At $64.99/mo., it offers live channels, Hulu's full on-demand library, and 50 hours of DVR storage. At $25 Philo is still a cheap live TV streaming service with a variety of channels, but it lacks sports channels, local stations and big-name news networks -- although Cheddar and BBC news are available. Philo offers bread-and-butter cable staples like AMC, Comedy Channel, Nickelodeon and Magnolia Network , and specializes in lifestyle and reality programming.
It also includes a cloud DVR and optional add-ons from Epix and Starz. We think most people are better off paying another $10 for Sling TV's superior service, but if Philo has every channel you want, it's a decent deal.Read our Philo review. If you want to watch live lifestyle and entertainment channels at a low price, Philo is the ideal streaming service for you.
If you want to access content in an on-demand manner and want to watch local channels, news, and sports, Hulu is the better choice. Movie fanatics will also favor Hulu, as it provides movie channel options aside from Starz and Epix. Philo's movie channels are limited to those under the Starz and Epix umbrellas, which leaves us without HBO. For more on why Hulu works well for these sorts of viewers, check out our review of Hulu + Live TV. Popular streaming services and cable TV providers.1 It's all on the expertly curated Apple TV app, and it's everywhere — on your favorite Apple devices, streaming platforms, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more. Getting rid of cable does not mean that you can't watch live TV.
Many video streaming services are true alternatives to cable, complete with extensive channel lineups, DVR capabilities, and premium add-ons. Most of these services also command a monthly subscription price that rivals some cable bills, so it's important to find one that meets all your needs. In this guide, we compare the major features and capabilities of two Editors' Choice winners, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. Hulu carries the top broadcast networks, including CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC, and offers live streams of local affiliates in most markets. Philo doesn't carry any of these broadcast networks or their local affiliates.
Hulu carries several premium channels such as Epix, Showtime and HBO in its add-on packages. Hulu has those, including national sports channels like ESPN and regional sports networks. Showtime's streaming service offers live feeds of both the east- and west-coast channels , along with a substantial back catalog of on-demand video. That includes original series such as Homeland and Dexter, movies, comedy specials, sports programming, documentaries, and "after hours" material. Showtime says there are no blackouts of any kind, and all on-demand programming should appear at the same time that it airs on TV.
You'll want to consider the channel selections these services offer before you sign up. As an example, Hulu carries ESPN, FS1, NBCSN, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News and the top local broadcast networks. If your goal is to watch baseball, football, tennis, or golf without cable, then Hulu is the better bet.
Philo offers entertainment and lifestyle channels along with premium channels like Epix and Starz. Hulu offers both of the aforementioned movie channels as well as SHOWTIME and HBO for an additional monthly cost. With aseriesofprice hikeshas come a number of additional channels, including access toDisney PlusandESPN Plusincluded in the new $70 price. Exclusive titles such as The Handmaid's Tale andOnly Murders in the Buildinggive it a content advantage no other service can match. Its DVR lags behind competitors, however, and you'll still have to pay another $10 a month to skip commercials on Hulu's cloud DVR (the base cloud DVR, which is included, doesn't permit skipping ads). In short YouTube TV is a better TV streaming service choice than Hulu Live TV and costs $5 less to boot.
Hulu Plus Live TV offers add-ons for extra DVR storage which cost an extra $10/mo. This is similar to services like Sling or fuboTV which offer a similar process for premium channels through package tiers or add ons. Other services like Philo offer unlimited DVR storage included in their monthly subscription price. However, these services may have a storage time limit or fewer channels overall. Check out more with our full breakdown of Hulu packages and pricing.
Showtime is a competent video streaming service in many regards, but it is probably not worth the cost of entry for most people, especially over the long term. Showtime offers a decent range of original shows and movies on demand, as well as live streams of Showtime cable channels. Hulu's benefit starts with it's removal of hidden fees, equipment rentals, and installation appoints that you've become accustomed to with traditional cable options.
Hulu is a popular streaming service with a basic on-demand streaming package for $5.99/month. The streaming service's top tier costs $64.99/month and features live TV from more than 75 top channels, including A&E, Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, National Geographic, the History Channel, TLC, and more. Hulu + Live also enables Live TV recording with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage. Learn more about Hulu + Live TV below to see if it's the right streaming service for you.
