software
DirecTV Stream vs YouTube TV 2026 Comparison
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
AT&T's live TV streaming service with 75+ channels and sports-focused content packages.
Sports fans who want NFL RedZone, baseball, and hockey included; users who prioritize premium channels over cloud storage
Score63%
VS
YT
YouTube TV
Google's live TV streaming platform with 70+ channels, unlimited DVR, and 3 simultaneous streams.
Cord-cutters seeking value and unlimited DVR; casual viewers who don't need premium sports packages; Google ecosystem users
Score63%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryYouTube 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.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose 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.
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DirecTV Stream
7.3/10
YouTube TV
7.7/10
Y
Choose DirecTV Stream if
Sports fans who want NFL RedZone, baseball, and hockey included; users who prioritize premium channels over cloud storage
Y
Choose YouTube TV if
Best pickCord-cutters seeking value and unlimited DVR; casual viewers who don't need premium sports packages; Google ecosystem users
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Base Monthly Price:✓ YouTube TV wins($72.99/month vs $79.99/month)
- Channel Count (Base Plan):✓ DirecTV Stream wins(75+ channels vs 70+ channels)
- Cloud DVR Storage:✓ YouTube TV wins(Unlimited storage (9-month retention) vs 500 hours (expires after 90 days))
Key Facts & Figures
87 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | DirecTV Stream | YouTube TV | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Base Price(USD) | $79.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live Channels Included(channels) | 75+ | 70+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 2 | 3 | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 14 days | 0 days | |
| Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD) | $959.88 | $875.88 | |
| Base Channel Count(channels) | 75+ | 70+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base)(streams) | 2 (4 with upgrade) | 3 (no upgrade needed) | |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 5 days | 90 days (3 months) | |
| Sports Plus Add-on Cost(USD/month) | Included in base | $10.99 | |
| HBO Max Add-on Cost(USD/month) | $10 (discounted) | $15.99 (separate sub) | |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | 11.1 | |
| Family Sharing Accounts(profiles) | 6 accounts standard | 6 accounts standard | |
| Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams) | Up to 3 | Up to 3 | |
| Household Accounts(accounts) | Up to 6 | Up to 6 | |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | $0.86 | |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $82.99/month | $82.99/month | |
| On-Demand Content Titles(titles) | 2,500+ | 2,500+ | |
| Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) | 6 simultaneous | 6 simultaneous | |
| Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) | $95.99/month | $95.99/month | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $72.99/month | $72.99/month | |
| Local Channel Coverage(percent of US) | 95%+ of US markets | 95%+ of US markets | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 3 screens | 3 screens | |
| Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) | +$32.99 | +$32.99 | |
| Base Monthly Cost(USD) | $99.99 | $99.99 | |
| Total Live Channels(channels) | 150+ | 150+ | |
| Sports Networks Included(count) | 20+ networks | 20+ networks | |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.49/channel | $0.49/channel | |
| Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD) | $82.99 | $82.99 | |
| Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens) | 6 simultaneous streams | 6 simultaneous streams | |
| Sports Content Percentage(percent) | ~50% | ~50% | |
| Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent) | ~50% | ~50% | |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | |
| Live TV Channel Count(channels) | 150+ channels | 150+ channels | |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live Channels(channels) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams(streams) | 6 | 6 | |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7 | 7 | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD) | $99.99 | $99.99 | |
