Some television providers require running special wiring to your home or installing a bulky satellite dish. DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV both deliver service via your home internet connection making installation easy. You can watch either live TV service anywhere you have a stable internet connection—no dedicated TV box required with streaming services. Let’s dive into which option would be best for you—DIRECTV STREAM vs. YouTube TV. Both services don’t employ the hidden cost game to get more money out of you. For the most part, the price you see is the price you pay. While DIRECTV STREAM offers a more typical package structure, charging you more money for an increased channel count, YouTube TV has only a single offering. This YouTube TV pricing scheme is great for those who only need the basics, but others looking for more channels may feel wanting. If you’re not a TV binge-watcher or only want the basics, YouTube TV might be a great option. However, many TV and movie aficionados will gravitate towards DIRECTV STREAM’s more extensive channel offering. DIRECTV STREAM’s cheapest package is more expensive than YouTube TV’s only package. However, once you want to start reaching triple digital channel numbers, DIRECTV STREAM becomes your only option. With only a single package, YouTube simplifies selecting a live television provider at the expense of available content. YouTube TV’s only pricing option is cheaper than DIRECTV STREAM’s most affordable option, so if you’re after the basics, YouTube TV might be the option for you. Additionally, breaking service contracts with some providers results in nasty termination fees. If you aren’t happy with either DIRECTV STREAM or YouTube TV, you can cancel your service at any time with no pricing consequences. Not even all of our best TV providers include this option. YouTube TV does offer a 4K service option, but at $10 a month ($20 a month after 12 months), and a limited selection of channels, we feel that most customers can go without it. DIRECTV STREAM offers a media streaming box that you can purchase to stream the service to your television. Still, it isn’t necessary if you already own a compatible device, including Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, or Roku. If you opt to purchase DIRECTV STREAM’s media streaming box, it will either cost you $120 upfront or $5 per month over 24 months with no interest. You can stream YouTube TV via the same streaming boxes that are compatible with DIRECTV STREAM, as well as Xbox and PlayStation. If you’re looking to bring down the cost of your monthly bills, you can combine your internet and television services with DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T internet for some cost savings. Additionally, bundling will put your services on a single bill, making tracking your finances all the bit easier. YouTube is owned by Google, which does offer its Google Fiber service to a few select areas in the country, but the company has yet to offer bundles to its customers in those areas. Active internet service is required for both DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV, so bundling may be a smart option when taking a look at AT&T’s services. Otherwise, be sure to take a look at the best internet service providers to see what other options may be available to you. However, the provider with the most channels isn’t always the winner. It’s more essential to select a service with the channels you want to watch than paying for hundreds of channels you won’t give a second glance. That being said, make sure the plan you select from DIRECTV STREAM or the service you opt for from YouTube TV includes your favorite channels, so you won’t feel as though you made a wrong decision. Neither provider is a clear winner when it comes to package offerings, as both services have cheaper options than the other. One advantage of DIRECTV STREAM is that subscribers of the service’s Choice or Ultimate packages include three free months of HBO Max. Remember, sports fans, pick the option that includes the most sports channels that you will actually watch. Don’t merely select the provider with the most selection. YouTube TV
ACC Network (ACCN) Big Ten Network (BTN) CBS Sports ESPN, ESPN2 ESPNews SEC Network ESPNU FS1, FS2 Golf Channel NBA TV NBCSN NFL Network Olympic Channel SNYHD
DIRECTV STREAM Entertainment package
ESPN HD ESPN2 HD FS1 MotorTrend
DIRECTV STREAM Choice package
ACC Network (ACCN) Big Ten Network HD ESPNews HD ESPNU HD FanDuel TV HD FS1 Golf Channel HD MLB Network HD MotorTrend NBA TV SEC Network Tennis Channel HD
DIRECTV STREAM Ultimate and Premier packages
CBS Sports Network FS2 Golf Channel NHL Network TUDN HD
Sports fans can also take advantage of DVRs, ensuring that they never miss out on their favorite matches. DIRECTV STREAM provides 20 hours of HD recording time for no included cost, but new online customers of DIRECTV STREAM can get unlimited DVR storage. On the other hand, YouTube TV includes unlimited recording time in its base price for all plans, making it the best deal for those attached to their DVRs. Additionally, as both DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube operate over the internet, they’ve eliminated the need to be tied to your home. Anywhere you can get internet access, you can watch your favorite shows and movies with the tap of a screen. We love both services, but this is a battle, so let’s pick a winner—DIRECTV STREAM. While both DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV offer excellent services in their rights, DIRECTV STREAM comes through with its outstanding channel selection with over 220+ channels. You’ll be paying a bit more with DIRECTV STREAM, but it’s an excellent choice for those who find themselves living on their couches or favorite recliners in the evening. That said, YouTube TV is still a spectacular service that offers the basics of television, plus a bit more, at a low monthly cost. The best choice for your home will depend on what you value most—a large selection of content or a lower monthly TV bill.
