When choosing a Live TV streaming service, there are a lot of factors to keep track of. Beyond pricing and channel availability, you also need to think about picture quality, ease of use and on-demand content. And that’s just the start. With so many aspects to consider, making the best decision can be challenging.
This article comparing DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV will help you confidently choose the best TV streaming service for your needs.
Let’s get started.
DIRECTV vs. Hulu + Live TV Comparison
Keep reading to see how DIRECTV packages matchup against Hulu + Live TV plans across a variety of categories. Or skip around to the factors that are most important to you!
- Ways to Connect
- Package Options & Pricing
- Channel Availability
- Premium Channels & Add Ons
- Entertainment Experience
Ways to Connect
First and foremost, you want a live TV provider that lets you connect the way you want. But what does that really mean? When signing up with DIRECTV, you have a choice of whether you want to get service via satellite or via internet.
Depending on your home’s location, access to quality internet and a variety of other factors, one option may be better than the other. For a streaming service like Hulu, however, the only way to get access is through your existing internet connection.
Related Resource: How to Watch DIRECTV
This article will focus on DIRECTV plans and packages associated with DIRECTV via internet contracts. For more information on DIRECTV with a satellite, check out the related resource above.
Package Options & Pricing
Once you know how you want to connect, another of the key factors to consider is the package options and pricing. See how DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV compare below.
DIRECTV has four base packages to choose from (ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE™, ULTIMATE and PREMIER) with several different ways to customize your experience, plus one Spanish-language plan. Hulu + Live TV, on the other hand, has fewer options, with two base plans and no Spanish-specific package.
Here we will compare the two most popular DIRECTV tiers against Hulu + Live TV.
| Package | DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT | DIRECTV CHOICE™ | Hulu + Live TV Base Plan |
| Price |
$49.99/mo.* +taxes & fees for 1st month. Includes ESPN Unlimited Disney+, Hulu Bundle (w/ req’d fees: $59.99/mo. for 1st mo.; $84.99/mo. for months 2-24): Prices reflect $35 off for 1st mo.; $5 off for mos. 2-24. Cancel anytime. |
$59.99/mo.* +taxes & fees for 1st month. Includes ESPN Unlimited Disney+, Hulu Bundle (w/ req’d fees: up to $89.98 for 1st mo.; $114.98 for months 2-24). Prices reflect $35 off for 1st mo.; $10 off for mos. 2-24. Cancel anytime.
|
$82.99/mo. |
|
Intro Offer |
3-months include: HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, Cinemax 4- months included of Spotify Premium ad-free** |
3-months include: HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, Cinemax 4- months included of Spotify Premium ad-free** |
3-day free trial Includes: Hulu w/ ads, Disney+ w/ ads, ESPN Select w/ ads |
|
Package Specs |
90+ channels Local channels included, where available Unlimited Cloud DVR recording |
125+ channels Local channels included, where available Regional & Specialty sports networks Unlimited Cloud DVR recording |
95+ channels Local channels Specialty sports networks Unlimited cloud DVR |
*Pricing as of Oct 2025; offers subject to change at any time
*New approved residential customers only. Service renews monthly unless you cancel. Cancel anytime by calling 844-600-1442 or online. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Device subject to Equipment Lease agmt. Add’l fee(s) apply if equip. Not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply.
**Must select offers. HBO, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+ and Cinemax are included for first 3 months and auto-renew monthly thereafter at then-prevailing rates (currently $16.99/mo. for HBO Max, $12.99/mo. for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, $10.99/mo. for STARZ and Cinemax , and $7.99/mo. for MGM+), unless cancelled. See [insert location] for details.
***Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription includes access to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME streaming plan, available via the Paramount+ app or paramountplus.com/link. Online account registration may be required.
For more information into all five DIRECTV packages, check this out!
