As more and more people ditch cable for internet TV, streaming services keep tweaking and changing their prices, packages, and features. We look at two of the most popular live TV streaming services and compare DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV. While they tick all the same boxes feature-wise, they’re certainly not the same.
So whether you’re a first-time cord-cutter or a seasoned vet of the streaming world, you need the latest information to make an informed decision. Our handy comparison here will get you up-to-date on the most important differences between them.
Quick Overview of Both Services
DirecTV Stream offers a broad range of packages with all the major broadcast networks and regional sports networks (RSNs), while higher-tiered packages offer premium movie channels like Cinemax and HBO. It also has an optional proprietary device that enables voice-control, 4K streaming, and smart home connectivity.
YouTube TV offers just one plan, but it includes complete local network coverage for news and sports, and an ever-growing list of cable and free-to-air channels like Disney, ESPN, and Paramount. While there are a few bundles available, premium channels are mostly added à la carte. There is also an upgrade to download content for offline viewing.
Now that we’ve covered some unique points, let’s see how DirecTV Stream and YouTube TV stack up against each other in six key areas regarding price, content, and features.
| DirecTV Stream | YouTube TV | |
| Pricing | Entertainment: $69.99/month
Choice: $89.99/month Ultimate: $104.99/month Premier: $149.99/month |
$64.99/month |
| Free Trial Length | None
(full refund within 14 days) |
7 days |
| Number of Channels | Entertainment: 65+
Choice: 90+ Ultimate: 130+ Premier: 140+ |
Up to 115+ |
| DVR Capacity | Unlimited (90 days) | Unlimited (9 months) |
| Device Support | Web, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Smart TVs, DIRECTV STREAM Device | Web, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, TiVo Stream, Smart TVs, Xbox, PlayStation, Google Nest Hub |
| Simultaneous Streams | 20 at home, including 3 on the go | 3 (anywhere) |
Best Pricing: DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV
When it comes to price, YouTube TV is the clear winner. At $64.99/month for 115+ channels, it’s low-priced for a mid-tier service, even though it comes with the most channels. The only way to get a better price for streaming live TV is by giving up local news and sports with a service like Philo ($25/month) or Sling TV ($35/month).
The simplicity of YouTube TV further allows the freedom to add channels à la carte, rather than as part of pre-packaged bundles. The downside is that, if you want to add a lot of channels, things can quickly add up.
Check out our article on YouTube TV Plans and Pricing 2022 for more details.
| Entertainment The Essentials $69.99/ month | 75+ channels Unlimited streams at home Unlimited cloud DVR space | SIGN UP |
| Choice Must-Have Sports $89.99/ month | 105+ channels Unlimited streams at home Unlimited cloud DVR space Regional sports networks | SIGN UP |
| Ultimate Sports, News, Movies $104.99/ month | 140+ channels Unlimited streams at home Unlimited cloud DVR space Regional sports networks | SIGN UP |
| Premier Maximum TV $149.99/ month | 150+ channels All you can watch Regional sports networks HBO Max, Showtime and Starz Included | SIGN UP |
DirecTV Stream’s cheapest plan is 5 bucks more expensive than YouTube TV and comes with 50 fewer channels. In fact, the second-tier Choice plan for $89.99/month will still leave you about 20 channels short. But it’s the Choice plan and above where DirecTV shines, as these plans include RSNs at no additional charge.
If you’re looking for RSNs, Spanish-language channels, or international broadcasting, DirecTV Stream is worth consideration.
Best Free Trial: DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV
YouTube TV’s free trial varies and add-ons are not included, but its standard 7-day free trial is enough to give it the nod here, as DirecTV Stream no longer offers a free trial. However, DirecTV Stream offers a full refund if you cancel within the first 14 days, which is twice as long as YouTube TV’s standard trial period.
Keep in mind, as with most free trials, you’ll need to enter your payment information for YouTube TV, which can be a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Furthermore, if you cancel during your free trial, you immediately lose access to YouTube TV.
