Fubo has increased the monthly cost of all its subscription plans by $5. This price adjustment affects every English language package including the Essential plan that was launched in December.
Essential Plan Becomes Less Affordable Than YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV After Fubo Price Adjustment
According to a report Fubo previously offered the most affordable large scale live TV streaming channel package for approximately seven weeks. The Essential plan priced at $80 per month when introduced in early December was less expensive than DIRECTV STREAM Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV . However after about a month and a half Fubo increased the price. Subscription prices have risen by $5 per month on all English language plans for new subscribers including the Essential package.
Michael Timmermann from Michaelsaves.com updated his price tracker reflecting this change. The Essential plan now costs $85 per month. This increase positions Fubo's plan as more expensive than most other streaming services with DIRECTV being an exception. Previously Fubo was a less costly option compared to Hulu and YouTube TV.
Regional Sports Networks Remain a Key Differentiator for Fubo's Pro Plan Offering Significant Value to Sports Enthusiasts
A key difference exists between the Pro plan and other plans. The Pro plan includes a complete set of regional sports networks or RSNs. These RSNs can individually cost up to $16 per month depending on the market and the number of RSNs available.
This distinction is particularly significant during the NBA and NHL season endings and the MLB season start in March. Fubo's Essential and Pro plans offer a similar number of channels around 210 to 215. The main difference is the Pro plan's inclusion of market specific RSNs. These include FanDuel Sports Network channels nationwide and Marquee Sports Network in Chicago. Fubo emphasizes its focus on sports streaming. The ability to watch local MLB NBA and NHL teams is a major advantage for sports fans especially as these channels become harder to access elsewhere.
Examining Fubo's Position in the Streaming Market Against Competitors YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV
After YouTube TV's price increase at the end of 2024 tests of new live TV services began. Fubo TV gave a positive initial impression. It provided access to local sports a lower price and a user interface similar to YouTube TV making the transition easy.
However some drawbacks existed. Content quality was lower with much of it at 720p compared to YouTube TV's 1080p. Despite this the two services were largely comparable. The lower price made Fubo a better value for many. This is no longer true because of price increases across all Fubo TV plans . The least expensive package is now $85 per month excluding the regional sports fee. This makes Fubo more expensive than YouTube TV. For a service trying to expand its market share being priced higher than a potentially better service is not ideal.
Price was a significant advantage Fubo had over YouTube TV even if marginal. It was a selling point. This advantage lasted only about a month. Another disadvantage for Fubo is the absence of Turner networks like TBS and TNT. Price was therefore a crucial area where Fubo could attract customers.
Fubo still has features like a customizable multi stream option but this is not a primary selling point. With many channels at 720p price was key and now Fubo has lost this edge. This price change is disappointing for those seeking to save money.
Compared to other services Fubo's position is less compelling. Hulu + Live TV offers a deal for $83 including live TV Disney+ Hulu and ESPN+. Fubo does not offer many unique benefits compared to other services. It makes Fubo a greater underdog in the market. YouTube TV recently increased its price making another increase soon unlikely. This price disadvantage for Fubo could persist for some time.
Disney's Acquisition and the Potential Long Term Impact on Fubo and Hulu + Live TV Services
Price increases are common among streaming services. Netflix also recently announced another price hike. Fubo's price change occurs amid uncertainty about its future. Earlier this month Disney announced plans to purchase Fubo. This was surprising as Disney already owns Hulu + Live TV. Having two live TV services under one umbrella is unusual.
The deal is expected to take about a year to finalize. The future of Hulu + Live TV and Fubo remains unclear. Disney states both services will remain separate initially. Even after the deal closes subscribers can choose between them. Service integration with features like Fubo's user interface and multi stream functionality being adopted by Hulu + Live TV is possible but uncertain.
YouTube TV Leads the Live TV Streaming Market in Subscribers Compared to Fubo and Other Services
YouTube TV is a dominant live TV service. The Hollywood Reporter states YouTube TV has over eight million subscribers. Hulu + Live TV is second with 4.6 million. Fubo has 1.6 million subscribers. Even combined their subscriber numbers are significantly less than YouTube TV.
Hulu + Live TV offers good value with bundled streaming services at a similar price to YouTube TV. However subscriber numbers suggest YouTube TV is preferred. This could be due to marketing or user awareness of Hulu's value. YouTube TV faces competition but has maintained a large market share.
Many users have remained with YouTube TV for years without exploring alternatives. Satisfaction with the service overshadowed price considerations. Only recent price increases prompted a re evaluation of live TV consumption and costs.
Sling TV is a lower priced option by omitting local channels like FOX CBS and ABC. Antennas can mitigate this for local channel access. Sling TV's stream quality is not as high as YouTube TV or Fubo but it is a cheaper live TV alternative.
Assessing Fubo's Price Change and Current Market Position in the Competitive Live TV Streaming Industry
For users seeking a cable like user interface channel selection and ease of use YouTube TV is a strong option. This assessment may change in the future. Currently YouTube TV is a leading service in these aspects.
Fubo's primary advantage for some subscribers is its exclusive carriage of certain Regional Sports Networks. For viewers needing specific RSNs Fubo remains the only choice despite the price increase. After the NFL season some subscribers may reconsider Fubo due to the higher cost.
Fubo's price increase positions it above YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV in cost for base plans. The inclusion of RSNs in the Pro plan remains a key feature for sports focused viewers. The Disney merger introduces uncertainty regarding future service offerings and integration. The live TV streaming market remains competitive with YouTube TV currently holding a significant subscriber lead.