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Hulu + Live TV starts at $89.99 per month for the ad-supported plan, or $99.99 per month for a plan with ad-free Hulu and Disney+ on-demand libraries. Both include 100+ live channels, Disney+, ESPN Select, and unlimited DVR. The key caveat: local channels and some sports depend on your ZIP code and viewing rights, and live television still has ads on either plan. Check Hulu’s channel availability for your area before subscribing.
What Hulu + Live TV includes
Hulu + Live TV is a live-TV streaming subscription, not just Hulu’s on-demand library with a few channels added. Hulu describes the package as including its streaming library, more than 100 live channels, Disney+, ESPN Select, access to additional ESPN Unlimited content through the ESPN app, and unlimited cloud DVR. Optional add-ons provide extra networks and features. The included services can be watched in separate apps, so a Hulu subscription does not mean every Disney+ or ESPN program appears in Hulu’s interface. See Hulu’s current plan details and its ESPN access explanation for the precise entitlements.
Plans and prices
Hulu’s advertised prices checked around August 16–18, 2026 are below. They are current offers, not guarantees of future pricing; review the checkout total and terms before starting.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| Plan | Advertised price | Hulu and Disney+ libraries | Live TV and ESPN | DVR and screens | Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN Select | $89.99/month | Ads in both on-demand libraries | Live TV, ESPN Select, and additional ESPN Unlimited content through the ESPN app, subject to plan terms | Unlimited DVR; two simultaneous screens by default | Three-day free trial for eligible new or returning subscribers |
| Hulu Premium + Live TV, Disney+ Premium, and ESPN Select | $99.99/month | Ad-free Hulu and Disney+ on-demand libraries, with limited rights-related exceptions on some Hulu titles | Live TV, ESPN Select, and additional ESPN Unlimited content through the ESPN app, subject to plan terms | Unlimited DVR; two simultaneous screens by default | No free trial stated for this plan |
The $10 difference buys ad-free viewing in the Hulu and Disney+ streaming libraries; it does not remove commercials from live channels or most live-TV-related programming. Hulu says some Hulu titles can still have a short ad break before or after an episode because of streaming rights. The ad-supported offer is charged after its trial, if applicable, unless canceled; eligibility and promotions can vary. Details are on Hulu’s Live TV page.
#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.
Which channels are included?
Hulu advertises 100+ channels, but the national headline is not a guarantee that every subscriber gets the same lineup. The examples below indicate the breadth of the service, not a universal market-by-market promise.
Broadcast and local channels
Available markets may include ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, The CW, Telemundo, Univision, and UniMás, as well as selected local news or independent stations. Which affiliate appears depends on location and availability.
News
Examples Hulu lists include CNN, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC/MS NOW, Fox Business, HLN, NewsNation, Newsmax, Bloomberg, The Weather Channel, FOX Weather, C-SPAN channels, ABC News Live, CBS News Live, and NBC News Now.
Recommended Free Tools
Sports
Examples include ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, NFL Network, MLB Network, Golf Channel, FanDuel TV, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Regional sports networks are available only in selected markets.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Entertainment and family
Hulu’s displayed lineup includes networks such as A&E, Adult Swim, Animal Planet, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, Discovery, Disney Channel, Disney XD, E!, Food Network, Freeform, FX, FXX, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, History, Investigation Discovery, Lifetime, MTV, National Geographic, Nickelodeon, OWN, Paramount Network, Syfy, TLC, TCM, USA, and VH1.
Spanish-language channels
Hulu identifies channels including CNN en Español, Discovery en Español, Discovery Familia, ESPN Deportes, History Channel en Español, and Universo through its Español offering. Its add-on lineup can also include N+ Foro, Tlnovelas, Bandamax, De Película, De Película Clásico, Telehit, and Telehit Música. Check the current plan interface and Hulu’s Español help page for availability and add-on details.
Check local channels before subscribing
Enter your home ZIP code in Hulu’s channel-availability tool and confirm the exact station and sports networks you care about. Local affiliates are not universal; carriage disputes, rights changes, regional restrictions, and blackouts can also affect access. For mobile Live TV viewing, Hulu may require location data. A channel’s presence on a national list does not establish that it is available in your market.