| DVR Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | 270 days (9 months) | |
| Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) | 3 streams | 3 streams | |
| Number of User Profiles(profiles) | 6 profiles | 6 profiles | |
| On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) | Minimal (YouTube originals only) | Minimal (YouTube originals only) | |
| Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 85+ | 85+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) | 3 streams | 3 streams | |
| DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month) | None (unlimited included) | None (unlimited included) | |
| DVR Content Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | 270 days (9 months) | |
| Live TV Channels Included(channels) | 150+ | 150+ | |
| Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) | $875.88 | $875.88 | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) | $839.88 | $839.88 | |
| Total Channels(channels) | 70+ | 70+ | |
| Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) | 6 | 6 | |
| Original Content Library(titles) | Limited (under 50) | Limited (under 50) | |
| DVR Recording Retention Period(months) | 9 months | 9 months | |
| Total Channels Available(channels) | 100+ total channels | 100+ total channels | |
| Live Sports Events Monthly(events) | 500+ | 500+ | |
| Original Content Hours Monthly(hours) | Minimal original content focus | Minimal original content focus | |
| Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) | $875.88 | $875.88 | |
| Monthly Subscription Price(USD) | $54.99 | $54.99 | |
| On-Demand Content Library(titles) | ~3,000 | ~3,000 | |
| Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) | 6 | 6 | |
| Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) | $659.88 | $659.88 | |
| Live Sporting Events Per Year(events) | 3,000+ (sports only) | 3,000+ (sports only) | |
| Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams) | 6 (1 in 4K) | 6 (1 in 4K) | |
| Original Sports Content Library(titles) | 0 | 0 | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Content Library Size(millions of items) | 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | |
| Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) | 5 | 5 | |
| Base Monthly Price(USD) | $82.99 | $82.99 | |
| Annual Cost Difference(USD) | $995.88/year | $995.88/year | |
| Live Channels(channels) | 100+ channels | 100+ channels | |
| Bundle Customization Options(bundles) | 1 fixed lineup | 1 fixed lineup | |
| Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) | 25+ | 25+ | |
| 4K Channel Availability(channels) | 10+ channels | 10+ channels | |
| Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) | $72.99 | $72.99 | |
| Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) | $82.99 | $82.99 | |
| Sports Channel Count(channels) | 15+ channels | 15+ channels | |
| News Channel Count(channels) | 10+ channels | 10+ channels | |
| User Profiles Per Household(profiles) | 5 profiles | 5 profiles | |
| Live Channels Available(channels) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Family Profiles(profiles) | 6 | 6 | |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 3 Mbps (HD) | 3 Mbps (HD) | |
| Sports Content Types(types) | All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) | All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) | |
| Included On-Demand Library(titles) | 0 (separate subscription required) | 0 (separate subscription required) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
YouTube TV leads
YT
4YouTube TVDirecTV Stream
Attribute
YouTube TV
- $79.99/monthBase Monthly Price$72.99/month(winner)
- 75+ channels(winner)Channel Count (Base Plan)70+ channels
- 500 hours (expires after 90 days)Cloud DVR StorageUnlimited storage (9-month retention)(winner)
- 2 streams per accountSimultaneous Streams3 streams per account(winner)
- Yes (with Max add-on: $10/month)(winner)HBO Max IncludedNo (separate $15.99/month)
- NFL RedZone, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice included(winner)Live Sports CoverageSports Plus add-on required ($10.99/month for these)
