Hulu vs. Sling: Compare Plans, Pricing, and Content
Hulu and Sling TV are both popular streaming services among cord cutters looking for a mix between live and on-demand content. Both have a variety of benefits that give you an enjoyable viewing experience. So, how do you choose?
To help you decide, we’re here to break down the two platforms’ features, pricing plans, and of course, their content offerings. We’ll also show you how you can use PIA VPN to stream securely from anywhere, even on restricted networks.
Quick Guide: How to Stream with PIA VPN
Hulu and Sling TV are only available in the US and its territories, but you can use PIA VPN to take your subscription with you when you travel abroad.
- Sign up for PIA VPN.
- Connect to a streaming-optimized server in the US.
- Stream your favorite shows on Hulu or Sling TV, just like you would back home.
Table of Contents
Hulu vs. Sling TV: Content QualityHulu vs Sling: Plans, Add-ons, Bundles, and Pricing
Hulu vs Sling: Apps & Features
Hulu vs Sling: Pros and Cons
Hulu vs. Sling TV: Which Should You Choose?
Why You Need a VPN for Streaming
FAQ
Hulu vs. Sling TV: Content Quality
Content quality will likely be a major factor when you’re deciding between these two streaming giants.
The first thing that’s important to understand is the difference between the packages that Hulu and Sling TV offer. While Hulu has both a standalone on-demand service (Hulu) and an on-demand offering combined with live TV (Hulu + Live TV), Sling offers the combination of on-demand and live TV as a standard.
This means that while Hulu and Sling TV aren’t truly comparable, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV are, because they provide a similar service: on-demand content and live programming.
Hulu + Live TV has 111+ live TV channels and features 7,250 titles in its on-demand library, although this increases to about 10,000 if you add Disney+ to your package. Sling’s has more than 85,000 on-demand titles in its catalog, but its live TV offering is slightly more limited. The platform maxes out at just 51 channels when you combine the Orange and Blue package.
Where you’ll see a big difference between Hulu and Sling TV is in the specialist content that each service offers. Below are some of the key content types you’ll likely want to consider.
Networks
Overall, Hulu + Live TV has a slightly more impressive network offering than Sling TV. A subscription will give you access to major American networks, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and Telemundo channels.
Sling TV, on the other hand, doesn’t offer any CBS or Telemundo channels. It offers local cable channels like Fox, NBC, and ABC in some markets, but you’ll have to pay an additional fee each month to access these. If you live outside of the cities where these channels are available directly via Sling TV, you’ll need a digital over-the-air antenna to tune in.
News
Hulu + Live TV gives you access to a wide range of local and international news. It features 10 news channels, including ABC News Live, CNBC, CNN International, Fox News, Fox Business, and MSNBC.
You won’t find ABC News Live, CNBC, CNN International, or Fox Business on Sling. That said, it does give you access to BBC America, Bloomberg Television, and a few other niche news channels that Hulu doesn’t.
Sports
Sports is another area where Hulu + Live TV shines. You’ll get the NBC Sports Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPN College Extra, ESPN U, Olympic Channel, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), Fox Sports 2 (FS2), TNT, TBS, NFL Network, SEC Network, and regional channels.
With Sling, you can stream sports live via NBC Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, FS1, and Stadium. You can also add the Sports Extra package to get the NHL Network, FS2, SEC Network, ACC Network, and NBA TV.
Family and Kids
Family programming is pretty evenly matched on Hulu and Sling. You and your little ones can watch Boomerang, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Universal Kids, National Geographic, and Animal Planet. Sling also features Nick Jr.
Hulu vs Sling: Plans, Add-ons, Bundles, and Pricing
Price is always an important factor when comparing streaming services. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay for both Hulu and Sling, as well as what your monthly subscription fee will get you:
| Hulu | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | |
| Starting price (per month) | $7.99 (with ads) | $76.99 | $40 |
| Bundle options | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Add-ons | Cinemax Max Paramount+ with SHOWTIME Starz | Cinemax Max Paramount+ with SHOWTIME Starz Entertainment Add-on Sports Add-on | Sports Extra Comedy Extra Kids Extra News Extra Lifestyle Extra Hollywood Extra Heartland Extra |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes | No |
| Simultaneous streams | 2 | 2 | Up to 4 |
| Downloads / Offline viewing | Yes (No Ads plan) | Yes (No Ads plan) | Yes |
| DVR capacity | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 200 hours |
| Parental controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
With Hulu, you’ll have the choice between two plans if you want live TV in your package: Hulu + Live TV, Disney+ and ESPN+ (with ads), or Hulu + Live TV and Disney + (without ads) and ESPN+ with ads. Keep in mind that the with or without ads distinction only applies to on-demand content, not live TV.
Sling offers three plans: Blue, Orange, and Orange + Blue. Of the standalone packages, Sling Blue features the most live channels (41) and enables you to stream on up to three devices simultaneously. However, The Disney Channel and ESPN don’t feature in the bundle.
Hulu vs Sling: Apps & Features
Channel selection, content library, and price are necessary big picture considerations. You’ll likely also want to be sure that you can stream in HD on your preferred device – and that navigating the content library or live TV lineup won’t be frustrating.