Is Showtime Free On Hulu Live Hulu offers a 30-day free trial of Showtime's streaming service, along with its own 30-day free trial. The service—which offers more than 1650 TV shows and 2,500 movies—starts at $5.99 per month for its basic subscription with ads. Most live TV streaming services offer on-demand content from the channels in their live TV lineup. If a channel broadcasts a TV show or movie as part of its programming schedule, you can likely watch it on-demand around the time it airs. Both Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV include such on-demand content.
To determine which one is superior for you, take a look at the channel lineups. If one has a movie channel that you like and the other doesn't, then you should go with the one that does. Although many sports air on broadcast networks, non-primetime matches, overflow coverage, and commentary shows may only be available on other channels. Our guide on how to watch every sport can help you determine which networks and channels you need to watch your favorite teams and sports. If you are only concerned about watching NFL games, check out our roundup of the best NFL streaming services. Live TV streaming services are an excellent way for cord cutters to watch their favorite network and cable channels, but which option is the best?
We take a look at top picks Hulu and YouTube TV to see how they stack up on pricing, programming, and more. Now on its fourth name in three years, DirecTV Stream ties for most expensive at $70 . The service does have its pluses, though -- for example, it includes the flipper-friendly ability to swipe left and right to change channels. Additionally it includes some channels the other services can't, includingPBS in some cities. For cord-cutters who want to follow their local NBA or MLB team, DirecTV Stream's $85 Choice package is our live TV streaming pick because it has access to more regional sports networks than the competition. Although you'll want to make sure your channel is included, and not available on one of our preferred picks, before you pony up.
Viewers have the option to opt in to Hulu + Live TV for a monthly price of $54.99 or $60.99 if you bundle it with Hulu . There's also an option to add on Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, and Starz for various additional prices. The ViacomCBS deals with YouTube TV and now Hulu do raise the question as to how the company plans to attract customers to its own forthcoming streaming service, Paramount+. The service, which will be an expanded and rebranded version of CBS All Access, is set to launch in 2021. Though ViacomCBS channels are not its only draw, they do make up a fair bit of its offering, in addition to the library content, CBS channels and original series, like the new "Star Trek" shows.
If you crave the joys of live television and channel surfing, this next tier is for you. Thanks to Hulu + Live TV you can have access to over 75 top channels including ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, The CW, CNN, A&E, Animal Planet, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ESPN, and HGTV. This option is great for anyone who wants to cut the cord but still wants to watch live sports. The most basic version of Hulu + Live TV will run you $69.99 a month. While this version comes with commercials, you'll also get Disney+ as a part of the bundle.
Hulu + Live TV is an extension of Hulu's existing on-demand service that adds live streaming television to the mix. Showtime has deals with several other platforms and streaming services. This means that you can watch your favorite Showtime series, films, and specials not only on Showtime, but also on Hulu, Roku, Sling, and many others.
Watch on-demand and live TV from 75+ channels, including live news, sports, and more. Plus, get unlimited access to the entire Hulu streaming library through our ad-supported plan. No hidden fees when you want to watch shows—There are no equipment rentals fees, or installation appointments.
ProsConsAccess to local channelsCost of add-ons can really add up! Hulu offers four different cable networks that you can add to your Hulu account. Each has their own subscription prices that will be added to your monthly Hulu bill. Although each network has their own streaming service, Hulu add-ons help organize all your subscriptions in one app.
Sling Orange has about 32 channels, including ESPN, the Disney Channel, CNN and A&E, while Sling Blue provides a more expansive offering leaning towards news and entertainment. Both cost $35 a month, but for $50 you can get Sling Orange + Blue, which enables four streams in total and delivers 50 channels. Then you can bulk up your plan with dozens of a la carte options (e.g. Showtime), and a variety of add-ons like Lifestyle Extra. That way, Sling helps ensure you spend your money on the channels you enjoy watching.
In 2015, Hulu began offering content from Showtime for an additional $8.99/month, which is cheaper than Showtime's own streaming service. No streaming service is perfect and Hulu Plus Live TV is no exception. At a cost of $64.99 per month, you may be expecting more DVR storage than 50 hours. But to get more than 50 hours of storage, you'll need to pay $9.99 more per month.
