Today, fans have more opportunities than ever to keep up with their favorite shows, news anchors and sports teams. What used to be available solely through pricey cable contracts is now available through more affordable online services! But with so many out there, how does one choose?
You may be considering Hulu with Live TV, a relative newcomer to the industry. But what is Hulu with Live TV, and how can it help you replace cable? Find out more in our Hulu with Live TV review.
What is Hulu with Live TV?
Hulu with Live TV is a streaming service that works over the internet. For a low monthly fee ($40/mo), you can sign up and get immediate access to live TV from many of the most popular TV channels. You just need a Hulu subscription, a compatible device, and a reliable internet connection.
Here’s the Hulu with Live TV review at a glance:
- $40 per month
- No contract or commitment required
- Enjoy live streaming of 50+ channels
- Get ESPN, FOX News, CNN, TNT, and much more
- Use on all your devices – smartphones, Roku, Apple TV, computers and more!
- Record live TV using built-in cloud DVR
- Get free access to the Hulu on-demand library of shows and movies
- Cancel at any time – no contract!
Hulu with Live TV is a newer offering from Hulu, which originally only offered on-demand content. Now they have both live TV and on-demand offerings. The Live version is fairly new, but it’s already exceeded 1 million subscribers and is growing very rapidly.
Essentially, this service is a cable TV alternative that gives you a similar experience at a fraction of the price. You will get a package of 50+ channels, including many of the most popular networks, all of which you can watch live. And you’ll get an extensive on-demand library (much larger than the standard on-demand library from cable providers)!
But if Hulu Live TV is so similar to cable, why both making the switch? Mainly price and flexibility.
The price divide is pretty clear – Hulu is $40 per month. The average cable bill is now a whopping $107 a month. That’s a more than 60% savings!
The flexibility angle is also fairly obvious. The majority of cable and satellite providers require at least a 12-month contract, with 24-months being more common. On the other hand, Hulu with Live TV requires a 1-month commitment. You just pay month-to-month, and are free to cancel at any time. And, in fact, since Hulu offers a free 7-day trial, you can actually try the service out with no commitment at all!
So, to sum up – what is Hulu with Live TV? It’s a flexible, affordable and easy way to watch LIVE TV without a cable subscription!
How does Hulu Live TV work, though?
How Hulu with Live TV Works
Hulu with Live TV is an online service. This means you need a solid internet connection in order to use it. Experts recommend that you have internet speeds of at least 5 to 8 mbps in order to stream TV in HD picture quality. For reference, the average speed in the US is 18.7mbps, so most people already have fast enough internet.
Beyond internet, all you need is a compatible device to use. Here are the basics of how Hulu Live TV works:
- Sign up for Hulu with Live TV here (you’ll get a free trial for 7 days)
- You will get 50+ channels for $40 per month
- Choose to add premium channels like HBO if you want (extra cost)
- Sign into your Hulu with Live TV account
- Immediately you can start watching live TV on your computer!
- Next, sign into your account on all your other device (Roku, smartphone, etc.)
- Enjoy the ability to stream live TV on all your devices
- Pay your bill month-to-month, without a contract
- Enjoy the freedom to cancel your service at any time, without a penalty
That’s the basic rundown of how this service functions. You’ll find that once you have things set up, the service functions in a similar manner to cable. You can cruise through channels in a grid-like pattern, search for specific channels and shows, and browse the on-demand library. You’ll also get a handy DVR function for recording TV that’s built into the service, and does not require a separate device.
Those are the basics – but what is Hulu with Live TV offering in terms of technical features?
Hulu with Live TV Technical Features
What is Hulu Live TV bringing to the table in terms of specific features?
Streaming quality – full HD (1080p). There is no 4K content currently, but Hulu has plans to add it in the future.
Frames per second – most channels are covered at 60 frames per second, except a handful of networks including CBS affiliates, which are 30fps. Hulu has plans to upgrade all channels to 60fps soon.
Device compatibility – works on most devices. Hulu with Live TV devices include computers, iOS devices, Android devices, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, and select Samsung and LG smart TVs.