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Sports coverage: networks are not a guarantee of every game
The core plan carries many networks that show professional and college sports, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, FS1, NFL Network, BTN, ACC Network, SEC Network, CBS Sports Network, TBS, TNT, and truTV where available. Hulu promotes programming associated with the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA sports, English Premier League, college football, golf, motorsports, horse racing, and other events. What you can watch depends on the event’s rights and schedule, your local affiliates, and blackout rules. Hulu’s Live Sports help information explains restrictions.
Rank #3
- 4K 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
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design 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.
NFL and college football
Hulu says subscribers can watch NFL and college-football programming on CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, NFL Network, BTN, ACC Network, and SEC Network, subject to local availability, regional restrictions, and blackouts. That is network access, not a promise that every game is carried for every location. Before subscribing for a particular team, check its official schedule and network listing against Hulu’s local lineup.
Regional and out-of-market events
A game can be unavailable because it is blacked out, assigned to a network outside the plan, restricted to a local market, or offered only through a separate league or event service. For a specific event—including a major tournament—verify the current rights and schedule rather than relying on a general sports-channel list. Hulu’s event and availability help is a starting point.
How the Disney+ and ESPN access works
Both Live TV plans bundle Disney+ and ESPN Select, with additional ESPN Unlimited content available through the ESPN app as Hulu describes it. Expect to use the Hulu app for Hulu streaming and Live TV, the Disney+ app for Disney+ titles, and the ESPN app for ESPN content. Bundled access is not necessarily identical to separate standalone subscriptions, and ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited are distinct labels. Check the current plan terms and what the ESPN app shows for your account before assuming a particular event or title is included.
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Hulu also advertises less expensive packages that do not include the Live TV channel lineup. Prices below are those displayed on Hulu’s bundle page around August 16–18, 2026; offers can change.
Rank #4
- 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
| Package | Advertised price | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+, Hulu Bundle | Starting at $12.99/month, both with ads | On-demand Disney+ and Hulu viewing; no Live TV channel package |
| Disney+, Hulu, ESPN Unlimited Bundle | $35.99/month, all with ads | On-demand services and ESPN access; not a substitute for local broadcast or cable channels in Live TV |
| Hulu + Live TV | Starting at $89.99/month | Hulu and bundled services plus live broadcast and cable channels, with market and rights limitations |
Choose a regular Disney+/Hulu bundle if you mainly want on-demand entertainment. Pay for Live TV when you also need broadcast channels, cable networks, local news, or sports carried by those networks. See Hulu’s bundle offers for current terms. If you already subscribe separately to Disney+ or ESPN, review who bills those accounts and how they are linked before starting another plan; account-specific migration and eligibility details should be confirmed at signup.
DVR, simultaneous streams, and devices
Unlimited DVR
Hulu includes unlimited DVR storage for Live TV recordings, which it says can be kept for up to nine months. You can record multiple programs at once and fast-forward through recorded content on supported devices. DVR is not a way to record Hulu’s on-demand catalog: an on-demand episode is not the same as a recording of its live broadcast, and ad-skipping rules for on-demand programming can differ.
How many screens can watch at once?
The standard Live TV plan allows two simultaneous screens. Hulu’s Unlimited Screens option allows unlimited screens at home and up to three screens away from home. Premium-network restrictions may still apply, and the option does not erase household-location or mobile-location rules. Hulu’s public Live TV page describes the feature but did not state a clear current price in the information checked here; confirm it in checkout.
Supported devices and connection
Hulu lists access through Mac and PC browsers at Hulu.com, iPhone and iPad, Android phones and tablets, Apple TV (fourth generation or later), Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Fire Tablets, select LG, Roku, Samsung, and Vizio devices, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and Android TV. Device support varies by model. You also need a high-speed internet connection, a supported U.S. location, and a valid payment method; certain mobile Live TV content requires location data. Check Hulu’s current device and service terms before relying on a particular device.
