Okay, so I’ve been on the hunt for a new live TV streaming service, and the two big names that kept popping up were DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV. I decided to dive in and really compare them, hands-on, to see which one would be the best fit for me. Here’s how it went down:
First Look and Feel
First, I grabbed free trials for both. Gotta love a free trial, right? DIRECTV STREAM’s interface felt a little bit, I don’t know, traditional? Like, it reminded me more of old-school cable. YouTube TV, on the other hand, was super sleek and modern, just what you’d expect from something with “YouTube” in the name.
Channel Surfing
Next up, the most important thing: channels! I made a list of my must-have channels – you know, the ones you can’t live without. Both services had most of the big ones, like ESPN, CNN, and HGTV. But there were some differences.
- DIRECTV STREAM seemed to have a few more niche sports channels, which was a plus for me since I’m a big sports fan.
- YouTube TV had some local channels that DIRECTV STREAM didn’t offer in my area, surprisingly. That was a big win for YouTube TV.
DVR Time
I record a LOT of shows. Like, a lot. So DVR capabilities were crucial.
- DIRECTV STREAM gave me unlimited cloud DVR, I store recordings for only 9 months.
- YouTube TV also offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, and keeps them 9 months too. I found that recording is really convenient on both sides.
Price Tag
Okay, let’s talk money. DIRECTV STREAM has several packages. The basic, the middle, and the full package. I chose the middle, because it is reasonable with most channels I need.
YouTube TV? Just one main package, which made things simpler, I like keep things simple.
The Final Verdict
After using both for a while, I have to say, it was a tough call.
I finally decided to choose YouTube TV, because I am more familiar with YouTube. It is not only about channels, but also the user experience. If you’re a huge sports fan and need those extra channels, DIRECTV STREAM might be your winner.
Honestly, the best thing to do is take advantage of those free trials! See which interface you like better, check the channel lineups for your specific must-haves, and then decide. Good luck with your streaming journey!