Spectrum vs. DIRECTV STREAM
Our TV experts’ research shows that Spectrum’s affordable, premium-jammed plans beat DIRECTV Streaming App poor value.
Spectrum and DIRECTV Streaming App + Device are two different types of TV service—cable vs. streaming, respectively—but both providers have no contracts, cloud DVR, large on-demand libraries, and bundles with high-speed internet, a home phone line, or both.
Families seeking a bargain and the convenience of bundling will love Spectrum’s affordable plans, à la carte add-ons, and $500 contract buyout offer. DIRECTV Streaming App + Device (formerly called DIRECTV STREAM) is better for singles and sports fans with disposable income—and anyone living outside of Spectrum’s limited service area.
Spectrum vs. DIRECTV STREAM pros and cons
Spectrum
✓ No contracts
✓ Contract buyout
✗ Confusing DVR options
✗ Limited service area
DIRECTV Streaming App + Device
✓ Large channel counts (for a streaming TV service)
✓ No contracts
✓ Wider availability
✗ Expensive plans
✗ Limited included DVR storage
✗ No bundling discount
Deals and promotions
Spectrum deals
Currently, Spectrum offers a free Xumo Stream Box for 12 months when you sign up for Spectrum TV Select Signature or Select Plus. Check out our Spectrum deals page for more information.
DIRECTV STREAM deals
New DIRECTV Streaming App + Device customers ordering the ENTERTAINMENT package ($84.99/mo., 90+ channels) or above get Max™, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, CINEMAX®, and MGM+™ included for the first three months.
For more information on DIRECTV Streaming App + Device and other deals from DIRECTV, head to our DIRECTV deals page.
Compare Spectrum vs. DIRECTV STREAM head to head
Spectrum vs. DIRECTV STREAM
| Provider | Pricing | Channels | DVR storage | Simultaneous recordings/Streams | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cheapest Spectrum |
$40.00–$105.00/mo. for 12 mos. | 150–160+ | Varies |
2 recordings with HD box or DVR 2 streams + unlimited recordings with Apple TV 4K |
Read Spectrum Review |
|
Most streaming sports channels DIRECTV Streaming App + Device |
$84.99–$164.99/mo. | 90–185+ | 20 hrs. (upgrade available) | Unlimited | View plansRead DIRECTV Streaming App + Device Review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Spectrum’s two cable TV plans are affordable, with 150–160+ live HD channels and over 100 more you can add on through à la carte packages. However, its cloud DVR service is confusing and costs extra. But if you’re looking to bundle, Spectrum has affordable high-speed cable internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, which is a big plus.
DIRECTV Streaming App + Device has four expensive plans with 90–185+ channels, including free premiums in its top plan. All plans include 20 hours of cloud DVR storage, or you can upgrade to unlimited storage for $10 a month. DIRECTV no longer bundles directly with AT&T internet, but we still recommend you check them out if you’re looking for a blazing-fast internet provider to pair with your DIRECTV streaming plan.
Packages and pricing
At the package level, Spectrum offers the best value. DIRECTV Streaming App + Device, in contrast, offers poor bang for your buck.
Spectrum plans and prices
| Top plans | Pricing | Channels | DVR* | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum TV Select Signature | $95.00/mo. (reg. $115/mo.) for 12 mos. | 150+ | Varies | |
| Spectrum TV Select Plus | $105.00/mo. (reg. $125/mo.) for 12 mos. | 160+ | Varies | |
| Spectrum TV Stream | $40.00/mo. for 12 mos. | 85+ | Varies |
Data effective as of post date. Availability varies by location.
No longer our favorite TV provider for best value, Spectrum still offers good deals with solid channel counts. Plus, TV Select Signature comes with tons of streaming services included for free—Disney+ Basic, Max With Ads, Paramount+ Essential, Peacock Premium, and AMC+.
You can also upgrade your TV package with à la carte add-ons that include 70+ entertainment channels (for $15.00 a month), 16+ sports channels (for $7.00 a month), and premium channels at competitive rates. Spectrum’s like the buffet version of cable TV.
DIRECTV STREAM packages and prices
| Plan | Price | Channels | DVR* | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV Streaming App + Device ENTERTAINMENT | $84.99/mo. | 90+ | 20 hrs. | View plan |
| DIRECTV Streaming App + Device CHOICE | $89.99/mo. | 125+ | 20 hrs. | View plan |
| DIRECTV Streaming App + Device ULTIMATE | $119.99/mo. | 160+ | 20 hrs. | View plan |
| DIRECTV Streaming App + Device PREMIER | $164.99/mo. | 185+ | 20 hrs. | View plan |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
DIRECTV Streaming App + Device has more channels than any other live TV streaming service. Unfortunately, it tends to stash many good channels in its most expensive plans. DIRECTV Streaming App + Device is just a poor value overall.
