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Hulu + Live TV is a live-television replacement bundled with Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+, ESPN access, cloud DVR, and more than 100 advertised live channels. The advertised entry plan is $89.99 per month after a three-day free trial for eligible subscribers, but the price alone does not tell you whether it is a good fit. Before signing up, verify your local channels, expect commercials, check the sports and blackout rules, confirm your devices and home-network setup, and price the add-ons you actually need.
Prices, channel lineups, features, trial eligibility, supported devices, and terms can change. Treat the figures below as the current advertised information at the time of research and confirm the final details at Hulu checkout.
1. The headline price pays for a bundle—not just Hulu
The advertised ad-supported Hulu + Live TV plan costs $89.99 per month. It combines:
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- Hulu’s on-demand library with ads;
- Disney+ with ads;
- access to ESPN content through the ESPN app, with the exact included services and promotional terms subject to change;
- more than 100 advertised live channels;
- unlimited cloud DVR; and
- the ability to watch supported live and on-demand programming on compatible devices.
Hulu also advertises a Premium + Live TV option at $99.99 per month. The important distinction is that Premium makes the Hulu streaming library ad-free; it does not turn the live-TV service into commercial-free television. Live channels and much of the on-demand programming delivered through the Live TV plan can still contain ads.
The three-day trial is short, so it is better viewed as a verification period than as time to casually browse. Start it only when you can test the channels, sports access, DVR, and devices your household actually uses. Review the billing and cancellation terms shown at checkout before confirming the trial.
2. “100+ channels” does not guarantee your local lineup
Hulu advertises more than 100 live channels, while its channel guide also uses a “95+” description. That difference reflects changing lineups and presentation; neither number should be treated as a promise that every channel is available in every home.
The lineup can include national networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ESPN2, CNN, CNBC, Disney Channel, FX, Food Network, HGTV, TBS, TNT, and USA. However, local broadcast affiliates, regional channels, and some sports networks depend on your ZIP code and location. Hulu also warns that content may vary because of regional restrictions, device limitations, and blackouts.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteDo this before you subscribe: enter your ZIP code into Hulu’s channel-availability tool and check each channel that matters—not merely the headline channel count. Confirm your local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliate, then look specifically for the regional sports coverage and news channels you expect.
3. Paying for Premium does not remove most live-TV commercials
Commercial breaks are part of the standard live-TV experience. A live broadcast generally contains the same advertising breaks that viewers would encounter through a traditional television provider or antenna-delivered network feed.
Rank #2
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
The Premium + Live TV tier removes ads from the Hulu on-demand library in many cases, but Hulu separately notes that live and video-on-demand content available through the Live TV plan may still play with ads. Some Hulu-library programs may also retain short ads before or after an episode because of streaming-rights restrictions.
This makes the upgrade useful for someone who watches a lot of Hulu’s eligible on-demand shows, but it is not an ad-free-live-TV upgrade. If your main goal is watching live sports, news, or broadcast television without commercial breaks, Premium is unlikely to deliver that outcome.
4. Unlimited DVR is included, but recordings expire
Hulu + Live TV includes Unlimited DVR at no additional charge. Hulu says subscribers can record multiple shows at the same time, fast-forward through recorded content, and keep live-TV recordings for up to nine months.
That is generous compared with services that limit recording hours, particularly if your household records several series, news programs, or sporting events. But “unlimited” describes the recording capacity—not permanent ownership. The nine-month retention period matters if you plan to keep a documentary, season, or championship game indefinitely.
The DVR applies to live-TV recordings. Hulu states that on-demand shows are not eligible for unlimited DVR recording, so you cannot necessarily record an on-demand title simply to create a permanent, downloadable copy.
Think of the feature as temporary cloud storage:
- Recordings are stored online rather than on a DVR box in your home.
- You can record multiple live programs simultaneously.
- Recorded content can be fast-forwarded where the recording and programming rights allow it.
- Recordings may disappear after the retention window.
- It is not a substitute for permanent ownership or universal offline downloads.
5. Sports are a strength—but the base plan does not include every game
The base lineup includes sports networks such as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, MLB Network, NFL Network, and SEC Network, among others. Hulu also promotes additional ESPN access through the ESPN app.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
That makes Hulu + Live TV appealing to households that want a broad mixture of live sports, news, entertainment, and broadcast networks. It does not mean that every game, every local team, or every event is included. League rights, local-market rules, regional sports availability, national exclusivity, blackouts, and device restrictions can all affect what you can watch.
Hulu offers a paid Sports Add-on that includes NFL RedZone and other sports programming. The add-on may be worthwhile for a football-focused viewer, but it changes the monthly calculation and still cannot override every league or local blackout rule.
Before subscribing for sports, write down the exact events you want to watch and check them individually:
- Identify the league, team, or event.
- Check whether the required network is in your ZIP-code-specific base lineup.
- Look for a regional or local-market restriction.
- Check whether the event requires the Sports Add-on or another service.
- Confirm which app and device are needed, especially for ESPN content.
6. Device compatibility and the Live TV home network can affect usability
Hulu requires a compatible device and high-speed broadband internet. Its supported-device categories include Android phones and tablets, iPhone and iPad, Apple TV, Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire tablets, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, supported LG and Samsung televisions, Nintendo Switch, supported Roku devices, Hulu.com through Mac or PC browsers, and Xbox consoles.
