Hulu vs fuboTV
Last updated: May 24, 2023
You’ve made the decision to join the tens of millions of cord-cutters. Congratulations! You’ve already taken a huge step, but the next one is just as important: You need to pick a streaming service. The number of options for streaming services is both exciting and terrifying. With so many great choices, how do you find the right one for you? Don’t go running back to your cable company; we're here to help.
Hulu and fuboTV are both compelling options. Fortunately, we have everything you need to make an informed decision. Ready? Let’s get started.
Hulu: Video On-Demand With a Live TV Option
Pros
- Extensive on-demand catalog
- Popular original programming
- Live TV available
- Ad-free option available
Cons
- Most affordable plan includes ads
- Smaller on-demand library than Netflix
- Live TV plan not very customizable
fuboTV: Live TV Streaming Made for Sports Fans
Pros
- Several live sports options
- International sports available
- Spanish-language sports options
Cons
- Add-ons can get expensive
- Limited on-demand library
- Few premium movie channels
- No original programming
What's the Difference Between Hulu and fuboTV?
Hulu and fuboTV are both streaming services offering live TV and on-demand entertainment. Both offer month-to-month subscriptions with no long-term commitment. There are, however, some key differences between Hulu and fuboTV that you need to know.
First, with any Hulu plan, you get access to the entire Hulu on-demand catalog. This includes hits like “The Handmaid’s Tale” that can’t be found anywhere else. Beyond the original content, Hulu offers a vast library of current and past major network TV shows, including popular titles such as “Family Guy” and “Seinfeld.”
If you opt for Hulu’s live TV service, called Hulu + Live TV, you’ll also get access to live streaming TV channels. Hulu + Live TV includes all the same on-demand content that “regular” Hulu has. It simply adds live TV networks and other perks.
fuboTV is a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV. But fuboTV has a special focus on sports. Its on-demand content is more limited — focused primarily on recently-aired episodes and a few movies and past seasons of TV shows. However, there's no streaming service with better sports coverage, both domestic and international. International sports are where fuboTV really shines. Most other services, Hulu + Live TV included, don’t have many options for international sports fans. And fuboTV now includes ESPN, filling what was once the biggest gap in their sports lineup.
Both services provide you with a cloud DVR. fuboTV starts theirs at 1,000 hours of storage. Hulu + Live TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage. Hulu + Live TV starts you at up to 2 simultaneous screens while fuboTV varies by package. fuboTV allows you to upgrade to unlimited screens, whereas the Hulu + Live TV upgrade provides unlimited screens at home and 3 screens away from home.
Device support is unlikely to be an issue for either service. Both services are available for a wide range of devices including Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Fire TV. Both are also available on iOS and Android as well as in your web browser.
What You Can Watch on Hulu vs. fuboTV
Both Hulu + Live TV and fuboTV offer the four major local networks in most markets. Hulu + Live TV offers more than 85 channels in their basic package. fuboTV starts you off with more than 100 channels in their Pro plan.
If you're looking for Spanish-language programming, both services have that, too, but fuboTV has a slight edge in this category. fubo Latino gives you access to more than 40 Spanish language channels plus Spanish-language live sports, and it can be bought as a standalone package or as an add-on (under the name Latino Plus). Hulu’s Español add-on provides a handful of Spanish-language channels including CNN en Español and ESPN Deportes.
fuboTV has several other add-ons available, giving you the opportunity to access NCAA games, NFL RedZone, Cycling channels, extreme sports, and more international sports. The fubo Extra package also adds more movie, news, music and kids channels. Hulu + Live TV, similarly, lets you include their Entertainment add-on package, featuring such channels as the Cooking Channel and Discovery Family.
When it comes to premium channels as add-ons, Hulu + Live TV is the clear winner: It lets you add Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and STARZ. Of these channels, fuboTV offers everything but Max. You will have to pay extra for these channels with either service.
How Much Will You Spend on Hulu vs. fuboTV?
Hulu + Live TV’s base service is $69.99 per month. If you want to remove ads on the on-demand catalog, this price rises to $82.99 per month. If you don’t want live TV, you can get the ad-supported Hulu on-demand catalog for as little as $7.99 per month. Adding unlimited screens, premium movie channels, a DVR upgrade, or the entertainment and Spanish language add-ons will bump up these rates.
fuboTV’s base rate is $74.99 per month for its Pro plan. As with Hulu, adding more screens, a DVR upgrade, or additional channels will bump up this rate.
As you can see, the base rates are very comparable between these two services, but the final price may be very different if you want Hulu’s premium channels or fuboTV’s many sports add-ons.
Hulu vs. fuboTV: Which Should You Choose?
With all that said, which service should you choose?
We here at Cordcutting.com can't make that call for you, but we can help guide you through the decision.
If you’re looking for an affordable on-demand service, this is an easy call: Hulu’s on-demand option is your best bet.
But what if you want live TV? If your primary desire is better overall sports options or international and Spanish language sports, fuboTV is the clear winner. If you only want Spanish language programming, the fubo Latino package is an excellent option. Be sure to check out all fuboTV’s add-ons while making your decision, but remember that their extra costs add up fast.
