DIRECTV vs. YouTube TV: Compare Live TV Streaming Services

Updated: Feb. 20, 2026

There are more live TV streaming options than ever before—giving viewers greater control over how, what and where they watch.

With DIRECTV, that flexibility goes even further. 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. It’s a smarter way to build a TV plan that fits your viewing habits and your budget.

As other providers—including YouTube TV—attempt to replicate DIRECTV’s industry-leading Genre Packs to respond to the growing demand for smaller, more flexible streaming options, comparing plans becomes more important than ever.

While both DIRECTV and YouTube TV now offer category-focused plans, the way those plans are structured—and what they include—differs significantly.

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

Below, we compare DIRECTV and YouTube TV across:

• Available plans
• Sports coverage
• Regional sports networks
• Streaming features
• Picture quality and device experience

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Quick Answer: DIRECTV vs. YouTube TV

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

• Best for building a flexible TV plan: DIRECTV (ability to combine Genre Packs, Mini-Packs and premium add-ons)
• Best for in-market NFL fans: DIRECTV (watch local Sunday afternoon games, Sunday Night Football on NBC and Monday Night Football on ESPN with MySports™)
• Best for out-of-market NFL fans: YouTube TV (While YouTube TV offers a discount on NFL Sunday Ticket if you also subscribe to their live streaming service, NFL Sunday Ticket is now available as a standalone subscription to anyone)
• Best for regional sports: DIRECTV (30+ RSNs in many markets; availability varies by ZIP and plan)
• Best for MLB fans: DIRECTV (DIRECTV has the most live baseball games—with RSNs, specialty sports channels including MLB Network and MLB Strike Zone all in one place)
• Cheapest way to start streaming: DIRECTV (MyKids™ from $19.99/mo. with Disney+ included; MyEntertainment™ from $34.99/mo. with Disney+/Hulu and HBO Max w/ads included)
• Best for sports viewing tools: Tied – both have sports features including customization, Multiview and more
• Best for streaming at home: DIRECTV (unlimited in-home streams; restrictions apply)
• Best for 4K value: DIRECTV (dedicated 4K channels included; 4K TV required)
• Best for live TV channels and bundled streaming apps: DIRECTV (offers up to 3 streaming apps included with Signature plans and some Genre Packs; varies by package)

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DIRECTV Genre Packs vs YouTube TV New Plans

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 additional premium streaming apps.

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

DIRECTV’s Genre Packs include:

• MySports Genre Pack – 20+ sports-focused channels (including local channels where available) plus ESPN Unlimited
• MyEntertainment Genre Pack – 60+ entertainment-focused channels, plus Disney+, Hulu Bundle & HBO Max Basic with Ads
• MyNews™ Genre Pack – 10+ news-focused channels (including local news where available)
• MiEspañol™ Genre Pack – 60+ Spanish-language channels including ViX Premium with Ads
• MyKids Genre Pack – 10+ family favorite channels, including Disney+.
• Mini-Packs such as MySports Extra™, MyHome Team™ and MyCinema™ which provide additional sports, local teams or movie-focused content.

Following the success of DIRECTV Genre Packs, YouTube TV announced new plans that are rolling out across several focused categories, including:

• Sports Plan
• Sports + News Plan
• Entertainment Plan
• News + Entertainment + Family Plan
• (Additional combinations expected as rollout continues)

Here’s what is publicly known or consistently reported about the new YouTube TV plans:

• Pricing for these plans is positioned below the $82.99/month base plan
• These plans still include YouTube TV’s core features such as unlimited DVR and up to six user profiles
• YouTube TV continues to offer add-ons for an additional cost that may be relevant to users, such as NFL RedZone through Sports Plus, HBO Max content and the 4K Plus add-on for enhanced streaming
• Details such as exact channel lineups for each plan are rolling out over time and may vary by region

This new approach from YouTube TV demonstrates a recognition of DIRECTV’s leadership in more flexible offerings, but it is still fundamentally structured as preset bundles of channels, rather than the modular “pick only the categories you want” strategy offered by DIRECTV’s Genre Packs.

DIRECTV’s Genre Packs and Mini-Packs let users construct a plan that more precisely matches their viewing preferences and budget, while YouTube TV’s new plans provide options that are less comprehensive and more bundle-focused in comparison.

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DIRECTV Genre Packs vs. YouTube TV New Plans: Channels & Pricing

YouTube TV’s new plans reduce entry pricing by narrowing the channel lineup, while DIRECTV’s Genre Packs allow customers to isolate specific content categories and layer additional packs for more precise control over cost and channel mix.

