There are two main types of streaming services: video on demand (VOD) and live TV. While live TV services typically include on-demand libraries, only a few VOD services have ventured into live TV. Here we look at DirecTV Stream vs Amazon Prime Video, as two industry heavy hitters inch toward direct competition.
With the streaming TV industry constantly changing, we’ll help you get up-to-date. Read on to learn more about these two services.
Quick overview of both services
The company behind DirecTV Stream has been delivering satellite TV for nearly 30 years, so it’s not surprising the streaming service offers a robust selection of content. All the major broadcast networks, an industry-best selection of regional sports networks (RSNs), and premium channels like HBO and SHOWTIME are available. There’s also an optional dedicated device for 4K streaming, voice control, and smart home connectivity.
In addition to creating its own original award-winning content, Amazon Prime Video differentiates itself from VOD competitors like Netflix and Disney+ by offering live TV. While it doesn’t carry broadcast TV networks, premium channels like Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ can be subscribed to à la carte. There are also a handful of free channels you can watch without any kind of Prime subscription whatsoever.
We take a closer look at both services in six key areas regarding price, content, and features.
Best pricing: DirecTV Stream vs Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is one of the lowest-priced streaming services on the market, while DirecTV Stream is the most expensive. However, as the two services have quite different offerings, the value depends on what you’re looking for.
Prime Video
- On demand content
- Stream on three screens
$8.99/month
With 200+ million subscribers worldwide, Amazon Prime is one of the largest subscription services in the world. It offers a variety of benefits such as free shipping, ebooks, music, and games, as well as Prime Video, which can also be purchased as a standalone service.
Students and select recipients of government assistance can also access discounts to the service.
DirecTV Stream Entertainment
Pay $49.99 for the first 2 months
- 75+ channels
- Stream on unlimited devices at home
- Unlimited DVR space
- Three months of Max free
$79.99/month
DirecTV Stream Optimo Mas
- 100+ live TV channels
- Spanish and English programming
- Three months of Max free
- Unlimited DVR space
$79.99/month
DirecTV Stream Choice
Pay $49.99 for the first 2 months
- 105+ live channels
- Unlimited DVR space
- Includes regional sports networks
- Three months of Max free
$108.99/month
DirecTV Stream Ultimate
Pay $49.99 for the first 2 months
- 140+ live channels
- Unlimited DVR space
- Includes regional sports networks
- Three months of Max free
$119.99/month
DirecTV Stream Premier
- Unlimited DVR space
- 150+ channels
- Includes Max Cinemax SHOWTIME and STARZ
- Includes regional sports networks
$154.99/month
At its entry-level Entertainment package, DirecTV Stream costs nearly 8 times as much as Prime Video. However, it’s a true cable replacement, and even its Ultimate package is less than the average American cable bill.
Best free trial: DirecTV Stream vs Amazon Prime Video
There’s really no contest here. Amazon Prime Video’s 30-day free trial is the best in the industry, while DirecTV Stream no longer offers a free trial at all. Furthermore, anyone who hasn’t had a Prime membership in the past 12 months is eligible to sign up.
However, we should note that DirecTV Stream offers a full refund if you cancel your subscription within the first 14 days.
Best channels and add-ons: DirecTV Stream vs Amazon Prime Video
DirecTV Stream has one of the most comprehensive content offerings in the industry. With all major broadcast networks, numerous RSNs, 65,000 on-demand titles, international add-ons, and optional premium channels, its selection is tough to beat.
On the other hand, Amazon Prime Video carries no broadcast networks, RSNs, or international add-ons.
What to watch on DirecTV Stream
The big names in broadcast television (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC), as well as the CW, PBS, and TNT, are included with every DirecTV Stream package. And all packages from Choice and above include RSNs such as Bally Sports, Big Ten Networks, and MASN.
