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Frustrated by DIRECTV STREAM’s Price Hike? Check Out These Alternatives

Frustrated by DIRECTV STREAM’s Price Hike? Check Out These Alternatives

There are multiple options available to customers who have had enough of DIRECTV STREAM after its latest price announcement.

David Satin
David covers the biggest news stories, live events, premieres, and informational pieces for The Streamable. Before joining TS, he wrote extensively for Screen Rant and has years of experience writing about the entertainment and streaming industries. He's a Broncos fan, streams on his Toshiba Fire TV, and his favorites include "Andor," "Rings of Power," and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
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David Satin
DIRECTV STREAM's prices are going up, but there are multiple services that will serve as good alternatives for cancelers.

At this point, it’s starting to seem like DIRECTV STREAM price increases are a bit like clockwork. DIRECTV began informing customers this week that it would be raising prices on DIRECTV STREAM packages by as much as $10 per month, following a similar price hike in 2023. Customers who are fed up with the rising costs of entertainment and plan to cancel their DIRECTV STREAM service because of the increased rates have plenty of good options for getting their favorite channels, and we’ll break them all down below.

The Streamable’s Alternate Live TV Streaming Recommendations:

Top Choice: Hulu + Live TV

Free access to the Disney Bundle is what gives Hulu + Live TV the edge over other streamers.

Hulu + Live TV is our top choice for replacing DIRECTV STREAM. It comes with local channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC in most of the top markets in the United States, and also offers popular cable channels like AMC, ESPN, Food Network, FX, MTV, Nickelodeon, TNT and many more.

Even with a scheduled price increase of its own that will raise the subscription rate to $82.99 per month in October, Hulu + Live TV still represents a savings over DIRECTV STREAM. It’s also important to note that viewers get free access to the Disney Bundle with Hulu + Live TV, so Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ are built into the price, unlike other services that don’t include on-demand streaming access with their channel bundles.

Best Pick for Bargain Hunters: Sling TV

Sling TV is a great choice because of the savings customers can unlock over DIRECTV STREAM.

Since price was the factor that led viewers away from DIRECTV STREAM in the first place, many will probably be looking for the best way to save money possible. Sling TV has two base packages starting at $40 per month; its Orange plan, which carries channels like ESPN and ESPN2; and the Blue package, which offers channels like FS1, FX, Fox News and MSNBC. All Sling plans carry networks like CNN, TNT, and more, and some markets even get local channels such as ABC, NBC, and Fox with Sling.

Viewers can get a lot closer to the service they had with DIRECTV STREAM if they take advantage of the Sling TV Season Pass offer. This allows users to subscribe to the combined channel package Sling Orange and Blue (normally $55 per month) as well as the Sports Extra add-on pack, with channels like ACC Network, NBA TV, NFL RedZone, SEC Network and others for $199 for four months, or $50 per month. That’s a savings of more than $60 off what viewers would pay to get all this content a la carte from Sling.

Good Alternative for 4K Fans: YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a good all-around option for replacing DIRECTV STREAM.

YouTube TV also offers an excellent blend of cable channels and local networks, and is one of the few live TV services that offers Ultra-High-Definition 4K streaming ability with compatible channels. However, viewers will have to pay an extra $9.99 per month to watch content in 4K. YouTube TV comes with a free trial for most new customers that lasts up to two weeks, after which its plans start at $72.99 per month.

Best Skinny Bundle: Philo

Philo is the cheapest option for streaming many top cable channels

Philo doesn’t offer local channels or sports networks, but for fans who just want to stream top entertainment channels like A&E, AMC, Comedy Central, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network and others without breaking their budgets, it’s a fantastic choice.

Philo plans start at just $28 per month, and its packages include free access to the AMC+ on-demand service as well. Viewers can also tack on channels like STARZ, MGM+, and other premium selections to upgrade the entertainment offerings on Philo even further.

Top Choice for Sports Fans: Fubo

Fubo is the best replacement for DIRECTV STREAM among sports fans.

Fubo is the most expensive service on this list, with prices starting at $94.99 per month including the regional sports network (RSN) fee that most subscribers will have to pay. But with a higher price comes more sports content; all Fubo packages come with ESPN, FS1, and USA Network, and customers will also get their local RSN with every package the streamer offers, though it does not carry TNT or TBS.

Customers who upgrade to the Elite with Sports Plus or Deluxe packages can also watch select sports in 4K, and those upgrades will also unlock channels like MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL RedZone NHL Network and others, making Fubo a can’t-miss destination for sports lovers.

David Satin
David covers the biggest news stories, live events, premieres, and informational pieces for The Streamable. Before joining TS, he wrote extensively for Screen Rant and has years of experience writing about the entertainment and streaming industries. He's a Broncos fan, streams on his Toshiba Fire TV, and his favorites include "Andor," "Rings of Power," and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.