Technologies
YouTube TV vs. Hulu Plus Live TV: The Pros and Cons of Each Streaming Service Rated
Hefty cable bill? Here are two premium live TV options which can save you money without missing out on the content you love.
We’re all watching more TV, and with sports such as NBA basketball and NHL hockey getting to the sharp end of their seasons, it’s a great time to consider a live TV streaming service. At CNET we’ve tested six of the major services, and our two favorites for premium users — cord-cutters who don’t mind paying a bit more for a full package of channels and features — are YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV.
These two cost more than most streaming services but they’re still cheaper than cable. A premium subscription lets you cut the cable TV cord while keeping features like an advanced DVR with program guide and extensive on-demand content. Both services offer a large selection of live channels, such as CNN, ESPN and TNT, as well as local stations ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and more. You can access them via media streamers such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, your game console or your smart TV itself.
In general, we like YouTube TV best, because of a handful of important channels that Hulu lacks, including your local PBS station. It’s also $5 less expensive at $65 per month. However, Hulu also has an excellent selection of channels and adds a gigantic catalog of on-demand shows and movies as well as the Disney Bundle — Disney Plus and ESPN Plus — included in the $70 price.
Here’s how they stack up.
Sarah Tew/CNET
With an excellent channel selection, easy-to-use interface and best-in-class cloud DVR, YouTube TV is the best cable TV replacement. It offers a $20 4K upgrade, but the downside is there isn’t much to watch at present. If you don’t mind paying a bit more than the Sling TVs of the world, YouTube TV offers the highest standard of live TV streaming.
Hulu/Screenshot by Ty Pendlebury/CNET
Hulu’s greatest assets are the integration of a full complement of live TV channels with a massive catalog of on-demand content, and all for the one price. Hulu’s channel count is solid, including some must-have programming. Its price $70 includes Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. Starting Dec. 8, Hulu will change its Live TV packaging to include Disney’s new ad-supported plan for the $70 price, and offer higher-priced choices for people who don’t want to watch ads.
YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV compared
| YouTube TV | Hulu Plus Live TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $65 per month | $70 per month |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Number of popular channels (out of 100) | 78 | 74 |
| Local ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC channels | Yes | Yes |
| Local PBS channels | Yes | No |
| Simultaneous streams per account | 3 ($20 for unlimited and 4K) | 2 ($10 option for unlimited) |
| Family member/user profiles | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud DVR storage | Unlimited | 50 hours ($10 option for 200 hours) |
| Fast-forward through or skip commercials with cloud DVR | Yes | No (Yes with $10 DVR option) |
Read more: Best Free TV Streaming Services: Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Sling TV and More
Channels: YouTube wins but Hulu is solid too
The biggest difference comes down to channels. Comparing the total channel counts from our big list of the top 100 channels on every service, YouTube TV comes out on top with 79 from that list, compared to 73 on Hulu. That total doesn’t include every channel the services carry, just the ones in the top 100 as determined by editors at CNET, but it still provides a good indication.
The two share most major national channels including Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, ESPN, Fox News, NFL, TBS, USA Network and more, but there are a few differences.
Here’s a condensed version of that list showing the 15 of those 100 channels carried by one and not the other.
Major channel differences
| Channel | YouTube TV | Hulu Plus Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| PBS | Yes | No |
| A&E | No | Yes |
| AMC | Yes | No |
| BBC America | Yes | No |
| BBC World News | Yes | No |
| Boomerang | No | Yes |
| History | No | Yes |
| IFC | Yes | No |
| Lifetime | No | Yes |
| NBA TV | Yes | No |
| Sundance TV | Yes | No |
| Tastemade | Yes | No |
| Vice | No | Yes |
| WE tv | Yes | No |
Both services offer all four of the major local channels — ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC — in most areas of the country, and both also carry local affiliates from The CW and MyTV. Only YouTube TV carries PBS local stations; you can’t watch your local PBS affiliate live on Hulu.
Neither service offers many regional sports networks after both YouTube TV and Hulu dropped them in 2020. Beyond RSNs, however, YouTube TV has an advantage in national sports networks, with NBA TV available as part of its base package. Though YouTube TV used to have MLB Network as well, it dropped the channel earlier this year. You can pay another $11 to get the «Sports Plus» add-on that also includes Fox College Sports, GolTV, NFL RedZone and Fox Soccer Plus. Hulu users can sign up for a $10 package which includes NFL RedZone, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, MAVTV Motorsports Network, TVG and TVG2.
