What do you get with a Hulu + Live TV subscription? Here's what you need to know
As more households cut the cord on traditional cable, the number of streaming services available continues to grow—along with the monthly costs. If you're juggling multiple subscriptions, you might find yourself paying just as much (or more) than you did for cable. That’s where Hulu + Live TV comes in as an alternative to cable and a great way to cut down on costs for your favorite entertainment.
Hulu is an on-demand streaming platform, with an impressive library of hit television shows and blockbuster movies. The biggest difference between Hulu and other streaming apps is that it airs the newest episodes of TV shows that are currently airing without the need for a DVR.
Most new episodes will be available to stream on the Hulu app the day after they air on traditional cable networks. Hulu also has an expansive library of original content and offers Live TV in select packages.
Here's a breakdown of the Hulu + Live TV packages:
Hulu + Live TV cost, channels and packages
- How much does Hulu + Live TV cost?
- What channels does Hulu + Live TV offer?
- What are the benefits of having Hulu + Live TV?
What is Hulu + Live TV?
Hulu + Live TV is a streaming and live television combo that rivals cable packages. However, there are no hidden charges like typical cable box fees, satellite costs or anything else. There is no installation and all you need is an internet connection and a TV with access to an app store either through an extension or a smart TV.
Hulu + Live TV allows you to surf over 100 channels of TV, news, live sports and entertainment. Plus, you have access to the entire streaming library, including original content, available with a Hulu streaming subscription.
How much does Hulu + Live TV cost?
- Hulu + Live TV: This is the basic package, with no bundle. It starts at $81.99 per month.
- Hulu + Live TV with ESPN+ and Disney+ (with ads): This package is $82.99 per month, but you can test it out with a 3-day free trial before your subscription starts.
- Hulu + Live TV with ESPN+ and Disney+ (without ads): This package is $95.99 per month. There is no free trial associated with this subscription.
What channels does Hulu + Live TV offer?
Hulu + Live TV packages offer over 100 channels of live TV, news, sports, entertainment and more. Some channels will depend on your local market. Here's a look at some of the top channels Hulu + Live TV offers:
- Local networks: ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC
- News stations: ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC
- Sports channels: ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, SEC Network, BTN and ACCN
- Popular entertainment channels: Comedy Central, FX, Food Network, Discovery Channel, HGTV, The History Channel, Lifetime, MTV and Nickelodeon
- Other channels: A&E, Adult Swim, Animal Planet, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNBC, CNN International, Fox Business, Freeform, FYI, Gameshow Network, Hallmark, National Geographic, NBC News Now, NewsNation, OWN, Oxygen, PBS, Syfy, TBS, TNT and TruTV.
What are the benefits of the Hulu + Live TV (with ads) package?
This package includes access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Disney+ is typically $9.99 per month with ads and ESPN+ is typically $11.99/month. Plus, you get over 100 of the top national and local channels with your favorite live sports, news and events, not to mention the entire Hulu library (which is typically $9.99 per month).
The Hulu + Live TV with ads package includes unlimited DVR to store live TV recordings for up to nine months and fast-forward through your favorite TV content. It also includes a live TV guide to navigate channels.
Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+ (without ads)
This package gives you all the benefits of Hulu + Live TV without ads for streaming content. You still get over 100 of the top national and local channels with your favorite live sports, news and events, which may have ads, but you can stream all of favorite movies and TV shows in the Hulu library without ads. Hulu typically airs new episodes for streaming the day after they air on live TV.
Plus, you get access to Disney+ and ESPN+. Disney+ is typically $9.99 per month with ads and ESPN+ is typically $11.99 per month. ESPN+ content will appear directly in the Hulu app. However, ads will still be served in select live and linear content on Disney+.
Get Hulu + Live TV (without ads)
Can I customize my Hulu + Live TV packages?
Yes! There are several add-ons that you can choose for your Hulu + Live TV package. They are available at an additional cost after you sign up for the service. Here's a look at Hulu's add-on options:
- Max
- Cinemax
- Paramount+ with Showtime
- Unlimited screens
- Entertainment add-on
- Español add-on
- Sports add-on