DVR recording – cloud DVR is included for free, and lets you record live TV. Store up to 50 hours for free, or upgrade to 200 hours for an additional fee.
Simultaneous streaming – you can watch on 2 different devices (streaming 2 different channels) at the same time. Upgrade to unlimited devices for an additional fee.
Hulu with Live TV Channel Lineup
The Hulu Live TV channel list consists of 50+ networks covering everything from sports to news to entertainment. Currently there is only one package available.
Hulu Live TV base package – $40 per month – 50+ channels. The Hulu Live TV channel list includes:
In select markets (most areas, but not everywhere): NBC & FOX regional sports networks, ABC, ABC News Live, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW.
Everywhere (nationwide): A&E, Big Ten Network, Boomerang, Bravo, Cartoon Network/Adult Swim, CBS Sports Network, Cheddar, CNBC, CNN, CNN International, CoziTV, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, E!, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN College Extra, ESPN Bases Loaded, ESPN Goal Line, Food Network, Fox Business, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Freeform, FX, FXM, FXX, Golf, HGTV, History, HLN, Lifetime, Lifetime Movies, MSNBC, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, NBCSN, Olympic Channel, Oxygen, POP, SEC Network, Smithsonian Channel, Syfy, TBS, TCM, Telemundo, TNT, Travel Channel, truTV, Universal Kids, USA, and Viceland.
All these Hulu channels are included in the base package. From there, you can consider the following add-ons:
Entertainment Add-On – $7.99 per month – 5 channels. Includes CNBC World, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, FYI and Lifetime Movies.
Español Add-on – $4.99 per month – 4 channels. Includes CNN Español, ESPN Deportes, History en Español, and NBC Universo.
HBO – $14.99 per month – HBO live stream and HBO on-demand library.
Cinemax – $9.99 per month – Cinemax live stream and on-demand library.
SHOWTIME – $4.99 per month for 3 months, then $10.99 per month. SHOWTIME live stream and on-demand library.
STARZ – $8.99 per month. STARZ live stream and on-demand library.
That’s it for the Hulu with Live TV channel lineup!
Hulu with Live TV Cost
The Hulu Live TV price is a clear-cut $40 per month, with no contract. There’s only one base package to choose from.
That said, there are the add-ons discussed above, which each have additional fees ranging from $4.99 to $14.99 per month.
In addition, Hulu offers these feature add-ons:
Expanded Cloud DVR Storage – $14.99 per month – expands you storage from 50 hours to 200 hours.
Simultaneous Screens – $14.99 per month – expands from 2 simultaneous devices to unlimited.
So, bottom line, the Hulu Live TV cost depends on the specifics you choose. It could be as low as $40 a month, or as high as $75+ if you pick a bunch of add-ons and premium channels.
Hulu with Live TV Pros & Cons
Is Hulu Live TV worth it? What do the Hulu Live TV reviews have to say? Here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Covers live sports, TV shows, news and more
- One of the best ways to watch sports without cable
- Great coverage of local channels (FOX, CBS, etc.)
- Works on most devices
- No contract
- Very easy to use
- Comes with a HUGE on-demand library
Cons:
- Only one base package available
- Limited channel add-ons and customization options
Hulu Live TV reviews from other experts are largely positive, although they can quickly become outdated due to how fast these services tend to evolve. Make sure you’re reading up-to-date Hulu reviews like this one!
Is Hulu with Live TV Worth It?
In short, is Hulu TV worth trying out? Absolutely!
Currently, it’s one of the most popular live streaming options, and one of our favorites. It’s got a clean, simple functionality, a great channel lineup, and a low price.
It works on most devices, and offers a lot of perks that are difficult to find elsewhere. Access to the Hulu on-demand library is a HUGE selling point, as well.
Hulu Live TV offers a free 7 day trial, so if you’re on the fence you can try it out free of charge. From then on, you’ll pay month-to-month and are free to cancel at any time.
Thanks for reading our Hulu Live TV review – leave a comment if you have any questions!
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