Live TV streaming or traditional cable? That's what you're really asking when comparing the cordless DirecTV Stream with the cable-connected Spectrum TV. They have notable similarities (both don't require contracts) and differences (the $15 price gap), but they also have their unique strengths. So below, we break them all down to let you know which is the better choice for your viewing needs.
Advantages of Spectrum Cable over DirecTV Stream: more channels + contract buyout
While both Spectrum and DirecTV carry local networks and basic sports channels, Spectrum's 150+ channel count still trumps DirecTV Stream's 90+ lineup. We go into more detail below, but basically, Spectrum has The CW, Lifetime, and even more sports channels than DirecTV Stream. These sports channels include beIN, PAC-12, and SEC Network.
Another advantage Spectrum Cable has over DirecTV Stream is that it can buy out any existing contract you might have with a different provider. The cap is at $500 and is only limited to one user, but you must admit that's a tempting offer when considering a switch.
Advantages of DirecTV Stream over Spectrum Cable: flexibility + better mobile viewing + price lock
Unlike Spectrum Cable, which is exclusive to Spectrum internet customers, DirecTV Stream lets you watch live TV regardless of who your internet provider is, making it a more flexible option, especially for those who want to deal with their internet bill separately. Its 5-day free trial and cloud DVR inclusion at no additional cost also add to its flexibility, well, flex.
DirecTV Stream also lets you access your local channels on the go, a feature that many Spectrum Cable users complained about not having. According to users, Spectrum tends to blackout their channels when they stray too far from their registered home internet.
Lastly, DirecTV Stream has a 24-month price lock, which beats Spectrum's one-year lock. But take this advantage with a grain of salt, since DirecTV Stream does have a more expensive monthly price, while Spectrum's surge can go as high as $30/month after the period lock.
Channels on DirecTV Stream and not Spectrum TV
The channels that DirecTV Stream has and which are not available on Spectrum TV:
- ACC Network
- AccuWeather
- AXS TV
- Baby First TV
- Boomerang
- Cartoon Network
- CBS local channels
- Cleo TV
- CNN en Espanol
- Court TV
- Daystar HD
- Disney Jr
- Disney XD
- E! Entertainment
- EarthxTV
- El Rey Rebel
- ESPN3
- FMC
- FOX SOUL
- Fox Sports 1 (FS1)
- Fox Weather
- Freeform
- FUEL TV
- Fuse Music
- FXX
- Home Shopping Network
- ION Television
- Jewelry Television
- MotorTrend
- MTV Classic
- MTV2
- NBA TV
- NBC local channels
- News Nation
- Nick Jr.
- One America News
- Ovation
- Oxygen True Crime
- PBS Kids
- PBS local channels
- Poker GO
- Pursuit Channel
- QVC3
- Racing America
- REELZ
- RFD-TV
- RSNs
- Scientology Network
- Shop LC
- Somos Novelas
- SportsGrid
- SundanceTV
- Tastemade Home
- Tastemade Travel
- TCM
- TeenNick
- Telemundo local channels
- The First
- theGrio
- TV Land
- TV One
- Univision
- Up TV
- VH1
- WE tv
- Women’s Sports Network
Channels on Spectrum TV and not DirecTV Stream
The channels that Spectrum TV has which are not available on DirecTV Stream:
Price: Spectrum TV is cheaper than DirecTV Stream
Spectrum TV's costs $65 whereas DirecTV Stream costs $80. Getting DirecTV Stream instead of Spectrum TV will set you back $15 more every month.
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 Spectrum TV?
Spectrum TV's cable plans are some of the most popular out there, and for good reason. Its cheapest plan, Spectrum TV Select Signature, offers more than 150 channels (all in HD) for just $65/month. That price stays constant for a year, then it's subject to change as much as $25/month more. If that seems like a lot, then you should note that it comes with a free ad-supported Disney+ subscription and on-the-go (but not offline) viewing. For $10 more, you could upgrade to the Spectrum TV Select Plus Plan, which has RSNs and a complimentary ESPN+ subscription. All Spectrum plans carry local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC where available, as well as the usual channels like ESPN, CNN, Disney Channel, HGTV, and AMC. You can also add premium channels like Max and Starz for an additional fee. If you don't care for local channels and live sports, however, you can consider Spectrum's cord-cutting alternative, Spectrum TV Stream, priced at $40/month.
Go to Spectrum TV
Devices: DirecTV Stream is more widely available than Spectrum TV
DirecTV Stream is available on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Roku TV or Samsung TV.
Whereas Spectrum TV is available on . That's 7 less devices than DirecTV Stream.
Trial: DirecTV Stream offers a trial
DirecTV Stream has a trial. The trial duration is 5 days.
Find out more on DirecTV Stream
Trial: Spectrum TV does not offer a trial
Spectrum TV does not offer a free trial.
Find out more on Spectrum TV
Channels on both Spectrum TV and DirecTV Stream
The channels that are available on both Spectrum 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.
Spectrum TV's cable plans are some of the most popular out there, and for good reason. Its cheapest plan, Spectrum TV Select Signature, offers more than 150 channels (all in HD) for just $65/month. That price stays constant for a year, then it's subject to change as much as $25/month more. If that seems like a lot, then you should note that it comes with a free ad-supported Disney+ subscription and on-the-go (but not offline) viewing. For $10 more, you could upgrade to the Spectrum TV Select Plus Plan, which has RSNs and a complimentary ESPN+ subscription. All Spectrum plans carry local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC where available, as well as the usual channels like ESPN, CNN, Disney Channel, HGTV, and AMC. You can also add premium channels like Max and Starz for an additional fee. If you don't care for local channels and live sports, however, you can consider Spectrum's cord-cutting alternative, Spectrum TV Stream, priced at $40/month.
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.