YouTube TV offers 70+ channels for $72.99/month with superior cloud DVR (unlimited storage, 9-month retention), while DirecTV Stream provides 75+ channels for $79.99/month with more premium sports packages and HBO Max included, but both lack true 4K content and charge $7-14/month for premium add-ons.
DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
AT&T's live TV streaming service with 75+ channels and sports-focused content packages.
Live TV streaming service with 150+ channels, cloud DVR, and 8 million subscribers
Base Monthly Price. Channel Count (Base Plan). Cloud DVR Storage. Simultaneous Streams. HBO Max Included. Live Sports Coverage. Free Trial Period
Choose YouTube TV if you prioritize affordability, unlimited DVR storage, and more simultaneous streams—it's the better value for cord-cutters without sports obsessions. Choose DirecTV Stream if you want extensive sports coverage (NFL RedZone, MLB Extra Innings) included by default and are willing to pay $7 more monthly for premium channel packages.
DirecTV Stream: $79.99 | YouTube TV: $72.99
DirecTV Stream: 500 hours | YouTube TV: Unlimited
DirecTV Stream: 14 days | YouTube TV: 0 days
DirecTV Stream: Exclusive bundles (YES, SNY, ROOT) | YouTube TV: Standard coverage only
DirecTV Stream: $959.88 | YouTube TV: $875.88
DirecTV Stream: 500 (90-day expiry) | YouTube TV: Unlimited
DirecTV Stream: 2 (4 with upgrade) | YouTube TV: 3 (no upgrade needed)
DirecTV Stream: 5 days | YouTube TV: 90 days (3 months)
DirecTV Stream: Included in base | YouTube TV: $10.99
DirecTV Stream: $10 (discounted) | YouTube TV: $15.99 (separate sub)
DirecTV Stream: 3.8/5 (user reviews 2026) | YouTube TV: 4.4/5 (user reviews 2026)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $60 (intro) / $83 (standard)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 100+ live channels
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: All plans included
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Standard feature (no ads)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 accounts standard
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Moderate (licensed dominant)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Up to 3
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Up to 6
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes ($9.99/month add-on)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $82.99/month
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 2,500+
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 simultaneous
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $95.99/month
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $72.99/month
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 95%+ of US markets
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Unlimited
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 3 screens
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Genre-based plans (2026)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: +$32.99
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes, anytime
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $99.99
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 20+ networks
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $0.49/channel
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $82.99
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 simultaneous streams
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 2026 (multiview, interactive features)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 150+ channels
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $72.99
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: YouTube Premium, YouTube Music
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Excellent with quick guide navigation
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 270 days (9 months)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 3 streams
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 profiles
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Minimal (YouTube originals only)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: None (unlimited included)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: No official bundles
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: None included
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $875.88
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $839.88
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Varies (included in channels)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Limited (under 50)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Included via ESPN networks
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: YouTube only
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 9 months
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: No free trial (5-day trial historically)
Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Not available
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 100+ total channels
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 90% of U.S. markets
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Minimal original content focus
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $54.99
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: ~3,000
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $659.88
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 3,000+ (sports only)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 6 (1 in 4K)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC)
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 150 channels
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes ($79.99/month)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: $995.88/year
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 100+ channels
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 1 fixed lineup
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 10+ channels
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: Yes (included)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 15+ channels
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: No (separate subscriptions needed)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 5 profiles
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 3 Mbps (HD)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: 0 (separate subscription required)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: All major (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS)
DirecTV Stream: N/A | YouTube TV: USA only
How to choose between DirecTV Stream and YouTube TV
DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV. Contains 131 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV.
Which service is cheaper overall including add-ons?
For most users, YouTube TV is cheaper at $72.99/month base price. However, if you need sports (add $10.99/month) and HBO Max ($15.99/month), YouTube TV costs $99.97/month vs DirecTV Stream at $89.99/month (with $10 HBO Max add-on included). DirecTV Stream wins only for sports fans; YouTube TV wins for general viewers.
Which has better cloud DVR for recording shows?
YouTube TV is significantly better with unlimited storage and 9-month retention, allowing you to record entire seasons without management. DirecTV Stream's 500-hour limit (roughly 250 movies or 80 TV seasons) requires frequent deletions, and content expires after 90 days. YouTube TV's DVR advantage alone saves $5-10/month in stress.
Can I watch on multiple devices at once?
YouTube TV includes 3 simultaneous streams standard, while DirecTV Stream includes only 2 (requiring a $5/month upgrade for 4 streams). For families, YouTube TV is better out-of-box. DirecTV Stream's upgrade costs $60/year, making YouTube TV's base plan more family-friendly.
Which service has better sports coverage?
DirecTV Stream includes NFL RedZone, MLB Extra Innings, and NHL Center Ice in the base plan—a $10.99/month advantage. YouTube TV requires the Sports Plus add-on for these premium channels. Sports fans save $131/year choosing DirecTV Stream, though YouTube TV still offers standard ESPN, Fox Sports, and regional sports networks without add-ons.
YouTube TV offers 3 months free (90 days) for first-time customers, while DirecTV Stream offers only 5 days. YouTube TV's extended trial lets you test the service through an entire billing cycle and catch a full month of shows, making it significantly more generous for evaluating the service before committing.
How to Choose Between DirecTV Stream and YouTube TV
Base Monthly Price: DirecTV Stream has $79.99/month, while YouTube TV has $72.99/month.
Channel Count (Base Plan): DirecTV Stream has 75+ channels, while YouTube TV has 70+ channels.
Cloud DVR Storage: DirecTV Stream has 500 hours (expires after 90 days), while YouTube TV has Unlimited storage (9-month retention).
Simultaneous Streams: DirecTV Stream has 2 streams per account, while YouTube TV has 3 streams per account.
HBO Max Included: DirecTV Stream has Yes (with Max add-on: $10/month), while YouTube TV has No (separate $15.99/month).
Live Sports Coverage: DirecTV Stream has NFL RedZone, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice included, while YouTube TV has Sports Plus add-on required ($10.99/month for these).
Free Trial Period: DirecTV Stream has 5 days free, while YouTube TV has 3 months free (first-time customers).