DIRECTV Via Internet Review
DIRECTV via Internet is a live TV streaming service and is the equivalent version of the DIRECTV service without the satellite on your home. 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 which acts like the satellite or cable box you may be used to. It differs slightly from the DIRECTV STREAM service in that it protects from price hikes, includes more channels, and has an elevated customer service experience.
DIRECTV via Internet starts at $69.99 / month for their Entertainment package. You can upgrade to their Choice package, which begins at $84.99 / month, that includes your local RSN and HBO Max for three months. They also have an Ultimate ($114.99) for 130 channels and Premier ($159.99) for 140 channels. You can also get the Spanish Optimo Mas package, which is priced at ($74.99). For all packages, there are no extra RSN fees or Broadcast TV fees, which you may find with Fubo or Sling.
The service includes an Unlimited DVR on all packages and unlimited simultaneous at-home streams.
Tiers
The Entertainment ($69.99) plan includes local channels and 31 of the top 35 cable channels. DIRECTV via Internet’s Choice ($84.99) plan adds your local RSN, OWN, Travel Channel, and College Sports Networks like BTN and SEC Network.
The more expensive 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 TVs that have an HDMI input.
With all plans, you get an Unlimited DVR, which keeps recordings for 90 Days.
Review
We tested DIRECTV via Internet and other live TV streaming services for more than 100 hours. DIRECTV via Internet is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TV, 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 via Internet on up to 20 simultaneous devices on the same home network, or up to three devices while traveling outside your home. Note that each TV requires a Gemini device, which is priced at $7 per TV.
38 TV Everywhere Apps
DIRECTV Via Internet gives you access to 38 different TV Everywhere apps.
List of Compatible Apps
- A&E App
- AMC App
- BBC America App
- BET NOW
- Bravo Now
- BTN2GO
- CBS Sports App
- CMT App
- CNBC App
- Comedy Central App
- DisneyNow
- E! Now
- FOX Now
- Fox Sports Go
- Freeform App
- FX Now
- FYI App
- Max
- MAX Go
- MLB At Bat
- MSG Go
- MSNBC Now
- Nat Geo TV App
- NBC App
- NBC Sports App
- NFL Mobile
- Oxygen Now
- Showtime Anytime
- Syfy Now
- Telemundo Now
- Universal Kids App
- Universo Now
- USA Now
- Watch ABC
- Watch Cooking Channel
- Watch DIY
- Watch ESPN
- Watch TCM
On Demand
There is a variety of on demand content to stream within the DIRECTV Via Internet app.
No Parental Controls
There are no parental controls for DIRECTV Via Internet.
Only DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu Live TV, and Sling TV have parental control features.
Compatible Devices
DIRECTV Via Internet is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Roku
- Android TV
- Mac
- Windows
- LG Smart TV
- Samsung Smart TV (2017+)
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV
DIRECTV Via Internet is not compatible with Apple TV, Google Chromecast, iPhone/iPad (iOS 12+), Android Phone/Tablet (4.4+), PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo devices.
Channels
Local Channels
All DIRECTV via Internet 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 via Internet’s full channel lineup. The service essentially lets DIRECTV play on your TV without a Satellite.
- ESPN
- AMC
- BET
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- Discovery
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- E!
- 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
- WE tv
-
A&E -
History -
Lifetime -
Travel Channel
- ESPN
- AMC
- BET
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- Discovery
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- E!
- 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
- WE tv
- A&E
- History
- Lifetime
- Travel Channel
- ESPN
- AMC
- BET
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- Discovery
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- E!
- 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
- WE tv
- A&E
- History
- Lifetime
- Travel Channel
- ESPN
- AMC
- BET
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- Discovery
- Disney Channel
- Disney Junior
- E!
