DIRECTV STREAM Review: All the Pros & Cons You Should Know
|Are you thinking about trying DIRECTV STREAM? Trying to figure out if it’s worth the money? Want to see how it compares to other live streaming services on the market?
In this in-depth DIRECTV STREAM review, I’m going to share all the details you need to know to decide if it’s the right streaming service for you.
Cutting the cable can be an unnerving experience. Just because you’d like a lower bill doesn’t mean you want to miss out on the sports and entertainment that you get with cable.
Luckily, cutting the cord doesn’t have to mean missing out on your favorite content. In fact, with the right streaming service you won’t have to miss a thing.
DIRECTV STREAM is a popular streaming option for people that want the look and feel of cable with a slightly lower price.
I’ve had the pleasure of testing out DIRECTV STREAM (and its previous iterations like DIRECTV NOW and AT&T NOW), so I can give you all the positives and negatives there are to signing up for this robust streaming service.
As a sports fan there is a lot to love about DIRECTV STREAM, but there are also other positives to this cable-centric streaming service.
If you’re here to find out how DIRECTV STREAM stacks up when it comes to sports, you’ll find all the information you need. Of course, we break down all aspects of each streaming plan, so you’ll end up with a clear picture on everything DIRECTV STREAM has to offer.
Here’s what you’ll find in this DIRECTV STREAM review:
- What is DIRECTV STREAM?
- What Channels Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer?
- What Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer Sports Fans?
- What Devices Work with DIRECTV STREAM?
- What Features Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer?
- How Does DIRECTV STREAM Work?
- How Much are the DIRECTV STREAM Plans?
- How Does DIRECTV STREAM Compare in Cost to Other Services?
- DIRECTV STREAM Pros & Cons
- FAQ
- Is DIRECTV STREAM Worth It?
Keep reading to learn all you need to know in my full DIRECTV STREAM review…
What is DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV STREAM is a streaming service that gives you a cable-like experience. If you’re not into change, you might find that DIRECTV STREAM is the right service for you. Offering several channel packages and familiar features, makes DIRECTV STREAM feel a lot like cable. One of the best things about DIRECTV STREAM is the price. While it can be higher than some streaming services, you should still find it to be cheaper than cable!
You can watch DIRECTV STREAM on your computer, mobile phone, tablet, or most common streaming devices. This means you’ll have the opportunity to watch your favorite shows and live sporting events at home or on-the-go. If you’re unable to watch live, DIRECTV STREAM supplies you with a cloud-DVR and allows you to record up to 3 shows/events at the same time.
Sports fans will find easy access to local and regional channels to go with the wide variety of major cable networks. Most areas will have access to channels like ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS. Depending on the package you choose, you’ll also have a lineup that includes networks like A&E, AMC, ESPN, ESPN2, FX, PBS Kids, TBS, TNT, and much more! You just pick the right package for you and add any additional channels that you want, and you’ll be ready to watch TV in no time!
DIRECTV STREAM offers a package that will work for most families and some level of sports content is available in all of them. If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading for details on channels and packages!
What Channels Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer?
DIRECTV STREAM offers four main streaming packages to choose from. Depending on the package you choose, you will receive anywhere from 65+ to over 140 channels! All packages give you access to an on-demand library, cloud-DVR, and other features. Packages start at $70 per month and increase in price based on the number of channels you receive. There’s even a free 5-day trial that gives you a chance to try out the service for free!
Here is the channel lineup for each available package DIRECTV STREAM has to offer:
The Entertainment Plan ($79.99/mo.)
- A&E
- ABC
- AccuWeather
- AMC
- Animal Planet
- Axs TV
- BabyFirst
- BBC America
- BET
- Black News Channel
- Bloomberg TV
- Boomerang
- Bravo
- Cartoon Network
- CBS
- Cleo TV
- CMT
- CNBC
- CNN, CNN en Espanol, & CNNi
- Comedy Central
- C-Span & C-Span2
- Discovery
- Disney, Disney Jr, and Disney XD
- E!