Category	DIRECTV Genre Packs	YouTube TV New Plans
Sports-Focused Plan	MySports – 20+ sports and national news channels (including local broadcast networks where available) + ESPN Unlimited $69.99/mo., 5-Day free trial, cancel anytime Promotional rates may apply	Sports Plan – Includes major broadcast networks plus core sports channels (examples include ESPN networks and FS1) + ESPN Unlimited starting in Fall 2026 $64.99/mo. Promotional rates may apply
Sports + News	MySports already includes the following news channels: ABC, CBS, CNBC, CNN, FOX, FOX Business, FOX News and NBC (locals where available) $59.99/mo., 5-Day free trial, cancel anytime Promotional rates may apply For even more news, add MyNews to MySports $59.99/mo. + $39.99/mo. Promotional rates may apply	Sports + News Plan – Preset bundle combining sports and national news networks $71.99/mo. Promotional rates may apply
Entertainment-Focused Plan	MyEntertainment – 60+ entertainment channels + Disney+, Hulu Bundle & HBO Max Basic With Ads $34.99/mo., 5-Day free trial, cancel anytime Promotional rates may apply	Entertainment Plan – Includes locals, major broadcast networks and entertainment channels $54.99/mo. Promotional rates may apply
News-Focused Plan	MyNews – 10+ news channels (including local networks where available) $39.99/mo., 5-Day free trial, cancel anytime Promotional rates may apply	As of Feb. 18, 2026, no standalone News plan has been announced. News is bundled within other preset plan combinations
Spanish-Language Plan	MiEspañol – 60+ Spanish-language channels + ViX Premium with Ads $34.99/mo., 5-Day free trial, cancel anytime Promotional rates may apply	As of Feb. 18, 2026, no separate Spanish-language base plan has been announced
Kids / Family Plan	MyKids – 10+ family channels + Disney+ $19.99/mo., 5-Day free trial, cancel anytime Promotional rates may apply	As of Feb. 18, 2026, no standalone Kids plan has been announced. Family content included in: News + Entertainment + Family Plan $69.99/mo. Promotional rates may apply
Plan Structure	Modular: choose one Genre Pack, combine multiple Genre Packs, add Mini Packs or upgrade to full base plans	Preset bundles: select from predefined plan combinations
Core Features Included	Unlimited DVR, unlimited in-home streams (restrictions apply)	Unlimited DVR, up to 6 user profiles, 3 simultaneous streams (unlimited with 4K Plus add-on)

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Comprehensive Live TV Plan Comparison

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 channels, news and sports all included, both DIRECTV and YouTube TV offer comprehensive base plans.

YouTube TV offers one primary English-language base plan at $82.99 per month, which includes 100+ channels across sports, entertainment, news and family content.

DIRECTV offers multiple base plan tiers that scale in channel count and sports depth:

• ENTERTAINMENT
• CHOICE™
• ULTIMATE
• PREMIER

Both providers also offer Spanish-base plans.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of DIRECTV’s most popular English-language base streaming plans and YouTube TV’s base plan.

Base Plan Comparison

Feature	DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT	DIRECTV CHOICE™	YouTube TV Base Plan
Monthly Price *Prices subject to change.	$89.99/mo. for 24 months Cancel anytime	$94.99/mo. for 24 months + fees ($114.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $19.99/mo.) Cancel anytime	$82.99/mo.
Promotional Offers	5-day free trial + intro discounts	5-day free trial + intro discounts	Limited-time promotional savings
Channel Count	90+ channels (including locals where available) + ESPN Unlimited	125+ channels (including locals) + ESPN Unlimited	100+ channels (including locals)
Regional Sports Networks	No	Yes*	Limited availability (select NBC Sports RSNs and SportsNet; varies by region)
Unlimited DVR	Yes	Yes	Yes
Simultaneous Streams	Unlimited in-home; 3 out-of-home (restrictions apply)	Unlimited in-home; 3 out-of-home (restrictions apply)	3 streams (unlimited with 4K Plus add-on)
4K Availability	Dedicated 4K channels included (4K TV required)	Dedicated 4K channels included (4K TV required)	Requires 4K Plus add-on after trial

*Regional Sports Networks not available in all areas. Availability varies by ZIP code and plan. All out of market RSNs available through DIRECTV Sports Pack.

YouTube TV offers a single all-in-one base plan with broad national channel coverage.