- 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
- WE tv
- A&E
- History
- Lifetime
- Travel Channel
- ESPN
-
AMC -
BET -
Bravo -
Cartoon Network -
CNN -
Comedy Central -
Discovery -
Disney Channel -
Disney Junior -
E! -
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 -
WE tv -
A&E -
History -
Lifetime -
Travel Channel
Sports Channels
National Sports Channels
Across all tiers DIRECTV via Internet 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 via Internet “Choice” ($84.99) 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
-
Altitude -
SportsNet Pittsburgh -
Bally Sports Detroit -
Bally Sports Florida -
Bally Sports Great Lakes -
Bally Sports Midwest -
Bally Sports North -
Bally Sports Ohio -
Bally Sports Oklahoma -
Bally Sports San Diego -
Bally Sports SoCal -
Bally Sports South -
Bally Sports Southeast -
Bally Sports Southwest -
Bally Sports Sun -
Bally Sports West -
Bally Sports Wisconsin -
Longhorn Network -
Marquee Sports Network -
MASN -
Monumental Sports Network -
MSG -
MSG Sportsnet -
NBC Sports Bay Area -
NBC Sports Boston -
NBC Sports California -
NBC Sports Chicago -
NESN -
Root Sports Northwest -
Space City Home Network -
Spectrum SportsNet -
Spectrum SportsNet LA -
YES Network -
Arizona's Family Sports -
AT&T SportsNet Southwest -
Bally Sports Carolinas -
Bally Sports Indiana -
Bally Sports Kansas City -
Bally Sports New Orleans -
Bally Sports Tennessee -
Fox Sports Wisconsin -
MASN2 -
NBC Sports Philadelphia -
NBC Sports Philadelphia+ -
NBC Sports Washington+ -
Rockies.TV Channel -
SportsNet NY -
SportsTime Ohio
- Altitude
- SportsNet Pittsburgh
- Bally Sports Detroit
- Bally Sports Florida
- Bally Sports Great Lakes
- Bally Sports Midwest
- Bally Sports North
- Bally Sports Ohio
- Bally Sports Oklahoma
- Bally Sports San Diego
- Bally Sports SoCal
- Bally Sports South
- Bally Sports Southeast
- Bally Sports Southwest
- Bally Sports Sun
- Bally Sports West
- Bally Sports Wisconsin
- Longhorn Network
- Marquee Sports Network
- MASN
- Monumental Sports Network
- MSG
- MSG Sportsnet
- NBC Sports Bay Area
- NBC Sports Boston
- NBC Sports California
- NBC Sports Chicago
- NESN
- Root Sports Northwest
- Space City Home Network
- Spectrum SportsNet
- Spectrum SportsNet LA
- YES Network
-
Arizona's Family Sports -
AT&T SportsNet Southwest -
Bally Sports Carolinas -
Bally Sports Indiana -
Bally Sports Kansas City -
Bally Sports New Orleans -
Bally Sports Tennessee -
Fox Sports Wisconsin -
MASN2 -
NBC Sports Philadelphia -
NBC Sports Philadelphia+ -
NBC Sports Washington+ -
Rockies.TV Channel -
SportsNet NY -
SportsTime Ohio
- Altitude
- SportsNet Pittsburgh
- Bally Sports Detroit
- Bally Sports Florida
- Bally Sports Great Lakes
- Bally Sports Midwest
- Bally Sports North
- Bally Sports Ohio
- Bally Sports Oklahoma
- Bally Sports San Diego
- Bally Sports SoCal
- Bally Sports South
- Bally Sports Southeast
- Bally Sports Southwest
- Bally Sports Sun
- Bally Sports West
- Bally Sports Wisconsin
- Longhorn Network
- Marquee Sports Network
- MASN
- Monumental Sports Network
- MSG
- MSG Sportsnet
- NBC Sports Bay Area
- NBC Sports Boston
- NBC Sports California
- NBC Sports Chicago
- NESN
- Root Sports Northwest
- Space City Home Network
- Spectrum SportsNet
- Spectrum SportsNet LA
- YES Network
-
Arizona's Family Sports -
AT&T SportsNet Southwest -
Bally Sports Carolinas -
Bally Sports Indiana -
Bally Sports Kansas City -
Bally Sports New Orleans -
Bally Sports Tennessee -
Fox Sports Wisconsin -
MASN2 -
NBC Sports Philadelphia -
NBC Sports Philadelphia+ -
NBC Sports Washington+ -
Rockies.TV Channel -
SportsNet NY -
SportsTime Ohio
- Altitude
- SportsNet Pittsburgh
- Bally Sports Detroit
- Bally Sports Florida
- Bally Sports Great Lakes
- Bally Sports Midwest
- Bally Sports North
- Bally Sports Ohio
- Bally Sports Oklahoma
- Bally Sports San Diego
- Bally Sports SoCal
- Bally Sports South
- Bally Sports Southeast
- Bally Sports Southwest
- Bally Sports Sun
- Bally Sports West
- Bally Sports Wisconsin
- Longhorn Network
- Marquee Sports Network
- MASN
- Monumental Sports Network
- MSG
- MSG Sportsnet
- NBC Sports Bay Area
- NBC Sports Boston
- NBC Sports California
- NBC Sports Chicago
- NESN
- Root Sports Northwest
- Space City Home Network
- Spectrum SportsNet
- Spectrum SportsNet LA
- YES Network
-
Arizona's Family Sports -
AT&T SportsNet Southwest -
Bally Sports Carolinas -
Bally Sports Indiana -
Bally Sports Kansas City -
Bally Sports New Orleans -
Bally Sports Tennessee -
Fox Sports Wisconsin -
MASN2 -
NBC Sports Philadelphia -
NBC Sports Philadelphia+ -
NBC Sports Washington+ -
Rockies.TV Channel -
SportsNet NY -
SportsTime Ohio
-
Altitude -
SportsNet Pittsburgh -
