Best DIRECTV STREAM Alternatives in 2026
The top DIRECTV STREAM alternatives are ABEMA, Allente and Claro tv+: 15 live TV streaming services our editors would look at instead of DIRECTV STREAM, in our ranking order.
DIRECTV STREAM: A live TV service with broad channel packages, cloud DVR and local channels where available. Where it falls short: local channel availability varies by market and package.
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Best forFree live TV with Japanese entertainment
A free Japanese streaming service with 25+ live channels and optional Premium features.
9.3/10★★★★★Visit ABEMA -
Best forNordic TV packages with catch-up and app bundles
Swedish channel packages pair live TV and catch-up with selected streaming apps.
- Local channels
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Allente -
Best forBrazilian viewers wanting a broad channel lineup
A broad Brazilian TV lineup with on-demand viewing, recording and offline downloads.
- Local channels
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Claro tv+ -
Best forLive and on-demand sports coverage
A sports-focused streaming service for live events, highlights, and on-demand coverage.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit DAZN -
Best forAustralian viewers wanting live TV and flexible bundles
Foxtel Now pairs live channels and on-demand shows with flexible bundles and two streams.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Foxtel Now -
Best forSports fans who want local channels and generous DVR
A sports-focused live TV service with local channels and unlimited DVR.
- Local channels
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Fubo -
Best forBrazilian viewers pairing on-demand with selected live TV
A free-to-start mix of Brazilian and international on-demand viewing with selected live channels.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Globoplay -
Best forViewers wanting major channels, sports, and a large DVR
A broad live-TV bundle with 100+ channels and a large DVR, priced for committed viewers.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Hulu + Live TV -
Best forFree TV viewers wanting many channels and optional upgrades
A free German TV service with more than 100 live channels and optional paid extras.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Joyn -
Best forFans of out-of-market MLB games and archives
A focused way to follow out-of-market MLB games, archives, audio and MLB Network.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit MLB.TV -
Best forViewers wanting live TV and streaming apps together
A flexible live-TV service with a large channel lineup and partner apps in one interface.
- Local channels
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit MagentaTV -
Best forViewers seeking Sky Sports or entertainment memberships
A flexible route to Sky Sports and entertainment, with membership-specific limits to weigh.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit NOW -
Best forFree, ad-supported live TV and on-demand viewing
Free, ad-supported live channels and on-demand viewing across devices.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Pluto TV -
Best forViewers who want customizable packages and DVR
A flexible live-TV service with add-on packages and cloud DVR, but one stream on Essentials.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Sling TV -
Best forAustralian viewers focused on live sports
A Stan add-on for Australian viewers who want live sports and on-demand coverage.
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Stan Sport
DIRECTV STREAM Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to DIRECTV STREAM?
ABEMA: #1 in our Live TV Streaming Services ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A free Japanese streaming service with 25+ live channels and optional Premium features.
Is there a free alternative to DIRECTV STREAM?
Yes. ABEMA, Globoplay, Joyn, Pluto TV and Sling TV have a free plan or a free tier.
DIRECTV STREAM vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Included channels | DVR storage | Simultaneous streams | Local channels | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | DIRECTV STREAM | No | — | 90 | Unlimited cloud DVR recording; retention period not verified | 3 | Yes | 6.6 |
| 1 | ABEMA | Yes | — | 25 | — | — | No | 9.3 |
| 2 | Allente | No | — | 19 | — | 4 | Yes | 8.4 |
| 3 | Claro tv+ | No | — | 120 | — | 2 | Yes | 8.4 |
| 4 | DAZN | No | — | — | — | 1 | — | 8.4 |
| 6 | Foxtel Now | No | — | 35 | — | 2 | No | 6.6 |
| 7 | Fubo | No | — | 28 | Unlimited cloud DVR; recordings expire after 9 months | 10 | Yes | 6.6 |
| 8 | Globoplay | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | 6.6 |
| 9 | Hulu + Live TV | No | $89.99/mo | — | — | — | — | 6.6 |
| 10 | Joyn | Yes | — | 100 | — | 4 | — | 6.6 |
| 11 | MLB.TV | No | — | — | — | — | No | 6.6 |
| 12 | MagentaTV | No | — | 180 | 100 hours cloud recording; recordings retained for 90 days since Dec. 3, 2025, subject to stated licensing exceptions | 3 | Yes | 6.6 |
| 13 | NOW | No | — | — | — | 1 | — | 6.6 |
| 14 | Pluto TV | Yes | None | — | — | — | — | 6.6 |
| 15 | Sling TV | Yes | — | 10 | 50 hours; recordings expire after 9 months | 1 | No | 6.6 |
| 16 | Stan Sport | No | — | — | — | — | — | 6.6 |
Head-to-Head
- DIRECTV STREAM vs ABEMA
- DIRECTV STREAM vs Allente
- DIRECTV STREAM vs Claro tv+
- DIRECTV STREAM vs DAZN
- DIRECTV STREAM vs Foxtel Now
- DIRECTV STREAM vs Fubo
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update