When it comes to live TV streaming services, two names often come up: DirecTV and FuboTV. Both have carved out significant niches in the world of entertainment, but they cater to slightly different audiences. DirecTV, a long-time player in the satellite TV space, has shifted to streaming to keep up with the demand for more flexible, on-demand content.

Its streaming service, DirecTV Stream, offers a wide variety of channels, including sports, entertainment, and news. The main draw of DirecTV is its extensive channel lineup and traditional TV feel, making it a solid choice for households looking for a full cable replacement.

On the other hand, FuboTV started out as a sports-focused streaming service but has grown to offer a broader selection of content. With a strong emphasis on live sports, international leagues, and premium entertainment, FuboTV is a favorite among sports enthusiasts who want access to a wide array of games and events.

Its flexibility as a fully streaming platform allows for a more modern and app-centric viewing experience, free from the constraints of satellite equipment.

In this comparison, we’ll take an in-depth look at what both services offer, their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which one is best suited to your entertainment needs. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional TV experience or a sports-heavy streaming service, there’s a plan tailored for you with either DirecTV or FuboTV.

Overview of DirecTV and FuboTV

DirecTV: The Legacy Service with a Modern Streaming Twist

DirecTV is a longstanding player in the TV service industry. Since its launch in 1994, DirecTV has offered satellite TV, but more recently, it has expanded its offerings with DirecTV Stream, a streaming option that attempts to offer a cable replacement. DirecTV is known for its massive channel lineup, including local stations, national networks, and exclusive content.

Its streaming service is built to compete with other live TV platforms like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV, but it comes with some legacy baggage from its satellite days, such as potential equipment installation and long-term contracts.

The main appeal of DirecTV Stream is its extensive channel options and its history as a well-established service. Many users like the familiar setup of traditional TV, with an easy-to-navigate guide and access to numerous entertainment, sports, and news channels.

However, some customers have complained about high pricing, equipment fees, and customer service issues.

FuboTV: The Sports-Focused Streaming Service

FuboTV was initially built with sports fans in mind. Launched in 2015, it started as a service for streaming sports content, but over time, it expanded its offerings to include general entertainment, news, and family channels. Unlike DirecTV, FuboTV is purely a streaming service with no satellite option, which allows for more flexibility and an easier setup.

It’s especially appealing to viewers who want extensive sports coverage, including soccer, NFL, NBA, MLB, and other sports, as well as international sports leagues.

FuboTV has quickly gained a reputation as a premium streaming service, focusing heavily on sports and offering features like unlimited cloud DVR, multiple simultaneous streams, and an easy-to-use interface.

While FuboTV is more expensive than some other streaming services, its sports-oriented channel lineup and flexible streaming options make it popular among sports enthusiasts.

Features Comparison: DirecTV vs. FuboTV

Channel Selection

DirecTV:

One of the most significant selling points of DirecTV, whether via satellite or streaming, is its sheer channel selection. It offers hundreds of channels across all genres, including local channels, national TV networks, sports networks, and exclusive channels like NFL Sunday Ticket (for sports fans).

DirecTV’s streaming plans are tailored to suit a range of viewing needs, with options that include everything from basic entertainment channels to sports-heavy offerings.

DirecTV’s streaming plans are designed to cater to users who want access to traditional TV content, including major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, plus cable channels like CNN, ESPN, and HGTV. However, some users feel the service could be a bit “clunky” with its user interface, especially when compared to more modern services like FuboTV.

FuboTV:

FuboTV is a strong competitor when it comes to live sports content. It boasts an impressive lineup of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and more. For sports fans, FuboTV is one of the best options available, especially for those interested in international sports or niche leagues.

FuboTV also includes a wide selection of entertainment, news, and family channels like AMC, Discovery Channel, and Comedy Central. However, FuboTV’s sports-heavy nature means that some users may feel that it lacks some of the more general entertainment channels offered by services like DirecTV.