For example, DIRECTV Streaming App + Device also includes a bunch of premium channels—CINEMAX, Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+—in its top plan, PREMIER ($164.99/mo., 185+ channels). Unfortunately, that’s not such a great value.
Pro tip: To avoid extra charges, be sure to cancel DIRECTV STREAM’s free premium channels offer before it auto-renews.
Even DIRECTV STREAM’s lower-tier packages can’t beat other top live TV streaming services. We recommend YouTube TV ($82.99/mo., 100+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR) and Hulu + Live TV ($81.99–$95.99/mo., 95+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR) over DIRECTV STREAM.
Popular channels
We’ve covered plenty about channel counts and included premium channels, but what about the most popular channels?
Spectrum carries all 35 of Variety’s most-watched channels of 2023.1 DIRECTV Streaming App + Device has all except for INSP, MeTV, and The CW.
Variety’s top 35 most-watched channels of 20231
- CBS
- NBC
- ABC
- FOX
- FOX News Channel
- ESPN
- MSNBC
- Univision
- HGTV
- Hallmark Channel
- CNN
- TNT
- ION
- Telemundo
- TBS
- TLC
- HISTORY
- Discovery Channel
- USA Network
- Food Network
- The CW
- INSP
- MeTV
- Bravo
- Lifetime
- Investigation Discovery
- Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
- A&E
- UniMás
- TV Land
- AMC
- FX
- WE TV
- Paramount Network
- Syfy
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Sports channels: Spectrum vs. DIRECTV STREAM
Spectrum carries 35 sports channels, while DIRECTV Streaming App + Device has 22. (That’s not counting regional sports networks, where both providers excel most for sports fans. Spectrum TV Select Plus is the Spectrum plan to choose if you’re looking for RSNs.) Here’s what each TV provider has that the other doesn’t.
- Spectrum: beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, ESPN College Extra, FOX Deportes, MAVTV, NFL Network, PAC-12 Network, PAC-12 Arizona, PAC-12 Bay Area, PAC-12 Los Angeles, PAC-12 Mountain, PAC-12 Orgeon, PAC-12 Washington, SEC Extra, Spectrum Sportsnet, and WILLOW
- DIRECTV Streaming App + Device: ACC Network, Motor Trend, Sportsman Channel, and TUDN
Spectrum is the clear winner with more sports (and awesome premium channels) for less per month than DIRECTV Streaming App + Device.
Equipment
When it comes to equipment, Spectrum and DIRECTV Streaming App + Device each give you two choices, and all of the options have different pros and cons.
Spectrum equipment
With Spectrum, you can rent an HD Box or DVR/receiver for traditional cable TV service. If you’d prefer to stream your channels, you can buy or rent to own an Apple TV 4K.
Spectrum HD Box ($9.00/mo.)
The HD Box is the traditional set-top receiver (without DVR capabilities) that you expect to get from a cable or satellite TV provider.
Spectrum DVR/receiver ($9.00/mo.)
If you want a physical, hard-drive DVR, you’ll need Spectrum’s DVR/receiver. Spectrum doesn’t indicate this in the online ordering process—it simply asks you to choose either the HD Box or Apple TV 4K. We called Spectrum to ask about this, and a rep told us to select the HD box, then add DVR service, and your equipment will be upgraded automatically.
Apple TV 4K ($180 or $9.00 a month for 20 months)
The Apple TV 4K lets you stream your Spectrum content via the Spectrum TV App. The device also supports other streaming TV services’ apps, so you can have all of your TV services in one place. But the Apple TV 4K is compatible only with Spectrum’s cloud DVR add-ons. (We cover DVR fees in the next section.)
DIRECTV STREAM equipment
You can use DIRECTV Streaming App + Device‘s streaming device ($10.00 a month) or use your own supported device. Since the DIRECTV STREAM app is compatible with so many devices, you probably don’t need to rent this one.
Cloud DVR
Spectrum offers both physical and cloud DVR, while DIRECTV Streaming App + Device offers only cloud DVR.
Spectrum DVR cloud DVR and simultaneous streams
| DVR plan | Price | Compatible device | Device fee | Storage | Simultaneous recordings/streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVR service | $5.00/mo. | Spectrum DVR/receiver | $9.00/mo. | Varies (keep indefinitely) | 2 recordings |
| Cloud DVR | $5.00/mo. | Apple TV 4K (or other supported streaming device) | Apple TV 4K: $9.00/mo. for 20 mos. (or $180.00 at signup) | 50 shows (keep for 90 days) | Unlimited recordings, 2 streams |
| Cloud DVR Plus | $10.00/mo. | Apple TV 4K (or other supported streaming device) | Apple TV 4K: $9.00/mo. for 20 mos. (or $180.00 at signup) | 100 shows (keep for one year) | Unlimited recordings, 2 streams |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
Spectrum doesn’t specify how many hours of content its physical DVR holds, which is confusing and frustrating. And it doesn’t get any simpler with Spectrum’s cloud DVR plans, which quantify storage by the number of recorded shows.
