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Hulu Live TV vs Sling TV

Quick answer

Hulu Live TV is the fuller-featured, pricier package; Sling TV is the budget-friendly, mix-and-match underdog. Pick your wallet, pick your winner.

Our pick

Hulu Live TV

The all-in-one streamer that bundles live TV with a killer on-demand library.

4.3★

Sling TV

The skinny-bundle pioneer that lets you pay only for what you actually watch.

3.6★

Starting Price

~$82.99/mo

~$40/mo (Sling Orange or Blue)

Channel Count

90+ channels

30-45 channels per base plan

Simultaneous Streams

Unlimited (home network)

1 (Orange) or 3 (Blue)

DVR Storage

Unlimited (included)

50 hrs free; 200 hrs for extra $5/mo

On-Demand Library

Full Hulu catalog (~95,000+ titles)

Limited on-demand, network-dependent

Local Channels

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox (most markets)

Fox & NBC on Blue; ABC on Orange only; CBS missing

Disney+/ESPN+ Bundle

Included (Disney Bundle upgrade ~$97.99/mo)

Not included; ESPN add-on available

Sports Add-ons

Sports Add-on ~$9.99/mo

Sports Extra ~$15/mo (broad coverage)

Free Trial

No free trial currently

No free trial (occasional promos)

Contract Required

No, cancel anytime

4K Streaming

Limited 4K content

Very limited 4K

Customizable Packages

No — one core bundle

Yes — mix Orange + Blue, pick add-ons

Hulu Live TV

Ease of Use★★★★½

Pricing Value★★★☆☆

Device Support★★★★½

DVR & Recording★★★★½

Sports Coverage★★★★☆

Channel Selection★★★★½

On-Demand Library★★★★★

Sling TV

Ease of Use★★★★☆

Pricing Value★★★★½

Device Support★★★★☆

DVR & Recording★★★☆☆

Sports Coverage★★★½☆

Channel Selection★★★½☆

On-Demand Library★★★☆☆

Worth knowing

Hulu Live TV's unlimited DVR is a genuine differentiator — most rivals charge extra for that privilege.
Sling Orange and Sling Blue have different channel lineups; subscribing to both costs ~$60/mo but unlocks nearly everything.
Hulu Live TV includes ESPN, which puts it ahead for sports fans who don't want to stack add-ons.
Sling TV was the very first live TV streaming service in the US, launching way back in 2015.
Neither service currently offers a free trial, so you're committing on faith (or Reddit reviews).

Sling TV is owned by Dish Network — the same satellite company it was supposed to make obsolete. Awkward family dinner.

If you want

You want the most complete, Netflix-like experience with live TV on top

Hulu Live TV's massive on-demand library + unlimited DVR + locals make it a true cable replacement.

→ Pick Hulu Live TV

If you want

You're on a tight budget and only watch a handful of channels

Sling's à la carte model means you can start at $40/mo and add only what you need.

→ Pick Sling TV

If you want

You're a Disney/Marvel/ESPN household

The Disney Bundle upgrade bundles Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu Live TV in one tidy subscription.

→ Pick Hulu Live TV

If you want

You want to watch the same stream on many TVs simultaneously

Hulu Live TV allows unlimited home streams; Sling caps you at 1-3 depending on the plan.

→ Pick Hulu Live TV

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