Cutting the cord and ditching expensive cable packages is easier than ever thanks to the rise of live TV streaming services. These cable alternatives deliver your favorite channels live over the internet at a fraction of the cost.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the top 10 alternatives to DIRECTV to help you find the best live TV streaming service for replacing cable in 2024.
Why Consider Cutting the Cord and Replacing DIRECTV?
Here’s why you may want to replace DIRECTV with one of these streaming TV alternatives:
- Save Money – Streaming services start at just $40/month compared to $100+ for DIRECTV
- No Contracts – Streaming has no annual contracts or early termination fees
- More Flexibility – Pick and customize channel packages to suit your needs
- Better Features – Get modern perks like unlimited cloud DVR, on-demand libraries, 4K streaming
Replacing DIRECTV allows you to save big while gaining flexibility and features. The streaming services below make it easy to cut the cord for good.
The 6 Best DIRECTV Replacement Services Compared
1. YouTube TV
With over 100 channels and unlimited DVR storage for just $72.99/month, YouTube TV is the best overall DIRECTV replacement.
YouTube TV matches DIRECTV with live local channels, national networks like ESPN, TNT, CNN, Fox News, and more. Popular add-ons like HBO Max and NBA League Pass expand your options.
Unlimited cloud DVR, 3 simultaneous streams, and 5.1 Dolby Audio support make YouTube TV a feature-packed cable alternative. VOD libraries supplement live TV access across a wide device range.
Pros
- 100+ live channels
- Unlimited DVR storage
- 5.1 surround sound
- 85+ on-demand networks
Cons
- No A&E, History Channel, Lifetime
- Occasional lag and loading issues
2. Hulu + Live TV
For $69.99/month, Hulu + Live TV competes closely with our top DIRECTV streaming alternative YouTube TV.
The service includes over 75+ live channels – including live locals, ESPN, TNT, CNN, Fox News, Disney channels, and much more. Cloud DVR comes with 50 hours of storage and supports 2 simultaneous streams.
Bonus perks like the full Hulu on-demand library and access to Disney+ make this a strong option for existing Hulu subscribers looking to cut DIRECTV.
Pros
- 75+ live TV channels
- 50 hours Cloud DVR
- Full Hulu + Disney+ bundle
Cons
- Fewer channels than competitors
- Most expensive package to get regional sports
3. fuboTV
fuboTV shines for its sports-focused channel packages starting at $69.99/month. It offers a DIRECTV-comparable lineup of over 124 channels.
Regional sports networks, NFL Redzone, NBA TV, MLB Network, BeinSports, Fox Soccer Plus and more give sports fans plenty to love. Cloud DVR includes 1,000 hours of storage for recording games.
fuboTV supports streaming on up to 10 devices simultaneously – making it easy for the whole family to watch. If you want a streaming service tailored for sports fans, fuboTV is a superb DIRECTV replacement.
Pros
- 100+ sports-focused live channels
- 1,000 hr DVR storage
- 10 simultaneous streams
Cons
- Expensive packages
- Missing Turner channels like TNT, TBS
For more on how fuboTV and DIRECTV Stream compare, visit this fuboTV vs DIRECTV Stream guide.
4. DIRECTV Stream
Ironically, switching from DIRECTV satellite to DIRECTV Stream provides a strong alternative at a cheaper price. Packages start at $69.99/month with 75+ live channels.
DIRECTV Stream offers comparable channel packages to traditional DIRECTV. Cloud DVR includes unlimited storage, with 20 hours saved indefinitely. Stream on 20 devices, with 3 simultaneous streams.
Loyal DIRECTV customers can switch to DIRECTV Stream without losing access to favorite channels, regional sports networks, and more. While still more expensive than competitors, it beats old DIRECTV on value.
Pros
- Matches DIRECTV channel packages
- Unlimited Cloud DVR storage
- Access to regional sports nets
Cons
- Expensive compared to other streaming services
- Potential for streaming delays
5. Sling TV
Sling TV offers the most affordable DIRECTV replacement at just $40/month. With 30+ channels in the Sling Orange or Sling Blue base packages, it covers plenty for many streamers.
The ability to customize your channel lineup at a low cost makes Sling TV popular. Cloud DVR storage and simultaneous streams cost extra – so power users may want a higher-tier option.
Occasional streaming hiccups hold Sling TV back from beating services like YouTube TV. But if you want to replace DIRECTV without breaking the bank, it gets the job done.
Pros
- Only $40/month
- Customize your channel package
- Includes ESPN, Disney Channel, CNN
Cons
- Limited DVR storage for fee
- Infrequent streaming issues
- No ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox channels
6. Philo
At only $25/month with 60+ channels focused on entertainment, lifestyle and news, Philo delivers incredible value as a DIRECTV replacement.
Philo lacks sports channels, local stations, and some big cable networks. For non-sports fans wanting to ditch DIRECTV on a tight budget, it’s a superb fit.
Unlimited DVR storage, multi-stream viewing, and VOD libraries make Philo highly capable despite the low $25 monthly rate. Give Philo a look if you don’t mind missing sports and locals to save big.
Pros
- Only $25/month
- 60+ top entertainment/lifestyle channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage
Cons
- No sports, locals, several big cable nets
- Mobile app needs work
What To Consider When Replacing DIRECTV
Here are key factors to weigh when comparing DIRECTV alternatives to find your best fit:
- Channel Lineup – Match channels and networks you currently watch
- Cloud DVR Features – Look for unlimited storage, months+ retention
- Simultaneous Streams – For households, 3-4 streams minimum is best
- Video Quality – Prioritize services offering 60fps, 4K HDR
- Device Support – Verify service works on your current devices
- Internet Speed Requirements – Faster internet improves stream quality
Carefully compare supported channels, features like DVR/streams, and internet requirements when evaluating DIRECTV replacement services. Getting the right fit allows you to ditch cable without losing access to content you care about.
Replacing DIRECTV allows you to save big while gaining flexibility and features. See how DIRECTV compares to Xfinity and other cable TV providers.
Key Takeaways on Replacing DIRECTV in 2024
- YouTube TV provides the best overall value at $64.99/month with 100+ channels & unlimited DVR
- Hulu + Live TV competes closely, with 75+ channels & a Disney/ESPN media bundle
- Sports fans should look at fuboTV – offering tons of national/regional sports content
- DIRECTV Stream ironically beats satellite DIRECTV on features and flexibility
- Philo superbly replaces DIRECTV for non-sports fans at only $25/month
Make the move this year from expensive DIRECTV packages to DIRECTV streaming alternatives. Affordable streaming services match content at a fraction of the monthly price with modern features that cable can’t match.
You shouldn’t have to overpay for TV any longer now that outstanding cable alternatives exist. Review your replacement options above to find the right DIRECTV streaming substitute tailored for your household.