If premium movie channels are more your style, Hulu + Live TV will let you scratch that itch. Hulu’s on-demand catalog is also very compelling if you want more than just the latest TV episodes and movies. And don’t forget about their original programming either.
FUBO is better
Why
Not mentioned – On FUBO you can split your screen to view 4 separate channels (games) at one time. I tend to use this option the most especially on the big screen. It’s great if you have ADHD:)
User interface! Fubo by far has the best user interface to easily and seemlessly switch between channels and preview others. The “Fan View” is a great option to split the screen and see stats for sports games as well. Content is important, but the UI sets Fubo apart.
looking for get,grit,fe,me,cozi and others like this plus
ty
try Locast
To bad they are dead as of 2 days ago 🙁
Locast is amazing if you’re into classic tv. Decades, Cozi, Heroes & Icons, MeTv. Even if I eventually buy Hulu Live or Fubo I plan to keep Locast for the classics.
Locast is offline by court order. I’m bumbed because this happened 3 weeks after I cut the cable. Now I have to pay for a live tv service, $65.00+ just to watch local new and my local NFL team. I Can’t get channels using a antenna.
YouTube TV. cheap and basic
Do I have to stay connected with direct tv
Do I have to stay connected with Direct Tv to watch either channels
Nope! These are separate services that you can subscribe to *instead* of DirecTV. You’ll just have to have an internet connection.
How much does Fubo charge to rent their equipment? Hulu also
They don’t have their own equipment you have to decide what type of steaming device you want to use and purchase! Fubo &Hulu live & sling TV are just apps that you download to the steaming device theirs also CBS all Access but they only offer one local CBS channel and Amazon Prime carries some sports but no real live channels other then that!
How much does FUBO charge to rent their boxes, etc?
fuboTV doesn’t need its own box! You can just grab its app for whatever device you use to stream. If you have a smart TV, you won’t need anything else. If you don’t have a smart TV, you can grab a streaming device like a Roku or a Fire TV Stick — both of those work great with fuboTV.
Is fuboTV a good option
Does fubotv have Pacer games?
No, afraid not! I think AT&T TV is the only streaming option with Fox Sports Indiana.
It depends where you are located actually. Fubo provides access to steam local TV that broadcasts in your area.
If you live in the Indianapolis area, you will get the Pacers whereas someone else who lives in Phoenix will get the Suns games
How much does FUBO charge to rent their boxes, etc?
The box is your TV with an Internet connection.
FUBO does not require a “box” that you rent from them like cable or satellite services. What you will need is either of these to view FUBO:
Amazon Fire TV
Apple TV
Roku
Google Chromecast
Android TV
Android phone, tablet
iPhone, iPad
PC or Mac web browsers
You probably have several of these with you already. I know I do. No need to buy anything if that is the case. Just download the app or go directly to the website and sign in.
Does HULU give you live CNN? FUBO only provides previous programs unless you subscribe to a cable service.
Both of these services will give you live CNN! For Hulu, just make sure you’re getting the “+ Live TV” subscription, which is the one with live TV channels.
Fubo does not carry CNN or any of the Turner Broadcast channels.
I had hulu live tv plus the disney bundle, hbo max, starz and showtime.
When I went to FUBO, I added showtime, starz, epix, multiple screens and went with the quarterly payment, which allows additional channels. Then I added disney plus only app – paid for a year, save two months. Then added the HBOMAX app which was $16 per month.
Hulu $141.21 per month, multiple screens, plus addons…. FUBO with over 100 channels, plus my add ons, plus Disney plus and HBO all came to $109 per month. Even if I added Hulu only I still save money. But I have over 1000 hours of recorded time and up to 5 screens from home. I wish I went to FUBO first.
Many of the channels on FUBO are dark or low contrast. I will be trying another service.
I have three questions:
1. Are there contracts with either Hulu Live TV or Fubo? If I sign up and decide to terminate service after, let’s say, three months will I pay cancelation fees? Or can I cancel anytime?
2. How does each service (Hulu Live TV and Fubo) handle a cross country move? Would I have to cancel service in my current area and restart in new city, or does the service just follow me?
3. I live in a very rural area. Yes we have high speed internet. How do I find out if Hulu Live TV or Fubo are offered in my area without talking to one of their salespeople? Is there a map of coverage areas or a place to punch in your zip code on their websites to check for coverage options?
Thanks for reading! 1. No, no contracts. 2. You can move and keep your service — you’ll just have to let them know you have a new home, so that they can figure out which local channels to give you (it’s pretty easy to do on both services, and you can always give them a call if you need help). 3. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll definitely be covered by both of these services. The only thing that will vary by region will be which local and regional channels you get (if any). You can get more details on the local channels by visiting the service’s websites. You’ll either see the channels listed right on the home page (they use your IP address to figure out which channels to show) or you’ll be able to search by your zip code.
Just think of it this way: It’s internet for your TV. It can be accessed wherever you go/live/travel. No special boxes or equipment is needed, and you never need to speak with a salesperson. You can cancel at anytime; there are no contracts that obligate you for any extended time period…. they are on a month to month “contract”, and will renew if you have automatic renewal & debit/credit card stored, but you CAN cancel it at any time. As for the “local” content; just like the internet; you would plug in your zip code and the available local content would appear for you. Hope this makes it simpler to understand. It’s not as complex as one may think! Good luck to you!!