Fortunately, both Hulu and Sling are relatively user friendly, although Hulu is a bit tricker overall to navigate. While it’s easier to resume shows that you’ve already been watching, finding the Hulu + Live TV channel guide can be a bit of a challenge.
Sling TV tends to be a bit easier. When you open the app, you’ll immediately be able to see your watch history and recording library. The “Guide” tab makes it easy to find the timing of broadcasts that you can watch live or record for later.
When you’re comparing Sling TV vs. Hulu + Live TV, you won’t find many differences between the device compatibility lists. You can access both via your browser and they each have apps for iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick.
One major difference is that Hulu supports streaming on game consoles, including PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, while Sling TV doesn’t support either PlayStation or Nintendo Switch. There’s also much more seamless switching between devices with Hulu.
You’ll find some contrasts in picture quality, too. Sling streams both on-demand and live content at 720p (HD), with limited live sports broadcast in 4K. Meanwhile, Hulu’s default broadcast quality is 720p, but there are also plenty of titles available in 1080p and 4K.
Hulu vs Sling: Pros and Cons
What is the difference between Sling TV and Hulu when it comes to the benefits and drawbacks of each platform? Take a look at our broad overview of the best (and worst) bits about these streaming services:
| Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV | |
| Pros | ✅ 111+ live channels ✅ Hulu Originals ✅ Unlimited DVR | ✅ Cost effective ✅ User-friendly platform ✅ Build your own package with add-ons |
| Cons | ❌ Base on-demand plan has ads ❌ Only 2 simultaneous streams ❌ Recordings expire after 9 months | ❌ Add-ons quickly increase costs ❌ Local channels limited to select cities without a digital over-the-air antenna ❌ Most streams limited to HD |
Hulu vs. Sling TV: Which Should You Choose?
So, is Hulu or Sling TV better? It’s hard to say. They’re both good streaming services that feature live TV and on-demand content.
Avid TV watchers will likely prefer Hulu for its wider channel selection as well as its excellent collection of original TV shows and movies. Plus, you can add Disney+ and ESPN+ to your bundle to access a wide variety of kids’ and sports content.
Sling is the better option for anyone looking for a cost-effective live TV service. Although the base packages are more limited than Hulu’s, it offers a wide selection of add-on packages that can be used to extend your channel selection. Plus, you can stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
Why You Need a VPN for Streaming
Hulu and Sling are exclusive to the US, which can be frustrating if you’re traveling abroad and unable to watch your favorite shows from home.
PIA VPN can help you change your virtual location and stream as though you were sitting on your living-room couch. It has an extensive network that covers 50 US states and includes streaming-optimized servers that are refreshed regularly to give you reliable access to both Hulu and Sling TV.
With top-notch VPN encryption, PIA ensures that you can stream safely on any network, even on unsecured public Wi-Fi. What’s more, this encryption can help you get around streaming blocks on restricted networks to enable you to watch your favorite shows and movies wherever you are.
PIA VPN has native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and more. You can also set it up on your router to cover all home devices, including those that aren’t compatible with VPNs. Setup is easy and PIA’s customer support team is always on hand to help if you need any assistance.
FAQ
Sling TV and Hulu cater to different needs. Sling has fewer channels, but it is cheaper than Hulu + Live TV. This makes it ideal for budget-conscious, casual viewers. Hulu has a massive on-demand library, original content, and live TV options, making it the better option for TV enthusiasts.
Despite paying a premium to go commercial-free when you sign up for one of the the No Ads plans on Hulu, there’s still a chance that you’ll still see promotions before and after some programs. The list of shows that will always have ads changes regularly, so there’s also no way of predicting whether you’ll be stuck watching ads.
Sling TV has a smaller channel selection and more complex package structure than other streaming services. Plus, you’ll need to use a digital over-the-air antenna if you want to pick up local channels like ABC, CBS, and Fox outside of select major cities.
Hulu + Live TV doesn’t include some regional and niche sports networks as well as certain international channels. Notable exclusions include AMC, NBA TV, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, TNT, and TBS.
One reason why Sling may be losing subscribers is increased competition in the streaming market. Its relatively small channel selection, lack of original programming, and increasing subscription costs mean that some users are migrating to other platforms.
You might be having issues with the quality of your Sling TV stream because of slow internet speeds or network congestion. If you stream during high-demand periods, your ISP might throttle your connection speed. Fortunately, VPN encryption can help you to avoid content-based ISP throttling so that you can stream in HD without buffering.
No, Sling is not free with Amazon Prime Video. Sling is a multiplatform video distributor – or MVD – that gives you subscribers access to a bouquet of channels depending on your chosen Sling TV plan. Although there are overlaps between Sling and Amazon Prime Video’s channel selection, Sling is a separate subscription service that requires its own membership.
Hulu isn’t currently available in the UK. That said, viewers in the country can access some Hulu Originals through Disney+. If you’re traveling to the UK from the US, you can use a streaming VPN to access Hulu as you usually would.
Can I Use a VPN to Access Streaming Services in Another Country?
Some VPN users may use a VPN server in the US to watch Hulu or Sling from another country. You should be aware that doing so may violate copyright law and go against PIA’s terms of service.
PIA VPN puts your privacy first and we never keep tabs on our users’ activity. In fact, when you use PIA, even we can’t see what you’re using it for. That said, we support the media industry and urge you to carefully read your streaming platform’s terms and conditions.