You can get Hulu Plus Live TV ad-free for an additional $6 per month. Without adding any premium channels, you could be up to a cost of $80.99 per month if you want more DVR storage and an ad-free experience. If you pay just a few dollars more those ads vanish and you can enjoy ad-free streaming. Much like with the base version of Hulu, it won't give you access to Hulu's live TV offerings but you can watch all of the streaming service's library content and originals.
Search for movies, TV shows, channels, sports teams, streaming services, apps, and devices. Most of the big names are offering streaming services these days. Peacock, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV have exploded over the last couple years, and they're not bad options. But after trying sports-first streaming service fuboTV for the last few months, I think it's the only streaming service anyone is going to need.
Is one of the most popular streaming services on the market, and it keeps adding options to improve your access to top content. With so many plans available, plus an ever-growing number of add-ons, it can be hard to keep track of Hulu's different rates. If you watch any on-demand television shows or movies online, there's a good chance that you're already familiar with Hulu. The service has been around for a long time, and it offers access to a huge library of on-demand content from ABC, NBC, Fox, and many other networks, in addition to exclusive content that you can't get anywhere else.
Live TV streaming services bring cable channels to your TV through your internet connection, while video streaming services like Netflix play entirely on-demand content. The base Hulu + Live TV package allows you to watch on up to two screens at the same time, however, if you upgrade to the Unlimited Screens add-on option for $9.99, you have unlimited screens at home and 3 on the go. While you can download the Hulu app to as many devices as you want and be signed in across those apps, the aforementioned restrictions apply to when devices are actively streaming content. If you exceed the screen limit, you'll receive an error message indicting that you re watching on too many devices.
If fix the error, you can manage your devices, change your password, or log out other computers. Hulu + Live TV offers a good variety of popular cable channels, which includes access to a good variety of sports and news channels in addition to your local channels. And the subscription comes with access to Hulu's on-demand library for free.
If you're still missing live television, Hulu offers access to plenty of channels including ESPN, CNN, Disney Channel, HGTV, CBS, and over fifty more! You can now officially cut your cable cord and switch entirely to streaming. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV are both excellent options for cable-cutters who still want to watch live TV, but they excel in different ways. For instance, if a larger channel lineup and unlimited DVR storage are important features to you, then YouTube TV is your best bet.
On the other hand, Hulu + Live TV's on-demand library of shows and movies might win you over. These are both top services, however, and you won't go far wrong with either of them. The service, originally marketed as "Hulu with Live TV," launched in beta on May 3, 2017, along with NBCUniversal , A+E Networks (A&E, History, and Lifetime), CBS Corporation , and Scripps Networks Interactive .
Hulu representatives stated that it intends to negotiate carriage agreements with independently owned broadcasting groups to gain distribution rights to local stations from additional markets. On May 4, 2016, Hulu announced that it planned to begin offering an over-the-top IPTV service with "live programming from broadcast and cable brands" some time in 2017. There's a lot to like about FuboTV -- it offers a wide selection of channels and its sports focus makes it especially attractive to soccer fans or NBA, NHL and MLB fans who live in an area served by one of FuBoTV's RSNs. It's also a great choice for NFL fans since it's one of three services, alongside YouTube TV andHulu,with NFL Network and optional RedZone. The biggest hole in Fubo's lineup is the lack of Turner networks, including CNN, TNT and TBS -- especially since the latter two carry a lot of sports content, in particular NBA, NHL and MLB.
Those missing channels, and the same $65 price tag, makes it less attractive than YouTube TV for most viewers. Hulu + Live TV gives you the best of both worlds, combining on-demand streaming with live TV. There is the option of ads or an ad-free subscription for your streaming convenience. You can receive more than 65 live channels, including staples like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Other channels include A&E, Bravo, CNN, Discovery, ESPN, FX, National Geographic, TBS, and USA. Hulu + Live TV gives you the option to upgrade to premium networks on an a la carte basis, including HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz.
With Hulu + Live TV, you have the option of getting the Unlimited Screens add-on for an extra $9.99 a month. You will be able to stream from an unlimited number of devices at the same time on your home network. The only exception is with the HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz premium channels, which will have a limit of up to five screens at once. If you are on the go, you and your friends can stream Hulu on up to three mobile devices at once with the add-on. For streaming service customers, however, these deals aren't always welcome. While it's nice to gain access to new channels, agreements like this have also resulted in increased subscription prices.