Premium channels like HBO, Starz and Showtime are also available for extra fees, and Hulu has two optional channel packages. One is an add-on for $8 per month with 17 channels including MTV Classic, CNBC World, the Cooking Channel and Science, and the other is a Spanish-language package with seven channels for $5. YouTube TV doesn’t have any additional channel packages, although you can add individual channels like Shudder and CuriosityStream for additional fees.
Read more: Best OTA DVR for Cord-Cutters: Amazon Fire TV Recast, TiVo, AirTV and Tablo
Usability: YouTube TV has simpler menus
The YouTube TV interface on Roku.
Sarah Tew/CNETThe menus and interfaces on both are quite different from one another and from regular cable, and we like YouTube TV’s menus better overall.
YouTube TV: In general the YouTube TV interface is easier to use, and not just to people used to using regular YouTube. If you’re using the desktop or app versions, Google’s streamer offers a streamlined structure — even if it’s not as pretty as Hulu.
Hulu Plus Live TV: If it was all a matter of which interface is more fun, then Hulu would take it. Hulu’s look is brighter, and though it lacks YouTube’s comprehensive search it’s still relatively easy drill down into the kind of content you want to watch.
The difference in the number of simultaneous streams is worth noting, especially for families and other households who watch a lot of TV. YouTube TV lets you stream to three different devices — say, the living room TV, a bedroom TV and a tablet — at the same time, while Hulu lets you stream to two. Pay Hulu a hefty $10 extra per month and it will upgrade your number of streams to unlimited.
YouTube TV has an excellent cloud DVR but Hulu closed the gap with an upgrade in 2022. Both now have unlimited storage and let you fast-forward through commercials in recorded content, so while we still consider YouTube TV’s DVR the gold standard, Hulu’s is very good too.
Read more: Best TV Antenna for 2023
On-demand and originals: Hulu with the runaway win
Only Murders in the Building is an Hulu exclusive
HuluYouTube TV includes on-demand TV shows and movies from participating networks and shows, much like your cable service, and also offers YouTube Originals commercial-free. But it pales in comparison to Hulu.
As we mentioned above, a Hulu Plus Live TV subscription unlocks all of the on-demand TV shows and movies available on the standard Hulu service, including thousands of episodes of network TV shows, as well as originals like The Bear, The Handmaid’s Tale, Only Murders in the Building, Pam & Tommy and the movie Palm Springs. It also includes a Disney Plus and ESPN Plus subscription, with their massive on-demand libraries.
Read more: Hulu: The 42 Best TV Shows to Watch Now
Which service is best for you?
Both services represent the peak of what live TV streaming has to offer, and both are better overall than the other two major premium options, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. Your choice between the two comes down to cost, channel selection, usability and content, and in our book YouTube TV bests Hulu Plus Live TV in most of those areas. Hulu enables you to integrate a wide channel selection with its exemplary on-demand library which may be worth it for some. In the end though it’s all about having access to your favorite channels, so choose the service which gives you the channels you want.
Channel comparison
Below you’ll find a chart that’s a smaller version of this massive channel comparison. It contains the top 100 channels from each service. Some notes:
- Yes = The channel is available on the cheapest pricing tier. That price is listed next to the service’s name.
- No = The channel isn’t available at all on that service.
- $ = The channel is available for an extra fee.
- Not every channel a service carries is listed, just the «top 100» as determined by CNET’s editors. Minor channels like AXS TV, CNBC World, Discovery Life, GSN, POP and Universal Kids didn’t make the cut.
- Regional sports networks — channels devoted to showing regular-season games of particular pro baseball, basketball and hockey teams — are not listed. To find out if your local RSN is available you can search YouTube TV by ZIP code here and search Hulu Plus Live TV by ZIP code here.