- 5 days freeFree Trial Period3 months free (first-time customers)(winner)
- Base Monthly Price
DirecTV Stream
$79.99/month
YouTube TV
$72.99/month(winner)
- Channel Count (Base Plan)
DirecTV Stream
75+ channels(winner)
YouTube TV
70+ channels
- Cloud DVR Storage
DirecTV Stream
500 hours (expires after 90 days)
YouTube TV
Unlimited storage (9-month retention)(winner)
- Simultaneous Streams
DirecTV Stream
2 streams per account
YouTube TV
3 streams per account(winner)
- HBO Max Included
DirecTV Stream
Yes (with Max add-on: $10/month)(winner)
YouTube TV
No (separate $15.99/month)
- Live Sports Coverage
DirecTV Stream
NFL RedZone, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice included(winner)
YouTube TV
Sports Plus add-on required ($10.99/month for these)
- Free Trial Period
DirecTV Stream
5 days free
YouTube TV
3 months free (first-time customers)(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | DirecTV Stream | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Base Price(USD) | $79.99 | $72.99(winner) |
| Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD) | $959.88 | $875.88(winner) |
| Sports Plus Add-on Cost(USD/month) | Included in base(winner) | $10.99 |
| HBO Max Add-on Cost(USD/month) | $10 (discounted)(winner) | $15.99 (separate sub) |
| Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD) | $60 (intro) / $83 (standard) | — |
Show 25 more attributesBase Monthly Price (2026)(USD) $82.99/month — Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD) $95.99/month — Starting Monthly Price(USD) $72.99/month — Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month) +$32.99 — Base Monthly Cost(USD) $99.99 — Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD) $82.99 — Base Monthly Price(USD) $72.99 — Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD) $99.99 — Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $72.99 — DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month) None (unlimited included) — Bundle Discount Available(boolean) No official bundles — Annual Cost (12-month)(USD) $875.88 — Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $72.99 — Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD) $839.88 — Free Trial Period(days) No free trial (5-day trial historically) — Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD) Not available — Annual Cost (12 months)(USD) $875.88 — Monthly Subscription Price(USD) $54.99 — Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD) $659.88 — Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD) $72.99 — Ad-Free Plan Availability Yes ($79.99/month) — Base Monthly Price(USD) $82.99 — Annual Cost Difference(USD) $995.88/year — Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD) $72.99 — Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD) $82.99 — | ||
| Live Channels Included(channels) | 75+(winner) | 70+ |
| Regional Sports Networks | Exclusive bundles (YES, SNY, ROOT) | Standard coverage only |
| Base Channel Count(channels) | 75+(winner) | 70+ |
| Content Library Size(titles) | 100+ live channels | — |
| Live TV Channels(channels) | 100+ | — |
Show 27 more attributesOriginal Content Focus (2026) Moderate (licensed dominant) — On-Demand Content Titles(titles) 2,500+ — Local Channel Coverage(percent of US) 95%+ of US markets — Total Live Channels(channels) 150+ — Sports Networks Included(count) 20+ networks — News Networks Included(major networks) CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News — Sports Content Percentage(percent) ~50% — Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent) ~50% — Live TV Channel Count(channels) 150+ channels — Live Channels(channels) 100+ — On-Demand Content Library Size(titles) Minimal (YouTube originals only) — Live TV Channels(channels) 85+ — Live TV Channels Included(channels) 150+ — Total Channels(channels) 70+ — Original Content Library(titles) Limited (under 50) — On-Demand Library Size(titles) YouTube only — Total Channels Available(channels) 100+ total channels — On-Demand Content Library(titles) ~3,000 — Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations) 5 — Live Channels(channels) 100+ channels — Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels) 25+ — Sports Channel Count(channels) 15+ channels — News Channel Count(channels) 10+ channels — Included On-Demand Streaming No (separate subscriptions needed) — Live Channels Available(channels) 100+ — Sports Content Types(types) All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.) — Included On-Demand Library(titles) 0 (separate subscription required) — | ||
