DIRECTV STREAM delivers DIRECTV's packages over the internet with no satellite dish and no annual contract. YouTube TV is a simpler streaming service with a single main plan plus genre plans. Both include local channels and cloud DVR.
DIRECTV STREAM vs YouTube TV at a glance
| DIRECTV Stream | YouTube TV | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | $20.99 MyKids Genre Pack | $54.99 Entertainment |
| Estimated monthly | About $21–$39 cheapest plan plus required fees (box, broadcast TV, regional sports where they apply) | $54.99 no required extra fees listed |
| Type | Streaming | Streaming |
| Plans | MyKids Genre Pack: $20.99 · 10+ channels MiEspañol Genre Pack: $37.99 · 60+ channels MyEntertainment Genre Pack: $42.99 · 60+ channels MyNews Genre Pack: $44.99 · 10+ channels MySports Genre Pack: $64.99 · 20+ channels ENTERTAINMENT: $89.99 · 90+ channels ÓPTIMO MÁS: $89.99 · 110+ channels CHOICE: $94.99 · 125+ channels ULTIMATE: $129.99 · 160+ channels PREMIER: $174.99 · 185+ channels | YouTube TV (main/Base plan): $82.99 · 100+ channels Sports + News: $71.99 · 50+ channels Sports: $64.99 · 30+ channels Entertainment: $54.99 · 55+ channels News + Entertainment: $62.99 · 70+ channels News + Entertainment + Family: $69.99 · 85+ channels Sports + Entertainment: $71.99 · 80+ channels Sports + News + Entertainment: $77.99 Sports + News + Family: $77.99 Sports + Entertainment + Family: $77.99 News + Family: — Spanish Plan: $34.99 · 30+ channels |
| Extra fees | Regional Sports Fee (CHOICE and higher): Up to ~$17.99/mo, varies by ZIP (worked out from directv.com 'with req'd fees' totals; third-party sources cite up to $19.99-$23.99) DIRECTV Gemini device lease (optional for streaming; required for some offers, e.g. the Netflix promo): $10/mo Broadcast TV Fee: None for streaming, per third-party reporting (checkthat.ai); not shown on official streaming pricing | None listed |
| Contract | No annual contract; month-to-month, cancel anytime (5-day free trial) | No contract; cancel anytime with no cancellation fees (no refunds for partial billing periods). Membership can be paused up to 6 months. |
| Screens at once | Unlimited streams on unlimited screens at home (directv.com packages page); third-party reporting says up to 3 streams away from home | 3 simultaneous streams per membership (up to 6 household accounts); 4K Plus add-on ($9.99/mo) unlocks unlimited streams at home. |
| DVR | Unlimited Cloud DVR included at no extra charge; recordings kept up to 9 months (per third-party reporting) | Unlimited cloud DVR storage included on all plans; each of 6 accounts has its own library; recordings kept for 9 months. Offline downloads of recordings require 4K Plus add-on. |
| Local channels | Yes. Local ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC are included in most streaming plans (ENTERTAINMENT and up; MySports also says it includes locals). Availability varies by market and some locals are missing in some markets. | Yes - local ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX (plus PBS and The CW in many markets) are included in all plans; official site claims local network coverage in over 98% of US TV households; lineup varies by ZIP code. |
| Only on this one* | — | — |
| Full lineup | DIRECTV Stream guide | YouTube TV guide |
* Among popular channels our guides list as missing on the other service. Data from our lineup guides. Confirm prices with the provider before you sign up. Compare with your channels
Which should you pick?
Pick DIRECTV STREAM if
- Your regional sports network matters: DIRECTV STREAM carries regional sports networks from CHOICE up.
- You want the bigger DIRECTV-style packages and premium tiers.
- You do not mind a monthly fee for the Gemini streaming device.
Pick YouTube TV if
- You want a lower monthly price with no device fee.
- You prefer a genre plan (Sports, Entertainment or News) over a large package.
- Your regional sports network is not important to you.
Bottom line
DIRECTV STREAM is the stronger pick for local regional sports. For everyone else, YouTube TV usually costs less for a similar everyday lineup. Compare them with your own channels.