In the age of streaming, live TV services are becoming more popular as many people move away from traditional cable and satellite.

Two major players in this market are Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream. These two services offer live television, but they each come with their own unique set of features, benefits, and drawbacks.

If you’re considering cutting the cord, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. Both Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream offer different strengths in terms of channel offerings, pricing, user experience, and overall value.

This article will help you decide which service is the better choice based on your specific needs.

In this guide, we’ll compare Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream across various categories such as product overview, pricing, features, customer support, and more.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV offers a combination of live TV streaming and access to Hulu’s extensive on-demand library of movies, TV shows, and exclusive original content.

It’s a hybrid service that aims to give you the best of both worlds. Along with live television channels from categories like sports, entertainment, and news, Hulu also provides a massive library of on-demand content.

This includes a broad range of series, movies, and original shows such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Only Murders in the Building.

With Hulu + Live TV, you get access to live television channels like ABC, NBC, ESPN, and more, depending on your location. Additionally, in some cases, you can also get access to Disney+ and ESPN+ as part of the subscription.

This service is ideal for those who want to mix traditional live TV with streaming flexibility, especially for users already subscribed to Hulu’s on-demand library.

DIRECTV Stream

DIRECTV Stream is the internet-based version of the traditional satellite service, DIRECTV. It delivers a variety of live television channels just like cable, but it’s streamed over the internet.

Unlike Hulu, which integrates on-demand content into its live TV experience, DIRECTV Stream focuses on providing a more traditional TV experience with a wide range of live TV channels.

The key feature of DIRECTV Stream is its channel variety, especially for sports enthusiasts. It offers regional sports networks (RSNs) and several premium channels such as HBO, Showtime, and more.

You can customize your subscription by adding channels or packages, depending on your viewing preferences.

This service tends to focus on providing a traditional cable-like feel, which may be appealing for those who prefer simplicity.

If sports coverage and a broad range of channels are a priority, DIRECTV Stream stands out. However, it’s not as comprehensive when it comes to on-demand content, which is something Hulu excels at.

Features Comparison

When it comes to features, there are several aspects to consider. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream compare:

1. Channel Lineup

Hulu + Live TV offers a solid range of channels, including popular networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN, and HGTV.

However, it’s not as comprehensive as DIRECTV Stream when it comes to niche or regional channels. Hulu also provides a diverse selection of on-demand content, which can be a significant plus for viewers who want to watch shows at their own pace.

DIRECTV Stream, in contrast, is stronger in terms of channel variety, especially when it comes to sports.

DIRECTV Stream offers many regional sports networks (RSNs), which is a major advantage for people who follow local teams or enjoy watching sports like basketball, baseball, or soccer.

If you’re a sports fan, this could be a deciding factor. Additionally, DIRECTV Stream offers premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax, which you can add as part of your package.

Verdict: If you prioritize sports and local networks, DIRECTV Stream is the better choice. If you’re more interested in a wide range of channels across various genres and enjoy on-demand content, Hulu + Live TV has a slight edge.

2. On-Demand Content

Hulu + Live TV is particularly strong in this category. With a Hulu + Live TV subscription, you not only get live TV channels but also full access to Hulu’s on-demand content library.

This includes TV shows, movies, documentaries, and original series. For instance, you can watch The Mandalorian on Disney+ and sports events on ESPN+ if you’re subscribed to those services as part of your bundle.

On the other hand, DIRECTV Stream offers a much smaller on-demand library. While it does provide some on-demand content, the selection isn’t as vast or comprehensive as Hulu’s. DIRECTV Stream’s main focus is on live TV, and on-demand content is somewhat secondary.

Verdict: If you enjoy watching movies or TV shows on-demand as much as you do live television, Hulu + Live TV is the better option for you.

3. Cloud DVR Storage

Cloud DVR storage allows you to record live TV shows and watch them later. Both Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream offer cloud DVR features, but there are differences.

With Hulu + Live TV, you get unlimited DVR storage (for up to 9 months). This is a significant advantage for those who want to record lots of content without worrying about running out of space.

For example, if you have a habit of recording multiple shows and sports events, you’ll appreciate the flexibility Hulu offers with unlimited storage.

DIRECTV Stream, in contrast, only offers 20 hours of DVR storage in its base package. To get unlimited storage, you need to pay an additional $10 per month. This can add up over time, making Hulu + Live TV a more cost-effective choice for DVR lovers.

Verdict: If you like to record a lot of content, Hulu + Live TV is the better option due to its unlimited DVR storage.

4. Streaming Quality

In terms of streaming quality, both Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream deliver HD content, but there are differences in resolution.

Hulu + Live TV streams live TV at 720p, which is common for many live streaming services. However, for on-demand content, Hulu offers higher resolutions like 1080p and 4K depending on the device and content.

