Streaming exclusive channels
- Add-on options
Here is how the two providers compare across genres:
Entertainment
| Channels | fuboTV | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| A&E | ✅ | ✅ |
| AMC | ✅ | ✅ |
| BET | ✅ | ✅ |
| Comedy Central | ✅ | ✅ |
| Discovery | ✅ | ✅ |
| Disney | ✅ | ✅ |
| E! | ✅ | ✅ |
| FX | ✅ | ✅ |
| FXX | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hallmark Channel | ✅ | ✅ |
| HGTV | ✅ | ✅ |
| HISTORY | ✅ | ✅ |
| Investigation Discovery | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lifetime | ✅ | ✅ |
| MTV | ✅ | ✅ |
| Paramount | ✅ | ✅ |
| TBS | ✅ | ✅ |
| TLC | ✅ | ✅ |
| Travel Channel | ✅ | ✅ |
The entertainment channel lineup is very similar between the two services, with most major cable networks covered.
fuboTV may have slightly more obscure entertainment offerings, while Hulu offers full access to Hulu Originals and FX on demand content.
Movies
For movie channels:
| Channels | fuboTV | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| AMC Premiere | ✅ | ❌ |
| FXM | ✅ | ❌ |
| Hallmark Movies | ✅ | ❌ |
| IFC Films Unlimited | ✅ | ❌ |
| MGM+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pantaya | ✅ | ❌ |
| SHOWTIME | ✅ | ✅ |
| STARZ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sundance Now | ✅ | ❌ |
fuboTV offers more dedicated movie channels, largely focused on independent and classic films. Meanwhile, Hulu offers full access to movies either streaming on FX or available via their on demand library.
For premium movie channels like Showtime and STARZ, both offer them but you’ll pay $9-15 extra per month for them.
Sports
In terms of sports channel availability:
| Channels | fuboTV | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| beIN Sports | ✅ | ❌ |
| Big Ten Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| CBS Sports Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| ESPN | ✅ | ✅ |
| ESPN2 | ✅ | ✅ |
| ESPNews | ✅ | ✅ |
| ESPNU | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fox Sports 1 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Golf Channel | ✅ | ✅ |
| MLB Network | ✅ | ❌ |
| NBA TV | ✅ | ✅ |
| NBC Golf | ✅ | ❌ |
| NBC Sports | ✅ | ✅ |
| NFL Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| NHL Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| Olympic Channel | ✅ | ❌ |
| Pac-12 Network | ❌ | ❌ |
| SEC Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tennis Channel | ✅ | ❌ |
The major sports networks like ESPN, Fox Sports 1, NFL Network and NBC Sports are covered on both services.
But fuboTV offers more niche sports with beIN Sports, Olympic Channel, MLB Network, Tennis Channel and others. They also have better local regional sports network coverage. And fuboTV now finally offers ESPN streaming after years missing this crucial sports channel.
If watching national NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL games is most important, both services deliver. But fuboTV pulls ahead for fans of international soccer, tennis, cycling and rugby.
News
For news channels:
| Channels | fuboTV | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| CNN | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fox News | ✅ | ✅ |
| CNBC | ✅ | ✅ |
| MSNBC | ✅ | ✅ |
| BBC World News | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cheddar | ✅ | ❌ |
| Newsy | ✅ | ❌ |
The major cable news networks are covered on both services. fuboTV offers a few more digital news brands, but the coverage is otherwise similar.
Regional Sports Networks
One key difference is access to regional sports networks (RSNs) that show local MLB, NBA and NHL games.
fuboTV offers regional NBC Sports channels, Fox Sports Networks and AT&T SportsNet in certain markets such as Chicago, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Baltimore/Washington, Detroit, Philly, Northwest Ohio and Southwest Florida.
Availability depends on your location, but fuboTV generally has better overall RSN coverage compared to Hulu currently. You can check local channel availability by entering your zip code on each website.
International
For international content:
| Channels | fuboTV | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| International Sports | 31+ channels | ❌ |
| Spanish Language | 15channels via Latino Plus | 7 channels via Español Add-on |
| Portuguese | ✅ | ❌ |
| Russian | ✅ | ❌ |
| French | ✅ | ❌ |
| Italian | ✅ | ❌ |
| German | ✅ | ❌ |
| Chinese | ✅ | ❌ |
| Greek | ✅ | ❌ |
| Arabic | ✅ | ❌ |
fuboTV has vastly more international content – especially for sports but also entertainment and news. Even their base packages include many Spanish language channels.
