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If you want a true cable replacement — locals, sports, news, and 90-plus channels in one app — three services lead the pack: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream. They’re priced within a few dollars of each other, so the right pick comes down to the details. Here’s the honest comparison for 2026.

Price

• YouTube TV: ~$82.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV: ~$82.99/month (and it bundles the Hulu on-demand library, plus Disney+ and ESPN+ in most plans)
• DirecTV Stream: ~$86.99/month for the entry “Entertainment” tier; higher tiers cost more

All three are a huge drop from a typical $128 cable bill — but none of them is “cheap.” If price is your top concern, a smaller service may fit better.

Channels and locals

All three include local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX in nearly every market, plus the big cable networks (CNN, ESPN, HGTV, Food Network, and so on).

• DirecTV Stream often has the strongest regional sports (RSN) coverage — the best pick if you follow a local MLB, NBA, or NHL team.
• YouTube TV has a huge channel count and the slickest apps, but RSN coverage has narrowed — check your teams.
• Hulu + Live TV matches on locals and adds the enormous Hulu on-demand catalog, which is a real advantage if you also stream shows and movies.

Extras that break the tie

• Hulu + Live TV is the best value if you’d otherwise pay for Hulu, Disney+, or ESPN+ separately — they’re bundled in.
• YouTube TV has unlimited DVR, excellent multi-device support, and the best interface for most people.
• DirecTV Stream is the most “cable-like,” with the broadest RSN lineup and traditional-feeling channel packages.

The verdict

• Best all-around + best apps: YouTube TV.
• Best if you also stream on-demand (and want Disney+/ESPN+): Hulu + Live TV.
• Best for local-team sports fans: DirecTV Stream.

Honestly, you can’t go badly wrong with any of the three. The deciding factor is usually regional sports and your local lineup, both of which depend on your ZIP — so check those before you pick.

Let the numbers decide. Use the free Streampool Finder — enter your channels and ZIP, and it ranks these three (and everything else) by what they actually carry for you.

FAQ

Which is cheapest? YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are usually a few dollars less than DirecTV Stream’s comparable tier, but promotions change often — check current pricing.

Does Hulu + Live TV include regular Hulu? Yes — the live plan includes the full Hulu on-demand library, and most plans bundle Disney+ and ESPN+ too.

Which has the best DVR? YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR; the others include generous cloud DVR as well. For most viewers the difference is minor.