Unfortunately, live TV is capped at 720p, so you won’t be able to enjoy the highest quality streaming for live events.

DIRECTV Stream also streams live TV at 720p, with no 4K support for live events. The picture quality for live TV is similar to that of Hulu, but the lack of 4K support might be disappointing if you’re used to streaming high-definition content from other services like Netflix or Disney+.

Verdict: Neither service offers 4K live TV streaming, but Hulu + Live TV may provide a slightly better experience for on-demand content, especially if you enjoy watching in 1080p or 4K.

5. Simultaneous Streams

Hulu + Live TV allows for two simultaneous streams on its basic plan. If you want more streams, you can purchase the Unlimited Screens add-on for an extra $9.99 per month, which lets you watch on an unlimited number of screens at home.

DIRECTV Stream offers three simultaneous streams in its base plan, which is better than Hulu’s two-stream limit.

However, DIRECTV Stream doesn’t charge extra for additional streams when you’re at home, which is an advantage if you have a large household.

Verdict: If you need more simultaneous streams out of the box, DIRECTV Stream is the better choice.

Pricing Comparison

Price is often a deciding factor when choosing between streaming services. Here’s how Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream compare in terms of pricing.

Hulu + Live TV

• Base Plan: Starts at $88.99 per month for over 65 channels, including sports, news, and entertainment.

• Add-ons: You can add Disney+ and ESPN+ as part of the plan for an additional fee, depending on the package. Premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax are available for extra charges.

• DVR Add-on: You get unlimited DVR storage for $9.99 per month.

DIRECTV Stream

• Base Plan: Starts at $84.99 per month for the Entertainment package, which includes over 65 channels.

• Add-ons: You can add premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax. Additional sports packages are also available for extra charges.

• DVR Add-on: You get 20 hours of DVR storage for free. To get unlimited storage, you need to pay $10 per month.

While DIRECTV Stream starts at a lower price, it can become more expensive as you add more premium channels or the unlimited DVR add-on.

Hulu + Live TV offers similar pricing but with more value in its bundled offerings, like access to Disney+ and ESPN+.

Verdict: If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, DIRECTV Stream might be slightly cheaper at first. However, Hulu + Live TV offers more value when factoring in the extra streaming services included.

Customer Support Comparison

Both Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream offer customer support, but there are some differences.

Hulu + Live TV offers online customer support through its help center, which includes troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and contact forms.

Many users have found that getting help via chat or email can sometimes take a while, especially during peak hours.

DIRECTV Stream provides more traditional customer support options, including phone support, live chat, and social media channels. This may be a plus if you prefer speaking to someone directly when troubleshooting or resolving an issue.

Verdict: DIRECTV Stream may offer more direct and accessible customer support compared to Hulu, but both services generally provide sufficient assistance for troubleshooting.

Pros and Cons

Hulu + Live TV – Pros

• Extensive on-demand library with access to movies, shows, and exclusive content.
• Unlimited DVR storage for up to 9 months.
• Competitive pricing for both live TV and on-demand content.
• Access to Disney+ and ESPN+ in some plans.

Hulu + Live TV – Cons

• Only 2 simultaneous streams in the base plan.
• 720p streaming quality for live TV (no 4K).
• Interface can feel cluttered due to the integration of live TV and on-demand content.

DIRECTV Stream – Pros

• More live channels, especially sports and regional networks.
• 3 simultaneous streams without additional charges for home use.
• Traditional TV interface, familiar to those who prefer cable-like experiences.

DIRECTV Stream – Cons

• Limited DVR storage in the base plan (20 hours).
• Higher pricing once you add premium channels or extras.
• Smaller on-demand library compared to Hulu.

Conclusion

Choosing between Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV Stream ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in a live TV streaming service.

If you prefer a hybrid service with a large on-demand content library, easy access to shows and movies, and flexible DVR options, Hulu + Live TV is your best bet. It’s a great choice for people who enjoy the flexibility of on-demand content and want to watch TV at their own pace.

If you’re someone who wants more live TV channels, especially for sports and regional programming, and is accustomed to the traditional cable experience, DIRECTV Stream might be a better fit. It offers more channels and premium add-ons, and its interface is ideal for users transitioning from traditional TV services.

Both services have their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider what features matter most to you and your family.

FAQs

Which service offers more channels?

DIRECTV Stream generally offers a broader range of live channels, including regional sports networks.

Can I record shows with both services?

Yes, but Hulu offers unlimited DVR storage, while DIRECTV Stream’s base plan limits DVR to 20 hours.

Which service is better for on-demand content?

Hulu + Live TV is better for on-demand content, with access to Hulu’s massive library.

Which service is cheaper?

DIRECTV Stream starts cheaper, but adding premium channels or DVR options can increase the cost quickly.

Which service is best for families?

Hulu + Live TV is great for families thanks to its wide range of on-demand content and flexible DVR options.