DIRECTV STREAM Pricing & Packages – TV Streaming Review

In today's digital world, live TV streaming services are rapidly replacing traditional cable TV. By allowing you to stream your favorite content over the internet, streaming companies deliver similar services as cable, oftentimes for cents on the dollar. That said, not all TV streaming companies offer the same user experience.

DIRECTV STREAM is a popular way to watch TV shows, especially among sports fans and viewers who want a cable-like TV streaming service experience. Their robust channel line-up can be streamed by multiple members of the same household simultaneously – but, these extra features come at a premium price.

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM was originally launched as AT&T TV in March 2020. It is the TV streaming counterpart to DIRECTV, one of the best satellite TV services owned by parent company AT&T.

Pros

• Allows viewers to channel surf
• Unlimited cloud DVR storage
• Unlimited simultaneous at-home streams (3 screens out-of-home)

Cons

• One of the most expensive live TV streaming options
• Not compatible with gaming consoles or certain smart TVs
• Extra fees can add up

DIRECTV STREAM offers a wide channel selection, free of annual contracts, equipment costs, or hidden fees. All of their plans, besides their lowest-tier Entertainment plan, include regional sports network channels for no extra cost. DIRECTV STREAM is considered to be one of the best sports streaming services. Rolling Stone named DIRECT STREAM the best all-around streaming service.

Highlights

BBB rating: A+
Price: $79.99/month
Year founded: 2020
Areas served: All 50 U.S. States
Contract Required: No
Number of Channels: 75+
Ad-Free: No

Why We Like DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM is well-known for offering the most cable-like user experience of any TV streaming service. The look and feel of their user interface is very similar to a standard cable or satellite TV service like DIRECTV or Dish Network. Just like with traditional cable, DIRECTV STREAM gives you the ability to channel surf.

At a base price of $79.99 per month, DIRECTV is on the pricier side of TV streaming services. That said, you get a lot for what you pay for. The base package includes over 75 channels and unlimited cloud DVR storage, so you never have to miss out on the latest episode of your favorite TV shows or the big game.

DIRECTV STREAM also lets you stream to an unlimited number of screens within the same household. However, this number is limited to 3 simultaneous streams outside of the home.

DIRECTV STREAM – How It Works

How much does DIRECTV STREAM cost?

DIRECTV STREAM starts at $79.99 per month for their base package, called the Entertainment plan.

Customers can customize any DIRECTV STREAM plan with optional add-on channels or packages. DIRECTV STREAM is based on a monthly subscription, with no contract requirements.

Packages

DIRECTV STREAM offers 4 base packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. All of their plans include unlimited cloud DVR storage, streaming for unlimited in-home devices, and local channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and Fox TV.

Here's a detailed table summarizing the packages offered by DIRECTV STREAM:

Each plan includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, streaming for unlimited in-home devices, local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and Fox TV), and a 5-day free trial. After the free trial, your payment method will be billed at full price automatically.

Entertainment – $79.99/month

The Entertainment plan is DIRECTV's starter package. It includes a solid mix of over 75 channels, including popular networks like ESPN, CNN, HGTV, Disney Channel, Bravo, TLC, TNT, AMC, and more.

Choice – $108.99/month

The Choice plan has all of the same channels as the Entertainment plan, plus specialty and regional sports networks. There are a total of over 105 channels, including ACC Network, Big Ten Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, SEC Network, and more.

Ultimate – $119.99/month

The Ultimate plan adds more sports and movie channels to the Choice plan for a total of over 140 channels. The Ultimate channel line-up includes CBS Sports Network, Discovery Family, FX Movie Channel, NHL Network, STARZ Encore, Lifetime, and more.

Premier – $164.99/month

The Premier plan gives you everything in the Ultimate-tier plan, plus premium channels like HBO Max, Paramount Network with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. There are a total of over 150 channels included with this highest-tier plan.

In addition to these 4 base plans, DIRECTV offers one English/Spanish language plan:

ÓPTIMO MÁS – $79.99/month

Customers get over 100 total channels: 55+ en Español and 40+ in English. Spanish-language channels include CNN en Español, TUDN, NBC Universo, Univision, and more.

Channels

DIRECTV STREAM offers over 150 total live channels, including:

Here's a table summarizing the types of channels offered by DIRECTV STREAM across different categories:

Deluxe Addons

DIRECTV STREAM offers a range of add-on channels and packages that customers can select from to customize their streaming plan.

Premium Channels – Price varies

DIRECTV STREAM offers a premium channel selection that can be added to any plan for an additional monthly cost.

The available premium channels include:

DIRECTV Sports Pack – $14.99/month

The DIRECTV Sports Pack can be added to any base plan. It includes these channels:

• NFL Network
• NFL RedZone
• MLB Network
• MLB Strike Zone
• ESPNU
• ESPNEWS
• Golf Channel
• NBA TV
• NHL Network
• Tennis Channel
• ACC
• Big Ten
• Longhorn
• SEC Networks
• CBS Sports Network
• TUDN
• Outdoor Channel

Customers who add the sports pack to their Choice tier plan or higher also get 30 out-of-market regional sports networks.

