When it comes to streaming live TV, DIRECTV is one of our top recommendations. It has a content-rich channel lineup, several different price points, and a great cloud DVR. Whether you’re cutting the cord for the first time or switching from another live streamer, it’s a great choice. DIRECTV — best known for its satellite TV service — now offers two other options that are well worth considering: DIRECTV via Internet and DIRECTV STREAM. Both let you watch popular live TV channels without a satellite, making them very attractive for modern streaming households.

What are the differences and which should you choose? We’ll walk you through to help you decide:

DIRECTV STREAM vs. DIRECTV via Internet Pricing

DIRECTV STREAM starts at $79.99 per month plus taxes and goes up from there. DIRECTV via Internet begins at $69.99 monthly for 24 months not including taxes and fees ($84.99 per month with required ‎Advanced Receiver Services $15 per month fee) and requires a 24-month agreement.^ All prices are subject to change. Visit DIRECTV.com to see the latest offers from DIRECTV.

To access live TV, on-demand content, and third-party streaming apps without the need to change inputs, you will need the DIRECTV Gemini Air streaming device, which is included in the monthly price for well-qualified customers.*

*Requires separate paid subscriptions for third party apps.

With the DIRECTV via Internet service, you will also need to pay a Regional Sports Fee of up to $15.99/mo. with the CHOICE package or higher.

^New approved residential customers, price incl. TV pkg & equip. fees for first TV. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Equipment lease req’d. Early agmt termination fee applies ($20/mo.) & add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply.

DIRECTV STREAM vs. DIRECTV via Internet Channels

Both services offer the same core channels on the four main tiers. The most basic package includes 31 of the top 35 cable channels. You’ll also get your local channels like ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, The CW, and Univision, where available.

Even on the most basic plan, you’ll be able to watch AMC, BET, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, E!, ESPN, Food Network, Fox News, Freeform, FX, FXX, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, MSNBC, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Syfy, TBS, TLC, TNT, truTV, USA Network, VH1, and WE tv.

Users can choose from four main tiers of service with DIRECTV. All prices are subject to change, but the below rates will be in effect through Oct. 4, 2024.

Tip: Put your favorite channels in The Streamable’s Service Matchmaker to see your best options!

Sports Channels

Both services offer robust sports lineups. While you get ESPN and FS1 with the entry-level package, you can upgrade to other packages to include regional sports channels and much more. Available RSNs vary by zip code and package.

DVR and Other Features

• Both DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV via Internet include an unlimited cloud DVR that keeps your recordings for up to nine months.°

• 4K is available on both services, though availability depends on the event and broadcaster.

• Both DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV via Internet allow unlimited simultaneous streams in your home.°°

DIRECTV STREAM vs. DIRECTV via Internet Key Differences

The biggest difference between the services is that the DIRECTV via Internet plan requires a two-year commitment and the Gemini Air streaming device. With DIRECTV STREAM, your only commitment is on a monthly basis and you can watch on nearly any compatible device: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.

If you are interested in Spanish-language programming, both services also offer the Óptimo Más package, which has many English language favorites like Bravo, CNN, Discovery, Disney Channel, Food Network, MSNBC, MTV, Nickelodeon, and USA Network plus lots of popular Spanish-language channels like Bandamax, Caracol TV, Cinelatino, Discovery en Español, ESPN Deportes, Galavision, Meganoticias, and Nuestra Tele. It’s a great lineup for $79.99 per month not including taxes with DIRECTV STREAM, or $74.99 monthly for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($89.99 per month with required ‎Advanced Receiver Services $15 per month fee) when you select DIRECTV via Internet.

Summary

If you’re leaving cable for the first time, DIRECTV via Internet is an easy solution. The Gemini Air device takes the place of your cable box and you’re up and running with a huge variety of channels. Plus, you can easily access live TV and thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and more without changing inputs.**

The two-year commitment may be a dealbreaker for some, but you’re likely to need some live TV solution two years from now, so it’s not an unreasonable choice.

**Req’s separate paid subscriptions for Netflix, Max, Prime Video (see amazon.com/amazonprime for details) and other 3rd party apps. Restrictions apply. Internet-connected Gemini device required.

DIRECTV STREAM offers the same channel lineups as DIRECTV via Internet, but with greater flexibility. There are no additional regional sports fees, you can use your own streaming device, and you’re only obligated to stay subscribed one month at a time. It’s the gold standard of TV streaming.

°Data connection req’d. Recordings expire after 9 months. Restr’s apply.

°°Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. All DIRECTV streams must be on the same home network and a compatible router is required. Certain channels are excluded. Limit 3 concurrent out-of-home DIRECTV streams. Restrictions apply. See directv.com/unlimitedstreams for details.

DIRECTV STREAM: Service subject to DIRECTV STREAM terms and conditions (see https://www.directv.com/legal/legal-policy-center/). Requires high-speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. Compatible device req’d. Residential U.S. customers only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands).

Your DIRECTV STREAM service renews monthly at the prevailing rate, charged to your payment method on file unless you cancel. New customers who cancel service in the first 14 days will receive a full refund. Otherwise, no refunds or credits for any partial month periods or unwatched content. However, once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV STREAM through the remaining monthly period. Returning customers who disconnected service within previous 12 months are not eligible for a refund. Cancellation: Modify or cancel at any time online or by calling 1-800-531-5000.

DIRECTV via INTERNET: Service subject to DIRECTV delivered via internet terms and conditions (see directv.com/legal/legal-policy-center/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. Early termination fees apply for a maximum of $480, prorated at $20 per month over the 24-month term. If you cancel your service within the first 14 days of ordering, a full refund of charges will be applied, and the early termination fees will be waived. If service is canceled after 14 days, you can continue to access DIRECTV through the end of the bill period, but there is no refund or credit for partial-month or unwatched content.

Requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. DIRECTV App: Req’s compatible device and data connection; data charges may apply. Pricing: ENTERTAINMENT $84.99/mo., CHOICE $115.98/mo., ULTIMATE $145.98/mo., PREMIER $190.98/mo. for 2 years. After 2 years, continues month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless cancelled. Prices reflect base package prices plus the req’d. $15/mo. Advanced Receiver Service Fee and Regional Sports Fee (RSF) of up to $15.99/mo. RSF applies to CHOICE Pkg. or higher and varies based on location. May be lower in some areas. $7/mo. lease fee per each additional device will be charged on your account. State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information.

Equipment Non-Return Fees: If service is cancelled you must return the included and leased device to avoid a non-return fee of $120 per device.

Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. In select markets certain local channels are not available, call 800-535-5000 or visit directv.com/channel-lineup/ for more info. Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions.

All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com for details.

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