DIRECTV provides tiered base plans that increase in channel count and regional sports access as you move up, giving sports-focused viewers more in-market game coverage in many areas.

For viewers who care about regional sports networks or specialty sports channels, the difference between DIRECTV and YouTube TV becomes more noticeable, which we’ll explore next.

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Sports Channel Availability

For many viewers, sports access is the deciding factor when choosing between DIRECTV and YouTube TV.

Both services carry major national sports networks like ESPN, FS1, TNT and SEC Network. However, there are distinct differences when you look at:

• Regional sports networks (RSNs)
• Specialty league channels (MLB Network, NHL Network, NBA TV)
• College conference depth
• Customization
• Viewing features like Multiview
• NFL Sunday Ticket availability
• ESPN Unlimited availability

Below is a side-by-side comparison of key sports networks across DIRECTV MySports™, DIRECTV CHOICE™ and YouTube TV’s Base Plan.

Channel availability may vary by ZIP code and plan.

National & League Sports Network Comparison

Network	DIRECTV MySports™ Genre Pack	DIRECTV CHOICE™	YouTube TV Base Plan
ESPN Unlimited Included	✓	✓	—
ABC*	✓	✓	✓
CBS*	✓	✓	✓
FOX*	✓	✓	✓
NBC*	✓	✓	✓
ESPN	✓	✓	✓
ESPN2	✓	✓	✓
ESPNews	✓	✓	✓
ESPNU	✓	✓	✓
ACC Network	✓	✓	✓
Big Ten Network	✓	✓	✓
SEC Network	✓	✓	✓
FS1	✓	✓	✓
FS2	✓	—	✓
CBS Sports Network	✓	—	✓
Golf Channel	✓	✓	✓
TBS	✓	✓	✓
TNT	✓	✓	✓
truTV	✓	✓	✓
USA Network	✓	✓	✓
NBC Sports Network	—	—	✓
NFL Network	✓	✓	✓
NBA TV	✓	✓	✓
MLB Network	✓	✓	—
NHL Network	✓	—	—
Tennis Channel	—	✓	—

*Local broadcast network availability varies by market.

Key Differences at a Glance

• NBC Sports Network: Available on YouTube TV’s base plan; not available on DIRECTV.
• ESPN Unlimited: Available on DIRECTV; not available on YouTube TV’s base plan.
• MLB Network: Included on DIRECTV; not included in YouTube TV’s base plan.
• NHL Network: Available on DIRECTV; not available on YouTube TV’s base plan.
• Tennis Channel: Available on DIRECTV CHOICE; not available on YouTube TV’s base plan.
• Unlimited in-home streaming: DIRECTV allows unlimited simultaneous streams in-home (restrictions apply); YouTube TV allows 3 streams unless upgraded.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

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+ in-market regional sports networks nationwide, available with CHOICE and above or through the MyHome Team Mini Pack Add-On for MySports customers. For customers with a DIRECTV Entertainment Signature package, all out-of-market RSNs are available through the Sports Pack Add-On.

YouTube TV offers more limited RSN availability, primarily select NBC Sports regional networks in only four markets.

Availability varies by ZIP code for both services.

Regional Sports Network Comparison Overview

DIRECTV RSNs	YouTube TV RSNs
Altitude Sports	–
FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati	–
FanDuel Sports Network Detroit	–
FanDuel Sports Network Florida	–
FanDuel Sports Network Midwest	–
FanDuel Sports Network North	–
FanDuel Sports Network Ohio	–
FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma	–
FanDuel Sports Network SoCal	–
FanDuel Sports Network Southeast	–
FanDuel Sports Network South	–
FanDuel Sports Network Southwest	–
FanDuel Sports Network Sun	–
FanDuel Sports Network West	–
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin	–
Madison Square Garden Network	–
Marquee Sports Network	–
Mid Atlantic Sports Network	–
Monumental Sports Network	–
MSG Sportsnet	–
NBC Sports Bay Area & Plus	NBC Sports Bay Area & Plus
NBC Sports Boston	NBC Sports Boston
NBC Sports California	NBC Sports California
–	NBC Sports Philadelphia
Chicago Sports Network	–
NESN+	–
Rangers Sports Network	–
Space City Home Network	–
Spectrum SportsNet	–
Spectrum SportsNet LA	–
SportsNet New York	SportsNet New York
SportsNet Pittsburgh	–
YES Network	–

Full availability varies by market and plan.

Premium Sports Add-Ons & NFL Sunday Ticket

While YouTube holds the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket, the service which allows fans to watch out-of-market Sunday afternoon NFL games, fans can sign up for the service as a standalone package, regardless of your video provider.