While Hulu doesn’t have a full-fledged Spanish-language package, they do have a Spanish-language add-on, of which DIRECTV has two for internet-connected customers. Here’s a look at them side by side.
| DIRECTV ÓPTIMO MÁS™ | DIRECTV DEPORTES Included in plan |
DIRECTV EN ESPAÑOL Included in plan
|
Español Hulu | |
|
Type |
Base package |
Add-on |
Add-on |
Add-on |
|
Cost |
$69.99/mo. for 24 months + taxes & fees ($79.99/mo. w/optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime |
$4.99/mo. + tax |
$15.00/mo. + tax |
$4.99/mo. |
|
Number of Channels |
Up to 80+ Spanish channels; 125+ English channels |
5 |
60+ |
9 |
|
Package Highlights |
Local channels included, where available ESPN Unlimited Sports Channels: FS1, FS2, ESPN, FOX Deportes, ESPN Deportes, etc. Entertainment Channels: A&E, Food Network, Discovery, E!, History en Espanol, etc. News Channels: CNN/CNN International, Telemundo, Univision, etc. |
ESPN Deportes |
Everything included in DEPORTES, MÉXICO PLUS, AMÉRICAS PLUS & more! |
CNN en Español |
Genre Packs™
And now, DIRECTV has even more options for customers to personalize their entertainment experience with the all-new Genre Packs.
These curated packages provide customers with the channels they want, without having to pay for all the extra ones they don’t want. Currently, the following Genre Packs are available to purchase:
MySports™: 20+ sports-specific channels (plus ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost) for just $69.99/mo. $59.99/mo. + tax for first 2 months*, cancel anytime.
MyEntertainment™: 60+ entertainment-specific channels (plus Disney+, Hulu Bundle, and HBO MaxBasic With Ads for no additional cost) for just $34.99/mo. $29.99/mo. + tax for first 2 months*, cancel anytime.
MyNews™: 10+ news-specific channels (including locals where available) for just $39.99/mo. + tax, cancel anytime
MiEspañol™: 60+ Spanish-language channels (plus ViX Premium with Ads for no additional cost) for just $34.99/mo. $29.99/mo. + tax for first 2 months*, cancel anytime.
MyKids™ 10+ Family favorite channels, including Disney+, for just $19.99/mo. + tax, cancel anytime.
*Includes free trial, followed by 2-mo. promo; thereafter service auto-renews monthly at then-prevailing rates until you cancel.
Wondering how Hulu + Live TV stacks up against DIRECTV’s new Genre Packs? It’s easy, it doesn’t! After all, Genre Packs give customers more of the channels they want, and less of the ones they don’t want, whereas Hulu + Live TV only has two base packages, with the least expensive having 95+ channels (whether you want them or not) and Hulu (with ads) for $82.99/month.
And considering MyEntertainment provides you access to Disney+, Hulu Bundle, and HBO Max Basic With Ads for no extra cost, choosing DIRECTV is a no brainer.
MyFree DIRECTV
But that’s not all! DIRECTV also has a wide array of free ad-supported TV channels (FAST) available to anyone, anytime with MyFree DIRECTV!
All you need to do is sign up with your email (no credit card required) and get immediate access to 90+ channels and On Demand content. That’s true for anyone, whether you have an additional paid DIRECTV subscription or not. Generally, you can’t even start a Hulu + Live TV free trial without providing a valid payment method!
Channel Availability
In the Packages & Pricing section we went over the number of channels available and the monthly costs for both DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV. But it’s also important to look at the individual channels to ensure the streaming service you choose has the channels you’re interested in.
Get an overview of both providers’ channel availability here.
| Package | ENTERTAINMENT | CHOICE™ | HULU + LIVE TV Base Plan |
|
Number of Channels |
90+ |
125+ |
95+ |
|
Popular Channels |
ESPN ESPN Unlimited Disney+, Hulu Bundle |
Featured ENTERTAINMENT Channels + MLB NETWORK ESPN Unlimited Disney+ Hulu Bundle |
ESPN Unlimited |
|
Local Channels |
Yes, where available (including PBS) |
Yes, where available (including PBS) |
Yes, where available |
|
Local Regional Sports Networks |
No |
Yes* *Not all RSNs avail in all areas. Limited by zip code |
Limited availability (7) |
|
Regional Sports Networks |
Yes, 30+ channels w/ Sports Pack for $14.99/mo. + taxes & fees |
Yes, 30+ channels w/ Sports Pack for $14.99/mo. + taxes & fees |
Limited Availability |
There are a few key channels Hulu + Live TV doesn’t have that are available on DIRECTV. So, if you’re looking to watch any of these, DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT or CHOICE™ TV packages will be your best bet. These are:
- AccuWeather
- AMC
- AXS TV
- BBC America
- BBC World News*
- CLEO TV
- CNBC World*
- Cooking Channel*
- Fuse*
- Great American Family*
- IFC
- MLB Network*
- NBA TV*
- NHL Network
- Sundance TV
- Tastemade
- Tennis Channel
- WE TV
- Newsmax
*Requires the CHOICE™ Package
For a full list of DIRECTV channels, check out the Channel Lineup!
