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Hulu Live TV Review

Why you can trust us: Our expert staff has extensively reviewed, tested, and researched streaming services and products since 2017. Our honest opinions and up-to-date information are why millions of people come to The Streamable. Take a look at how we test subscriptions and devices for Hulu Live TV and others.

Hulu Live TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 70 channels for $76.99/month. Hulu + Live TV base plan includes local channels, 33 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs). Subscribers get free access to Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra charge.

The service provides an unlimited DVR with the ability to skip through commercials. You also have the option to upgrade for premium channels, unlimited screens, and commercial-free access to Hulu’s on-demand library.

Hulu Live TV
$76.99 hulu.com
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Review

We tested Hulu Live TV and other live TV streaming services for more than 100 hours. Hulu Live TV is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.

We show you how to watch live TV with Hulu, using their Hulu + Live TV streaming service.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Features

Unlimited Cloud DVR

Hulu includes Unlimited DVR storage, allowing you to keep shows for up to 9 months. You can fast-forward through recorded content.

You cannot record individual episodes of a show—only an entire series.

Up to 2 Devices

This service allows for two simultaneous streams (among TV devices, smartphones, tablets, and computers).

For $9.99/month, you can upgrade to use Hulu Live TV on unlimited screens at home and three mobile screens.

On Demand

Hulu’s major strength is its on demand library of movies and shows. You will get access to their full streaming library, which means full seasons from networks like FX (“What We Do In the Shadows,” “Atlanta,” “Fargo”) and ABC (“Abbott Elementary,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Modern Family”). Hulu’s movie library includes hits like “Prey,” “Parasite,” and “Moneyball.”

One frustrating part of Hulu’s on demand content is that the ads are exceedingly long (~3 minutes). If you want to remove commercials, they offer an upgrade for $6/month.

Parental Controls

To use parental controls with Hulu Live TV, you need to create a user profile with “Kids Mode” enabled.

DIRECTV STREAM and Sling TV also have parental control features.


Hulu Originals Feature

Hulu Live TV users get access to Hulu’s original content like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Pam & Tommy,” “The Bear,” and “The Patient.”

The Hulu documentary section is a special treat.

Commercial-Free On Demand Feature

You can watch Hulu’s entire streaming library commercial-free for an additional $6/month.

Hulu Live TV
$76.99 hulu.com
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Compatible Devices

Hulu Live TV is compatible with these devices:

  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple TV
  • Google Chromecast
  • Roku
  • Android TV
  • iPhone/iPad
  • Android Phone/Tablet
  • Mac
  • Windows
  • PlayStation
  • Xbox
  • Nintendo
  • LG Smart TV
  • Samsung Smart TV
  • Sony Smart TV
  • VIZIO Smart TV

Phone & Tablet Apps

When you first sign-up for Hulu, you build a profile of your favorite channels, shows, and sports teams.

When you launch the Hulu app, it brings you to a “Lineup” of live, recorded, and on demand content from your favorite shows.

They recently added a new feature called the Live Guide which makes it much easier to find live shows in their apps.

The Live Guide includes a portrait video player with a grid guide below. If you turn your screen horizontally, the live channel will play in full screen mode.

TV App

On television devices, Hulu recently added a Live TV tab which includes a grid guide to see live channels.

Computer

You can watch Hulu Live TV on Mac or Windows computers with any popular browser.

Hulu Live TV
$76.99 hulu.com
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Channels

Local Channels

Hulu Live TV offers local channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, and The CW.

Live local channels are available only in certain markets. However, on demand content is available in all areas the following day.

For complete local availability, check the Hulu Live TV Channel Lookup tool.


Top Cable Channels

Hulu Live TV offers 33 of the top 35 cable channels.

The service does not presently carry AMC and WE tv.

The top 35 cable channels are listed below. For a list of all channels, look at Hulu’s full channel lineup.


Sports Channels

National Sports Channels

Hulu Live TV includes all the national sports channels, such as ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, Fox Sports 2, TBS, TNT, and USA Network.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

Hulu Live TV gives access to regional sports networks (RSNs) from NBC Sports, but they no longer carry Sinclair-owned Fox Sports RSNs, YES Network, and Marquee Sports Network.

RSNs in Other Markets

You should check the Hulu Live TV RSN lookup tool before subscribing, to make sure it has the regional networks you need.

Pro Sports

Hulu offers NFL Network and NFL RedZone, but they do not currently offer MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network as part of their channel line-up.

College Sports

Hulu Live TV offers some college sports channels, including ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPNU, and SEC Network.

