What’s the Difference Between DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV via Internet?
It’s a bit confusing that DIRECTV offers two different services via internet connection, so we’ll break down the differences for you here!
For 2023, we at The Streamable have determined DIRECTV STREAM to be the live TV streaming service of the year. While it did raise prices over the past 12 months, as almost all streamers did, it offers a huge selection of top cable channels, enticing add-ons, and the industry’s best and most consistent free trial since we’ve been tracking deals since 2017. Whether you like to watch news on CNN, MSNBC or Fox News, sports on ESPN or FS1, or just entertainment on FX or your local broadcast channels, DIRECTV STREAM is the best option in the Streamable’s expert opinion.
But did you know that DIRECTV offers a second way to get access to its cable channels without needing a satellite dish installed? DIRECTV via Internet is another way to get your favorite TV channels, and you won’t need a dish to get them! But what differentiates DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV via the Internet, and which is the best choice for your individual needs?
What is DIRECTV via Internet?
DIRECTV via Internet is essentially the same product as the satellite-delivered version of DIRECTV, just without the dish. It comes with four plans (which they call “packages” and capitalize all the names), similar to DIRECTV via satellite and DIRECTV STREAM, with prices starting at $69.99 per month for the ENTERTAINMENT™ plan; $84.99 per month for the CHOICE™ plan; $114.99 per month for the ULTIMATE™ plan; and $159.99 per month for the PREMIER™ plan before taxes and fees. (Note: An advanced receiver service fee of $15/mo is extra and applies. Plus, a regional sports fee up to $15.99 per month on top of the subscription price applies to the CHOICE™ package and higher.)
However, instead of using a satellite dish to grant users access to their favorite cable channels, DIRECTV via Internet delivers them using a customer’s broadband connection and a Gemini streaming device. DIRECTV sends this device to all DIRECTV via Internet customers when they subscribe, and your first Gemini device is included, though it does include a $15 monthly advanced receiver fee and users have to return it when they finish their DIRECTV service and the first device is only provided to well-qualified customers.
What Are the Main Differences Between DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV via Internet?
| DIRECTV via Internet | DIRECTV STREAM | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $69.99“ (+ taxes) | $79.99 (+ taxes) |
| Price-lock guarantee | Yes | No |
| DVR | Unlimited Cloud DVRº | Unlimited Cloud DVRº |
| Gemini Streaming Device Needed? | Yes** | No |
| Access to All DIRECTV Plans? | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial? | No | Yes |
| 24-mo. Agreement Required? | Yes | No |
“ price/mo. for 24 months + fees, including $15/mo. Advanced Receiver Service fee
º Recordings expire after 9 months, with a maximum of 30 episodes per series. Restr’s apply.
** First device provided for well-qualified customers
Which DIRECTV Service is Right for You?
Whether DIRECTV STREAM or DIRECTV via Internet is the best pick for your needs depends greatly on how long you want to keep your service. If you’re looking to have access to pay TV for the long haul, DIRECTV via Internet is your best choice. The two-year contract guarantees that your price won’t rise for the channels you want, and the Gemini device will allow you to watch your favorite on-demand services like Netflix, Disney+, Max, and more. (Note: 3rd party subscriptions like Netflix, Max, Disney+, or others may require a separate paid subscription.)
However, if flexibility is what you value most, DIRECTV STREAM is the way to go. Users of this service are on a month-to-month payment schedule. This does leave them more vulnerable to changing prices, but the upshot is that a DIRECTV STREAM customer has the flexibility to cancel their service at any time, without having to worry about a hefty termination fee. First-time DIRECTV STREAM users also get a five-day free trial to test out the service, which thereafter will charge your card for the package you chose unless you cancel online beforehand. (Some restrictions apply and you should read the terms of the offer, of course.)
DIRECTV STREAM vs. DIRECTV via Internet Summary
It’s hard to go wrong with either DIRECTV STREAM or DIRECTV via Internet in our opinion. Both have a huge channel selection, and both give users the same four packages to choose from, along with unlimited Cloud DVR for recording and watching your favorite titles on-demand.
Users who want the stability of a two-year contract and access to the Gemini streaming device would be wisest to pick DIRECTV via Internet. Potential subscribers who like the flexibility of a month-to-month contract and can rely on their own streaming devices would be best served with DIRECTV STREAM. No matter which you pick, you’ll be getting The Streamable’s top overall choice for watching cable channels.
DIRECTV STREAM
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.”