Only the top-tier Premier plan includes premium channels like Cinemax, HBO, and SHOWTIME, but most can be added individually for an additional fee. Here’s an example of some add-on packages:
- AMC+
- Cinemax
- MGM+
- Max
- SHOWTIME
- STARZ
Two Spanish-language and three international add-ons are also available, ranging in price from $5/month to $30/month.
For an extra $5/month, you can rent the proprietary DIRECTV STREAM device to enable 4K streaming and voice control.
For a complete list of channels on DirecTV Stream, click here.
What to watch on Amazon Prime Video
While it doesn’t have broadcast TV networks, Amazon Prime Video has original content you won’t find anywhere else. With top-notch shows like Bosch, The Boys, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, its programs have been nominated for dozens of Emmys and other awards.
CBS Sports, MLB TV, and NBA TV are some of the sports options. And starting this season, Prime Video becomes the exclusive broadcaster of the NFL’s Thursday Night Football.
Premium channels can be added à la carte, and while Max is no longer available as a Prime Video add-on, Paramount+ will be of interest to many viewers. Here are some current packages:
- AMC+
- Cinemax
- MGM+
- Paramount+
- SHOWTIME
- STARZ
Most of Prime Video’s original content is available in 4K and, unlike Netflix, you don’t need to pay extra for a higher tier plan. So it just depends on your hardware and internet connection.
Best DVR and offline viewing: DirecTV Stream vs Amazon Prime Video
DirecTV Stream offers unlimited DVR storage for up to 90 days, after which they will be automatically deleted. Unfortunately, there is no option to download content for offline viewing.
You can also create unlimited secondary accounts using an email address or mobile number, which helps keep content organized, especially with big families.
Prime Video doesn’t offer cloud DVR storage, so you’ll need to watch your shows or games live. However, you can download content for offline viewing, and there’s an option for TV shows to download the entire season. But you’ll need a Fire tablet or the Prime Video app installed on Android, iOS, Mac, or PC.
Check out our article on DirecTV Stream’s DVR for more information.
Best device support: DirecTV Stream vs Amazon Prime Video
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When it comes to supported devices, Amazon Prime Video is hard to beat. Excluding its dedicated device, Prime Video supports everything DirecTV Stream does, and a whole lot more.
The list includes Amazon’s own Fire and Echo devices, Blu-Ray players, PlayStation, Xbox, smart TVs from a dozen-plus manufacturers, and media players by Nvidia, Tivo, and Xiaomi, among others.
Check out our supported devices articles for DirecTV Stream and Amazon Prime Video.
Best simultaneous streaming: DirecTV Stream vs Amazon Prime Video
DirecTV Stream offers 20 simultaneous streams standard with every plan, 3 of which can be outside the home network. That should be enough for any household.
Prime Video only allows up to 3 streams, and only 2 concurrent streams of the same content, which larger households may find insufficient. There is also no option to upgrade the number of streams.
Which is better: DirecTV Stream or Amazon Prime Video?
If you’re looking for a true cable replacement, DirecTV Stream is the hands-down winner. It boasts a full slate of broadcast TV networks delivering local news and sports, several RSNs, premium movie channels, and plenty of features and add-ons. It may be the most expensive streaming option out there, but it’s still cheaper than cable.
However, if local programming isn’t make-or-break for you, Amazon Prime Video is certainly worth consideration. At a fraction of the cost, you’ll get award-winning originals, a growing selection of live sports, and plenty of premium channels to choose from. And if you’re already an Amazon shopper, signing up for Prime is practically a no-brainer.
Douglas Wright • Author
Douglas Wright is a freelance writer based in Japan. A former web designer and technical writer, he left beautiful Vancouver for bustling Tokyo, where he spent a decade recruiting for software and high-tech firms. No longer commuting through the world’s busiest train station, he writes fiction and a wide range of formats for clients around the world. When he gets AFK, he’s either outdoors with his two boys, streaming a show with his wife, or reading a book over a French-pressed, hand-ground coffee.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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