If you are looking for a live TV streaming service, you might ask yourself which one is better – DirecTV Stream or Hulu Live. The two services offer live TV channels, on-demand viewing, and extra premium options but also differ in pricing, features, and channel selection.
DirecTV Stream is an internet-based television version of the satellite variant that offers four plans at different prices and channel counts.
Meanwhile, Hulu Live combines the regular on-demand library with live TV channels under one plan covering Disney+ and ESPN+, among others.
As such, both services have advantages and disadvantages based on what makes up your ideal live TV streaming service. With that in mind, let’s delve into each service more keenly to see how they weigh up against each other.
Quick Comparison Table: DirecTV Stream vs Hulu Live
| Feature | DirecTV Stream | Hulu Live TV |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud DVR storage | Unlimited | 50 hours |
| Simultaneous streams | 20 | 2 |
| On-demand content | 80,000+ titles | 10,000+ titles |
| Local channels | Available | Available |
| Premium channels | HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax | HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax |
| Sports channels | ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, NBCSN, NFL Network | ESPN+, ESPN2, FS1, NBCSN, NFL Network |
| News channels | CNN, Fox News, MSNBC | CNN, Fox News, MSNBC |
| Parental controls | Available | Available |
| Compatible devices | Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox One | Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Xbox One |
Mаrkеt Dominаncе: Who Tops the Streaming Competition
DirecTV Stream has a variety of premium channels such as Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. There are over 150 channels in its PREMIER package, which is an extensive list by any standards. You can record as much live TV as possible because DirecTV Stream has unlimited DVR storage. The only downside is that DirecTV Stream has no kid’s profiles.
However, Hulu Live has a cheaper skinny bundle alternative. It offers over 85 live TV channels, including local ones and premium channels such as Max, SHOWTIME, and STARZ. You can record your favorite shows and movies as Hulu Live offers unlimited DVR storage. Besides, for families, it also provides kids’ profiles, another advantage masquerading as a feature for them.
Pricing Comparison: Which Offers Better Value
| Feature | DirecTV Stream | Hulu Live |
|---|---|---|
| Base Package Starting Price | $69.99 per month for 24 months | $69.99 per month |
| Free Trial | 5 days | No |
| Number of Live TV Channels | 150+ | 85+ |
| Premium Channels | Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and MGM+ | Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax |
| Local Channels | Yes1 | Yes1 |
| On-demand Titles | 90,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Simultaneous Device Streams | Unlimited (on the home network) or 3 (on the go) | 2 or unlimited (add-on) |
| User Profiles | No | Up to 6 |
| Kids Profiles | No | Yes |
| Cloud DVR Storage | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Device Compatibility: DirecTV Stream vs Hulu Live
| Device | DirecTV stream | Hulu live |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fire TV | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple TV | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Chromecast | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roku | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android TV | ✓ | ✓ |
| iPhone/iPad | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android/Tablet | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mac | ✓ | ✓ |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| LG Smart TV | ✓ | ✓ |
| Samsung Smart TV | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sony Smart TV | ✓ | ✓ |
| VIZIO Smart TV | ✓ | ✓ |
| PlayStation 4 & 5 | ✗ | ✓ |
| Xbox | ✗ | ✓ |
| Nintendo | ✗ | ✓ |
Ease of Use: Which Platform is More Intuitive
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream has an effective, easy-to-use interface that is simple and intuitive. A great streaming experience is assured when the service runs with less buffering and high-quality video. However, some users have experienced problems with the app’s stability since it crashes a lot.
Hulu Live
The user interface of Hulu Live is an easy-to-use modern website that allows for easy navigation. Regarding the streaming experience, buffering is minimized while maintaining high-quality video. However, there are a few cases where users have complained about the behavior of its search function and live buffering occasionally.
Customization Difference Between DirecTV Stream & Hulu Live
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream gives a highly customized experience. This allows the user to have several profiles that are made recommendations and watchlists by themselves. In a word, every member of the family has an individualized watching adventure.
Hulu Live
In terms of algorithmic personalization, Hulu Live stands out from the rest. It uses your watch history and ratings to suggest what you want to see next. As you watch more, Hulu improves at suggesting shows and films you will enjoy.
Who Should Be the Best?
Both these platforms have good personalization features. However, DirecTV Stream has an advantage because of its user profiles, while Hulu Live has intelligent recommendations. Thus, the choice of one over the other will be determined by how much emphasis one places on personalization.
Key Offering: What Sets Each Service Apart
DirecTV Stream
- Seamless Multi-device Streaming: You can stream the service across devices using the same content and user preferences.
- Advanced Personalized Recommendations: Tailored content suggestions based on individual viewing habits and preferences.
- Innovative Cloud DVR Functionality: Record and access your favorite shows anytime, anywhere, without a sweat.
- Exclusive Sports and Premium Content Access: Enjoy live streaming of sports events only on this platform.
- Intuitive Voice-activated Emote Control: Move around channels and content hands-free.
- Enhanced 4K HDR Streaming Quality: Watch high-definition images with realistic light effects
Hulu Live
- Extensive Live TV Channel Selection: Get entertained by various live channels from the platform.
