DirecTV Stream vs Sling TV
In-depth comparison of DirecTV Stream and Sling TV across pricing, channels, 4K, device support, and editorial scores.
Last updated May 5, 2026 · By IPTVForum Editorial Team
DirecTV Stream
The most expensive US live TV streamer, and the only one that truly replaces cable for sports households
Sling TV
The cheapest legal live TV in the US, with flexible Orange and Blue tiers from $40/month.
Editorial Verdict
Our pick: DirecTV Stream
Our pick is DirecTV Stream — scores are level at 8.5/10, but it edges ahead by leading in 4 of 6 head-to-head categories.
DirecTV Stream vs Sling TV head-to-head
Our pick is DirecTV Stream — scores are level at 8.5/10, but it edges ahead by leading in 4 of 6 head-to-head categories. DirecTV Stream carries 100 more live channels.
| Metric | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest monthly | $86.99 | $46.00 |
| Live channels | 150+ | 50+ |
| VOD titles | 70,000+ | 0+ |
| Free trial | 120h | No |
| Max resolution | 4K | FHD |
| Max connections | 20 | 4 |
| Refund policy | No | No |
Quick verdict — DirecTV Stream vs Sling TV
In a head-to-head test of DirecTV Stream vs Sling TV across pricing, channel volume, 4K output, free trial availability, refund policy, and editor scoring, DirecTV Stream comes out ahead with a 8.5/10 editor score versus 8.5/10, while leading in 4 of 6 categories. Pricing differs by $40.99/month — roughly $491.88 over a 12-month subscription. DirecTV Stream carries the larger channel catalog at 150+ live streams, a 100-channel lead. On price alone, Sling TV is the more affordable option, but per-feature value depends on whether you actually use the included extras.
Key differences at a glance
- Sling TV undercuts the other by $40.99/month — about $491.88 cheaper over a year
- DirecTV Stream delivers 4K streaming; Sling TV caps at FHD
- DirecTV Stream includes a 120-hour free trial; Sling TV does not
- DirecTV Stream ships a 70K-title larger on-demand library
- Positioning split: DirecTV Stream sits in the premium tier, Sling TV in the mid tier
- Catch-up windows differ — DirecTV Stream: 720h, Sling TV: 168h
Side-by-side site preview
Real homepage captures from our two-week 2026 review.
All plans compared
DirecTV Stream 4 plans · Sling TV 2 plans — sorted by length.
| Plan | Total | / month |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $86.99 | $86.99 |
| ChoiceBest | $108.99 | $108.99 |
| Ultimate | $132.99 | $132.99 |
| Premier | $164.99 | $164.99 |
✓ 120-hour free trial available
| Plan | Total | / month |
|---|---|---|
| Orange OR Blue | $46.00 | $46.00 |
| Orange + BlueBest | $61.00 | $61.00 |
Who should pick which?
Pick DirecTV Stream if you regional sports fans in underserved rsn markets, or large households needing 5+ simultaneous streams. Its strongest area in our scorecard is quality at 9.5/10, and at $86.99/month on the longest plan it carries a small premium over Sling TV. The 120-hour free trial means you can validate channel availability on your own hardware before committing.
Pick Sling TV if you budget-conscious cord-cutters under $50/month, or single-viewer households watching specific cable channels. Its top-rated category is pricing at 9.5/10, and at $46.00/month it lands below DirecTV Stream on monthly cost. There is no free trial; budget for a 1-month plan as your test.
What both services share
Common ground worth noting before you decide.
Features
- 7-day EPG
- catch-up TV
- multi-screen support
- anti-freeze technology
Devices
Amazon Firestick, Roku, Apple TV, Smart TV, iOS, Android
Payments
Credit Card, PayPal
DirecTV Stream vs Sling TV — Side-by-side
| Specification | DirecTV Stream | Sling TV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor Score | 8.5 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 | Tie |
| Live Channels | 150+ | 50+ | DirecTV Stream |
| VOD Library | 70,000+ | 0+ | DirecTV Stream |
| From / month | $86.99 | $46.00 | Sling TV |
| Free trial | 120h | — | DirecTV Stream |
| 4K available | Yes | No | DirecTV Stream |
| Tier | premium | mid | Tie |
| Refund policy | — | — | Tie |
| Catch-up TV | 720h | 168h | Tie |
| PPV events | Included | — | Tie |
6-Category Score Breakdown