When you begin comparing streaming platforms to subscribe to, you may be overwhelmed with the options available. There’s Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus, just to name a few of the most popular services out there. If you’re looking for live TV or a more cable-like experience from your streaming service, two of the most popular are Hulu Live and Sling TV.
Sling TV is a recent app-based streaming platform that’s similar to cable in function. Similarly, Hulu’s Plus plan includes live TV. But how do the two platforms compare to one another? Which service should you invest your money in to get the most out of your streaming service?
Let’s take a closer look at what the two platforms offer, and then you can decide which is best for you.
To compare the two, let’s get into the details and look at things like cost, content, add-ons, and more.
If you haven’t already made a household budget, now is the time. Budgeting is a way to control your money and help you manage it throughout the month. No more surprise credit card bills or impulse buys! Part of budgeting is factoring in the cost of a streaming service. Let’s talk about how much Hulu Live and Sling TV cost.
Hulu Live
Hulu Live TV is part of the Hulu Plus package, and there are two options. The first option is Hulu Plus Live TV with ads. This plan costs a total of $64.99 a month, and you would get commercial breaks just like you would with regular cable.
The second Hulu Live TV option comes free of ads at $70.99 a month, so only $6 extra a month.
Sling TV
Sling TV has two different options as well, but these options are the same price and vary in content. Known as their Sling Blue and Sling Orange options, each is $35 a month.
Compared to the price of the average cable TV (which is a whopping $217 a month), this price is a steal. It also adds up to about half the price of Hulu Live TV, so if you’re sticking to a budget, Sling TV is definitely the more affordable price.
As far as content goes, Hulu Live has the upper hand. They have more options and more add-on features and channels as well.
Hulu Live channels
Hulu Live TV offers a wide variety of channels, plus channels you can add-on for a few bucks a month (we’ll get to those later.) The channels that Hulu offers that Sling TV does not are below.
Sling TV channels
Sling TV only offers a few channels that Hulu Live doesn’t. These include:
Sling TV has fewer local channels available, so if you want to watch your local news network like ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC, you may need to use a digital antenna or go with Hulu Live. If your content needs aren’t high, the Sling TV may fulfill your cable needs with a much lower cost. However, if you want access to more channels, Hulu Live will be your better option.
If original content is important to you, you may want to go with Hulu Live over Sling TV. Here’s a quick comparison.
Hulu Live
Hulu offers many original content options in the form of movies and TV shows. For instance, The Handmaid’s Tale, Ramy, Mrs. America, Normal People, and PEN15 to name a few. With access to actors, directors, and producers, Hulu is able to make their own content.
Sling TV
Unfortunately, Sling TV doesn’t offer any original movies or TV shows. If you’re a movie buff and are always looking for original content to get your hands on, you may want to invest in the extra cost of Hulu. However, if you just want a few channels for a cheap price, Sling TV may just be the best bet.
It’s important that whatever streaming service you choose is supported on your devices. Chances are that either platform will support your device. The main thing to consider in this topic is that Sling TV currently does not function on any gaming systems.
Both services, however, support Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, most smart TVs, Chromecast, Roku, and more.
Another factor to consider when choosing a streaming platform is what additional features are offered. Hulu Live and Sling TV offer similar add-ons, with a few key differences. Let’s take a closer look.
Hulu Live
Hulu Live TV offers Cloud DVR included with both packages. This holds 50 hours of recorded TV shows or movies. If this isn’t enough storage for you and your family, you can upgrade to record 200 hours of TV shows and movies for just $9.99. As a bonus with this upgrade, you get the ability to fast forward through commercials.
With Hulu Live TV you can only have up to two streams at the same time. You can purchase a streaming upgrade to get unlimited streams, which is perfect if you have a large family or want to share your Hulu Live profile. This upgrade is $9.99 a month.
Hulu Live also offers many additional channels you can purchase that Sling TV does not offer. Here are a few of the additional channels and how much they cost.
Sling TV
Sling TV also has a Cloud DVR included in the package. This is the same as Hulu Live’s Cloud DVR as it includes 50 hours of recorded TV shows or movies with commercial breaks. However, for half the price of Hulu, you can get 200 hours of recorded TV shows and movies with no commercial breaks, so Sling’s DVR add-on is only $5 extra per month.
Sling TV offers anywhere from 1 to 4 streams at a time. While this is a solid number of simultaneous streams, there are no upgrades available. If you do end up needing more streams than this, you’ll be maxed out at four.
While you think about whether Hulu or Sling is the best option for you, here are some tips to save money on streaming.
The bottom line when it comes to Hulu vs. Sling is the amount of content each offers and the price difference. Sling TV is almost half the price of Hulu Live, and while this is a great discount, Hulu Live offers more channels and content options. If you only want access to a few of your favorite cable channels, Sling may be right for you. However, if you want access to award winning original shows and movies or more channels, you may want to go with Hulu Live.
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