Hulu Plus Live TV combines the best of live television and on-demand streaming, all under one roof. This service stands out by including Disney+ and ESPN+ within their package, along with an unlimited DVR feature. It’s like the golden trio of streaming! Listen folks, this might the best streaming service bundle offer out there. Hulu’s on-demand service alone is big. Add to that Disney+, some of the most revered titles in our lifetime. Then add ESPN+, one of the best sports programming companies out there. Oh, and Hulu Live TV ranks right up there at the top.

When it comes to pricing, Hulu Plus Live TV is pretty competitive, especially with everything it bundles in. Basic Hulu (just the on-demand stuff) costs $8 (or $80.00 for the year, save $16.00) a month, but for the full experience, including live TV, you’re looking at $76.99 a month. Yeah, it’s a bit higher, but you’re getting a lot more. For sports fans, movie buffs, or those who just want a little bit of everything, it’s an attractive option. Hulu can offer what no one else can, Live TV and a large catalog of on-demand shows.

The service also brings Hulu’s rich content library into the mix. Think about having access to every episode of The Handmaid’s Tale along with live sports events. It’s this mix of live channels and on-demand content that makes Hulu Plus Live TV unique. No other live TV streaming service offers this combination.

Compared to its closest rival, YouTube TV (priced at $72.99 per month), Hulu Plus Live TV has a slightly higher price tag but compensates by including Disney+ and an upgraded DVR service. So, if you’re a fan of Disney movies or need that extra DVR capability, Hulu might be your better bet.

This combination of live and on-demand content, coupled with premium add-ons, sets Hulu Plus Live TV apart from its competitors. It’s ideal for someone who wants variety and flexibility in their streaming options.

Features and User Interface

Hulu Plus Live TV’s user interface has seen some solid improvements. It’s sleek, user-friendly, and visually appealing. Big, bold artwork and an organized grid layout make navigating through shows and channels a breeze. You’ll find tabs like Home, Live TV, My Stuff, TV, Movies, and Sports conveniently in a sidebar. This setup ensures you’re never more than a couple of clicks away from what you want to watch.

Speaking of live TV, Hulu offers a traditional 14-day programming guide, which is pretty fast, especially on devices like Apple TV. Switching between channels feels smooth and seamless, making it easy to catch up on your favorite shows without any hiccups.

One of the more exciting features is the unlimited DVR. You can record as many shows and movies as you want without worrying about storage limits. Plus, you can pause, rewind, and fast-forward through live TV – a real game-changer for sports fans and binge-watchers alike. The only thing I will not watch on the DVR is sports. Somehow, someone is going to blurt out, “oh they lost.” I have to watch my sports live! Everything else, I watch on my time. You will not here me say, “NCIS is on at 8:00pm Monday!” No, it’s not, it’s on when I turn it on!

However, there are some quirks. The DVR setup isn’t the most straightforward. You’ll need to navigate through menus to record shows, and there’s no ad-skipping available for cataloged shows. And if you’re recording live sports, make sure to extend the recording time manually. Overtime doesn’t get recorded automatically, which can be frustrating if a game runs long. Or just be like me and watch the game live, so you don’t have to worry about any of that. The “My Stuff” feature is handy for bookmarking your favorite shows and movies. The “Record” function lets you capture individual episodes or entire seasons. I like that, set record for the entire season, I don’t need to worry about the show being on a special time or day! The DVR takes care of all of it! Overall, Hulu’s interface and features offer a streamlined, engaging user experience, though a few tweaks could make it even better.

Channels and Content Library

Hulu Plus Live TV boasts an impressive lineup of over 100 live channels. This wide variety brings everything from entertainment and news to sports and kids’ programming right to your screen. With channels like PBS stations, History Channel, MLB TV, Lifetime, and A&E, there’s something for everyone. Some of these channels aren’t even available on competitors like YouTube TV.