The Español Add-on from Hulu + Live only offers a handful of Spanish channels by comparison. fuboTV is the clear winner here.
Kids and Family
Finally, for kid-friendly channels:
| Channels | fuboTV | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| Cartoon Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| Disney Channel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Disney Jr | ✅ | ✅ |
| Disney XD | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nick Jr | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nickelodeon | ✅ | ✅ |
| PBS Kids | ✅ | ❌ |
| Universal Kids | ✅ | ❌ |
The core children’s entertainment channels are available on both services. fuboTV offers a couple more such as PBS Kids and Universal Kids.
So families are covered reasonably well in either case. And Hulu’s inclusion of Disney+ provides plenty of great kids content on demand to supplement their live TV offerings.
Premium Add-Ons
In terms of premium channel add-ons:
| Channels | fuboTV | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| HBO Max | ❌ | ✅ |
| Cinemax | ❌ | ✅ |
| SHOWTIME | ✅ | ✅ |
| STARZ | ✅ | ✅ |
fuboTV offers Showtime and STARZ bundles for their premium channels. But Hulu also has those, plus the highly sought after HBO Max and Cinemax to choose from via add-on bundles.
If you want the most premium movie channel choice, Hulu + Live TV is the way to go.
Sports Coverage
Since sports are so integral to both fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV, let’s do a deep dive on how they compare.
Sports Channels Included
As covered in the Channel Lineup section, here are the sports channels included:
fuboTV
- beIN Sports
- Big Ten Network
- CBS Sports Network
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPNews
- ESPNU
- Fox Sports 1
- Golf Channel
- MLB Network
- NBA TV
- NBC Golf
- NBC Sports Network
- NFL Network
- NHL Network
- Olympic Channel
- Tennis Channel
Hulu
- Big Ten Network
- CBS Sports Network
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPNews
- ESPNU
- Fox Sports 1
- Golf Channel
- NBA TV
- NBC Sports Network
- NFL Network
- NHL Network
fuboTV still has a significant edge in terms of quantity of sports networks – especially for fans of soccer, tennis, cycling and rugby.
Local Sports Channels
One of the tricks of live TV streaming is getting access to local regional sports networks. These are often the only way to watch your hometown NBA, MLB or NHL teams.
As noted above, fuboTV has superior overall coverage of NBC Sports RSNs, Fox Sports Networks and AT&T SportsNet channels in certain markets.
If you follow the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals or others, fuboTV likely offers more consistent access currently.
College Sports Availability
For major college conferences, you’ll get solid coverage on both services:
| College Conference | fuboTV | Hulu |
|---|---|---|
| ACC Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| Big Ten Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| CBS Sports Network | ✅ | ✅ |
| ESPN U | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pac-12 Network | ❌ | ❌ |
| SEC Network | ✅ | ✅ |
The glaring omission across streaming TV is the Pac 12 Network. But fuboTV and Hulu otherwise have you covered for ACC, Big 10, Big 12 and SEC college matchups.
Viewers choosing between a budget pick like Philo vs fuboTV will get far more sports and news with fubo.
Tennis and Golf Coverage
As noted above, fuboTV uniquely offers the Tennis Channel and NBC Golf Channel. So if you want to catch Tennis Grand Slams or PGA events, fuboTV has an advantage.
Hulu subscribers will still get some overflow coverage on networks like NBC, CBS or Golf Channel – but fans of niche sports should take note.
International and Obscure Sports
fuboTV also stands out with broader international sports coverage, including:
- French Ligue matches
- New Zealand All Blacks rugby
- Cricket matches from Willow
- Cycling from Fubo Cycling
No other live TV streaming service offers close to the international breadth of sports content across soccer, rugby, cricket and more.
Add-Ons for Sports
fuboTV offers 12 add-on channel packages dedicated to sports like:
- Sports Plus with NFL RedZone
- International Sports Plus
- Adventure Plus
- NBA League Pass
- MLB Extra Innings
The rival service does not have anything close to this degree of sports customization. fuboTV takes sports to a completely different level.
