Hotstar vs SonyLIV for Live Cricket in India: Which Do You Actually Need?
This question gets asked as though one platform is simply better. It is not that kind of comparison. Live sport is a rights business, and which platform carries which tournament changes season to season. Buying the wrong one is the most common way Indian viewers waste money on streaming.
How sports rights actually work
Broadcasters bid for specific tournaments for a fixed number of years. When a cycle ends, the rights can move. That means:
- A platform that had a tournament last year may not have it this year.
- No amount of general reviewing tells you where a specific series will be.
- The only reliable method is to check the specific tournament before the season starts.
Anyone who tells you confidently that one platform is “the cricket app” is describing a snapshot, not a rule.
What each platform is generally strong on
| Hotstar | SonyLIV | |
|---|---|---|
| SubsHub price | From Rs 99/month | From Rs 99/month |
| Beyond cricket | Disney, HBO, Star network shows | WWE, Shark Tank India, originals |
| 4K option | Yes | Depends on plan |
Price is identical at Rs 99, so cost is not the deciding factor. What you get outside cricket often is.
The third option people forget
FanCode carries a lot of cricket and other sport that the two big platforms do not — domestic tournaments, overseas series, and sports outside cricket entirely. If the specific series you want is not on Hotstar or SonyLIV, check FanCode before assuming it is unavailable.
How to decide without wasting money
- Name the specific tournament you want. Not “cricket” — the actual series.
- Check which platform holds it this season. A single search settles it.
- Buy for the season, not the year. Cricket is seasonal; your subscription should be too.
- Consider what else you watch. If it is a coin flip on rights, pick the one whose non-cricket catalogue you would actually use.
If you want both plus general entertainment, a combo pack is usually cheaper than three separate plans. Full pricing is in the OTT price list for India, and there is a deeper look at Hotstar tiers in Hotstar price in India.
Frequently asked questions
Which platform has IPL in India?
IPL rights have moved between broadcasters across cycles. Check which platform holds the current season before buying — do not assume based on previous years.
Is Hotstar or SonyLIV cheaper?
They are the same at SubsHub — both from Rs 99 per month. Decide on content, not price.
Do I need both?
Only if the specific series you follow are split across them. For most viewers, one plus a seasonal top-up covers everything.
What if my series is on neither?
Check FanCode, which carries tournaments and sports the two larger platforms do not.
Can I buy just for the tournament?
Yes — plans run for the term you buy and then stop, so seasonal buying works exactly as intended.