Best Channels and Add-ons: DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV
Free Trial
In terms of overall selection and number of channels, DirecTV Stream is in a league of its own. The Premier plan offers 140+ channels, while additional movie, sports, and international channels bump that number up past 285.
DirecTV Stream has some popular channels not available on YouTube TV, such as A&E, The History Channel, and Tennis Channel. However, football fans should note that DirecTV Stream does not offer the NFL Network at all, while it’s part of YouTube TV’s standard package.
What to Watch on DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers the full slate of broadcast TV networks and is the only streaming service with Bally Sports and many other RSNs. While only the Premier plan includes premium channels like HBO, you can add the following to any package for an additional fee:
- Cinemax
- Epix
- HBO Max
- SHOWTIME
- STARZ
There are three international packages available for Brazilian, Korean, Vietnamese, plus two Spanish-language channels.
Furthermore, an additional $5/month gets you the dedicated DIRECTV STREAM device to stream content in Ultra HD 4K.
Click here to see the full list of channels available on DirecTV Stream.
What to Watch on YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers all the same local programming as DirecTV Stream, including PBS, as part of its standard plan, which also includes a solid selection of sports:
- CBS Sports
- ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN U
- FS1, FS2
- MLB Network
- NBA TV
- NFL Network
While the Entertainment Plus add-on bundles 29 channels by HBO, SHOWTIME, and STARZ for $29.99/month, premium channels can be added à la carte for between $1.99/month and $14.99/month. Here’s a sample of monthly prices:
- AMC+: $6.99
- Cinemax: $9.99
- HBO Max: $14.99
- STARZ: $9
- SHOWTIME: $11
Curiously diverging from the à la carte system, the Sports Plus Add-on for $10.99/month is the only way to get certain channels, such as beIN Sports and Stadium.
With the 4K Plus add-on, YouTube TV offers extra viewing options, such as 4K streaming, unlimited simultaneous streams at home, and downloadable DVR recordings. But at $19.99/month, it might be a bit steep for some budgets.
Click here to see the full list of channels available on YouTube TV.
Best DVR and Offline Viewing: DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV
While both services offer unlimited DVR storage, YouTube TV recordings stay in your library for 9 months. With DirecTV Stream, your recordings are automatically deleted after 90 days.
You can download shows to watch offline with YouTube TV, but you’ll need the 4K Plus add-on for an extra $19.99/month. However, it’ll still be cheaper than DirecTV Stream’s Choice plan, and DirecTV Stream offers no option for offline viewing.
You can create unlimited secondary accounts using any email or mobile number with DirecTV Stream, while YouTube TV allows 6 profiles, but each one requires a separate Gmail account.
Check out our articles on DirecTV Stream’s DVR and YouTube TV’s DVR for more information.
Best Device Support: DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV
YouTube TV is the clear winner when it comes to the selection of devices to watch it on. Aside from DirecTV Stream’s proprietary device, YouTube TV supports all the same devices, plus Xbox, PlayStation, Google Nest Hub, and a variety of smart TVs.
For more information, check out our deep dives into DirecTV Stream Device Support and YouTube TV Device Support in 2022.
Best Simultaneous Streaming: DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV
If simply comparing the basic packages, the 20 simultaneous streams with DirecTV Stream blow away YouTube TV’s standard plan with its 3 streams. However, tacking on YouTube TV’s 4K Plus add-on gives you unlimited screens while still being $5/month cheaper than DirecTV Stream’s Choice plan.
And unlike DirecTV Stream’s “Unlimited Screens” feature that’s limited to 20 screens, YouTube TV’s “unlimited” actually means unlimited.
Which is Better: DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV in 2022?
If you’re looking for a cable replacement, YouTube TV is the better choice. It wins on price and more than delivers on content, with full coverage of broadcast TV, major national sports networks, and premium entertainment channels.
While DirecTV Stream offers the industry’s most comprehensive list of channels, with so many streaming services to choose from, it’s hard to justify its high price tag. But there are a few niches, like Spanish-language programming, international channels, and regional sports, where DirecTV Stream would be the way to go.
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.
