Deciding which live TV streaming service is right for you, especially when comparing DIRECTV Stream to competitors like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo, comes down to a few key factors: channel lineup (especially sports), pricing, and features.
Here is a breakdown of the key considerations to help you decide:
1. Channel Lineup (The Biggest Factor)
The specific channels you absolutely must have will often be the deciding factor.
| Feature | DIRECTV Stream (formerly DIRECTV Stream) | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | Fubo |
| Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) | Best for RSNs. Generally carries the most in-market RSNs (e.g., Bally Sports, AT&T SportsNet) on its higher-tier “Choice” package or above, which is a key differentiator. | Varies by location. Generally carries some RSNs (like NBC Sports), but fewer than DIRECTV Stream. | Generally carries a limited number of RSNs (like some NBC Sports and Hulu-exclusive RSNs). | Strong focus on sports, but lost some major channels (like Warner Bros. Discovery channels, including TBS, TNT, and CNN) and RSN coverage varies. |
| National Sports | Strong, including ESPN, FS1, NFL Network (on higher tiers). | Strong, including ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket. | Strong, including ESPN, FS1, and an optional Sports add-on. | Very strong, including many international and niche sports channels. Missing TBS, TNT (key for NBA/MLB playoffs). |
| Entertainment & News | Very robust lineup across multiple tiers. Includes popular channels some others might miss (e.g., AMC, BBC America). | Strong, includes a wide variety of popular channels. | Strong, especially as the base plan bundles in the large Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+. | Good, but notably missing some Warner Bros. Discovery channels (e.g., Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, TLC). |
| Local Channels | Yes (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, etc.), where available. | Yes, generally excellent coverage. | Yes, generally excellent coverage. | Yes, generally good coverage. |
2. Pricing and Packages
DIRECTV Stream typically operates on a multi-tier pricing structure similar to cable, which can make it more expensive than the single-base-plan competitors.
- DIRECTV Stream: Offers multiple packages (ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE, PREMIER) that increase in price and channel count.1 This allows some customization but generally means a higher starting price than YouTube TV or Hulu for comparable channels, especially if you need RSNs (which require the pricier CHOICE package or higher).
- YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV / Fubo: Usually have a simpler, single-base-plan approach, often making them a more budget-friendly starting option, though add-ons can increase the price.
3. Features & User Experience
| Feature | DIRECTV Stream | YouTube TV | Hulu + Live TV | Fubo |
| DVR | Unlimited cloud DVR included. | Unlimited cloud DVR included. | Unlimited cloud DVR included. | Unlimited cloud DVR included. |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 streams out-of-home, unlimited at home. | 3 streams included. (4K Plus add-on increases this). | 2 streams included. (Upgrade available for unlimited at home/3 out-of-home). | 10 streams at home, 3 on the go. |
| User Interface (UI) | Often praised for a traditional, cable-like feel (especially with their optional streaming device). | Generally considered one of the cleanest and easiest-to-use UIs. | Can feel a bit cluttered due to combining live TV with the extensive on-demand Hulu library. | Easy to use, with a strong focus on sports discovery. |
| Bundled Content | No standard on-demand bundle (premium channels are add-ons). | No on-demand bundle. | Major differentiator: Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ for one price. | No on-demand bundle. |
How to Decide:
- Choose DIRECTV Stream if:
- You are a die-hard local sports fan who needs access to your specific Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). This is often its primary advantage.
- You prefer a traditional, cable-like TV experience with a wide selection of channels across multiple tiers.2
- You are willing to pay a premium price for the most comprehensive channel lineup, particularly for sports.
- Choose YouTube TV if:
- You want the cleanest and most user-friendly interface.
- You are an NFL fan interested in the exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket (as an add-on).3
- You prioritize unlimited cloud DVR and a very strong core channel lineup at a single, competitive price.4
- Choose Hulu + Live TV if:
- You want the best value for bundled content, as the base plan includes the massive Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
- You don’t mind a slightly more complex user interface and primarily watch major national sports.
- Choose Fubo if:
- Your primary focus is on a huge variety of national and international sports channels, and the absence of channels like TNT and TBS is not a dealbreaker.
- You need a large number of simultaneous at-home streams (10 included).
Pro-Tip: All major live TV streaming services typically offer free trials. The best way to decide is to sign up for a trial, check for the channels you need in your specific ZIP code, and test the user interface on your devices.
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