- ESPN & ESPN2
- Food Network
- FOX
- Fox Business, Fox News, & Fox Weather
- Freeform
- FS1
- FX & FXX
- Galavision
- Hallmark & Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
- HGTV
- History
- HLN
- HSN
- IFC
- ID
- Lifetime
- MotorTrend
- MSNBC
- MTV & MTV2
- MyTV
- National Geographic
- NBC
- Newsmax
- Nickelodeon
- Ovation
- Paramount
- PBS & PBS Kids
- QVC & QVC2
- Reelz
- Revolt
- RFD TV
- Shop LC
- Sundance TV
- SyFy
- TBS
- TCM
- TeenNick
- TLC
- TNT
- truTV
- TVLand
- TV One
- Univision
- USA
- VH1
- Vice
- WeTV
The Choice + Sports Plan ($123.98/mo.)
The choice plan includes everything from the Entertainment plan plus:
- ACC Network
- Big Ten Network
- Cheddar News
- CNBC World
- Comedy TV
- Cooking Channel
- ESPNews & ESPNU
- Fuse
- GAC Family
- Game Show Network
- Golf
- Heroes & Icons
- Justice Central
- MLB Network
- NBA TV
- NewsNation
- Nick Jr & Nicktoons
- OWN
- Pop TV
- Science
- SEC Network
- Shorts TV
- Tastemade
- Tennis Channel
- The Weather Channel
- Travel Channel
- TVG
- UniMas
- Up TV
The Ultimate + Sports Plan ($134.99/mo.)
The Ultimate plan includes everything from the previous plans along with:
- American Heroes
- Aspire
- BBC World News
- BET Her
- CBS Sports
- Destination America
- Discovery Family & Discovery Life
- FM
- FS2
- FX Movie
- FYI
- LMN
- Logo
- Magnolia
- MTV Classic
- Nat Geo Wild
- NHL Network
- Olympic Channel
- Oxygen
- Smithsonian
- Sportsman
- Starz Encore Action
- Starz Encore Black
- Starz Encore Classic
- Starz Encore East
- Starz Encore Family
- Starz Encore Suspense
- Starz Encore West
- Starz Encore Westerns
- Universal Kids
- Universo
The Premier Plan ($150/mo.)
The Premier plan includes everything from the three smaller plans plus:
- ActionMax
- Cinemax
- HBO
- HBO2
- HBO Family
- HBO Latino
- Showtime
- Showtime2
- Showtime Extreme
- Starz
- Starz Kids & Family
- TUDN
Add-On Channel Packages
DIRECTV STREAM also offers a huge amount of channel add-on packages to ensure that everyone gets the package they want, tailored to their needs. Add-ons either offer specific foreign language channels or additional entertainment networks. The foreign language options include:
The Brazilian Package ($30/mo.)
- SporTV
- TV Globo
The Deportes Package ($5/mo.)
- Fox Deportes
- ESPN Deportes
- TyC Sports
- Univision Deportes
The Korean Package ($30/mo.)
- Arirang TV
- CTS
- EBS
- KBS World
- MBC
- MBN
- National Geographic Channel Korea
- SBS
- SBS Plus
- Tan TV
- YTN
The Español Package ($15/mo.)
- Cinelatino
- Discovery en Español
- ESPN Deportes
- Estrella TV
- Fox Deportes
- TyC Sports
- Univision
- Univision Deportes
The Vietnamese Package ($20/mo.)
- Film 24H
- HONVIETV
- SBTN
- S Channel
- TViet Network
- VGN
- Vien Thao TV
- VIETV
- Vietface TV
There are plenty of premium channel add-ons that are also available. If you’re missing one of your favorite channels in the packages above, you might find them here!
- Cinemax ($11/mo.)–This package includes ActionMax, Cinemax East, Max Go, and the Cinemax on-demand library.
- EPIX ($6/mo.)–Watch EPIX online, on-demand, or on your mobile device all with your DIRECTV STREAM login. 1,000s of movies are available, along with original programming, all on-demand.