Other Sports Channels

ESPNEWS and Golf Channel are available on Hulu Live TV.

Hulu + Live TV now also offers a “Sports Add-On” ($10) that includes channels like FanDuel TV, MAVTV, NFL RedZone, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, TVG, and TVG2.


Premium Channels

You can add Showtime ($11), HBO ($15), Cinemax ($9), or Starz ($9) to your Hulu Live TV account.


Add-Ons

Hulu Live TV
$76.99 hulu.com
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Tech Specs

  • High definition video is similar to other streaming services.
  • Live streaming works well and rarely has playback issues.
  • Live content is about 30 seconds behind cable TV, which is average compared to other services.
4K
1080p
720p

720p HD

Streams are at least 720p and most channels now stream in 60 FPS.

To reduce playback interruptions, Hulu Live TV will adapt the stream quality to match your network connection.

30 FPS
60 FPS

60 FPS

Most video streams in 60 FPS.

Stereo Sound

Stereo Sound

Content has stereo audio.

Live Streaming Reliability
5

On Demand Reliability
5

Reliability

Other streaming services usually have unstable playback with frequent buffering. Hulu’s streaming is rock solid.

We rarely had issues with video playback freezing, pausing, or hiccups changing channels.

30 sec
Live Delay

Live Delay

Live content is about 30 seconds behind cable TV, which is average compared to other services.

3.5 sec
Channel Switching

Channel Switching

It takes about 3.5 seconds to switch between channels, which is slightly slower than average.

Hulu Live TV
$76.99 hulu.com
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User Experience

  • The apps are well designed and make it easy to find both on demand and live TV
  • There is standard channel guide across all platforms
  • Search is very accurate and easy to use.
  • You can rewind most live channels to the beginning of the show.

Home Screen

The Hulu Live TV home screen has a personalized lineup of your favorite shows and list of your frequently watched channels.

TV Guide

They have a standard grid guide across all platforms. It makes it easy to find what’s currently on and quickly record shows to your DVR.

Search

The Hulu app’s search functionality really shines. Search results appear quickly and are grouped into “Top Results,” “Movies,” and “Episodes.”

Show Details

The show details page has nice visuals and a description of each episode available live, upcoming, and on demand.

Playback

Hulu Live TV has a really nice feature: you can rewind most live channels to the beginning of the show.

Hulu Live TV
$76.99 hulu.com
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does Hulu Live TV cost?

Hulu Live TV is available starting at $76.99 / month. See the full list: Hulu Live TV Pricing & Plans

Does Hulu Live TV have a free trial?

Hulu Live TV does not have a free trial.

Does Hulu Live TV have a DVR?

Hulu Live TV includes Unlimited of Cloud DVR storage.

What channels are on Hulu Live TV?

Hulu Live TV includes 70 channels including 33 top cable channels. See the full list: Hulu Live TV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on Hulu Live TV?

Hulu Live TV allows up to 2 devices at the same time. See more details: Hulu Live TV Simultaneous Streams

Does Hulu Live TV have local channels?

Hulu Live TV includes ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, and The CW in most, but not all markets. See the full list: Hulu Live TV Local Channels.

Does Hulu Live TV have live sports?

Hulu Live TV includes live sports from ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, Fox Sports 2, NFL Network, TBS, TNT, and USA Network. See the full list: Hulu Live TV Sports Channels.

Does Hulu Live TV offer premium channels?

Hulu Live TV offers premium channels like Cinemax, HBO, Parmount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz for an additional fee. See the full list: Hulu Live TV Premium Channels.

Does Hulu Live TV offer on demand content?

Hulu Live TV includes on demand content from most of the channels they offer. Unlike content on your DVR, you won’t be able to skip ads.

Does Hulu Live TV support TV Everywhere apps?

Hulu Live TV includes access to many TV Eveywhere Apps with your Hulu Live TV credentials. See the full list: Hulu Live TV TV Everywhere Apps.

Does Hulu Live TV have a TV Guide?

Hulu Live TV includes a TV Guide similar to what you would get with your cable or satellite set-top box.

Does Hulu Live TV have ads?

Hulu Live TV includes ads during live viewing of shows, as well on all on-demand content. You can skip ads when you watch shows recorded to your DVR.

Does Hulu Live TV offer 4K streaming?

Hulu Live TV does not include 4K content as part of the service.

Does Hulu Live TV offer Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound?

Hulu Live TV does not include Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound as part of the service.


Jason Gurwin has has spent the last 10 years in the technology, media, entertainment industries. For The Streamable, he specializes in all things media like streaming services, devices, and cord cutting.

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