Regional Sports Networks Comparison
As mentioned above, DIRECTV provides customers 30+ in market regional sports networks (RSNs), while Hulu + Live TV only has a handful. The table below compares regional networks:
| DIRECTV RSNs
Included with Signature PREMIER TV plan, & all Signature TV plans w/ DIRECTV Sports Pack Add-on |
Hulu + Live TV RSNs |
|
FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati |
|
|
FanDuel Sports Network Indiana |
|
|
FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma |
|
|
FanDuel Sports Network SoCal |
|
|
FanDuel Sports Network Southeast |
|
|
Madison Square Garden Network |
|
|
MSG Sportsnet |
|
|
NBC Sports Bay Area Plus |
|
|
NBC Sports Boston |
|
|
NBC Sports California |
|
|
NBC Sports Washington |
|
|
Space City Home Network |
|
|
SportsNet New York |
|
|
SportsNet Pittsburgh |
|
|
YES Network |
Premium Channels & Add-Ons
Depending on your needs, there are countless premium channels for entertainment and sports you may be interested in. Let’s look at how premium channels compare between DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV.
Entertainment Add-Ons
When it comes to specialty channels, there are some live TV providers that are better than others. Check out Hulu + Live TV’s Entertainment Add-ons here:
These are networks that customers can add to their base TV package for an extra cost.
| Channel | DIRECTV | HULU + LIVE TV |
|
$8.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
|
$6.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
|
includes access to Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited |
$7.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill |
Not available |
| $12.99/mo.+ tax | Not Available | |
|
$5.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
|
$10.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
|
Cinemax |
3 months included then $10.99/mo. |
7-day free trial then $9.99/mo. |
|
$4.99/mo. |
Not available |
|
|
includes HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel |
$5.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill |
Not available |
|
Included in your TV plan |
||
|
1 month included then $4.99/mo. |
Not available |
|
|
Included in your streaming TV plan |
Included |
|
|
FOX Nation |
$8.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
$5.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
|
$7.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
|
$4.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
|
HBO Max |
3 months included then $16.99/mo. |
$16.99/mo. |
|
MGM+ |
3 months included then $7.99/mo. |
Not available |
|
Includes: Crime+Investigation; Hallmark Mystery; Hallmark Family, HDNet Movies; INSP HD; MTV Live; ShortsTV; Smithsonian Channel; Sony Movies |
$9.99/mo. +tax |
Not available |
|
PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME |
3 months included then $12.99/mo. |
7-day free trial then $12.99/mo. |
|
Peacock Premium* |
$10.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
STARZ |
3 months included $10.99/mo. |
7-day free trial then $9.99/mo. |
|
UP Faith & Family |
$5.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
*May only be accessed on internet-connected HD DVR/Gemini and the DIRECTV app. Subscription not valid for streaming using the provider app or website.
While Hulu + Live TV has far fewer premium add-ons compared to DIRECTV, the platform does have an Entertainment Add-on that provides customers with some additional channels, for an extra $7.99/mo., which includes the following channels:
- American Heroes Channel
- BET Her
- Boomerang Channel
- CNBC World
- Cooking Channel
- Crime + Investigation
- Destination America
- Discovery Family
- Discovery Life
- Hallmark Drama
- Nicktoons
- MTV2
- MTV Classic
- Science
- TeenNick
Premium Sports Channels
For sports fans, it’s important to have access to most networks so you can watch the most games. But these days, with broadcast rights for sports spanning networks and streaming services, it can be difficult.