While DIRECTV does not offer NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on, DIRECTV customers can still subscribe to the package a la carte and integrate it into their viewing experience with the Gemini Air device*. Additionally, DIRECTV provides access to other premium sports add-ons, including:

• NFL RedZone from NFL Network
• NBA League Pass
• DIRECTV Sports Pack (additional specialty sports channels)
• Expanded out-of-market RSNs with higher-tier plans

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

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Sports Viewing Features

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

DIRECTV enhances sports viewing through centralized navigation, cross-platform access and interactive tools built into its interface.

DIRECTV Sports Central™

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.

Instead of jumping between apps, networks and guides, Sports Central brings games together in one place.

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

Sports Central is updated throughout each season, allowing subscribers to view in-season matchups from across platforms in a single interface.

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

With a Gemini or Gemini Air device connected to high-speed internet, viewers can access games across supported streaming apps directly from the guide and search functionality which eliminates the need to switch inputs or manually search across platforms.

YouTube TV Sports Features

YouTube TV also offers interactive sports viewing tools within its platform.

These include:

• Multiview (watch multiple games simultaneously on supported devices)
• Key Plays (jump to major moments in a game)
• Up to six user profiles with personalized sports libraries

YouTube TV focuses on interactive enhancements built directly into its streaming ecosystem, particularly for live sports.

Key Difference

DIRECTV emphasizes centralized sports discovery and cross-platform access through Sports Central and Gemini integration. YouTube TV emphasizes interactive features and highlights navigation within its own platform.

For viewers who want a unified sports hub that aggregates games across networks and streaming apps, DIRECTV provides a centralized experience.

Watching Every Pro Football 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, Sports Pack or PREMIER package for NFL RedZone
• Gemini or Gemini Air device connected to high-speed internet

This aggregation model allows DIRECTV customers to locate and launch games from one interface — even when they air across different streaming platforms.

Availability varies by market and subscription.

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Entertainment Experience: Interface, Streaming & Picture Quality

Beyond pricing and channel count, the overall viewing experience plays a major role in choosing a live TV provider. Ease of navigation, streaming flexibility, picture quality and content organization can all impact day-to-day use.

Here’s how DIRECTV and YouTube TV compare.

Content Aggregation & Navigation

Today’s entertainment landscape spans live TV networks and multiple streaming apps. Switching between platforms can make it harder to find what you want quickly.

With a Gemini or Gemini Air device connected to high-speed internet, DIRECTV allows customers to access live TV channels and supported streaming apps in a single interface. Through the guide, search functionality and curated content pages, viewers can discover and launch programming across streaming platforms without changing inputs.

This includes access to content from supported third-party apps (separate subscriptions may be required), helping centralize the entertainment experience in one place.

YouTube TV operates fully within its own streaming ecosystem. While it integrates well with Google accounts and supports personalized recommendations, it does not serve as a unified launcher for content across separate streaming platforms in the same way a connected DIRECTV Gemini device can.

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

Picture Quality & 4K Content

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

YouTube TV offers 4K streaming through its 4K Plus add-on. New customers may receive a promotional trial period, after which a monthly fee applies. The add-on also enables expanded simultaneous streaming.

For viewers who prioritize built-in 4K access without an additional feature upgrade, DIRECTV includes dedicated 4K channels as part of the core experience.

Simultaneous Streaming & Household Flexibility

Household streaming flexibility is another key differentiator.

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

YouTube TV only allows three simultaneous streams per account regardless of where the customer is watching. Customers who add the 4K Plus upgrade can enable unlimited in-home streaming.

Both services include unlimited DVR storage, allowing users to record live content and watch later.

For larger households with multiple TVs or simultaneous viewers, streaming limits may factor into the decision.

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Which Should You Choose: DIRECTV or YouTube TV?

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

YouTube TV has followed DIRECTV’s lead in starting to offer multiple genre-focused bundles beyond its single base plan. It stands out for:

• Interactive sports features like Multiview and key plays
• Up to six user profiles
• A simplified streaming-first experience

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

• Modular Genre Packs and Mini-Packs
• Broad and robust regional sports network availability
• League networks like MLB Network and NHL Network
• 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.

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Compare DIRECTV vs. the Competition

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, we’ve got you covered there, too!

Check out our DIRECTV vs. the Competition page to find out what other competitors DIRECTV beats out.

Or, if you’re ready to start watching, sign up today!

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