DirecTV Stream vs Xfinity Flex: which is better?
If you're subscribed to Xfinity's internet service, you may have already heard about its live TV streaming package, Xfinity Flex. It offers a decent channel lineup at a very low cost, and you don't have to worry about paying a separate bill. But as TV streaming services go, DirecTV Stream is still a popular choice, and for good reason: it has a wide range of channels, including big broadcast and cable networks, which for many justifies its relatively steep price.
That said, choosing between the two depends largely on your preferences. Below, we list down factors such as service popularity, channel offerings, and device availability to help you settle on the best option for you.
Why get DirecTV Stream?
DirecTV Stream is a Live TV streaming platform with a twist: you can download the app on any of your existing devices, or for a $120, you can get a box with a custom remote control for the service. But without the box, DirecTV Stream functions like a Netflix or Hulu, allowing you to stream Live TV from anywhere by downloading the app. Within your home, you can stream on up to 20 devices (!), and from outside your home you can stream on up to three devices.
Go to DirecTV Stream
Why get Xfinity Choice TV?
With a starting price of $18/month, you can get local channels as well as basic national TV channels. It's good value if you only watch a few channels, but to increase your options, you have to buy into more packages. Prices vary depending location, but getting all packages should cost you around $79.5. You also can cancel at any time (here https://xfinity.com/buy/plan/internet/streamcancel) and change in between different packages depending on your needs. Exact pricing depends on where you are based.
Go to Xfinity Choice TV
Price: Xfinity Choice TV is cheaper than DirecTV Stream
Xfinity Choice TV's costs $45 whereas DirecTV Stream costs $70. Getting DirecTV Stream instead of Xfinity Choice TV will set you back $25 more every month.
Devices: DirecTV Stream is more widely available than Xfinity Choice TV
DirecTV Stream is available on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Roku TV or Samsung TV.
Whereas Xfinity Choice TV is available on Xfinity Flex. That's 7 less devices than DirecTV Stream.
Channel count: DirecTV Stream has 35 channels more than Xfinity Choice TV
DirecTV Stream's lineup includes 73 channels whereas Xfinity Choice TV has only 38 channels. Getting a subscription to DirecTV Stream will give you access to 35 more channels than Xfinity Choice TV. That's quite a bit of channels.
Trial: DirecTV Stream offers a trial
DirecTV Stream has a trial. The trial duration is 5 days.
Find out more on DirecTV Stream
Trial: Xfinity Choice TV offers a trial
Xfinity Choice TV has a trial. The trial duration is 30 days.
Find out more on Xfinity Choice TV
DirecTV Stream's specialty
The specialties of DirecTV Stream are: Lifestyle, News, Soccer, Sports.
Xfinity Choice TV's specialty
The specialties of Xfinity Choice TV are: Lifestyle, News, Science fiction.
Channels on DirecTV Stream and not Xfinity Choice TV
The channels that DirecTV Stream has and which are not available on Xfinity Choice TV:
Channels on Xfinity Choice TV and not DirecTV Stream
The channels that Xfinity Choice TV has which are not available on DirecTV Stream:
- ESPNews
- Golf Channel
- Hallmark Movies and Mysteries
- National Geographic channel
- NBC
- Nickelodeon
- OWN
- Regional Sports Networks
- Tennis Channel
- TV One
- Universal Kids
Channels on both Xfinity Choice TV and DirecTV Stream
The channels that are available on both Xfinity Choice TV and DirecTV Stream are:
If you choose to subscribe to a streaming service we recommend as a result of our research, analysis, and curation, our work is sometimes (but not always) supported by an affiliate commission from the streaming service when you make a purchase.
Choice TV with Xfinity Flex is for people looking to stay connected to big-name live networks, without getting bogged down by a slew of niche channels. Xfinity Choice TV customers keep things light with HD live TV and 20 hours of DVR storage, but still have the opportunity to add genre channel bundles for more variety.
Price: Varies depending on your location and account history.
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The streaming services on this page were chosen by our editors. If you choose to subscribe to a streaming service we recommend as a result of our research, analysis, and curation, our work is sometimes (but not always) supported by an affiliate commission from the streaming service when you make a purchase.