However, the lineup isn’t perfect. Missing from the roster are some major channels like AMC and BBC America, which might be a deal-breaker for some. Competitors like YouTube TV cover these gaps, so consider what’s most important to your viewing habits. There is always going to be a channel that is a must have for everyone. For me it is Bally Sports Midwest for Pacer’s basketball, Blue’s hockey and Cardinal’s baseball. My son took it to an even more extreme than that. He was looking to cut the cord a few years ago. I gave him a couple suggestions. The first thing he asked me, “do they carry CBS, I have to have CBS to watch The Masters golf tournament in April!”

On top of the massive channel selection, Hulu Plus Live TV includes access to Disney+, ESPN+, and the entire Hulu content library. This trio of services offers a diverse range of content from Disney classics and Marvel movies to exclusive sports coverage and Hulu originals.

The basic package comes with Disney+ and ESPN+, valued at $15 per month. If you choose a package without this bundle, it costs $76.99 per month, while an ad-free Disney+ bundle will run you $89.99 per month. If you’re into Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, this package provides tremendous value.

Having a varied content library and extensive list of live TV channels does get most people excited. But take a moment to consider which channels and on-demand options are must-haves for you before making a decision.

Pricing and Package Options

Hulu Plus Live TV gives you a few pricing and package options to fit different needs. The standard package, including Disney+ and ESPN+, costs $89.99 per month. This bundle offers a trifecta of live TV, movies, and sports, making it an appealing option for diverse viewing preferences.

For those who don’t need Disney+ and ESPN+, there’s an alternative package at $76.99 per month. Barely any difference in price, but it strips away those extra content selections. If ad-free streaming is a priority, there’s a package that offers an ad-free Disney Bundle at $89.99 per month. For some, the peace of not dealing with ads is well worth the extra cost.

Looking at competitors like YouTube TV, priced at $73 per month, Hulu’s packages seem slightly pricier. However, the added value of Disney+ and ESPN+ might justify the extra cost, especially for families or sports enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive package.

When comparing prices, it’s essential to think about what you’re getting. Hulu’s Unlimited DVR feature is a standout, letting you record as much as you want without hitting any limits. This alone can make a huge difference for heavy users or those with varied schedules. An Unlimited DVR is a big selling point for me!

In the end, it’s all about assessing your needs and what content matters to you most. If the value-packed Disney Bundle and extensive DVR capabilities sound appealing, then Hulu Plus Live TV might be the perfect fit even with the slightly higher price tag.

Sports Content and DVR Capabilities

Sports enthusiasts might find themselves on the fence with Hulu Plus Live TV. While it includes major channels like the NFL Network, it’s missing most regional sports networks. This can put a damper on things if you’re keen on watching local sports teams.

For those deeply invested in MLB, NHL, or NBA games, other services like DirecTV Stream might offer more comprehensive access to regional sports. Hulu Plus Live TV does cover essentials but lacks the depth that some die-hard sports fans crave.

The DVR functionality is solid but comes with a few hitches. The ability to record unlimited shows sounds amazing, but the lack of dynamic start times and automatic overtime extensions can be pretty annoying for sports fans. Imagine missing the final minutes of an overtime thriller just because the DVR didn’t account for the extra time. To avoid this, always extend your recording time manually by an hour or two for sporting events and even for shows following these events.

User feedback often points to these DVR limitations as a significant downside. Sports fans need to stay vigilant, making sure their favorite games and shows are recorded in full. It’s a bit of a hassle but manageable once you get into the habit.

Overall, if sports are your primary reason for getting a streaming service, assess if Hulu’s offering matches your needs. The unlimited DVR and a solid mix of sports channels make it a viable contender, but the limitations should be noted. Make sure you’re willing to work around the recording quirks, or alternatively, explore other services that might offer a seamless experience for sports content.

As always, if you have any questions or comments for me, leave them below and I will get back to you. I hope this helps you with your tv entertainment choices.

All the best,

Mark Piper

Mark@bethmark.com