Skip to Content

Why DIRECTV STREAM is the Best Option for New Cord Cutters

So you’ve finally done it. You’ve cut the cord and said goodbye to a cumbersome, inelastic cable subscription that left you feeling like tied to your set-top box. But what’s next? How can you make sure that you don’t miss all the programming you loved from cable without getting locked into another long-term contract?

Never fear, DIRECTV STREAM is here! This live TV streaming service replicates some of the best facets of the cable experience, and leaves some of the least desirable parts behind, giving users an incredible TV viewing experience. Best yet, all you need to sign up for DIRECTV STREAM (other than payment and contact information, of course) is a stable internet connection!

What Channels Come with DIRECTV STREAM?

One of the biggest reasons that DIRECTV STREAM is the best option for new cord-cutters is that it offers so many of the channels they grew to love on cable. Entertainment channels like A&E, Bravo, FX, Hallmark Channel, Paramount Network, USA Network, and many more are all available in every single DIRECTV STREAM package.

Top cable news channels like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC are also included, no matter whether a user chooses the ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE™, ULTIMATE, or PREMIER channel packages. Local affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox are also available in DIRECTV STREAM’s base ENTERTAINMENT package in most markets. (Local games or stations may be unavailable in some markets due to channel disputes. See TVPromise.com for more details.)

DIRECTV STREAM is also a leader in streaming live sports. Each package offers national sports channels like ESPN for watching “Monday Night Football,” FS1 for streaming the USWNT’s chase for another World Cup, TBS and TNT for watching the NBA and NHL, and more. If you decide to opt for the DIRECTV STREAM CHOICE™ package, you’ll also get access to regional sports networks (RSNs) that are available in your local market, such as the Bally Sports family of channels (check with DIRECTV to see which RSNs are available in your area).

What Other Features Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer?

In addition to a huge channel lineup, users of DIRECTV STREAM will enjoy browsing through available channels and titles with a handy grid-style guide, much like they are accustomed to from their pay-TV days. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding your favorite show, or something new and exciting to try on the service.

DIRECTV STREAM also comes with a cloud-based DVR that holds an unlimited number of recordings for up to nine months. All packages come with this offering, so there’s no need to worry about losing your favorite team’s last game or catching the latest episode of the hottest prestige drama on TV.

Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer a Free Trial?

It sure does! If you’re nervous about making the transition from cable, you can try DIRECTV STREAM for five days absolutely free. If the service doesn’t meet your expectations, you can cancel before your trial is up, and not owe a penny!

How Much is a DIRECTV STREAM Subscription?

The DIRECTV STREAM ENTERTAINMENT package starts at $74.99 per month plus taxes. There are three other packages to choose from; CHOICE™ ($99.99 per month plus tax); ULTIMATE ($109.99 per month plus tax); and PREMIER ($154.99 per month plus tax). The more you pay, the more you get with DIRECTV STREAM, but all tiers provide something incredible to watch, and a user experience that should have cord-cutters jumping for joy.

Will You Still be Able to Use TV Everywhere Credentials with DIRECTV STREAM?

Absolutely. DIRECTV STREAM provides users access to 38 separate TV Everywhere apps, including:

  • 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

Can You Add More Channels to Your DIRECTV STREAM Package?

Yes! DIRECTV STREAM comes with a multitude of different channel add-on packages, allowing users to add more sports or movie channels, and even add a premium streaming service like Max or MGM+ to their account and keep the bills all in one place! For a complete list of DIRECTV STREAM add-ons, click here.

Does DIRECTV STREAM Require Any Equipment Rentals?

It sure doesn’t. Users can access the DIRECTV STREAM app through a number of top streaming devices, including 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. That means users won’t have to pay to rent a set-top box, satellite dish, or anything else to start watching DIRECTV STREAM.

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.”

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.

*Taxes may apply

5-Day Trial

Subscribe Now and get Max, Paramount+, STARZ, and MGM+ free for three months


David covers the biggest news stories, live events, premieres, and informational pieces for The Streamable. Before joining TS, he wrote extensively for Screen Rant and has years of experience writing about the entertainment and streaming industries. He's a Broncos fan, streams on his Toshiba Fire TV, and his favorites include "Andor," "Rings of Power," and "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."

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.