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Add-ons and what they do to the bill
Hulu’s Live TV page displayed the following premium-network prices around August 16–18, 2026. Verify current pricing and availability in checkout.
| Add-on | Displayed monthly price |
|---|---|
| Max | +$10.99 |
| Cinemax | +$9.99 |
| Paramount+ with SHOWTIME | +$13.99 |
| STARZ | +$11.99 |
| Sports Add-on | +$9.99 displayed; confirm in checkout |
| Unlimited Screens | Not stated on the public page checked; confirm in checkout |
The Sports Add-on is described as including NFL RedZone, RACER Network, FanDuel Racing, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, and additional sports programming. Hulu also offers Entertainment and Español add-ons. The Entertainment selection can include American Heroes Channel, BET Her, Boomerang, Cooking Channel, Crime + Investigation, Destination America, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, Hallmark Family, Military History Channel, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nicktoons, Science, and TeenNick. Spanish-language examples are listed in the channel section above.
These examples show how add-ons change the advertised monthly subtotal, before taxes or other charges; they are calculations using the prices displayed by Hulu around August 16–18, 2026, not guaranteed future prices.
| Configuration | Illustrative monthly subtotal |
|---|---|
| Ad-supported Live TV base plan | $89.99 |
| Premium Live TV plan | $99.99 |
| Ad-supported base + Max | $100.98 |
| Ad-supported base + Sports Add-on | $99.98 |
| Ad-supported base + Max + Sports Add-on | $110.97 |
Hulu’s Paramount+ with SHOWTIME and Max help pages explain those add-on arrangements. Review the checkout summary for the total and when an add-on starts billing.
How to sign up, change plans, or cancel
- Open Hulu’s Live TV signup page and check local channels for your home ZIP code before choosing a plan.
- Select the ad-supported or Premium Live TV plan, then create or sign in to a Hulu account.
- Enter payment details and review the trial, next billing date, any promotional expiration date, and the recurring price.
- Confirm the included Disney+ and ESPN access; add optional networks or features only after checking their price and terms.
- Install the Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN apps as needed, then sign in on supported devices.
- To change or cancel, use Hulu account settings and inspect the confirmation for the effective date. Hulu says a switch from Live TV to a regular Hulu plan takes effect at the next billing cycle; verify the treatment of add-ons and any paid period in your account.
Who should choose Hulu + Live TV?
It makes sense if you
- Want Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, and a live channel guide in one broader subscription.
- Watch sports or news carried by the included networks and have verified the local channels you need.
- Value included Live TV DVR and need no more than two standard simultaneous streams.
- Prefer a streaming service to a cable box and have reliable, uncapped or suitably sized internet service.
Look at another option if you
- Mostly watch on-demand titles; a lower-cost Disney+/Hulu bundle may be enough.
- Need a specific regional sports network or out-of-market game that Hulu does not provide in your area.
- Expect a completely ad-free live-TV experience or need more simultaneous streams without an extra charge.
- Would pay for several add-ons that make the final monthly bill materially higher than the advertised base price.
Comparing Hulu with other live-TV services
There is no useful nationwide winner without knowing your ZIP code, must-have channels, sports teams, household stream count, and interest in Disney+ or ESPN. Hulu’s Live TV page lists alternatives including YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV STREAM, and Sling TV. Compare each service’s current local affiliates, regional sports networks, DVR rules, simultaneous streams, add-on costs, and whether the Disney+/ESPN access matters to you. Verify current prices and regional availability directly with each provider; no current competitor prices are stated here.
Quick Recap
Common problems and checks
- A local station is missing: Recheck Hulu’s ZIP-code lineup; the station may not be offered in your market or may be affected by a dispute or rights restriction.
- A game is unavailable: Check the event’s official network assignment, local-market rights, blackouts, and whether the network is included for your location.
- You still see ads on the Premium plan: Premium removes ordinary ads from Hulu and Disney+ on-demand libraries, not commercial breaks on live channels.
- You cannot fast-forward: Confirm that you are watching a Live TV DVR recording rather than an on-demand title.
- Mobile viewing reports a location issue: Check device location permissions and Hulu’s home-location requirements.
- Too many screens are in use: The base plan is limited to two simultaneous screens; check the Unlimited Screens terms and its away-from-home limit.
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.
