With rising monthly bills and expensive add-ons, many DIRECTV customers are asking: "Who is cheaper than DIRECTV?" The good news is that several budget-friendly options offer competitive channel lineups and features, often without contracts or hidden fees. In this blog, we'll compare DIRECTV with top competitors like YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, and more to help you make an informed switch and save money. Price: $72.99/month Why it’s cheaper: YouTube TV offers over 100 popular channels, including sports, news, and entertainment, at a lower base rate than most DIRECTV packages. There are no contracts, equipment fees, or installation costs. Key features: Price: Starting at $40/month (Sling Orange or Sling Blue) Why it’s cheaper: Sling is one of the most customizable and affordable live TV services. You pick from two base packages or combine both for $55/month. It’s ideal if you only need a few core channels. Key features: Price: $76.99/month (includes Disney+ and ESPN+) Why it’s cheaper: Although slightly more expensive than YouTube TV, Hulu bundles on-demand content, live TV, and premium streaming services into one package. You get more entertainment for your dollar. Key features: Price: $25/month Why it’s cheaper: Philo is the most budget-friendly option for users who don’t need sports or local channels. It’s perfect for entertainment and lifestyle viewers. Key features: Price: Starting at $74.99/month Why it’s cheaper: For sports fans, FuboTV is a great DIRECTV alternative offering national, regional, and international sports channels at a lower cost than DIRECTV’s sports packages. Key features: Price: Starting at $79.99/month Why it’s cheaper (sort of): While technically under the same brand, DIRECTV Stream eliminates equipment fees and installation costs. It’s a lighter version of traditional satellite service delivered over the internet. Price: Free (one-time antenna cost) If you mainly watch local channels (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS), a digital antenna can get you dozens of channels for free. Combine this with a cheap streaming service and you could eliminate TV bills. There are plenty of TV services cheaper than DIRECTV—many offering better value, flexibility, and features. Whether you're looking to cut the cord entirely or just trim your monthly bill, options like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Philo can help you save money without sacrificing your favorite shows. Before making a switch, review your channel needs, check for free trials, and compare features. With so many budget-friendly alternatives available, ditching expensive cable or satellite TV has never been easier.1. YouTube TV
2. Sling TV
3. Hulu + Live TV
4. Philo
5. FuboTV
6. DirecTV Stream
7. Free Over-the-Air (OTA) TV
Cost Comparison Table
Service
Monthly Price
Local Channels
Contract Required
DVR
DIRECTV Satellite
$84.99–$154.99
Yes
Yes (2-year)
Yes (limited)
YouTube TV
$72.99
Yes
No
Unlimited
Sling TV
$40–$55
Limited
No
50 hrs
Hulu + Live TV
$76.99
Yes
No
Unlimited
Philo
$25
No
No
Unlimited
FuboTV
$74.99
Yes
No
Cloud DVR
Final Thoughts