“Supported” does not mean that every model supports every feature, resolution, app, or channel. Check the exact television, streaming player, game console, or browser you intend to use before starting a trial. If your television does not have a compatible Hulu app, a supported streaming device such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick may provide the access path you need; verify the specific model and current compatibility before buying.
Live TV also has more location rules than ordinary on-demand streaming. Hulu maintains a Live TV home network and may require location data for certain content. This can become inconvenient for people who regularly move between two homes, use a vacation property, rely heavily on travel viewing, or switch between home Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
Before signing up, make sure your household can maintain the required home-network arrangement. If Hulu reports that you are outside the expected location, use Hulu’s Help Center guidance for managing the Live TV home network and resolving location problems rather than assuming that changing devices will fix it.
Rank #4
- Ask to control your TV with your voice, and quickly cast your photos, videos, music and more from your phone, tablet, or PC to your TV with Chromecast built in
- Built-in Virtual Assistant – just press the mic button on the remote to get what you want
- Built-in content and entertainment including YouTube, Play Movies & TV, and more
- Support for thousands of Apps on the Play Store
- 2K resolution TV streaming
7. Add-ons and extra screens can make the real price much higher
The advertised base price is only the starting point. Hulu lists optional additions including HBO Max, Cinemax, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Entertainment, Español, Sports, and Unlimited Screens.
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| Add-on | Advertised example price |
|---|---|
| HBO Max | $10.99 per month |
| Cinemax | $9.99 per month |
| Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | $13.99 per month |
| STARZ | $11.99 per month |
| Entertainment | $7.99 per month |
| Sports | $9.99 per month |
These are examples, not guaranteed current prices. Hulu says prices and offerings can change, so check the plan page and checkout screen before subscribing.
Unlimited Screens increases the number of simultaneous streams at home and provides three mobile or on-the-go streams, although premium-network restrictions can still apply. It is useful for a busy household, but it is not a blanket removal of every device, location, or content restriction.
For example, a household starting with the $89.99 base plan and adding the advertised Sports Add-on would be looking at $99.98 per month before taxes. Add a premium network or screen upgrade and the total rises again. This is an illustration of how to budget—not a universal Hulu bill.
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What to check during the three-day trial
- Local channels: Confirm the exact ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates available at your address.
- Sports: Test a game or event you actually follow, including any team-specific or regional coverage.
- Commercial expectations: Watch both a live channel and an on-demand Hulu program so you understand which advertising experience applies.
- DVR: Record more than one live program, play a recording, test fast-forwarding where appropriate, and note the nine-month retention limit.
- Devices: Test the television, streaming stick, console, phone, or browser used by each important viewer.
- Location: Make sure the Live TV home network and location permissions work in the household’s normal setup.
- Total cost: Add only the premium networks, sports package, language channels, and screen capacity you truly need.
Who Hulu + Live TV is likely to suit
- Households that want live news, broadcast networks, sports, and Hulu’s on-demand library in one subscription.
- Viewers who value cloud DVR and want to record multiple live programs without paying separately for DVR capacity.
- Disney and ESPN households that are comfortable using separate apps for some bundled content.
- Cord-cutters with compatible streaming hardware and reliable high-speed broadband.
Who may want to skip it
- Viewers who require every local channel or every regional sports event without blackouts.
- Households seeking completely commercial-free live television.
- People who regularly use multiple residences or expect unrestricted Live TV access while traveling.
- Viewers who want permanent DVR ownership or offline access to all recorded live programming.
- Budget-conscious subscribers who need several premium add-ons, sports packages, or extra screens.
The short pre-signup decision
Hulu + Live TV is strongest when you want a broad live-channel package, cloud DVR, Hulu on demand, Disney+, and ESPN access in one bill—and your ZIP code, devices, internet connection, and home-network arrangement all cooperate. It is a weaker choice if you need guaranteed local or regional sports coverage, commercial-free live television, permanent recordings, or a low final price after multiple add-ons.
Best Value
- Our fastest-ever streaming media player - Brings lightning-fast app starts with an octa-core processor and is 2X as powerful as Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Hands-free Alexa with built-in mic and speakers - Control your compatible TV, soundbar, and receivers with your voice, even from across the room.
- Seamlessly navigate between your entertainment - Connect compatible devices and easily go from streaming to your cable box, game console, or webcam.
Check the ZIP-code lineup first, calculate the package you would actually use, and spend the short trial testing real channels rather than merely browsing the catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hulu + Live TV cost?
The advertised Hulu + Live TV entry plan is $89.99 per month, with a three-day free trial for eligible subscribers. Prices, eligibility, content, and terms can change, so confirm the amount at checkout.
Does Hulu + Live TV have commercials?
No. Hulu Premium can remove ads from the eligible Hulu on-demand library, but live channels and some Live TV on-demand programming still contain commercials. Some Hulu programs may also retain short ads because of streaming rights.
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How long do Hulu + Live TV DVR recordings last?
Hulu includes Unlimited DVR at no extra charge. You can record multiple live programs, but recordings are retained for up to nine months and are not permanent downloads. On-demand shows are not eligible for unlimited DVR recording.
Does Hulu + Live TV include my local channels and sports?
The exact lineup depends on your ZIP code and may be affected by regional restrictions and blackouts. Check Hulu’s channel-availability tool for your address before subscribing, especially if local stations or regional sports are important.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Hulu + Live TV can replace much of a traditional television package, but the $89.99 advertised starting price is not the whole decision. Verify your local lineup and sports coverage, budget for live commercials and add-ons, confirm your devices and home network, and remember that unlimited DVR recordings last up to nine months rather than forever.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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