Do I have to reconnect everyday, or is it only now. While trying the free trial?
Hulu constantly drops out despite fact I have very few people using the Comcast nodes. This drop out problem doesn’t plague other apps I have, e.g. Britbox.. How does Fubo compare to Hulu Live with respect to dropouts?
In our testing, we’ve found both fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV to be pretty good in that department. I’d probably give fuboTV a slight edge, but I’m not sure the issues you’re having will go away with fuboTV, because it sounds like it might be an internet or Wi-Fi speed issue. Do you have this issue with Hulu in general, or only when watching live TV? Live TV is tougher on your internet connection, so it could still be an internet speed issue even if other (on-demand) streaming apps work fine. fuboTV has a free trial, so I’d suggest starting with that and seeing if you run into the same issue — and if you do, then consider upgrading your internet. Thanks for reading and I hope this helps you out!
Does Fubu offer Ad Free option like Hulu live?
I’m afraid not! Generally, all of these live TV streaming options have ads, but they’ll typically let you skip the ads on on-demand and DVR’d content. With live TV, though, there’s really no way around the ad breaks — they’re built right into the live broadcasts, so the only other option would be a blank screen!
I think I would prefer the black screen
Haven’t tried fubo yet, but I’m going to. I have hulu now and pause doesn’t work. You can pause it then in a few seconds it starts up on it’s own. VERY frustrating, I’ve looked online and evidently everyone has this problem with hulu.
Can you use one account for multiple TV’s in multiple locations?
They’ll both work on multiple TVs. Multiple locations can be trickier, though. You generally won’t be able to share a live TV account with people who live far away. If you’re just using your own devices and traveling from time to time, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Do either of these work without smart tv’s?
Hi Bill, thanks for reading! Both of these can work on a bunch of different devices, not just smart TVs. The device you’re using does have to be connected to the internet, though. If you have a “dumb” TV, you can solve the problem pretty easily by buying a streaming device like Roku or Fire TV. Those are internet-connected devices that can plug right into your TV’s HDMI port (just like a Blu-ray player does) and run Hulu, fuboTV, etc.
I want to get Sunday football games, Monday night football, Thursday night football, plus Baseball, Do I get all that with FUBO or HULU Live? Hate NC has only one team for football.
Fubo allows up to 4 sports on screen at once. As a college basketball fan this is awesome as it is easy to quickly move from game to game. Also, they now have a sports betting app available if you are into sports betting.
I want live tv, NFL, astros baseball. What is best
I had Sling but then they lost the local sports channel for my teams (NBC regional sports has that franchise).Fubo and Hulu TV each had that but I also wanted Tennis Channel which was only Fubo. But then I discovered that not some of my Warriors basketball games were on TNT, which Fubo doesn’t carry. Now that tennis season is over, I’m switching from Fubo to Hulu TV (Regular Hulu also has original programming like Dopesick, which was excellent limited series).
I previously posted a comment about Fubo carrying Tennis Channel and Hulu doesn’t. Both services make it easy to “pause” subscription as opposed to canceling. Pausing allows your recordings and settings to be saved.
Interface comparison should be part of the consideration. Hulus interface for Live TV can’t touch Fubos. Hands down Fubo has a much faster and more intuitive interface for navigating and changing channels. Hulus annoying most recent watched is default and you have to scroll down to get back to your favorite saved channels. Fubo sorts by local channels first just like the cable channels whereas Hulu sorts alphabetically. You cannot simply flip through the channels with Hulus interface, you have to press the down arrow button which takes you to the guide whereas the down arrow on the Fubo interfaces shows the next consecutive channels instantly with a pic of what’s on, right arrow button scrolls through and press enter for the channel. I purchased both to test fully loaded, Hulu no Ads, etc and decided to go with Fubo.
Which streaming services offer THE WEATHER CHANNEL?
Check out the list here: https://cordcutting.com/how-to-watch/weather-channel/
I’m curious about your comment that it can’t be easily shared with people who live apart from you. I live in one state but have a family property in a neighboring state. I travel there several times a year for a few days to a few weeks at a time. Would I be able to use this service (either service) when traveling there and would someone at my home still be able to use it at the same time?
We don’t watch a lot of live TV but we do have some regular shows on networks that we don’t have streaming. What service is best for NFL, college football , oxygen, ID and any other murder networks? DVR storage? That’s how we roll around here but direct tv is killing us. We only had it for the NFL package.
I am trying to save money. Most of of the channels listed on Hullu and FUBO are listed on my DISH service. I do not watch the because they are mainly reruns which are constantly broken up bt commercials lasting 3to 5 minutes. The limited number of original programs are plagued with the sane the same problem. I have a ruko stick. t subscribe to Amazon Prime Acorn. These two servicrs seem to have plenty of content to satisfy my needs. Hpwever my we do like a few programs on the broad cast channels. Is there any way I can recieve these channels free or at little cost. I have checked and we we connot use an antenna.