To put a finer point on Spectrum cloud DVR storage, consider these examples:
- 50–100 half-hour episodes = 25–50 hours
- 50–100 one-hour episodes = 50–100 hours
- 50–100 two-hour movies = 100–200 hours
- 50–100 three-hour baseball games: 150–300 hours
It’d be so much simpler if Spectrum measured DVR storage in hours like every other TV provider and streaming service. But you do you, Spectrum.
DIRECTV Streaming App + Device cloud DVR and simultaneous streams
| DVR plan | Price | Storage | Simultaneous streams | Keep recordings for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud DVR | Included | 20 hrs. | Unlimited | 3 mos. |
| Unlimited cloud DVR | $4.99/mo. | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 mos. |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.
DIRECTV Streaming App + Device includes 20 hours of DVR storage with its TV plans. Free is free, but we feel like 20 hours is a free sample meant to push you into the unlimited DVR storage upgrade ($10 a month). We don’t think the upgrade is worth it since your recordings will auto-delete after three months.
Apps
Mobile apps are free perks with cable and satellite TV providers that add convenience and value to your subscription. Streaming services, on the other hand, revolve around an app.
Spectrum offers a little of both. If you choose the Apple TV 4K as your TV box, the Spectrum TV App will be your primary way to access your Spectrum channels, on-demand titles, DVR recordings, and more.
If you go with the HD box, then Spectrum’s app is supplemental, a way to watch Spectrum TV on the go.
The DIRECTV app is compatible with various streaming devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. In our tests, we found the app intuitive and reliable. But we hate that the app requires location access to work.
Is Spectrum or DIRECTV STREAM better?
It’s too bad that Spectrum isn’t more widely available because we love its flexibility—no contracts, $500 contract buyout, choice of traditional cable or streaming—and simple, premium-packed plans and bundles.
We’re not saying that you should go with DIRECTV Streaming App + Device just because it’s available everywhere. It’s simply a poor value, and you’ll get much more for your money with YouTube TV.
Spectrum vs. DIRECTV STREAM FAQ
Is DIRECTV STREAM any good?
DIRECTV Streaming App + Device has more channels than any other live TV streaming service, and it lets you use your own streaming device—but it’s far too expensive. You’ll be happier with another streaming service like YouTube TV ($82.99/mo., 100+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR).
What are the disadvantages of streaming TV?
There are a few disadvantages to streaming TV: for one, live TV streaming services often have lower channel counts than their cable counterparts. That can be a bummer if they’re missing the local and sports channels you’ve come to rely on.
Choosing a good TV package is all about value. Sometimes, it’s better to go with cable TV because you can get a discount if you bundle it with internet.
With DIRECTV Streaming App + Device specifically, we don’t think its high costs are justified, especially considering how few sports channels it offers.
Is the Spectrum streaming service any good?
Spectrum’s TV Stream is an okay deal—at 85+ channels for $40.00/mo., it’s cheaper than most cable TV packages, and gets you a discount on Spectrum’s premium add-ons. But it provides only a fraction of the regular channels that TV Select Signature does, and isn’t our first choice compared to other streaming services, either.
If you want to cut the cord and get a streaming service that you can access anywhere, we recommend YouTube TV.
Why you should trust us
Our experts spent dozens of hours doing research and hands-on testing and crunched the numbers, rating Spectrum and DIRECTV Streaming App + Device on bang for your buck, reliability, features, and customer satisfaction. Then we matched up the TV providers head to-head to give a clearer picture of their strengths and weaknesses. For more information on our process, check out our How We Rank page.
Disclaimer
Spectrum: Spectrum TV Select Signature: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV Select Signature promotion price is $95/mo; standard rates apply after yr 1. Taxes, fees, and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service and location. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability.
DIRECTV Streaming: ENTERTAINMENT: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($89.99/mo. w/ req’d 15/mo. ARS fee) w/24-mo. agmt.
CHOICE™: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($104.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.
ULTIMATE: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($134.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.
PREMIER: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($179.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.
Endnote
1. Michael Schneider, Variety, “Most-Watched Television Networks: Ranking 2023’s Winners and Losers,” December 2023. Accessed October 14, 2024.
