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DIRECTV STREAM Review

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DIRECTV STREAM is a live TV streaming service, which is essentially the streaming version of the DIRECTV service. All packages include local channels and at least 31 of the top 35 cable channels. New subscribers can get a free Gemini streaming device from the company, in which case the service is called “DIRECTV via Internet.”

DIRECTV STREAM starts at $79.99 / month for their Entertainment package. You can upgrade to their Choice package, which begins at $108.99 / month, that includes your local RSN and HBO Max for three months. They also have an Ultimate ($119.99) for 130 channels and Premier ($164.99) for 140 channels. In addition to not having a contract, there are no extra RSN fees or Broadcast TV fee.

The service includes an Unlimited DVR on all packages and unlimited simultaneous at-home streams.

The service was previously called AT&T TV.

Tiers

The Entertainment ($79.99 / month) plan includes local channels and 31 of the top 35 cable channels. DIRECTV STREAM Choice ($108.99 / month) plan adds your local RSN, OWN, Travel Channel, and College Sports Networks like BTN and SEC Network.

The more expensive DIRECTV STREAM Ultimate plan adds Fox Sports 2, NBA TV, NHL Network, Golf Channel, Lifetime Movie Channel, and additional Discovery Networks, and a few Spanish-Language networks like ESPN Deportes.

All four plans include ability to stream across a wide variety of devices like Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android, and your Computer.

With all plans, you get an Unlimited DVR, which keeps recordings for 90 Days. You can use your own device or rent an DIRECTV STREAM Android TV box for $5 a month (or $120 to buy it outright). For a limited time, you can get $120 OFF DIRECTV STREAM when you purchase the DIRECTV STREAM Device.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Review

We tested DIRECTV STREAM and other live TV streaming services for more than 100 hours. DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with 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.


Features

Unlimited Cloud DVR

Your DVR storage depends on your plan. New subscribers will get Unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Those on legacy plans get access to 20 Hours of DVR storage, or can upgrade to Unlimited for $10 a month.

In both cases, any recordings on your DVR will expire after 9 months. In a series recording, max 30 episodes stored (oldest deleted first which may be in less than 9 months).

Up to 20 Devices

You can use DIRECTV STREAM on up to 20 simultaneous devices on the same home network, or up to three devices while traveling outside your home.

On Demand

There is a variety of on demand content to stream within the DIRECTV STREAM app.

Parental Controls

DIRECTV STREAM has some parental controls to help restrict content.

Hulu Live TV and Sling TV also have parental control features.

DIRECTV STREAM
$79.99 – $164.99 directv.com/stream
5-Day Free Trial

Compatible Devices

DIRECTV STREAM is compatible with these devices:

DIRECTV STREAM is not compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo devices.

  • 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
  • VIZIO Smart TV

  • PlayStation
  • Xbox
  • Nintendo
DIRECTV STREAM
$79.99 – $164.99 directv.com/stream
5-Day Free Trial

Channels

Local Channels

All DIRECTV STREAM plans offer the same set of local channels, including CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, and Telemundo. They also offer a national Univision feed.

Live local channels are available only in certain markets. However, on demand content is available in all areas the following day. You can use our Channel Finder tool to see what local are available in your area.

Local Channel Restrictions

You can only access your home local channels when you are in your home market. For example, if you live in San Francisco and travel to New York, you will not be able to stream your local San Francisco channels. Instead, you will receive the local channels of the market you are traveling to (New York).

You can access your local RSNs no matter whether you are home or away from your local market.


Top Cable Channels

The top 35 cable channels are listed below. For a list of channels in each tier, look at DIRECTV STREAM’s full channel lineup. The service essentially lets DirecTV Stream on your TV.


Sports Channels

National Sports Channels

Across all tiers DIRECTV STREAM includes national sports channels like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, Fox Sports 2, TBS, TNT, and USA Network.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

You will need to upgrade to at least the DIRECTV STREAM “Choice” ($108.99) plan to get access to regional sports networks (RSNs), which include Fox Sports RSNs, NBC Sports RSNs, AT&T SportsNet, MSG, NESN, Spectrum SportsNet, and Altitude.