FuboTV offers a variety of plans that allow you to customize your viewing experience. It provides a comprehensive range of channels, including access to major cable networks, international channels, and regional sports networks.

Additionally, its “Elite” and “Premium” packages include extra features like more simultaneous streams and additional cloud DVR storage.

Streaming Quality & Device Support

DirecTV:

DirecTV Stream works across a variety of devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes (like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick), game consoles, and mobile devices. The service provides a polished experience on these platforms, but because DirecTV Stream still retains some legacy features from its satellite roots, it might not feel as fluid or intuitive as newer streaming services.

Some users report occasional buffering or issues with the interface, particularly when navigating between channels or shows.

FuboTV:

FuboTV is designed as a modern streaming service, and its app works seamlessly across most platforms, including smart TVs, game consoles, mobile devices, and streaming sticks. FuboTV is optimized for streaming on a variety of devices, and it offers a more user-friendly interface than DirecTV.

Its apps are generally well-reviewed for stability and ease of use, and users often note that the quality of the video stream is consistently high, even for high-definition content.

DVR and Cloud Storage

DirecTV:

DirecTV’s streaming service comes with cloud DVR functionality, but users often note that it’s limited compared to other services. The DVR storage is not as generous as some competitors like FuboTV, and it also comes with restrictions on how long you can keep recorded content.

DirecTV’s satellite service also offers a DVR option, but the cloud-based version for DirecTV Stream is more flexible, even if it’s not as feature-rich.

FuboTV:

FuboTV offers one of the best DVR options in the streaming market, with unlimited cloud DVR storage on most plans. Users can record shows and sports events without worrying about running out of space, which is especially useful for sports fans who want to record games that may air at inconvenient times.

FuboTV also provides users with the option to keep recordings for up to 9 months, making it more flexible than DirecTV in terms of DVR functionality.

Sports Coverage

DirecTV:

DirecTV has a reputation for being strong in sports coverage, especially with its exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket package, which allows you to watch every out-of-market NFL game. DirecTV also offers a range of sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports, and it includes local sports networks in many regions.

However, some users feel that the sports options on DirecTV Stream are limited compared to FuboTV, especially if they are looking for niche sports content or international leagues.

FuboTV:

FuboTV is one of the most sports-friendly streaming services, with a vast library of sports channels, including national networks like ESPN, FS1, and NBC Sports, as well as specialized channels like MLB Network, NFL Network, and NBA TV.

FuboTV also offers extensive coverage of international sports, including soccer leagues, Formula 1, and various regional sports networks (RSNs). If you’re a sports fan, FuboTV offers unparalleled content for nearly every major sport and is arguably the better option compared to DirecTV.

Pricing Comparison: DirecTV vs. FuboTV

Pricing is always a crucial factor when choosing between streaming services, and both DirecTV and FuboTV have competitive plans, but they also come with different pricing structures.

DirecTV:

DirecTV’s pricing varies based on the plan you choose, with discounts available for new customers in the first few months. Here’s a rough breakdown of the pricing for DirecTV Stream’s packages:

• Entertainment Plan: $64.99/month (includes 75+ channels, including ESPN, local channels, and national networks)
• Choice Plan: $84.99/month (includes 105+ channels, sports channels, and additional entertainment channels)
• Ultimate Plan: $104.99/month (includes 130+ channels, including HBO Max and other premium content)
• Premier Plan: $149.99/month (includes 140+ channels, premium movie channels like Showtime and Cinemax)

For DirecTV satellite service, the prices are often higher and come with equipment and installation fees, making it a more expensive option overall, especially if you opt for premium channels or packages.