If you possibly can, get a free trial from fuboTV during basketball, hockey or baseball season to experience the difference.
Supported Streaming Devices
In terms of device support, fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV work across mostly the same range of media players and smart devices:
fuboTV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android phones/tablets
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- iOS devices
- Roku
- Web browsers
Hulu
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- iOS devices
- Nintendo Switch
- Roku
- Web browsers
The main difference is fuboTV works on Android TV devices, while Hulu supports the Nintendo Switch. But overall coverage is largely similar.
Both allow reasonable mobile streaming. But full features like pause/rewind require a TV streaming device or connected smart TV.
For Apple TV users, downloading the fubo app allows enjoying top-notch streaming quality across sports, shows and news.
LG smart TV owners can also directly install a fuboTV app for large screen streaming rather than casting from a mobile device.
The same convenient native app integration works for Vizio smart TVs – making it simple to surf channels from your couch.
Cloud DVR Storage
For recording and accessing shows on-demand, cloud DVR functionality is crucial. Here is how the DVR offerings compare:
fuboTV
- Included: 250 hours storage
- Max available: 1,000 hours
- Cost for upgrade: $16.99/month
Hulu
- Included: 50 hours
- Max available: 200 hours
- Cost for upgrade: $9.99/month
fuboTV provides 5x the base storage at 250 hours compared to just 50 hours on Hulu. And fuboTV allows further upgrading to 1,000 hours – a huge amount for avid TV watchers.
For cord cutters debating between Sling TV vs fuboTV, the sports coverage and larger DVR storage on fuboTV are deciding factors.
Hulu’s 50 hour base DVR offering is quite limited for households that record lots of shows. The max 200 hours is also shorter than fuboTV’s 1,000 hour maximum.
Winner: fuboTV – 5x the base storage and cheaper upgrades
Simultaneous Streams Allowed
In terms of simultaneous streams permitted for sharing your account:
fuboTV
- On home network: 10 streams
- On mobile: 3 streams
Hulu
- On home network: 2 streams
- On mobile: 2 streams
fuboTV also wins on number of concurrent streams – allowing 5x more on a home network. Hulu only permits 2 streams at once.
You can pay to upgrade to unlimited home streams on Hulu, but fuboTV includes far more in their base packages.
Winner: fuboTV – 5x more base streams
On Demand Libraries
Both platforms offer on demand shows and movies to supplement their live TV:
fuboTV
- 72 hour replay on 90% of programming
- Movies: 1,000+ included on-demand
Hulu
- Full Hulu streaming library included
- 50,000+ TV episodes
- 2,500+ movies
For breadth of on demand content, Hulu wins handily. A full Hulu subscription is included, granting access to their entire streaming catalog of movies, shows, Hulu Originals and more.
fuboTV lacks the sheer volume of on demand programming. But their 72 hour “lookback” replay allows you to watch nearly all aired shows from included channels – great for catching up on sporting events and news.
If VOD content is vital, Hulu is stronger. But fuboTV covers recent programming well.
Winner: Hulu – Far larger on demand library
Special Features
Some other unique features and perks beyond channels/pricing:
fuboTV
- Freeview (limited channel previews)
- Profiles (personalized listings)
- Fubo Gaming (live streams)
Hulu
- Disney+ bundled
- ESPN+ bundled
- No ads on VOD option
fuboTV offers neat bonus features tailored to live streaming like profiles and gaming streams.
But Hulu bundles the hugely popular Disney+ and ESPN+ subscriptions in their base pricing. And you can pay $6/month more on top to remove all ads from the Hulu on demand library.
Winner: Toss up – great bonuses on both sides
Which Provides Better Overall Experience?
Judging streaming services by their user experience and satisfaction scores:
fuboTV
- Intuitive menus and guide
- Personalization options
- solid 4.1/5 rating
Hulu
- Streamlined design
- Slightly more intuitive
- Also earns 4.1/5 rating
Both services earn strong satisfaction scores from users. fuboTV offers more customization like profiles while Hulu has a simpler interface. But they are on par for overall usability.
You’ll likely adapt quickly to either platform’s look and feel. And they allow reasonable account management.
