Sling TV vs DirecTV Stream: Which Wins in 2026?

Both are legitimate live-TV streaming services — but they suit different viewers. Here's how Sling TV and DirecTV Stream stack up on price, channels and value.

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Sling TV

$40/mo

The cheapest way into live TV

Visit Sling TV

DirecTV Stream

$86.99/mo

The most cable-like experience

Visit DirecTV Stream

	📺 Sling TV	🛰️ DirecTV Stream
Starting price	$40/mo	$86.99/mo
Channels	30–45+	75+
Cloud DVR	50 hrs included	Unlimited
Simultaneous streams	1–3	Unlimited (home)
Free trial	First month half-price	5-day free trial
Best for	Budget-focused cord-cutters	Ex-cable subscribers who want familiarity

Quick verdict

Choose Sling TV if…

You want budget-focused cord-cutters. Lowest entry price of any major live-TV service.

Choose DirecTV Stream if…

You want ex-cable subscribers who want familiarity. Best regional sports network (RSN) coverage.

On price: Sling TV is the cheaper option at $40/mo.

Sling TV

Lowest entry price of any major live-TV service
Pick Orange or Blue to match the channels you actually watch
No contract — cancel anytime
Fewer local channels than rivals
Only 1 stream on the Orange plan

Visit Sling TV Full Sling TV review

DirecTV Stream

Best regional sports network (RSN) coverage
Unlimited in-home streams
No annual contract on streaming plans
Among the most expensive
Higher tiers get pricey fast

Visit DirecTV Stream Full DirecTV Stream review

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