| DVR Storage Capacity(hours) | 500 hours | Unlimited |
| DVR Retention Period(days) | 270 days (9 months) | — |
| Simultaneous Streams(devices) | 2 | 3(winner) |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 14 days(winner) | 0 days |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 5 days | 90 days (3 months)(winner) |
| Free Trial Length(days) | 7 | — |
| Contract Required | No | No |
| Cloud DVR Storage(hours) | 500 (90-day expiry) | Unlimited (9-month retention) |
| Simultaneous Streams (Base)(streams) | 2 (4 with upgrade) | 3 (no upgrade needed)(winner) |
| Unlimited DVR | All plans included | — |
| Family Sharing Accounts(profiles) | 6 accounts standard | — |
| Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams) | Up to 3 | — |
Show 25 more attributesHousehold Accounts(accounts) Up to 6 — Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings) 6 simultaneous — Multiview Sports Feature Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026) — DVR Storage (Standard)(hours) Unlimited — Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams) 3 screens — Customizable Channel Selection(yes/no) Genre-based plans (2026) — No-Contract Cancellation(yes/no) Yes, anytime — DVR Recording Storage(hours) Unlimited — Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens) 6 simultaneous streams — Cloud DVR Storage(hours) Unlimited — Simultaneous Streams(streams) 6 — Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams) 3 streams — Number of User Profiles(profiles) 6 profiles — Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams) 3 streams — Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours) Unlimited — DVR Content Retention Period(days) 270 days (9 months) — Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens) 6 — Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours) Unlimited — DVR Recording Retention Period(months) 9 months — Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts) 6 — Offline Download Capability No — Bundle Customization Options(bundles) 1 fixed lineup — 4K Channel Availability(channels) 10+ channels — User Profiles Per Household(profiles) 5 profiles — Family Profiles(profiles) 6 — | ||
| User Interface Rating(stars) | 3.8/5 (user reviews 2026) | 4.4/5 (user reviews 2026)(winner) |
| Mobile App Quality | Excellent with quick guide navigation | — |
| Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions) | 11.1 | — |
| Ad-Free Viewing | Standard feature (no ads) | — |
| Cost Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.86 | — |
| Price Per Channel(USD per channel) | $0.49/channel | — |
| Bundled Premium Services(services) | None included | — |
| 4K Streaming Available | Yes ($9.99/month add-on) | — |
| 4K Streaming Support | Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo) | — |
| 4K Content Available | Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on) | — |
| 4K Content Support(boolean) | No | — |
| 4K Streaming Support | Yes (included) | — |
| AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year) | 2026 (multiview, interactive features) | — |
| Included Premium Services | YouTube Premium, YouTube Music | — |
| Live Events Per Year(events) | Varies (included in channels) | — |
| Live Sporting Events Per Year(events) | 3,000+ (sports only) | — |
| NFL Regular Season Games (Annual)(games) | Included via ESPN networks | — |
| Live Sports Events Monthly(events) | 500+ | — |
| NFL Game Broadcasts Available(percent) | All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC) | — |
| Local Broadcast Network Access(markets covered) | 90% of U.S. markets | — |
| Original Content Hours Monthly(hours) | Minimal original content focus | — |
| Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams) | 6 (1 in 4K) | — |
| Original Sports Content Library(titles) | 0 | — |
| Content Library Size(millions of items) | 100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours) | — |