Let’s look at the different sports packages available to customers for DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV.
| DIRECTV Sports Pack | Hulu + Live TV Sports Plus Bundle | |
|
Cost |
$14.99/mo. + tax |
$9.99/mo. + tax |
|
Number of Channels |
22 additional channels for ENTERTAINMENT customers); 12 additional channels for CHOICE™ customers |
8 channels |
|
Channel List |
ACC Network; Big Ten Network; CBS Sports Network; ESPNEWS; ESPNU; FanDuel TV; FOX Sports 2; Golf Channel; MLB Network; MLB Strike Zone; NBA TV; Next Level Sports; NFL Network; NFL RedZone; NHL Network; Outdoor Channel; SEC Network; Sportsman Channel; Tennis Channel; TUDN; Willow HD; Willow Xtra &… 30+ Regional Sports Networks (also included in PREMIER package) |
FanDuel TV; FanDuel Racing; MAVTV; MLB Strike Zone; NFL RedZone; Sportsman Channel; Outdoor Channel; Tennis Channel* ACC Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network included in base package |
Additional Sports Add-Ons
Depending on the sports you watch, either of these add-on packages could work. But for fans of specific sports, you’ll have to be careful to make sure the provider has what you need to watch your teams live.
DIRECTV is a better option for fans of the following sports:
For NHL coverage, DIRECTV offers internet-connected customers NHL Network. MLB is covered too, with MLB Network®.
DIRECTV also allows customers to purchase premium sports add-ons like NBA League Pass and MLS Season Pass. Plus, DIRECTV is one of the few providers with access to Willow TV, the exclusive cricket broadcast network in the US.
Entertainment Experience
You deserve a relaxing, uncomplicated entertainment experience, where you get the best content of the highest quality in a way that works best for you. Below are some considerations to think about before choosing a live TV service.
Content Aggregation
With so many disparate entertainment apps and networks these days, it can be difficult to stay organized. DIRECTV gives customers the opportunity to house all their video streaming services on the DIRECTV interface, so you never have to switch inputs again.
This is not the case for Hulu + Live TV, making it an important factor to consider when choosing a streaming option.
*Req’s separate paid subscriptions for 3rd party apps. Internet-connected Gemini device required.
Picture Quality & 4K Content
DIRECTV provides exclusively 4K Ultra HD channels to internet or stream customers for watching TV series, movies, live sports and more for no additional cost to customers*. The following two channels are always playing great content in the best quality.
- 105 (LIVE4K) – occasional live sporting events
- 106 (LIVE4K2) – occasional live sporting events
Hulu + Live TV also has a limited selection of content in 4K, which can be distinguished by a 4K badge on the screen.
*4K TV required
Simultaneous Streams
Within the home, DIRECTV allows for unlimited devices to stream at the same time. Out of the home, three devices are permitted for use at the same time**.
For Hulu + Live TV, two simultaneous streams are permitted. Customers that purchase the Unlimited Screens Add-on for $9.99/mo. can stream on as many devices connected to your home network as you’d like. Outside the home, customers can stream on up to three devices.
DIRECTV comes out on top here, as there is no additional fee to be able to have unlimited streams at home, as there is with Hulu + Live TV.
**Minimum internet speed of 25Mbps recommended for optimal viewing. All DIRECTV streams must be on the same home network and a compatible router is required. Certain channels are excluded. Limit 3 concurrent out-of-home DIRECTV streams. Restrictions apply. See directv.com/unlimitedstreams for details.
Compare DIRECTV with Hulu + Live TV
With all the information above, you should be able to make a smart choice about the live TV provider that’s right for you. If you’re also looking to compare DIRECTV to other competitors, we’ve got you covered there, too!
Check out our DIRECTV vs. the Competition to find out what other competitors DIRECTV beats out.
Or, if you’re ready to start watching, sign up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should I consider when choosing a live TV provider?
When choosing the best live TV provider for you, it's necessary to consider channel availability, pricing, introduction offers, flexibility & more.
How do DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV compare?
While both DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV provide customers with the top live channels, there are a few key differences when it comes to sports availability, premium add-ons and package flexibility.
Does DIRECTV or Hulu + Live TV have more Regional Sports Networks?
DIRECTV has 30+ out-of-market RSNs available for customers with DIRECTV Sports Pack or the PREMIER package. Hulu + Live TV only carries 7 regional sports channels.
DIRECTV Insider brings you our views on what’s happening in streaming, t.v., movies and sports. Companies and persons mentioned are not necessarily associated with and do not necessarily endorse DIRECTV. We will disclose sponsored content on our site when we show it to you, and some of the links on the site may be ads or affiliate links which means DIRECTV may earn compensation from your purchases.