- HBO Max ($15/mo.)–This add-on includes HBO East, HBO Family, HBO Latino, HBO GO, and the HBO on-demand library.
- Movies Extra Pack ($5/mo.)–This includes Crime + Investigation, Hallmark Drama, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, HDNET Movies, MGM HD, MTV Live, ShortsTV, and Smithsonian Channel
- NBA League Pass ($40/mo.)–Basketball fans will have access to every live out-of-market regular season game. Blackouts and restrictions apply to local games.
- Showtime ($11/mo.)–You’ll receive Showtime Extreme, Showtime East, Showtime Anytime, and the Showtime on-demand library.
- Starz ($11/mo.)–This includes Starz East, Starz Kids & Family, Starz Encore East, and the Starz on-demand library.
What Channels are Missing from DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV STREAM offers access to most popular channels, but there are some key ones missing. Most notably for sports fans, NFL Network and NFL Redzone aren’t available at this time, which can be important if you’re looking to watch NFL games without cable.
What Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer Sports Fans?
DIRECTV STREAM is a good streaming service for sports, but it does depend on the package you choose. All packages include access to some local and regional sports channels, depending on your area. The smallest package gives you access to ESPN and several other popular sports channels. Larger packages include BTN, ACCN, SECN, MLB Network, and more. You can even add NBA League Pass if you’re interested.
It is worth pointing out that at this time, DIRECTV STREAM has the best coverage for regional sports networks across the country when compared to other streaming services.
NFL and NCAA fans will have access to all things football on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, BTN, ACCN, and SECN. Depending on your area, you’ll also have RSNs like Longhorn Network.
If you’re interested in baseball, national games are available on ESPN, FOX, and FS1. You’ll also have access to regional sports networks that are specific to your location. MLB Network is included in some packages, as well.
If you love basketball, you can watch games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT. Depending on your location, you’ll have some RSNs that air basketball games, also. You may have Bally Sports Network in some areas. Some packages also include NBA TV. You can even add NBA League Pass for an additional fee.
Hockey fans will have access to games on ESPN, ABC, and TNT. Bally Sports Network is available in many areas, so you may get games there, as well. NHL Network is available in some packages.
When it comes to sports, you’ll find that every DIRECTV STREAM package includes several sports channels. It will really depend on what sports you want to watch to determine which package would be right for you.
What Devices is DIRECTV STREAM Available On?
DIRECTV STREAM requires an Internet-connected streaming device and a screen to work. They even offer their own DIRECTV STREAM device, if that’s the route that you want to go. You shouldn’t need to purchase anything special though. Chances are, you already have a way to watch your favorites with DIRECTV STREAM.
Here are the ways that you can watch DIRECTV STREAM:
- Streaming Devices: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV stick, Chromecast, and Roku
- Computers: Point your PC or Mac browser to DIRECTV STREAM to watch
- Smart TVs: Many newer Samsung models are compatible
- Mobile Phones/Tablets – iPhone, iPad, and Android phones/tablets
What Other Features Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer?
DIRECTV STREAM is like many other streaming services when it comes to added features. Beyond live TV and the standard on-demand library that comes with it, you’ll have multiple features that should help to advance your viewing pleasure. Here are some of the most popular features you receive with DIRECTV STREAM.
Unlimited Cloud DVR
Most streaming services now offer cloud DVR storage and DIRECTV STREAM is no different. You’ll get unlimited cloud DVR storage with every DIRECTV STREAM package. Recordings are saved for up to 9 months.
Watch Multiple Screens Concurrently
DIRECTV STREAM allows you the chance to watch TV on three screens at once while you’re outside your home. This may not seem like a lot, but when you’re home you can access up to 20 screens with your DIRECTV STREAM account. This combination should be enough to cover any family that enjoys streaming live TV.