- Unlimited Streaming on Multiple Devices Simultaneously: Seamlessly watch content concurrently on different devices.
- Enhanced Cloud DVR Storage and Playback Options: New record storage and retrieval options for your preferred series of movies.
- Intelligent Content Recommendations with Personalized Profiles: Have suggestions from watching habits or personalities on Hulu.
- Original Content Library Exclusively for Hulu Originals Access: Enjoy a vast array of exclusive Hulu Originals.
Streaming Quаlity: Smooth Sаiling or Buffеring Bluеѕ
Users who value variety and recording compliance would find DirecTV Stream a great option, thanks to its robust channel lineup and excellent DVR capabilities. Nevertheless, the user interface can be intricate, affecting the overall streaming experience.
Hulu Live’s user-friendly interface and access to Hulu’s vast on-demand library characterize its simplicity. However, this may not have as broad a range of channels or a fully-fledged DVR as DirecTV Stream. Choosing between these two will depend on someone’s personal preferences.
Pros and Cons
DirecTV Stream
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide channel selection, including premium options | Potentially higher monthly subscription costs |
| On-the-go streaming with a mobile app | Limited availability in certain regions |
| DVR functionality for recording favorite shows | Equipment installation may be required |
| No annual contract requirement | Some users report occasional streaming issues |
| Integration with popular streaming platforms |
Hulu Live
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive on-demand content library | Limited offline viewing options |
| Live TV with sports and news | Ad-supported subscription tier interruptions |
| Original content and exclusive series | Higher cost compared to basic plans |
| Multiple device streaming | Limited availability outside the United States |
| Personalized profiles for family members |
Battle For Quality: Whose Library Shines Brighter
DirecTV stream
DirecTV Stream is the best option for exclusive sports content, providing a wide range of channels. Some other features are ideal for sports fans who dislike missing a thing. However, compared to other streaming services, it may be slightly more expensive.
Hulu live
On the other hand, Hulu Live is very good at providing a vast library of on-demand content with original series and movies. It also makes it a great pick for binge-watchers or movie lovers who enjoy variety in their content.
Which one is Better?
However, if you are looking for more value without breaking the bank, then Hulu Live’s channel list and extensive on-demand library will cost you much less.
Comparing Movie and TV Show Offerings Across Services
DirecTV Stream offers 34 of the top 35 cable channels from its basic package. Moreover, it has more than 90,000 on-demand titles. The service also features NFL Sunday Ticket.
Hulu Live boasts over 90 live TV channels and a catalog of over 10k on-demand titles. It consists of services such as Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, though only a few channels such as DirecTV Stream. Rather, it’s cheaper specifically for families.
Which Service Offers Original Content
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers a blend of live TV, on-demand content, and premium channels. Nonetheless, there are no shows that it creates first. Its strong point is its wide range of sports and local channels.
Hulu Live
Hulu Live provides live TV as well as on-demand content. On top of this, Hulu Live has an extensive library of original content, including “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Castle Rock”.
Original content
As far as the original content is concerned, Hulu Live wins hands down. Creating unique, high-quality programs gives it an edge over DirecTV Stream.
Comparing the Movie and TV Show Libraries of Different Services
- Tubi TV: The platform has a wide library of free films and series with ads. Also, it is full of great content that does not require a subscription and has a simple user interface.
- Vudu: Besides high-quality streaming, the streaming service has one of the most extensive rental/purchase libraries for online movies. It includes both current and classic titles to attract a wide audience.
- Peacock TV: On-demand content combined with live TV and originals differentiates Peacock TV (by NBCUniversal) from its rivals. The platform also incorporates sports events alongside films, television series, and other programs.
- Sony Crackle: This free streaming service offers movies and television series with ads. It has an okay variety of genres, which makes it accessible to those looking forward to entertainment.
- Flixtor: It distinguishes itself by using a friendly user interface for its large catalog of movie titles and television shows that can be streamed. For those who love uninterrupted watching, it offers a no-advertisement option too.
Conclusion
DirecTV Stream and Hulu Live both have their own merits. Regarding sports fans, DirecTV Stream has an edge over Hulu because it boasts an extensive range of channels. Meanwhile, if we talk about original and on-demand content, Hulu Live is a convenient option.
Ultimately, these two decisions depend on individual watching tastes and requirements. The best thing is to consider the channel lineup, pricing, and extra features before deciding what to use.
FAQs
Yes, both offer 4K streaming, meaning you can watch your favorite shows or movies with crystal-clear pictures on any of the two.
Hulu Live is your go-to streaming platform if you are a fan of international shows. It has many global films, series, and soap operas for people who like such things.
Canceling subscriptions to DirecTV Stream and Hulu Live is very simple. Sign in to your account and follow the straightforward cancellation instructions.
Definitely! You can rent recent blockbuster movies or even get hold of the latest episodes from popular TV shows at an extra charge through DirecTV Stream and Hulu Live, which offers flexible entertainment opportunities.
Yes, parental control features are available from DirecTV Stream and Hulu Live. It would be interesting for parents to know that they can set some restrictions to prevent their kids from viewing inappropriate content on either platform.
Yes, both DirecTV Stream and Hulu Live allow using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). However, some geo-restrictions may be in place for specific content.