FuboTV:

FuboTV’s pricing is higher compared to some other streaming services, but it’s well worth it for sports fans who want the best coverage. FuboTV offers several plans, depending on the level of content you want:

• Pro Plan: $74.99/month (includes 170+ channels, including sports and entertainment)
• Elite Plan: $84.99/month (includes 220+ channels, including regional sports networks and more entertainment options)
• Premium Plan: $94.99/month (includes 290+ channels, including additional sports channels and extra simultaneous streams)

FuboTV also offers an extensive channel lineup, but it’s a bit more expensive than DirecTV, particularly if you want access to its higher-tier packages. However, FuboTV’s extensive sports channels and unlimited DVR storage may justify the cost for sports enthusiasts.

Customer Support Comparison

DirecTV:

DirecTV has received mixed reviews when it comes to customer support. While the service is known for its extensive offerings, many customers complain about the difficulty of getting support, especially when dealing with technical issues or billing problems.

The satellite-based service requires a technician to install equipment, and there have been complaints about delays in installation and poor customer service interactions. On the streaming side, some users report long wait times for live chat support and unresolved issues with billing or account management.

FuboTV:

FuboTV tends to have better customer support ratings, with users appreciating the streamlined, app-first approach. Since FuboTV is entirely streaming-based, the support team focuses on helping users with streaming issues, device compatibility, and troubleshooting.

Although the service has generally received good marks for customer support, some users complain about rising prices and service reliability when handling account management issues. However, FuboTV’s relatively new market position means that it’s often seen as more responsive and modern in comparison to DirecTV.

Pros and Cons: DirecTV vs. FuboTV

DirecTV

Pros:

• Massive channel lineup with tons of options.
• Great for users who like traditional TV with access to a wide variety of local and national channels.
• Strong sports coverage, including NFL Sunday Ticket.
• Available as both a satellite and streaming service.

Cons:

• High pricing after promotional periods.
• Legacy satellite issues (including installation and equipment fees).
• Customer support is often criticized, especially for handling billing and technical problems.
• Streaming experience might not be as seamless as competitors like FuboTV.

FuboTV

Pros:

• Excellent sports coverage with a strong focus on live sports and international leagues.
• Unlimited cloud DVR storage on most plans.
• Easy-to-use, modern interface with support for most streaming devices.
• Flexible streaming options with no equipment needed.

Cons:

• Higher pricing compared to other streaming services.
• Additional fees for regional sports networks.
• Can be expensive if you don’t need all the sports channels or premium content.
• Some users report occasional app glitches or streaming issues.

Conclusion: Which Is the Better Option?

When it comes to choosing between DirecTV and FuboTV, the decision ultimately depends on what you’re looking for in a streaming service.

• DirecTV is a strong contender if you’re looking for a service that offers a large variety of channels and has a history of being a reliable TV provider. It’s ideal for people who want access to local channels, a full cable replacement, and don’t mind the higher price tag. However, it’s important to note that DirecTV’s customer service has been critiqued, and its satellite-based service may require installation, making it less flexible than a purely streaming service.

• FuboTV, on the other hand, is the better choice if you’re a sports fan or if you prefer a more modern, app-based experience. It offers fantastic sports coverage, including niche sports leagues and international events, and its cloud DVR is far superior to DirecTV’s. The downside is that FuboTV can be expensive, and its focus on sports means that if you’re looking for a broad range of non-sports content, you may need to opt for its more expensive packages.

In the end, FuboTV is likely the better option for sports lovers and people who want the flexibility of streaming without the need for any equipment. However, if you want a more traditional TV experience with a huge selection of channels, DirecTV still offers solid value—if you’re willing to pay for it.

FAQs

Is FuboTV better than DirecTV for sports?

Yes, FuboTV has a far superior selection of sports channels and leagues.

Can I cancel DirecTV or FuboTV anytime?

Both services allow you to cancel anytime without long-term contracts for streaming plans.

Which service offers the most channels?

DirecTV offers a larger total number of channels, especially for those looking for a traditional cable experience.

Does FuboTV offer unlimited DVR storage?

Yes, FuboTV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage on most of its plans.

Which service is cheaper?

DirecTV generally offers lower entry prices, but FuboTV can become cheaper depending on your needs, especially if you’re a sports fan.