Customer Support
Finally, comparing support options available:
| fuboTV | Hulu | |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 6AM-Midnight ET | 24 hour |
| Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Response Time | Decent | Slightly quicker |
| Help Center | Yes | Yes |
The table above summarizes key elements of customer support. Both offer phone, email and chat channels with solid response times.
Hulu seems to be marginally quicker to respond but fuboTV phone support covers nearly a 20 hour window. So getting assistance is reasonably accessible on both services.
If you ever experience issues like fuboTV not working, their customer support offers various ways to troubleshoot and get streaming again.
Winner: Toss Up – Good support on both ends
Hopefully by now you have lots of details to determine if fuboTV or Hulu better meets your household streaming needs!
Pros and Cons Compared
To recap some core advantages and disadvantages:
fuboTV
Pros
- Cheaper base pricing
- More sports channels
- International sports coverage
- 500+ hours more Cloud DVR storage
- Allows 5x more simultaneous streams
Cons
- No Disney/ESPN bundles
- Smaller VOD library
- Premium movie add-ons cost extra
Hulu + Live TV
Pros
- Includes ad-supported Disney+ and ESPN+
- Smoother interface design
- Access full Hulu streaming library
- More premium movie add-ons
Cons
- Base package has fewer channels
- Costs $2/month more
- Limited to only 2 streams
FAQ
Q: Can I sign up for fuboTV or Hulu + Live TV if I don’t have cable?
A: Yes, these are standalone subscription services with no cable subscription required. They are designed for cord cutters streaming via an internet connection.
Q: Does pricing for fuboTV or Hulu change after introductory months?
A: No, they have only set monthly pricing with no contracts. There are no hidden rate increases month to month.
Q: How many concurrent streams do they allow?
A: fuboTV includes 10 on a home network by default, while Hulu only offers 2. Hulu forces you to pay more to upgrade for unlimited streams at home.
Q: What kind of internet speed do I need?
A: Both recommend at least 8-25+ Mbps for optimal streaming quality depending on how many devices are active. Faster is better to avoid buffering across TVs, smartphones and computers.
Q: How often is content added to their on demand libraries?
A: Hulu adds new series and movies daily from their partner networks and studios. Movies stay available 8-12 months typically. fuboTV on demand mostly offers replay of recently aired live content – so less perpetually available VOD content.
Q: Can I watch local channels with either service?
A: Yes – but check their respective websites to confirm which local networks are available in your area. fuboTV offers among the best coverage of NBC, ABC, CBS and Fox. But some regions lack a certain network here and there.
Q: Can I share my login to stream while traveling?
A: fuboTV works nationwide and Hulu allows streaming from anywhere in the U.S. So you can watch all your channels and recorded DVR shows no matter where you login and stream from.
Q: Which service works best on mobile devices?
A: Mobile support on tablets/phones is very similar for both services. Downloaded apps are universal across iOS or Android. Streaming quality depends partially on your available wifi/cellular data speeds.
Q: What’s the maximum number of devices I can have them on?
A: fuboTV allows up to 10 devices to be registered. Hulu allows 6 profiles. All can stream concurrently per the above device restrictions.
Verdict: Who Wins?
So which live TV streaming platform reigns supreme – fuboTV or Hulu + Live TV?
The short answer depends primarily on one key factor:
Do You Want More Sports or More Entertainment?
For sports fans, fuboTV is easily the stronger choice. They simply offer far more niche sports coverage spanning soccer, motor sports, tennis and beyond. Local regional sports network availability is also wider.
Factor in fuboTV’s lower pricing for FA Premier League addicts – and it’s a compelling value.
For general entertainment and occasional sports viewers, Hulu strikes better balance. Their channel lineup still includes staples like ESPN. And the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundles create very popular additional value around cult favorites like Star Wars.
If you want a simpler all-in-one option, Hulu With Live TV makes life easier.
Beyond that core factor, also weigh:
- Desire for robust universal on demand content
- Wanting no ads in VOD catalog
- Need for more Cloud DVR storage
- Preference for specific premium movie channels
- Interest in international languages and channels
Adding up all the pros and cons – hardcore sports enthusiasts gain an edge going fuboTV. Entertainment lovers find more joy in the full Hulu ecosystem now with Live TV smoothly bolted on.
