Without digging into complex jargon, I'll give you each service's key features and pricing plans to provide the information you need to choose your ideal TV streaming service.
This is a guide to choosing a TV streaming provider. Using my background and experience in film and pop culture, I have put these two popular streamers head-to-head.
Let's compare Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV to determine which will give you the best entertainment value for your budget.
» Wondering about the cost? Find out why streaming is worth the price.
Is Sling TV or Hulu + Live TV better?
Sling TV appeals due to its affordability and flexible package options, making it a solid choice for casual viewers on a budget.
That said, Hulu + Live TV stands out with its extensive channel selection, on-demand content, and the added bonus of bundling with Disney+ and ESPN+, offering a richer entertainment experience overall. Its comprehensive features and original programming make it appealing for serious TV enthusiasts.
Keep reading to get the full breakdown of these two streaming giants.
Comparing Pricing
When you pick a streaming service, the cost is a crucial detail to think about. Here is a breakdown of Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV plans:
Hulu + Live TV
Sling TV
According to this comparison, Sling comes out as the more affordable option, with more ad-free subscription plans than Hulu.
Free Trials
There are a few streaming providers that offer free trials, and both TV services offer a 30-day free trial, which you can use to get a feel for each.
» Here are ten reasons why you should switch to live TV.
Comparing Features
Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV both offer a variety of features. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
User profiles
Multiple user profiles can be created on either streaming platform. This is convenient when each viewer wants different genre recommendations. On Hulu + Live TV, you can make six additional profiles on an account, while Sling TV permits four profiles on a single subscription.
Parental controls
Both Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV have parental control to restrict what your child can watch. Kid-friendly profiles or PIN codes can lock the titles or ratings you feel are not age-appropriate. Hulu + Live TV's kids mode also filters out inappropriate ads.
Accessibility
Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV have features that make their content more accessible for people with disabilities. Subtitles, audio descriptions, closed captions, and screen readers can be used for viewers who may be hard of hearing.
Hulu + Live TV also has a voiceover feature that reads the screen aloud for viewers with visual difficulties. Sling TV does not currently have this voiceover feature.
No Ads
Hulu + Live TV has two no-ads subscription plans you can subscribe to: Hulu (no-ads) and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV.
Sling TV has Sling Blue, a plan you can sign up for without ads.
Overall, Hulu + Live TV has a slight edge regarding features. Sling TV is more affordable and has a decent selection of channels and storage.
Offline viewing
Hulu + Live TV allows you to download specific content offline. This is useful when you don’t have an internet connection or want to save data. However, not all titles are available. You need to have a compatible device and a no-ads plan to use this feature.
Sling TV doesn't offer offline viewing at this time. But you can record and save live content to watch later using the cloud DVR.
» Learn how to watch PPV without cable.
Comparing Device Compatibility
Hulu + Live TV is compatible with more devices compared to Sling TV. Notably, its support for Nintendo Switch and a broader range of smart TVs, as well as PlayStation access, offers a more versatile viewing experience at home or on the go.
Comparing Packages
If you prefer streaming services with local channels to watch news and sports, then Hulu + Live TV might be just what you want. (You can also get access to that sweet Disney+/ESPN+ bundle). That said, Sling TV’s à la carte package is full of enjoyable content and more affordable.
Hulu + Live TV
- Over 85 live and on-demand channels, including local, national, and international networks
- News, sports, entertainment, and more, such as "The Handmaid’s Tale," "Grey’s Anatomy," "This Is Us," and more
- Access to Hulu + Live TV’s streaming library with thousands of titles
- Unlimited Cloud DVR
Sling TV
- 30-45+ live channels, including local, national, and international networks
- News, sports, entertainment, and more, such as ESPN, CNN, and HGTV
- 50-200 hours of Cloud DVR
Channel Offering Deep Dive
» Here are ten reasons why you should switch to live TV.
Comparing Popular Shows and Original Content
Many people subscribe to Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV to watch their most popular shows. Over 2.7 million individual video titles are available; more than 86% come from streaming services. Here's a peek at what each platform has to offer:
Both Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV offer great options for show-obsessed viewers; It all really depends on your tastes.
User Experience
Usability, in my opinion, is one of the main reasons to subscribe and stick to a streaming service. While both providers offer a variety of features and channels, there are some differences between the two:
Layout
Hulu + Live TV’s layout is horizontal. Scroll sideways to view more titles. Sling TV has a vertical design. To find more titles, you can scroll up and down. Both providers have a watchlist for saving shows you would like to watch in the future.
Navigation
Hulu + Live TV's navigation system is swipe-based. You'll swipe backward or forward to find more options. Sling TV uses a button-based navigation, where buttons will take you back to the main screen. Both systems allow you to skip the intro and hop to the next episode.
Performance
Hulu + Live TV has a variable bitrate, which adjusts the video quality to your internet speed and device. The bitrate on Sling TV is fixed. This means your video quality will remain the same regardless of your internet speed and device. Both operators have data-saving options to reduce data usage.
How are Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV Different?
The most significant differences between Sling TV and Hulu + Live TV are pricing, channel count, and Cloud DVR storage.
Sling TV is one of the cheapest services out there, and a pretty good one at that. Its package stacking and exclusive deals are more affordable than Hulu + Live TV. Sling TV will get the job done for less money for most casual TV viewers.
However, Hulu + Live TV has more channels and full access to Hulu’s on-demand and original content. For the avid TV watchers, you’ll probably want to go with Hulu + Live TV because you can bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ for more on-demand content and live sports action.
Streaming Choices: Your Needs, Your Decision
Your personal viewing preferences will ultimately decide your choice between Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV. Both platforms offer unique advantages, making the decision highly individual.
The future of TV streaming looks bright for providers like Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV as they offer various features to meet diverse viewer needs. This is good news for you while you search among all the streaming options for your ideal TV-watching experience.
» Looking for something different? Check out these Sling TV alternatives.
