Fubo vs. DIRECTV: Compare the livestreaming platforms' plans, pricing, and channels in 2025

Fubo vs. DIRECTV content

Where Fubo wins

Fubo was built and made as a sports-focused livestreaming platform, but has remolded itself to offer more to a larger audience. Fubo outclasses DIRECTV with an immense 211+ channel lineup, which far exceeds the 90+ DIRECTV offers. Fubo Pro and Elite package Subscribers get major broadcast networks like NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox, alongside popular cable channels like CNN and Comedy Central. For subscribers with kids at home, Fubo also includes the Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon to keep your family happy.

Where Fubo loses

While Fubo still delivers broad sports coverage, including local and national events, it's been losing access to RSNs since 2024 and no longer gets you FanDuel Sports, Monumental Sports Network, and AT&T SportsNet affiliates due to ongoing contract disputes.

Where DIRECTV wins

With 90+ channels, DIRECTV still delivers one of the most comprehensive, cable-like streaming experiences available. The platform excels with broad access to regional sports networks (RSNs) — which the platform hasn't lost access to — premium channel options, and traditional, simple cable-like interface for subscribers. But, it's important to note that add-ons and additional packages will boost your monthly costs.

Where DIRECTV loses

DIRECTV doesn’t come close to Fubo’s immense 211+ channel count, and if your an NFL fan, you'll be missing out come August-September — DIRECTV doesn't offer NFL Network and NFL RedZone. Also, like we mentioned before, those price increases for add-ons can really...add up.

Fubo vs. DIRECTV DVR Storage capabilities

Where Fubo Wins

With Fubo, your unlimited DVR cloud storage is available across all Fubo packages. Recordings you choose are also kept for 9 months before automatically being deleted. As a team, we really enjoy the "Lookback" feature which gets you shows from the past three days without having to record them. The best part? There's no episode cap for series recordings, and Fubo's user interface for recording is one of the best we've tested — simply highlight and click record.

Where Fubo Loses

Unlike DIRECTV, you're not getting a ping when Fubo decides to get rid of content. You'll need to stay on top of content once it hits the 9-month mark. And while the Lookback feature is excellent, it doesn’t cover every channel or program, as it's limited to select networks

Where DIRECTV Wins

With DIRECTV you'll still get access to unlimited DVR cloud storage with no total recording cap. Those recordings you make will remain available for up to 9 months. Plus, you can schedule and record as many shows as you want at the same time until you use up all of your storage hours, which is actually a huge perk. You can practically develop your own on-demand content with this perk. DIRECTV also has this neat feature where they'll give you a 7-day expiration ping before recordings are finally deleted.

Where DIRECTV Loses

As a subscriber, you can only store up to 30 episodes per individual TV series, which mildly limits your personal on-demand content library hack. When the time comes, the oldest episodes recorded in your DIRECTV DVR are automatically deleted when new ones are added. You also won't get extended replay features to view recently aired content — you'll need recordings to do that.

Fubo vs. DIRECTV personalization and user experience

Where Fubo wins

With Fubo, you can create up to 6 user profiles with personalized preferences and recording options. The Lookback feature is available and easy to use for all users on select networks.

Where Fubo Loses

If you're subscribing as a family, you'll need to be mindful of the limited parental controls as Fubo doesn't offer as extensive options as DIRECTV and completely lacks passcode protection. A pro and a con: Like we said, Lookback is only available within the UI on certain networks. From personal experience and reviews on the web, the UI on Fubo can also feel a bit clunky and choppy at times.

Where DIRECTV Wins

DIRECTV subscribers will get up to 5 user profiles to individualize content-viewing experiences. The platform has significantly stronger parental controls, with a passcode pin-protected system. To make all of this easier, DIRECTV flows with a traditional cable-tv-like layout.

Where DIRECTV Loses

Completely lacks a Lookback-esque feature for watching recently aired shows and programs — you'll need to have that recorded first.

Fubo vs. DIRECTV for sports fans

Where Fubo Wins

Fubo began as the sports-centric livestreaming platform, so all subscribers enjoy a vast selection of sports channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in various markets. And for international fans? Fubo caters to fans around the world with international sports, offering channels such as Fox Deportes, GOLTV Spanish, and Zona Fútbol. The best part is that Fubo offers select sports streams in 4K. 

Where Fubo Loses

Fubo has done away with its Essential package and has raised its subscription prices making it a more expensive sports-streaming platform on the market. Also, Fubo lacks access to certain Turner networks like TNT and TBS, which broadcast a lot of NCAA, NBA, and MLB games throughout their respective seasons.

Where DIRECTV Wins

DIRECTV hasn't been hit with RSN contract disputes, so you'll get robust access to regional sports networks for coverage of your favorite local teams. If you choose to add-on the MySports package, you'll add an additional 40+ sports channels to your existing DIRECTV 90+ channel lineup, which offers a level of customization to your sports-streaming experience.

Where DIRECTV Loses

Unfortunately, DIRECTV has even bigger price hikes and base packaging subscription costs than Fubo. Plus, if you like to stream sports on the go, the platform might not be as compatible across devices. DIRECTV may be unable to support certain streaming platforms or older devices.

Who is Fubo best for?

Fubo is built for sports fans. If you're looking for a vast selection of sports streaming and are willing to pay a bit of a premium, Fubo's the right choice. 

Who is DIRECTV best for?

With DIRECTV you'll pay a higher monthly subscription price, but you'll know exactly what you're getting. For livestreamers who want a traditional cable TV-esque user interface with an extensive lineup with no hidden-fees, DIRECTV is going to be the best fit for you.  

FAQ

Is Fubo better than DIRECTV?

It all depends on your preferences. If you want sports streaming and a sheer channel lineup, Fubo is your platform. If you want straightforward pricing and a simple interface, DIRECTV also offers loads of channels but lacks extensive sports coverage. 

Is DIRECTV better than Fubo for sports?

While DIRECTV has had less of an issue with regional sports network contract disputes and offers solid sports streaming, Fubo was made for sports. It is truly unparalleled in the sports-streaming market. Fubo has built its reputation as a sports-lovers’ streaming service and has continued to grow its lineup into 2025.  

What should I get to replace DIRECTV?

Based on our analysis, Fubo offers more than twice as many channels as DIRECTV and has extensive sports streaming coverage. If you're a sports fan, switching to Fubo seems like the right thing to do. Plus, both platforms are similarly priced with base packages, so you shouldn't have to spend any additional budget.