Hulu + Live TV vs. Sling TV: Which Is Best for Cord-Cutters?
Pricing
Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99/month, bundling live channels, an on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+ (ad-supported). Upgrading to the ad-free plan costs $95.99/month, though network partner content may still include ads. Sling TV offers Orange ($46/month), Blue ($51/month), or both ($66/month), significantly cheaper than Hulu. Sling sweetens the deal with promotions, like a free AirTV Mini with two months prepaid. For budget-conscious cord-cutters, Philo ($28/month) is a cheaper alternative.
Winner: Sling TV
Platform Support
Hulu + Live TV supports web browsers, mobile devices (Android, iOS), streaming devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku), smart TVs, and gaming consoles (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox). Sling TV covers similar platforms but lacks PlayStation and Nintendo Switch support, though it offers a Meta Quest VR app, unlike Hulu, which dropped VR support.
Winner: Tie
Channel Lineups
Hulu + Live TV provides ~100 channels, including local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and Telemundo. Sling TV offers ~70 channels but misses CBS and Telemundo, with ABC requiring an antenna.
- News: Hulu includes ABC News Live, CBS News, CNBC, CNN, FOX Business, FOX News, and MSNBC. Sling lacks several of these but offers BBC America and Local Now.
- Sports: Hulu excels with CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPN U, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, and NFL Network, though it no longer carries FOX-owned RSNs. Sling’s sports lineup is limited to ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1, with no RSNs.
- Entertainment & Lifestyle: Hulu offers A&E, BET, Bravo, Discovery, FX, HGTV, and more. Sling matches many but adds AMC and Fuse while missing Cozi and Pop.
- Family & Kids: Both services carry Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and Nick Jr. Hulu edges out with PBS Kids and Smithsonian Channel.
Winner: Hulu + Live TV
Channel Add-Ons
Hulu offers premium add-ons (Cinemax, Max, Showtime, Starz) and packages like Entertainment ($7.99/month) and Español ($4.99/month). Sling provides flexible add-ons (Sports Extra, Comedy Extra, etc.), most at $6/month, plus premium channels like BET+ and Starz. Sling’s robust Latino plans give it an edge for diverse content needs.
Winner: Sling TV
On-Demand Content
Both services offer on-demand content tied to their channels. Hulu + Live TV stands out with its extensive library, including originals like The Handmaid’s Tale and FX shows. Sling’s on-demand library is smaller and less comprehensive.
Winner: Hulu + Live TV
Streaming & DVR
Both support 1080p streaming (up to 4K for select content) and 5.1 Surround Sound for some on-demand programming. Hulu allows two simultaneous streams (upgradable to unlimited for $9.99/month), while Sling supports four streams by default. Hulu includes unlimited DVR storage, with recordings kept as long as you’re subscribed. Sling offers 50 hours of DVR storage (upgradable to unlimited for $5/month).
Winner: Hulu + Live TV
Verdict
Hulu + Live TV is ideal for those prioritizing a robust channel lineup, extensive on-demand library, and bundled Disney+/ESPN+. Sling TV is the better choice for budget-conscious cord-cutters seeking affordability and flexible add-ons, though its channel selection is less comprehensive. Your choice depends on whether you value cost savings (Sling) or premium content and features (Hulu).