NBA League Pass – $99.99 (Full-Season) or $49.99 (Half-Season)

Here's a table focused on the NBA League Pass offered by DIRECTV STREAM:

The NBA League Pass allows you to watch all NBA games live during the basketball season of October-April. You get over 130 exclusive live games, plus extra features like up to 40 out-of-market games weekly, NBA game highlights, multiple broadcast feeds, and full game archives from 2012 to today.

More DIRECTV STREAM Addons

Movies Extra Pack – $5/month

The DIRECTV STREAM movies extra pack includes channels like:

• Sony Movies
• Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
• Hallmark Drama
• Smithsonian Channel

Spanish Channel Packages – Price varies (see below)

DIRECTV offers the most Spanish-language programming of any streaming service. Customers can choose from 2 different add-on Spanish-language packages:

Deportes – $5/month

Includes Spanish sports networks like TUDN, ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, GolTV, TyC Sports, and more.

Español – $15/month

Includes popular Spanish sports and entertainment channels, like Univision, Universo, Discovery en Español, Estrella TV, y MÁS, and more.

International Channel Packages – Price varies (see below)

There are also Korean, Vietnamese & Brazilian channel add-ons available.

Korean – $30/month

The Korean package includes 11 channels:

• SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System)
• SBS Plus
• YTN
• MBC Every1
• MBN
• EBS
• TAN TV
• CTS
• Arirang
• KBS America
• LifeS

Vietnamese – $20/month

The Vietnamese package includes 9 channels:

• SBTN
• VIETV
• Vietface TV
• S Channel
• Film24H
• Vien Thao TV
• VGN
• Tviet Network
• HONVIETV

Brazilian – $30/month

The Brazilian package includes 2 channels:

• TV Globo
• SporTV

Channel Packages available with DIRECTV STREAM:

Required Equipment

To use DIRECTV STREAM, you must have a high-speed internet connection. A minimum internet speed of 8 Mbps per stream is recommended for optimal viewing experience.

In addition to a reliable home internet connection, you will need a streaming device. DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with most popular streaming devices, including those from Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV. DIRECTV also makes its own streaming device, Gemini, which includes a voice remote.

To watch DIRECTV STREAM on your television, you will need a compatible smart TV or streaming stick, like a Roku or Amazon Fire TV stick. DIRECTV STREAM works with Roku TVs, Samsung smart TVs, and Google TV or Android TV. At this time, they are not compatible with gaming consoles.

Alternatively, DIRECTV STREAM programs can be watched through the app, which can be downloaded on your phone or tablet. You can also access live TV programming through your internet browser on a computer.

How To Get Started

Getting started with DIRECTV STREAM is simple. First, choose a package from streamtv.directv.com. Add on any extra channels or packages that you wish to purchase, then select the option to begin your 5-day free trial.

You will be prompted to create an account and enter a payment method. After you complete the check-out process, you can begin streaming right away from a compatible device, through the DIRECTV app, or via your internet browser. Once your free trial period is over, your account will be automatically billed for your next monthly subscription.

How To Cancel DIRECTV STREAM

Since there are no contract obligations, you are free to cancel DIRECTV STREAM at any time. To cancel, log in to your account on the website, then select “Manage my TV Subscription.” Choose “Cancel my subscription”, thenfollow the prompts.

Once you complete the cancellation process, you can continue to access DIRECTV STREAM services until the end of your monthly billing period.

Customer Service Contact Info

DIRECTV has a Support page full of useful information and solutions to common issues.

If you need further assistance, you can contact a DirectTV customer service agent by using the live chat feature on the website. Technical support is available through live chat every day from 6 AM to midnight CT. Billing and Account support is open 24/7.

Or, you can call the phone number (866) 983-5220 to speak directly with a customer service representative from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM CT.

DIRECTV STREAM App

The DIRECTV STREAM app allows you to watch both On Demand programming and live TV at home or on the go, via your mobile devices or tablet. It can be downloaded for free on Google Play or the Apple App Store.

You will need to sign in with your DirectTV account to access the app's full features and start watching.

Is DIRECTV STREAM Worth It?

DIRECTV STREAM offers an excellent selection of channels, including a range of national and regional sports networks. They are one of the most popular streaming services for sports fans, large households, and those who want a cable-like viewing experience.

However, with plans starting at $79.99, DIRECTV STREAM is one of the most expensive live TV streaming services. Homeowners on a budget may find more value with another top streaming service, like Sling TV or YouTube TV.

These days, there are a lot of video streaming services out there. Check out our other in-depth guides on the best TV streaming services to discover which is the best fit for your budget and TV viewing preferences.