RSNs in Other Markets

Pro Sports

Unlike DIRECTV’s satellite service, the DIRECTV STREAM streaming service does not offer NFL Network or NFL RedZone. MLB Network and NBA TV are available on the DIRECTV STREAM “Choice” ($108.99) plan.

College Sports

ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPNU, and SEC Network are available on the DIRECTV STREAM “Choice” ($108.99) plan. The service does not offer Pac-12 Network.

Other Sports Channels

ESPNEWS, Golf Channel, and Tennis Channel are available on the DIRECTV STREAM “Ultimate” ($119.99) plan.


Premium Channels

You can add HBO ($15), Cinemax ($11), Showtime ($11), STARZ ($11), and Epix ($6) to any of the plans. The Premier plan includes HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, and STARZ. New subscribers to DIRECTV STREAM Choice or above will get HBO Max included for a year.


Add-Ons

DIRECTV STREAM
$79.99 – $164.99 directv.com/stream
5-Day Free Trial

Tech Specs

4K
1080p
720p

720p HD
(Up to 1080p HD)

Most video streams are in 720p HD. Some video streams are available in 1080p HD.

30 FPS
60 FPS

60 FPS

Most video streams in 60 FPS.

Stereo Sound
Some Surround

Stereo/Surround Sound

Most content has stereo audio, with some content available in surround sound.

Live Streaming Reliability
3
 
 

On Demand Reliability
2
 
 
 

Reliability

DIRECTV STREAM has unreliable on demand performance.

20 sec
Live Delay

Live Delay

Live content is about 20 seconds behind cable TV.

2.5 sec
Channel Switching

Channel Switching

It takes about 3 seconds seconds to switch between channels.

DIRECTV STREAM
$79.99 – $164.99 directv.com/stream
5-Day Free Trial

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does DIRECTV STREAM cost?

DIRECTV STREAM is available starting at $79.99 / month. See the full list: DIRECTV STREAM Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV STREAM have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV STREAM has a 5-Day Free Trial.

Does DIRECTV STREAM have a DVR?

DIRECTV STREAM includes Unlimited of Cloud DVR storage.

What channels are on DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM includes 65 channels including 31 top cable channels. See the full list: DIRECTV STREAM Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM allows up to 20 devices at the same time. See more details: DIRECTV STREAM Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV STREAM have local channels?

DIRECTV STREAM includes ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo, The CW, and Univision in most, but not all markets. See the full list: DIRECTV STREAM Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV STREAM have live sports?

DIRECTV STREAM includes live sports from ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, Fox Sports 2, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NHL Network, TBS, TNT, and USA Network. See the full list: DIRECTV STREAM Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV STREAM offer premium channels?

DIRECTV STREAM offers premium channels like Cinemax, HBO, MGM+, Parmount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz for an additional fee. See the full list: DIRECTV STREAM Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV STREAM offer on demand content?

DIRECTV STREAM includes on demand content from most of the channels they offer. Unlike content on your DVR, you won’t be able to skip ads.

Does DIRECTV STREAM support TV Everywhere apps?

DIRECTV STREAM includes access to many TV Eveywhere Apps with your DIRECTV STREAM credentials. See the full list: DIRECTV STREAM TV Everywhere Apps.

Does DIRECTV STREAM have a TV Guide?

DIRECTV STREAM includes a TV Guide similar to what you would get with your cable or satellite set-top box.

Does DIRECTV STREAM have ads?

DIRECTV STREAM includes ads during live viewing of shows, as well on all on-demand content. You can skip ads when you watch shows recorded to your DVR.

Does DIRECTV STREAM offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV STREAM does not include 4K content as part of the service.

Does DIRECTV STREAM offer Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound?

DIRECTV STREAM includes select content with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound as part of the service. It may only work on certain devices.


Jason Gurwin has has spent the last 10 years in the technology, media, entertainment industries. For The Streamable, he specializes in all things media like streaming services, devices, and cord cutting.

DIRECTV STREAM Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.