DIRECTV Stream and FuboTV, now branded as Fubo, are two leading cable replacements for live television and sports. Their entry-level prices are similar, but their channel lineups, regional sports coverage, equipment options, and household streaming rules differ in important ways. DIRECTV Stream is the stronger all-around option for broad entertainment, Turner networks, and multi-home viewing. Fubo is particularly appealing to sports-first households, soccer fans, and families streaming on many devices at one address.
DIRECTV Stream vs. FuboTV: Quick Verdict
Choose DIRECTV Stream if you want the most complete cable-style lineup, including TNT, TBS, truTV, and CNN. It is also a safer choice when regional sports and television viewing at more than one residence matter. Choose Fubo if sports discovery, soccer coverage, specialist sports add-ons, and generous in-home streaming are your priorities.
| Feature | DIRECTV Stream | Fubo |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level advertised price | About $89.99 per month | About $88.99 per month |
| Cloud DVR | Unlimited, recordings expire after nine months | Unlimited, recordings expire after nine months |
| Simultaneous home streams | Unlimited for most streaming customers | Up to 10 |
| Streams away from home | Up to three | Up to three on mobile devices or browsers |
| Turner networks | TNT, TBS, truTV, and CNN available | Not included in the current standard lineup |
| Best for | Broad cable replacement and regional sports | Sports-first viewing and soccer |
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Plans and Total Monthly Cost
DIRECTV offers several full streaming packages. ENTERTAINMENT is the entry-level option, followed by CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER. Standard advertised prices can change, and introductory discounts sometimes make a higher package temporarily cheaper than a lower one. Customers who choose optional Gemini equipment may pay an additional device charge.
Fubo lists Essential, Pro, and Core at about $88.99 per month in applicable markets. Elite and Ultra are higher-tier options, while Ultimate and Deluxe bundle more channels or extras. Some plans are available only in selected areas, and pricing can change as local channel agreements are updated.
Regional sports fees are the biggest pricing complication. DIRECTV packages with regional sports may add a location-dependent fee of up to about $19.99 per month. Fubo may add up to about $16.99 when local sports networks are included. Compare the checkout total for your ZIP code instead of relying only on the headline price.
Channel Lineup and Entertainment
DIRECTV Stream has the broader general-entertainment lineup. Its packages combine local broadcast stations where available with news, lifestyle, family, movie, and sports channels. Its most important advantage is access to TNT, TBS, truTV, and CNN. These networks carry popular entertainment, news, NBA and NHL games, and parts of the NCAA basketball tournament.
Fubo carries major broadcast and cable networks, including ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, Disney Channel, FX, Nickelodeon, and Paramount Network, subject to plan and location. NBCUniversal channels began returning to Fubo during 2026, but individual networks and local NBC affiliates may roll out at different times. The absence of TNT, TBS, truTV, and CNN remains the service’s largest lineup limitation.
Which Service Is Better for Sports?
Fubo was designed around live sports. Its English-language plans provide core networks such as ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, CBS Sports Network, NFL Network, and Big Ten Network. Higher plans or add-ons can include MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Tennis Channel, and NFL RedZone. Soccer viewers may also find beIN Sports, TUDN, ESPN Deportes, FOX Deportes, GolTV, and other international options, depending on the selected package.
DIRECTV is more balanced. ENTERTAINMENT covers essential national sports, while CHOICE adds regional sports networks and specialist channels such as ACC Network, Big Ten Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, and SEC Network. Higher packages add more sports and entertainment channels. Because DIRECTV also carries the Turner networks, it fills several national basketball and hockey coverage gaps that remain on Fubo.
Neither service guarantees every local team. Regional sports access depends on the subscriber’s home ZIP code, league blackout rules, and the network assigned to that market. Check the exact regional channel list and team availability before subscribing.
DVR, Household Streams, and Travel
Both services include unlimited cloud DVR with their mainstream plans. Recordings generally expire after nine months, and some programs may be unavailable for recording because of network restrictions. Fubo separates recordings by user profile, which can make individual libraries easier to manage in a busy household.
Most DIRECTV internet customers can stream on unlimited compatible devices connected to the home network. Away from home, the usual limit is three concurrent streams, with restrictions on how many television-connected devices can be used at once.
Current Fubo English-language plans support up to 10 simultaneous streams at home plus three additional mobile or browser streams away from home. However, connected televisions can stream from only one location at a time. DIRECTV is therefore more flexible for people who regularly watch at a primary residence and a second home.
Apps, Equipment, and 4K Viewing
Fubo is an app-first service that works on common smart televisions, streaming players, phones, tablets, computers, and selected game consoles. No proprietary receiver is required. Its interface emphasizes live events and helps sports fans find games by league or team.
DIRECTV also works through an app, but customers can add a Gemini device and voice remote for a more traditional television experience. Both services offer limited 4K programming on compatible devices, but availability depends on the event, channel, plan, and hardware. Neither should be chosen on the assumption that every channel will stream in 4K.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Choose DIRECTV Stream if you… | Choose Fubo if you… |
|---|---|
| Need TNT, TBS, truTV, or CNN | Prioritize soccer and specialist sports networks |
| Want a broad cable-style channel lineup | Need many simultaneous streams within one home |
| Follow teams carried by an available regional network | Prefer an app-centered service without proprietary equipment |
| Watch on televisions at more than one residence | Can accept the missing Turner networks |
| Prefer an optional conventional remote and guide | Want sports-oriented discovery and profiles |
Final Verdict
DIRECTV Stream is the better complete cable replacement because it combines mainstream entertainment, Turner networks, regional sports, unlimited home streaming, and more flexible travel use. Fubo remains a strong sports-first alternative, especially for soccer fans and large households using one home network. The best decision depends on the channels required in your ZIP code and the final monthly total after regional sports fees.
FAQs
Is DIRECTV Stream more expensive than Fubo?
The entry-level prices are nearly identical, but the final cost depends on the package, promotion, equipment, taxes, and regional sports fee. Compare the complete checkout totals for your ZIP code before choosing.
Does Fubo have TNT and TBS?
No, Fubo’s current standard channel lineup does not include TNT, TBS, or truTV. DIRECTV Stream carries these networks, making it a better choice for viewers who need their sports and entertainment programming.
Which service has better regional sports coverage?
Both services carry numerous regional sports networks, but availability varies by ZIP code. DIRECTV requires CHOICE or a higher package, while eligible Fubo English-language plans include the regional networks assigned to the subscriber’s market.
Can I watch Fubo in two different homes?
Fubo supports mobile and browser viewing away from home, but connected televisions can stream from only one location at a time. DIRECTV is generally more flexible for households that regularly use televisions at two residences.
Do DIRECTV Stream and Fubo include unlimited DVR?
Yes, both services include unlimited cloud DVR with their current mainstream plans. Recordings generally expire after nine months, and certain programs may carry recording restrictions imposed by the channel or content owner.
