DIRECTV vs. Fubo: Compare Plans, Prices, Channels, Sports & Features

With the fragmented sports and entertainment landscape, it can be difficult to know what the best TV plan for you is. At the same time, having more live TV streaming options gives viewers greater control over what and how they watch.

DIRECTV offers the flexibility viewers need today – and makes the process simple. Instead of choosing from a single pre-built lineup, you can select Genre Packs® designed around the content and streaming services you care about most, whether that’s sports, entertainment, news, kids or Spanish-language programming.

Fubo positions itself as an affordable, sports-first live TV streaming service, offering four different packages alongside different add-ons. More recently, Fubo followed DIRECTV’s lead in offering more flexibility with Fubo Sports, a smaller sports-focused plan that launched after DIRECTV introduced MySports® Genre Pack.

So, which one actually gives you more control, better sports access and better overall value?

Below, we compare DIRECTV and Fubo across:

• TV Plans, Pricing & Channels
• Sports Channel Availability
• Regional Sports Networks
• Sports Add-Ons & Features
• Streaming Experience, 4K & DVR

Stop paying for channels you don’t watch. Get more flexibility with Genre Packs starting at just $20.99/mo. with DIRECTV. Cancel anytime.

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DIRECTV vs. Fubo: Key Differences at a Glance

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick summary of how the two live TV streaming services stack up:

*As of June 2026, based on a comparison of fútbol league coverage vs. YouTube TV Spanish Plan and Fubo Latino.

DIRECTV Genre Packs vs. Fubo: Plans, Prices & Channels

In 2025, DIRECTV was the first to introduce Genre Packs: targeted channel bundles that let viewers pay for specific types of content (like sports, entertainment, kids, news or Spanish-language channels) without committing to a large, one-size-fits-all plan. Customers can purchase one Genre Pack on its own, combine multiple Genre Packs and Mini-Packs and/or add on premium streaming apps.

Plus, all DIRECTV plans include 150+ free channels through MyFree DIRECTV.

Here’s how DIRECTV’s Genre Packs compare with Fubo’s closest plans, category by category.

All DIRECTV prices: promotional rates may apply.

DIRECTV also lets you build out a Genre Pack with combos and Mini-Packs:

• Duo Packs: $74.99/mo. for MyEntertainment + MyNews | 70+ channels | Combine two Genre Packs for more coverage.
• MySports Extra® (Mini-Pack): $13.99/mo. | 8 channels | Adds NFL RedZone, FanDuel TV, Willow HD, MLB Strike Zone™ and more to MySports Genre Pack.
• MyHome Team® (Mini-Pack): $19.99/mo. | 6+ channels | Your local RSNs and team channels plus six more regional networks.
• MyCinema® (Mini-Pack): $10.99/mo. | 10+ channels | Movie channels like TCM, Shudder, Hallmark Family, etc.

Fubo works differently. Its plans are preset tiers, and add-ons like Sports Plus with NFL RedZone ($10.99/mo.) and SportsLite ($9.99/mo.) can help fill in specific sports.

Fubo Sports is the closest match to a Genre Pack. But as of October 2026, it’s Fubo’s only category-focused English-language plan. DIRECTV offers Genre Packs for sports, entertainment, news, kids and Spanish-language programming – and lets you combine them. MySports Genre Pack is also available nationwide, while Fubo Sports is only offered in select areas.

DIRECTV has the flexibility you deserve when it comes to your entertainment experience. Get started today with Genre Packs starting at just $20.99/mo. with DIRECTV. Cancel anytime.

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DIRECTV vs. Fubo: Full TV Packages & Monthly Costs

While genre-focused plans are designed for viewers who want relevant content at a lower price, some households prefer broader channel coverage.

If you’re looking for a full live TV experience with major networks, entertainment, news and sports all included, both DIRECTV and Fubo offer comprehensive base plans.

Fubo offers two main English-language base plans, Pro and Elite, plus Elite with Sports Plus. Every Fubo base plan includes local RSNs where available, with a Regional Sports Fee of up to $16.99/mo. that can’t be removed.

DIRECTV offers four base plans — ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER — that scale in channel count and regional sports access as you move up. Every tier includes ESPN Unlimited, and Disney+ and Hulu are included with a Gemini device. CHOICE customers and above can also get more regional sports networks with Sports Pack. Both DIRECTV and Fubo offer out-of-market NHL games through NHL Power Play on ESPN Unlimited, and both also offer Spanish-language plans.

Here’s a look at the base plans side-by-side.

DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT and CHOICE vs. Fubo Pro

*RSNs not available in all areas. Availability varies by ZIP code and plan. Additional regional sports networks available with DIRECTV Sports Pack (requires CHOICE and above), subject to blackout restrictions.

†Fubo’s channel counts include its free ad-supported TV streaming (FAST) channels. DIRECTV’s plan counts don’t include the 150+ free channels available with MyFree DIRECTV.

DIRECTV vs. Fubo: Sports Channel Comparison

Both services carry major national sports networks like ESPN, FS1, NFL Network and the top college conference networks. However, there are distinct differences in league networks, Warner Bros. Discovery networks like TNT and TBS, regional sports networks and international soccer.

Channel availability may vary by ZIP code and plan.

Which National and League Sports Channels Are Included?

*Local broadcast network availability varies by market.

Key Sports Channel Differences

• TNT, TBS and truTV: Included with MySports and CHOICE; not available on Fubo.
• MLB Network: Included with MySports; a paid add-on with Fubo Sports and Fubo Pro.
• NBCSN: Included with Fubo Sports and Fubo Pro; not available on DIRECTV.
• MLB Strike Zone™: Comes with Fubo’s Sports Plus add-on ($10.99/mo.). On DIRECTV, it requires the Sports Pack add-on for Signature plans or MySports Extra add-on for MySports Genre Pack.
• NBA TV and NHL Network: Included with MySports; a paid add-on or Elite upgrade with Fubo.
• FS2 and CBS Sports Network: Included with MySports Genre Pack, Fubo Sports and Fubo Pro; not included with DIRECTV CHOICE package.
• beIN Sports: Included with Fubo Pro. DIRECTV customers get beIN Sports XTRA and beIN Sports XTRA en Español free with MyFree DIRECTV.

Don’t get shortchanged on hockey. DIRECTV has more national games and the Stanley Cup Final in 2027.

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DIRECTV vs. Fubo: Regional Sports Networks & Local Teams

If you want to watch your local MLB, NBA or NHL teams, regional sports networks often determine which service is the better choice.

DIRECTV carries 30+ RSNs and team channels, available with CHOICE and above. MySports customers can add the MyHome Team Mini-Pack for $19.99/mo., which includes their local RSNs and team channels plus Altitude Sports, Chicago Sports Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports Network, Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA (programming subject to blackout restrictions).

For customers with a DIRECTV CHOICE Signature package and above, additional regional sports networks are available through the DIRECTV Sports Pack add-on.

Fubo carries 35+ RSNs and team channels in its base plans, based on your home ZIP code. Fubo Sports subscribers in select markets can add their local RSN, plus sports-focused FAST channels, through the My Local Sports add-on. Pricing varies by market.

Availability varies by ZIP code for both services. DIRECTV carries Monumental Sports Network and Spectrum SportsNet, which Fubo doesn’t.

Regional Sports Network Comparison Overview

Full availability varies by market and plan.

Watch your team, your way. Get your local RSN plus six more regional networks with MyHome Team, or add out-of-market RSNs with Sports Pack on CHOICE and above.

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DIRECTV vs. Fubo: Sports Add-Ons & NFL Sunday Ticket

NFL Sunday Ticket, which lets fans watch out-of-market Sunday afternoon NFL games, is sold through YouTube and is available as a standalone subscription regardless of your video provider.

DIRECTV customers can subscribe à la carte and integrate it into their viewing experience with the Gemini device*. DIRECTV also provides access to other premium sports add-ons, including:

• MySports Extra ($13.99/mo.) – 8 channels: NFL RedZone, FanDuel TV, Willow HD, Discovery Turbo, Outdoor Channel, Racer Network, MLB Strike Zone and Cowboy Channel
• NBA League Pass, NHL® CENTER ICE®, MLB.TV, MLB Extra Innings®, etc.
• DIRECTV Sports Pack (additional specialty sports channels and regional sports networks; RSNs require CHOICE and above)

Fubo offers its own sports add-ons, including Sports Plus with NFL RedZone ($10.99/mo.) and SportsLite ($9.99/mo.), International Sports Plus ($6.99/mo.), MLB.TV ($29.99/mo.) and NBA League Pass. Fubo Sports subscribers in select markets can also add their local RSN with My Local Sports.

*Req’s internet-connected Gemini device and additional paid subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube Primetime.

DIRECTV vs. Fubo: Multiview & Sports Viewing Features

Beyond channel availability, the way you discover and watch games can make a major difference in your overall sports experience.