Bally Sports Detroit -
Bally Sports Florida -
Bally Sports Great Lakes -
Bally Sports Midwest -
Bally Sports North -
Bally Sports Ohio -
Bally Sports Oklahoma -
Bally Sports San Diego -
Bally Sports SoCal -
Bally Sports South -
Bally Sports Southeast -
Bally Sports Southwest -
Bally Sports Sun -
Bally Sports West -
Bally Sports Wisconsin -
Longhorn Network -
Marquee Sports Network -
MASN -
Monumental Sports Network -
MSG -
MSG Sportsnet -
NBC Sports Bay Area -
NBC Sports Boston -
NBC Sports California -
NBC Sports Chicago -
NESN -
Root Sports Northwest -
Space City Home Network -
Spectrum SportsNet -
Spectrum SportsNet LA -
YES Network -
Arizona's Family Sports -
AT&T SportsNet Southwest -
Bally Sports Carolinas -
Bally Sports Indiana -
Bally Sports Kansas City -
Bally Sports New Orleans -
Bally Sports Tennessee -
Fox Sports Wisconsin -
MASN2 -
NBC Sports Philadelphia -
NBC Sports Philadelphia+ -
NBC Sports Washington+ -
Rockies.TV Channel -
SportsNet NY -
SportsTime Ohio
Pro Sports
Like DIRECTV’s satellite service, the DIRECTV via Internet service offers NFL Network and NFL RedZone. MLB Network and NBA TV are available on the TBD plan and above
College Sports
ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and ESPNU are available on the DIRECTV “Choice” ($84.99) plan. The service does not offer Pac-12 Network.
Other Sports Channels
ESPNEWS, Golf Channel, and Tennis Channel are available on the DIRECTV “Ultimate” ($114.99) plan.
Premium Channels
You can add HBO Max ($15), Cinemax ($11), Showtime ($11), STARZ ($11), and Epix ($6) to any of the plans. The Premier plan includes Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and STARZ already. New subscribers to DIRECTV via Internet will get these premium channels for free for their first three months.
Add-Ons
Tech Specs
720p HD
(Up to 1080p HD)
Most video streams are in 720p HD. Some video streams are available in 1080p HD.
60 FPS
Most video streams in 60 FPS.
Some Surround
Stereo/Surround Sound
Most content has stereo audio, with some content available in surround sound.
Reliability
DIRECTV Via Internet has unreliable on demand performance.
Live Delay
Live Delay
Live content is about 20 seconds behind cable TV.
Channel Switching
Channel Switching
It takes about 3 seconds seconds to switch between channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does DIRECTV Via Internet cost?
DIRECTV Via Internet is available starting at $69.99 / month. See the full list: DIRECTV Via Internet Pricing & Plans
Does DIRECTV Via Internet have a free trial?
DIRECTV Via Internet is not available to sign up.
Does DIRECTV Via Internet have a DVR?
DIRECTV Via Internet includes Unlimited of Cloud DVR storage.
What channels are on DIRECTV Via Internet?
DIRECTV Via Internet includes 65 channels including 31 top cable channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Via Internet Channels.
How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV Via Internet?
DIRECTV Via Internet allows up to 20 devices at the same time. See more details: DIRECTV Via Internet Simultaneous Streams
Does DIRECTV Via Internet have local channels?
DIRECTV Via Internet includes ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and Univision in most, but not all markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Via Internet Local Channels.
Does DIRECTV Via Internet have live sports?
DIRECTV Via Internet 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 Via Internet Sports Channels.
Does DIRECTV Via Internet offer premium channels?
DIRECTV Via Internet offers premium channels like Cinemax, HBO, Parmount+ with SHOWTIME, and Starz for an additional fee. See the full list: DIRECTV Via Internet Premium Channels.
Does DIRECTV Via Internet offer on demand content?
DIRECTV Via Internet 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 Via Internet support TV Everywhere apps?
DIRECTV Via Internet includes access to many TV Eveywhere Apps with your DIRECTV Via Internet credentials. See the full list: DIRECTV Via Internet TV Everywhere Apps.
Does DIRECTV Via Internet have a TV Guide?
DIRECTV Via Internet includes a TV Guide similar to what you would get with your cable or satellite set-top box.
Does DIRECTV Via Internet have ads?
DIRECTV Via Internet 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 Via Internet offer 4K streaming?
DIRECTV Via Internet does not include 4K content as part of the service.
Does DIRECTV Via Internet offer Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound?
DIRECTV Via Internet includes select content with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound as part of the service. It may only work on certain devices.