Fubopage |

Q: Which should I choose: Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or Hulu + Live TV?

Choose Fubo if you want the best overall sports-first live TV package with strong national and regional coverage. Pick DirecTV Stream if regional sports networks and a traditional cable-style lineup are your top priorities. Go with Hulu + Live TV if you care as much about Hulu’s on-demand shows, Disney+ and ESPN content as you do about live channels.

At a glance

Fubo

Best overall

Top pick for a sports-first channel lineup that still covers news and entertainment—ideal for cord-cutters who live for game day.

Sports-heavy live TV bundle with broad national and regional coverage (varies by location)
Cloud DVR included with generous storage
Multi-view and 4K on select sports and events

Get Fubo

DirecTV Stream

Best for RSNs

Live TV service with a familiar, cable-style feel and strong regional sports network coverage in many markets.

Excellent selection of regional sports networks in many areas
Broad channel lineup with lots of premiums and add-ons
Typically on the pricier side, especially as you scale up

Explore DirecTV Stream

Hulu + Live TV

Best for bundles

Live TV combined with Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+ and ESPN content on most plans—perfect if you care as much about shows and movies as live sports.

Includes Hulu’s full on-demand library plus Disney+/ESPN access on many plans
Unlimited cloud DVR for live TV subscribers
Strong for entertainment; sports lineup is good but not as deep as Fubo or DirecTV Stream in some niches

See Hulu + Live TV

What to compare	Fubo	DirecTV Stream	Hulu + Live TV
Primary strength	Best overall: sports-first live TV bundle	Strong regional sports & cable-like channel feel	Live TV plus Hulu/Disney+/ESPN bundles
Sports coverage	Sports-centric, with broad coverage of major leagues and soccer	Excellent for home-team coverage via regional sports networks (where available)	Good national sports via ESPN and major networks; fewer niche sports channels
Local & broadcast channels	Major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) in many markets; check ZIP	Strong local coverage that closely mimics traditional cable lineups	Includes major broadcast networks in most areas; availability varies by region
On-demand libraries	Solid on-demand library for channels included; sports and highlights focused	Primarily channel-based on-demand from included networks	Full Hulu on-demand library plus access to Disney+ and ESPN content
Cloud DVR	Cloud DVR included with generous or unlimited storage on most plans	Cloud DVR included; typically unlimited or very high caps	Unlimited cloud DVR for live TV subscribers
4K & multi-view	Select games in 4K and multi-view on supported devices	4K available on select channels and events	Mostly HD; limited 4K availability depending on content and device
Simultaneous streams	Multiple streams supported; higher tiers allow many devices at home	Multiple streams with options to upgrade for more devices	Multiple streams by default with an “unlimited screens” add-on
Price positioning	Mid–high pricing; strong value for heavy sports fans	Generally the most expensive but with lots of channels	Mid–high pricing offset by bundled Hulu/Disney+/ESPN access
UX & learning curve	Designed around sports and live games; easy to jump into what’s on now	Feels like a traditional cable guide and channel lineup	Modern streaming UI with strong recommendations and on-demand focus
Best for	Sports-first households that still want a full channel lineup	Viewers who want regional sports networks and a cable-style experience	Families who value Hulu originals, Disney+ and on-demand content as much as live TV

Editorial stance: Want the most complete sports-first live TV package? Choose Fubo. Need the widest regional sports coverage and a familiar, cable-like lineup? Start with DirecTV Stream. Care more about Hulu originals and bundled access to Disney+ and ESPN than having every sports channel? Pick Hulu + Live TV.

Pick by use-case

Best overall for sports fans

Fubo is our go-to for fans who want deep sports coverage without giving up news and entertainment.

Get Fubo

Best for regional sports & cable feel

DirecTV Stream is ideal if you care most about local and regional sports networks and a traditional channel guide.

See DirecTV Stream

Best for streaming bundles

Hulu + Live TV shines if you want live channels plus Hulu’s on-demand shows and movies, Disney+ and ESPN content.

See Hulu + Live TV

FAQ

What is a live TV streaming service (vMVPD)?

A live TV streaming service—often called a virtual cable or vMVPD—delivers channel bundles over the internet instead of through a cable box or satellite dish. You still get live channels, on-demand shows, and DVR, but you watch everything through apps on your TV, phone, tablet, or laptop.

Can Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV replace cable or satellite?

For many households, yes. As long as you have a solid internet connection, any of these services can provide live sports, news, and entertainment similar to cable or satellite—without long-term contracts or box rentals. The main differences are in channel lineups, sports coverage, and how much on-demand content you get.

Do these services have contracts or hidden fees?

All three are billed month-to-month, and you can cancel anytime. However, taxes and regional sports fees may apply depending on the service and where you live—especially with sports-focused plans. Always check the final price at checkout so you’re not surprised by extras.

Which should I choose: Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or Hulu + Live TV?

Choose Fubo if you want the best overall sports-first live TV package with strong national and regional coverage. Pick DirecTV Stream if regional sports networks and a traditional cable-style lineup are your top priorities. Go with Hulu + Live TV if you care as much about Hulu’s on-demand shows, Disney+ and ESPN content as you do about live channels.

Fubo vs DirecTV Stream vs Hulu + Live TV

Why we prefer Fubo