| 4K Content Availability(percent of library) | Yes | — |
| Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps) | 3 Mbps (HD) | — |
| Streaming Device Compatibility | All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile) | — |
DirecTV StreamYYouTube TV
Monthly Base Price(USD)
$79.99
$72.99
Annual Price (Base Plan)(USD)
$959.88
$875.88
Sports Plus Add-on Cost(USD/month)
Included in base
$10.99
HBO Max Add-on Cost(USD/month)
$10 (discounted)
$15.99 (separate sub)
Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD)
$60 (intro) / $83 (standard)
—
Show 25 more attributes
Base Monthly Price (2026)(USD)
$82.99/month
—
Ad-Free Plan Cost(USD)
$95.99/month
—
Starting Monthly Price(USD)
$72.99/month
—
Price Difference vs Cheapest Option(USD per month)
+$32.99
—
Base Monthly Cost(USD)
$99.99
—
Monthly Base Subscription Cost(USD)
$82.99
—
Base Monthly Price(USD)
$72.99
—
Monthly Cost (Base Plan 2026)(USD)
$99.99
—
Monthly Cost (Base Plan)(USD)
$72.99
—
DVR Storage Overage Cost(USD/month)
None (unlimited included)
—
Bundle Discount Available(boolean)
No official bundles
—
Annual Cost (12-month)(USD)
$875.88
—
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$72.99
—
Annual Cost (if prepaid)(USD)
$839.88
—
Free Trial Period(days)
No free trial (5-day trial historically)
—
Premium Tier Price (with Disney+ & ESPN+)(USD)
Not available
—
Annual Cost (12 months)(USD)
$875.88
—
Monthly Subscription Price(USD)
$54.99
—
Annual Cost (Base Plan)(USD)
$659.88
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Standard Plan)(USD)
$72.99
—
Ad-Free Plan Availability
Yes ($79.99/month)
—
Base Monthly Price(USD)
$82.99
—
Annual Cost Difference(USD)
$995.88/year
—
Monthly Price (Base Plan with Ads)(USD)
$72.99
—
Premium Plan Price (Ad-Free)(USD)
$82.99
—
Live Channels Included(channels)
75+
70+
Regional Sports Networks
Exclusive bundles (YES, SNY, ROOT)
Standard coverage only
Base Channel Count(channels)
75+
70+
Content Library Size(titles)
100+ live channels
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
100+
—
Show 27 more attributes
Original Content Focus (2026)
Moderate (licensed dominant)
—
On-Demand Content Titles(titles)
2,500+
—
Local Channel Coverage(percent of US)
95%+ of US markets
—
Total Live Channels(channels)
150+
—
Sports Networks Included(count)
20+ networks
—
News Networks Included(major networks)
CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News, ABC News
—
Sports Content Percentage(percent)
~50%
—
Entertainment/News Content Percentage(percent)
~50%
—
Live TV Channel Count(channels)
150+ channels
—
Live Channels(channels)
100+
—
On-Demand Content Library Size(titles)
Minimal (YouTube originals only)
—
Live TV Channels(channels)
85+
—
Live TV Channels Included(channels)
150+
—
Total Channels(channels)
70+
—
Original Content Library(titles)
Limited (under 50)
—
On-Demand Library Size(titles)
YouTube only
—
Total Channels Available(channels)
100+ total channels
—
On-Demand Content Library(titles)
~3,000
—
Original Content Awards (2024)(Emmy nominations)
5
—
Live Channels(channels)
100+ channels
—
Sports-Dedicated Channels(channels)
25+
—
Sports Channel Count(channels)
15+ channels
—
News Channel Count(channels)
10+ channels
—
Included On-Demand Streaming
No (separate subscriptions needed)
—
Live Channels Available(channels)
100+
—
Sports Content Types(types)
All major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, CFB, etc.)
—
Included On-Demand Library(titles)
0 (separate subscription required)
—
DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
500 hours
Unlimited
DVR Retention Period(days)
270 days (9 months)
—
Simultaneous Streams(devices)
2
3
Free Trial Length(days)
14 days
0 days
Free Trial Duration(days)
5 days
90 days (3 months)
Free Trial Length(days)
7
—
Contract Required
No
No
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
500 (90-day expiry)
Unlimited (9-month retention)
Simultaneous Streams (Base)(streams)
2 (4 with upgrade)
3 (no upgrade needed)
Unlimited DVR
All plans included
—
Family Sharing Accounts(profiles)
6 accounts standard
—
Simultaneous Streams (single account)(streams)
Up to 3
—
Show 25 more attributes
Household Accounts(accounts)
Up to 6
—
Simultaneous Cloud DVR Recordings(recordings)
6 simultaneous
—
