Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99 per month with ads, or $95.99 per month without ads
Hulu + Live TV is a streaming bundle that combines on-demand Hulu content with a live TV feed of cable channels. The ad-supported plan runs $82.99 monthly; the ad-free plan is $95.99 monthly. Both prices include access to Hulu's full library of shows and movies, plus live streams of channels like ABC, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and regional sports networks. The service also records programs to a cloud DVR with 50 hours of storage included.
These are the standard prices as of now, though Hulu occasionally runs promotional rates for new subscribers — typically a discount for the first month or two. If you already subscribe to Hulu on-demand, switching to the live TV bundle will replace your current plan rather than stack on top of it.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu + Live TV with ads costs $82.99 per month; without ads it costs $95.99 per month, and both include cloud DVR storage for 50 hours.
- The service includes live feeds of major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS) plus cable channels like ESPN, FX, and regional sports networks.
- If you already pay for Hulu on-demand, the live TV bundle replaces that subscription rather than adding to it.
- You can add premium channels like HBO Max or Showtime for extra fees, and bundle Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+ for a lower combined price than buying each separately.
What channels come with Hulu + Live TV
The channel lineup includes the major broadcast networks — ABC, NBC, Fox, and CBS — plus cable channels across news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle categories. ESPN, ESPN2, and regional sports networks are included, which is the main reason many people choose this service over basic Hulu. You also get FX, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Disney Channel, National Geographic, and dozens of others depending on your location.
The exact channels available vary by your zip code, because some regional sports networks and local affiliates are not available everywhere. You can check your specific channel list by entering your address on Hulu's website before you commit to the subscription.
DVR storage and how it works
Hulu + Live TV includes 50 hours of cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. This means you can record live programs and watch them later, and the recordings are stored on Hulu's servers rather than on a device in your home. You can record as many programs as you want up to the 50-hour limit; once you hit that limit, the oldest recordings delete automatically to make room for new ones.
If you need more than 50 hours, Hulu offers an upgrade to 200 hours of storage for an additional $9.99 per month. Most households find 50 hours sufficient for a week or two of regular viewing, depending on how many shows you record.
Bundling Hulu + Live TV with Disney+ and ESPN+
Hulu + Live TV can be bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for a lower total cost than buying each subscription separately. The bundle with ads costs $14.99 per month for all three services combined, though this is the on-demand Hulu only — not the live TV version. If you want Hulu + Live TV bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, the price is $89.99 per month with ads or $102.99 per month without ads.
This bundle makes sense if you watch Disney movies and shows, follow sports on ESPN+, and want live cable channels. The bundled price saves you money compared to paying for each service individually. You can manage all three subscriptions through one Hulu account.
Adding premium channels to your subscription
Hulu + Live TV allows you to add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and others directly through your account. These add-ons cost between $9.99 and $23.99 per month depending on the channel. Adding them through Hulu is often the same price as subscribing to them separately, so the main benefit is managing everything in one place rather than logging into multiple apps.
You can add or remove these channels at any time without affecting your main Hulu + Live TV subscription. If you already subscribe to one of these services outside of Hulu, you may be able to link your existing account rather than paying twice.
Comparing Hulu + Live TV to other live streaming services
Other live TV streaming services include YouTube TV ($72.99 per month), Sling TV (starting at $39.99 per month), and DirecTV Stream (starting at $79.99 per month). YouTube TV offers more channels and unlimited DVR storage but costs more. Sling TV is cheaper but has fewer channels and no DVR included in the base plan. DirecTV Stream includes more premium channels but has a smaller DVR allowance.
The choice depends on which channels matter most to you and whether you want the Hulu on-demand library bundled in. If you already use Hulu for shows and movies, Hulu + Live TV keeps everything in one app. If you prioritize sports or specific cable channels, comparing the channel lists side by side is more important than price alone.
Cancellation and month-to-month billing
Hulu + Live TV is month-to-month with no contract. You can cancel anytime without penalty, and your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-month, you do not receive a refund for the unused portion — you keep access until your next billing date.
If you cancel and later want to resubscribe, you can do so at any time. Hulu does not penalize you for returning, though promotional pricing for new subscribers may not explore if you have subscribed before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Hulu + Live TV on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. With ads, you can stream on two devices at once. Without ads, you can stream on four devices at once. This applies to both live TV and on-demand content.
Do I need a cable box or special equipment?
No. Hulu + Live TV works on any device that runs the Hulu app — phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV. You do not need to rent or buy any hardware.
What happens if I lose internet connection while watching live TV?
Your stream will stop. Hulu + Live TV requires a constant internet connection to watch live channels. If your connection drops, you can resume watching once it comes back, but you cannot watch live TV offline.
Are there blackout restrictions on sports?
Yes. Some live sports events are subject to blackout restrictions, meaning they may not be available on Hulu + Live TV even though the channel is included in your subscription. This is set by the sports leagues and broadcasters, not by Hulu.
Can I pause or rewind live TV?
Yes, you can pause and rewind live TV up to 72 hours back, depending on the channel. This feature is called Cloud DVR and is included with your subscription at no extra cost.