Live TV streaming services are becoming more popular as alternatives to cable and satellite TV. They offer a variety of channels, features, and prices that can suit different needs and preferences. Two of the most popular live TV streaming services are YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream, formerly known as AT&T TV. But which one is better for you? In this article, we will compare YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream in terms of price, compatibility, features, and channels to help you decide.
Price
The price of a live TV streaming service is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing one. You want to get the most value for your money and avoid paying for channels or features that you don’t need or use.
YouTube TV has one plan available, but DirecTV Stream provides several different tiers of service that rise in price in proportion to the number of channels you receive. The bare bones DirecTV Stream plan costs more than the lone tier of channels on YouTube TV. If you want triple-digit channel counts, DirecTV Stream is your only option.
- YouTube TV: $64.99 per month for more than 85 channels, plus premium channel add-ons.
- DirecTV Stream: $69.99 to $149.99 per month for 75 to 150 channels, plus premium channel add-ons
Compatibility
Another factor to consider is the compatibility of the live TV streaming service with your devices. You want to be able to watch your favorite shows and movies on any device that you own, whether it’s a smart TV, a streaming device, a gaming console, a smartphone, or a tablet.
Both DirecTV Stream and YouTube TV are available on a wide range of devices, both mobile and at home. However, YouTube TV has a slight edge over DirecTV Stream in terms of compatibility, as it supports more brands of smart TVs and gaming devices.
- YouTube TV: Compatible with Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Vizio Smart TVs, Hisense Smart TVs.
- DirecTV Stream: Compatible with Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android, Samsung Smart TVs.
Features
Live TV streaming services also offer various features that can enhance your viewing experience and convenience. Some of the common features are cloud DVR storage, multiple streams, user profiles, parental controls, and on-demand content.
YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream both offer generous cloud DVR storage and multiple streams However, YouTube TV has some advantages over DirecTV Stream in terms of user profiles and parental controls.
- YouTube TV: Unlimited cloud DVR storage for nine months; up to three simultaneous streams; up to six user profiles; parental controls; on-demand content.
- DirecTV Stream: 20 hours of cloud DVR storage for 30 days; up to three simultaneous streams at home and two on the go; no user profiles; parental controls; on-demand content.
Channels
The channel lineup of a live TV streaming service is another crucial factor to consider when choosing one. You want to have access to the channels that you watch regularly and enjoy the most.
YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream both offer a wide range of channels from different genres and categories. However, DirecTV Stream has more channels than YouTube TV overall and some exclusive channels that YouTube TV does not have.
- YouTube TV: More than 85 channels from categories such as news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, kids, movies. Some of the popular channels are ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, PBS, ESPN networks (including ACC Network), Fox Sports networks (including Big Ten Network), NBC Sports networks (including Golf Channel), Turner networks (including TBS), Disney networks (including Freeform), Discovery networks (including HGTV), AMC networks (including BBC America), A&E networks (including History), ViacomCBS networks (including MTV), EPIX networks (including EPIX Drive-In), NFL Network.
- DirecTV Stream: 75 to 150 channels from categories such as news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, kids, movies. Some of the popular channels are ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW, ESPN networks (including ACC Network), Fox Sports networks (including Big Ten Network), NBC Sports networks (including Golf Channel), Turner networks (including TBS), Disney networks (including Freeform), Discovery networks (including HGTV), AMC networks (including BBC America), A&E networks (including History), ViacomCBS networks (including MTV), EPIX networks (including EPIX Drive-In), NFL Network, HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz, Hallmark, Lifetime, OWN, Oxygen, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Baby TV, Galavision, Univision.
Conclusion
YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream are both popular and reliable live TV streaming services that offer a variety of channels, features, and prices. However, they also have some differences that may make one more suitable for you than the other.
If you are looking for a simple and affordable live TV streaming service that has a wide compatibility, unlimited cloud DVR storage, multiple user profiles, and a solid channel lineup, then YouTube TV may be the better option for you.
If you are looking for a more comprehensive and premium live TV streaming service that has more channels, including exclusive ones, and some extra features, such as unlimited simultaneous streams at home and access to HBO and Cinemax, then DirecTV Stream may be the better option for you.