Multiview Sports Feature
Yes - Advanced customizable layouts (2026)
—
DVR Storage (Standard)(hours)
Unlimited
—
Maximum Simultaneous Streams(streams)
3 screens
—
Customizable Channel Selection(yes/no)
Genre-based plans (2026)
—
No-Contract Cancellation(yes/no)
Yes, anytime
—
DVR Recording Storage(hours)
Unlimited
—
Simultaneous Stream Capability(screens)
6 simultaneous streams
—
Cloud DVR Storage(hours)
Unlimited
—
Simultaneous Streams(streams)
6
—
Concurrent Streams Allowed(streams)
3 streams
—
Number of User Profiles(profiles)
6 profiles
—
Simultaneous Streams (Base Plan)(streams)
3 streams
—
Cloud DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
Unlimited
—
DVR Content Retention Period(days)
270 days (9 months)
—
Simultaneous Streams Allowed(screens)
6
—
Base DVR Storage Capacity(hours)
Unlimited
—
DVR Recording Retention Period(months)
9 months
—
Family Accounts/Profiles(accounts)
6
—
Offline Download Capability
No
—
Bundle Customization Options(bundles)
1 fixed lineup
—
4K Channel Availability(channels)
10+ channels
—
User Profiles Per Household(profiles)
5 profiles
—
Family Profiles(profiles)
6
—
User Interface Rating(stars)
3.8/5 (user reviews 2026)
4.4/5 (user reviews 2026)
Mobile App Quality
Excellent with quick guide navigation
—
Nightly TV Viewership Average (2026)(millions)
11.1
—
Ad-Free Viewing
Standard feature (no ads)
—
Cost Per Channel(USD per channel)
$0.86
—
Price Per Channel(USD per channel)
$0.49/channel
—
Bundled Premium Services(services)
None included
—
4K Streaming Available
Yes ($9.99/month add-on)
—
4K Streaming Support
Yes (with add-on $9.99/mo)
—
4K Content Available
Available with Premium tier ($13.99/month add-on)
—
4K Content Support(boolean)
No
—
4K Streaming Support
Yes (included)
—
AI-Powered Sports Features Launch(year)
2026 (multiview, interactive features)
—
Included Premium Services
YouTube Premium, YouTube Music
—
Live Events Per Year(events)
Varies (included in channels)
—
Live Sporting Events Per Year(events)
3,000+ (sports only)
—
NFL Regular Season Games (Annual)(games)
Included via ESPN networks
—
Live Sports Events Monthly(events)
500+
—
NFL Game Broadcasts Available(percent)
All major broadcasts (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC)
—
Local Broadcast Network Access(markets covered)
90% of U.S. markets
—
Original Content Hours Monthly(hours)
Minimal original content focus
—
Simultaneous Streams Per Household(streams)
6 (1 in 4K)
—
Original Sports Content Library(titles)
0
—
Content Library Size(millions of items)
100+ channels (30,000+ archived hours)
—
4K Content Availability(percent of library)
Yes
—
Minimum Internet Speed Required(Mbps)
3 Mbps (HD)
—
Streaming Device Compatibility
All major platforms (Apple TV, Roku, Fire, web, mobile)
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
YT
DirecTV Stream
+5-3
Pros
- 75+ channels in base plan (5 more than YouTube TV)
- NFL RedZone, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice included at base price
- HBO Max premium add-on available ($10/month vs $15.99 standalone)
- 4 simultaneous streams available with upgrade
- Ability to purchase a-la-carte sports packages without full add-on commitment
Cons
- Cloud DVR limited to 500 hours with 90-day expiration (vs unlimited on YouTube TV)
- Higher base price at $79.99/month ($7 more than YouTube TV)
- Only 2 streams included with base plan; requires $5/month upgrade for 3-4 streams
YT
YouTube TV
+5-3
Pros
- Lowest base price at $72.99/month ($7 cheaper than DirecTV Stream)
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage with 9-month retention (vs 500 hours/90 days)
- 3 simultaneous streams included standard (DirecTV Stream requires $5 add-on)
- 3-month free trial (vs 5 days for DirecTV Stream)
- Superior interface with AI-powered recommendations and integration with Google ecosystem
Cons
- Sports packages (NFL RedZone, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice) require $10.99/month Sports Plus add-on
- 70+ channels (5 fewer than DirecTV Stream base plan)
- HBO Max not included; requires separate $15.99/month subscription
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
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.
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