-
Posted on: 05 Jul 2024
-
Looking for a Cheaper TV Alternative? 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.
1. YouTube TV
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:
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Up to 6 user accounts
- Stream on 3 devices simultaneously
- Local channels included
2. Sling TV
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:
- Flexible add-ons for sports, kids, and news
- No contracts or long-term commitments
- 50 hours of DVR included
3. Hulu + Live TV
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:
- 75+ live channels
- Unlimited DVR storage
- Disney+ and ESPN+ access included
4. Philo
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:
- 70+ channels
- Unlimited DVR and on-demand library
- Simple interface and no hidden fees
5. FuboTV
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:
- 100+ channels
- Cloud DVR included
- Multiple streams and 4K content available
6. DirecTV Stream
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.
7. Free Over-the-Air (OTA) TV
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.
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
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.