DIRECTV Sports Central & Multiview

Sports Central is available to DIRECTV customers with a Gemini device and serves as a centralized hub for live and upcoming games across football, basketball, baseball, hockey and more.

From the main menu, customers can:

• Browse live and upcoming matchups
• Access league-specific pages
• View team pages and follow favorite teams
• Set recordings for favorite teams and matchups (recording available on DIRECTV channels)
• Access NFL RedZone (with Sports Pack or eligible package)
• Launch games across DIRECTV channels and supported streaming platforms

DIRECTV customers can also use Multiview to watch up to four live sporting events on one screen (availability may vary by content and device).

Fubo Multiview, DVR & Lookback

Fubo also offers sports viewing tools within its platform. These include:

• Multiview to watch up to four live channels at once
• Unlimited cloud DVR
• Lookback, for replaying recently aired games on demand

How Sports Discovery Differs Between DIRECTV and Fubo

DIRECTV emphasizes centralized sports discovery, pulling games from networks and streaming apps into one hub. Fubo keeps sports viewing inside its own app, with tools like Multiview and Lookback.

What Do You Need to Watch Every NFL Game on DIRECTV?

With the appropriate subscriptions and a Gemini device connected to high-speed internet, DIRECTV customers can stream every NFL game, including games broadcast exclusively on streaming platforms.

To access every pro football game, customers may need:

• Separate paid subscriptions for NFL Sunday Ticket, Prime Video, Netflix and Peacock
• MySports, Sports Pack or CHOICE package (or higher) for NFL Network
• MySports Extra or Sports Pack add-ons for NFL RedZone
• Gemini or Gemini Air device connected to high-speed internet

Availability varies by market and subscription.

DIRECTV vs. Fubo: Streaming Experience, 4K & DVR

Beyond pricing and channel count, the overall viewing experience plays a major role in choosing a live TV provider. Here’s how DIRECTV and Fubo compare.

Live TV, Streaming Apps & Navigation

With a Gemini device connected to high-speed internet, DIRECTV lets customers access live TV channels and supported streaming apps in a single interface. Through the guide, search and curated content pages, viewers can discover and launch programming across streaming platforms without changing inputs (separate subscriptions may be required).

Fubo’s app is built around live TV and its own on-demand library of 10,000+ hours of shows and movies.

For households that subscribe to multiple streaming services, centralized navigation may simplify the viewing experience.

Does DIRECTV or Fubo Include 4K Streaming?

DIRECTV offers dedicated 4K Ultra HD channels (LIVE4K and LIVE4K2) featuring select sporting events, movies and special programming at no additional cost. A compatible 4K TV and internet connection are required.

Fubo includes 4K only with its Elite plans, starting at $98.99/mo.

Simultaneous Streaming & Household Flexibility

DIRECTV allows unlimited simultaneous streams within the home network (restrictions apply). Outside the home, up to three concurrent streams are permitted.

Most Fubo plans allow up to 10 simultaneous streams on your home internet connection and three on the go. The Latino plan allows two.

Both services include unlimited DVR storage, allowing users to record live content and watch later. On both, recordings expire after nine months.

Is DIRECTV or Fubo Better for You?

Both DIRECTV and Fubo offer compelling live TV streaming options – but they’re built for slightly different types of viewers.

Fubo stands out for:

• International soccer through beIN Sports and add-ons like International Sports Plus
• Fubo Sports, which includes ESPN Unlimited and can add a local RSN in select markets

DIRECTV differentiates itself through flexibility, sports depth and centralized navigation. It stands out for:

• Modular Genre Packs and Mini-Packs
• Additional regional sports networks for Signature plans (CHOICE and above) through Sports Pack, plus local RSNs and team channels with MyHome Team
• TNT, TBS and truTV, plus MLB Network®, NBA TV and NHL Network with MySports
• MySports, available nationwide, with MySports Extra for NFL RedZone, MLB Strike Zone™ and more
• Entertainment and Spanish-language Genre Packs with Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, AMC+ or ViX Premium included
• Unlimited in-home streaming (restrictions apply)
• Dedicated 4K channels included
• Sports Central and Gemini device integration for cross-platform access

The right choice ultimately depends on what you watch most and how your household streams.

Get Disney+, Hulu, AMC+ and HBO Max – included. MyEntertainment starts at $42.99/mo. Fubo doesn’t offer an entertainment-only plan or HBO Max.

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Compare DIRECTV With Other Live TV Streaming Services

With all the information above, you should be able to make a smart choice about the live TV provider that’s right for you. If you’re also looking to compare DIRECTV to other competitors, check out our DIRECTV vs. the Competition page.

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