Read more: Best live TV streaming service for cord-cutters: YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu and more compared
Top 100 Channels
| Channel | YouTube TV ($65) | Hulu with Live TV ($70) |
|---|---|---|
| Total channels: | 78 | 74 |
| ABC | Yes | Yes |
| CBS | Yes | Yes |
| Fox | Yes | Yes |
| NBC | Yes | Yes |
| PBS | Yes | No |
| CW | Yes | Yes |
| MyNetworkTV | Yes | Yes |
| Channel | YouTube TV ($65) | Hulu with Live TV ($70) |
| A&E | No | Yes |
| ACC Network | Yes | Yes |
| Accuweather | No | No |
| AMC | Yes | No |
| Animal Planet | Yes | Yes |
| BBC America | Yes | No |
| BBC World News | Yes | No |
| BET | Yes | Yes |
| Big Ten Network | Yes | Yes |
| Bloomberg TV | No | Yes |
| Boomerang | No | Yes |
| Bravo | Yes | Yes |
| Channel | YouTube TV ($65) | Hulu with Live TV ($70) |
| Cartoon Network | Yes | Yes |
| CBS Sports Network | Yes | Yes |
| Cheddar | Yes | Yes |
| Cinemax | $ | $ |
| CMT | Yes | Yes |
| CNBC | Yes | Yes |
| CNN | Yes | Yes |
| Comedy Central | Yes | Yes |
| Cooking Channel | No | $ |
| Destination America | No | $ |
| Discovery Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Disney Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Disney Junior | Yes | Yes |
| Disney XD | Yes | Yes |
| E! | Yes | Yes |
| EPIX | $ | No |
| ESPN | Yes | Yes |
| ESPN 2 | Yes | Yes |
| ESPNEWS | Yes | Yes |
| ESPNU | Yes | Yes |
| Food Network | Yes | Yes |
| Channel | YouTube TV ($65) | Hulu with Live TV ($70) |
| Fox Business | Yes | Yes |
| Fox News | Yes | Yes |
| Fox Sports 1 | Yes | Yes |
| Fox Sports 2 | Yes | Yes |
| Freeform | Yes | Yes |
| FX | Yes | Yes |
| FX Movies | Yes | Yes |
| FXX | Yes | Yes |
| FYI | No | Yes |
| Golf Channel | Yes | Yes |
| Hallmark | Yes | Yes |
| HBO/HBO Max | $ | $ |
| HGTV | Yes | Yes |
| History | No | Yes |
| HLN | Yes | Yes |
| IFC | Yes | No |
| Investigation Discovery | Yes | Yes |
| Lifetime | No | Yes |
| Lifetime Movie Network | No | Yes |
| Magnolia | No | $ |
| Channel | YouTube TV ($65) | Hulu with Live TV ($70) |
| MLB Network | No | No |
| Motor Trend | Yes | Yes |
| MSNBC | Yes | Yes |
| MTV | Yes | Yes |
| MTV2 | Yes | $ |
| National Geographic | Yes | Yes |
| Nat Geo Wild | Yes | Yes |
| NBA TV | Yes | No |
| NBC Sports Network | Yes | Yes |
| NFL Network | Yes | Yes |
| NFL Red Zone | $ | $ |
| NHL Network | No | No |
| Nickelodeon | Yes | Yes |
| Nick Jr. | Yes | Yes |
| Nicktoons | Yes | $ |
| OWN | Yes | Yes |
| Oxygen | Yes | Yes |
| Paramount Network | Yes | Yes |
| Science | No | $ |
| Channel | YouTube TV ($65) | Hulu with Live TV ($70) |
| SEC Network | Yes | Yes |
| Showtime | $ | $ |
| Smithsonian | Yes | Yes |
| Starz | $ | $ |
| Sundance TV | Yes | No |
| Syfy | Yes | Yes |
| Tastemade | Yes | No |
| TBS | Yes | Yes |
| TCM | Yes | Yes |
| TeenNick | Yes | $ |
| Telemundo | Yes | Yes |
| Tennis Channel | No | No |
| TLC | Yes | Yes |
| TNT | Yes | Yes |
| Travel Channel | Yes | Yes |
| TruTV | Yes | Yes |
| TV Land | Yes | Yes |
| USA Network | Yes | Yes |
| VH1 | Yes | Yes |
| Vice | No | Yes |
| WE tv | Yes | No |
| Channel | YouTube TV ($65) | Hulu with Live TV ($70) |
Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.
The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.
Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.
The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.
Stay tuned for more.
Technologies
Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You
Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You
Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.
Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.
Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.
What Verum Finance Offers
• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly
One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.
The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.
Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom
• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide
Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.
Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.
Why Download Verum Today
While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.
With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.
This is more than just a messenger.
It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.
Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.
Download Links:
→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger
Technologies
Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger
Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger
Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.
The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.
What Verum Finance Offers
Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:
• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications
A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.
Recognition from Forbes Türkiye
In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.
Support from the Crypto Community
Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.
A Strategic Vision
“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.
Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im
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