Uncovering the Best DIRECTV NOW Alternatives for Your Streaming Needs
DIRECTV NOW, now known as AT&T TV NOW, has been a popular choice for live TV and on-demand entertainment, offering a vast array of channels and content accessible across various devices without the need for contracts or equipment leases. However, with the ever-evolving streaming landscape, many users are seeking a DIRECTV NOW alternative that might better suit their budget, content preferences, or specific features. This guide explores some of the top contenders that offer a similar, if not enhanced, streaming experience.
Top DIRECTV NOW Alternatives
Whether you're looking for more on-demand movies, a wider selection of live channels, or a more budget-friendly option, there's a DIRECTV NOW alternative out there for you. Let's dive into some of the best services that can replace your DIRECTV NOW subscription.
Netflix
Netflix is a world-leading subscription service for TV episodes and movies, offering a massive library of ad-free on-demand content. While not a live TV service like DIRECTV NOW, it's an excellent alternative for those primarily interested in a vast collection of movies and TV shows. Available on Commercial platforms including Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, and many more, Netflix boasts features like Media Streaming, Movie Recommendations, TV Shows, Movies Filtering, and the ability to Work Offline, making it a powerful VOD alternative.
Hulu
Hulu is a versatile video-on-demand service that rivals DIRECTV NOW by offering both on-demand content and live TV options. Available commercially on Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, and a wide range of other devices, Hulu provides feature films, TV series, and originals. Its key features include Video streaming, Live TV, Media Streaming, and the ability to Track movies, making it a compelling alternative for those seeking a balance of live and on-demand content.
Prime Video
Prime Video, a commercial service, allows users to watch over 90,000 movies and TV shows instantly. It streams content on various platforms including PC, Mac, Internet-connected TVs, Blu-ray players, and mobile devices like Android and iPhone. While primarily a VOD service, its extensive library of TV Shows and movies makes it a strong contender for those looking to expand their on-demand viewing options beyond DIRECTV NOW.
PlutoTV
PlutoTV stands out as a Free DIRECTV NOW alternative for live TV, offering over 100 TV channels without a subscription. It is available on Windows, Web, iPhone, and iPad. Its primary features include Live TV and Support for 4K, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious streamers who still want access to a variety of channels.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers live TV over the internet for a monthly fee, making it a direct commercial competitor and viable DIRECTV NOW alternative. It can be watched on a wide range of devices including Macs, Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, tablets, Apple TV, game consoles, and more. Key features include DVR, Live Broadcasting, Live TV, and Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming, providing a flexible and comprehensive live TV experience.
Playary
Playary is a Free web-based alternative that focuses on organizing and streaming music videos from YouTube. While not a direct live TV or movie streaming competitor to DIRECTV NOW, it serves a niche for music lovers, offering Playlists management, Music Discovery, and Music Streaming features within a music player UI. It's a great option for those looking for a free music video hub.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is a subscription-based commercial streaming service that directly competes with DIRECTV NOW, offering major broadcast and cable channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. Available on Android, iPhone, and tablets, it provides robust Live TV, TV Shows, Live Broadcasting, and Video streaming features, making it a powerful and comprehensive alternative for cord-cutters.
XFINITY Stream
XFINITY Stream is a commercial service for XFINITY TV subscribers, allowing them to watch thousands of XFINITY On Demand TV shows and movies anytime, anywhere. Available on Web, Android, iPhone, tablets, and Kindle Fire, it offers the ability to Stream video to Smart TV and provides access to Internet TV, making it a strong alternative for existing Xfinity customers seeking mobile and on-demand viewing.
Kanopy
Kanopy offers a unique Free DIRECTV NOW alternative by partnering with public libraries and universities to stream thoughtful entertainment without fees or commercials. Available on iPhone and iPad, it focuses on Education, Library access, and Video streaming, making it an excellent choice for students and library cardholders looking for high-quality, curated content.
Shout! Factory Tv
Shout! Factory TV is a Free web-based TV platform, curated by the creators of popular box sets like Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K). It focuses on providing TV Shows, Internet TV, and Video streaming of niche content. While not a direct live TV replacement for DIRECTV NOW, it's a fantastic free alternative for fans of classic and cult programming.
With a variety of DIRECTV NOW alternatives available, from comprehensive live TV services to specialized on-demand platforms and free content hubs, you have ample options to tailor your streaming experience. Explore these services to find the best fit for your entertainment needs and budget, ensuring you get the most out of your cord-cutting journey.