TV Everywhere App Usage
If you want to watch live or on-demand TV through the network app as opposed to on DIRECTV STREAM, you can do that too! DIRECTV STREAM allows you to login to various network apps with your DIRECTV STREAM credentials. Once you sign in, you’ll have full access to the network. Here are some of the apps that you can enjoy with your DIRECTV STREAM account:
- A&E
- ABC
- AMC
- American Heroes
- Animal Planet
- BBC America
- BET
- Bravo Now
- CBS Sports
- CMT
- CNBC
- Comedy Central
- Cooking Channel
- Destination America
- Discovery
- DisneyNow
- DIY Network
- E! Now
- Food Network
- FOX Now
- Freeform
- FX Now
- FYI
- Hallmark
- Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
- HBO Max
- HGTV
- History
- ID
- IFC
- Lifetime
- Logo
- MLB Network
- MotorTrend
- MSNBC Now
- MTV
- National Geographic
- NBC
- NBC Golf
- NBC Sports
- Nickelodeon
- Nick Jr
- Ovation
- OWN
- Oxygen Now
- Paramount Network
- Pop TV
- Science
- Showtime Anytime
- Sundance TV
- SyFy Now
- TLC
- TV Land
- Travel
- Universal Kids
- USA Now
- VH1
- Vice
- WeTV
Please note that in order to use these TV Everywhere apps with your DIRECTV STREAM credentials, the network needs to be included in your package.
How Does DIRECTV STREAM Work?
DIRECTV STREAM makes it easy to use their service because it’s set up just like a cable service is. If you’re familiar with cable, you should be fine. Once you sign up for the package you want and sign into your account, you’ll be able to connect to the guide and find what you want to watch. That’s how easy everything is to setup and start watching!
Signing Up for DIRECTV STREAM
You can use these steps to sign up for DIRECTV STREAM:
- Head to the DIRECTV STREAM website
- Select “Shop Now”
- Enter your zip code to find out channel availability
- Choose the package you want and add it to the cart
- Choose any add-ons or premium channels you want and add those to the cart.
- Select your Cloud DVR and any optional streaming devices, if you need them
- Select “Review Cart” and Checkout.
Once you’ve submitted your order, you’ll be good to go! You’ll be able to start watching live TV instantly! Your package begins with a 5-day free trial. If you’re unhappy with DIRECTV STREAM, you can cancel in the first 5-days, and you won’t be charged for the service.
Using DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM was created by a cable company, so it’s got the look and feel of cable.
You can find what’s on now by visiting the guide, select the channel you want to watch, and enjoy!
It sounds easy, and that’s because it is!
You’ll need a stable Internet connection and a device that you can connect to, but other than that, you’ll be watching TV with just a few clicks of a button.
If there are channels you’re not interested in you can even set favorites so that you see the channels you want first.
In addition to live TV, you’ll also have TV Everywhere apps, on-demand content, and your own cloud DVR to ensure that you get to watch whatever you want, whenever you want!
How Much Does DIRECTV STREAM Cost?
DIRECTV STREAM offers four main packages and several add-on packages. Each plan includes a good mix of local channels, sports, entertainment, and news. There’s even something for the kids! You can add movie channels, too, if you want.
The basic package is known as the Entertainment package. It’s available for $79.99 per month and comes with more than 65 channels.
Other packages include:
- The Choice Pack: 90+ channels for $123.98/month
- The Ultimate Pack: 130+ channels for $134.98 per month
- The Premier Pack: 140+ channels for around $150/month
It’s worth noting that DIRECTV STREAM does sometimes offer discounted pricing on its packages for your first couple of months of service.
Each package includes on-demand access, TV Everywhere apps, and a Cloud-DVR. No matter which package you choose, you will start things off with a free 5-day trial. This gives you time to sample the service and make sure it’s the right one for you!
How Does DIRECTV STREAM Compare in Cost to Other Services?
At one point, DIRECTV STREAM pricing would have had it considered one of the most expensive streaming services around. These days, they are somewhere in the middle of the road. Both fuboTV and Hulu Live have starting packages at $75-$80 per month. DIRECTV STREAM offers larger packages that are more expensive, but the starting package is in line with similar services of its kind.
In comparison, take a look at the price options for other popular streaming services:
- Sling TV pricing–Plans start at $40/month. See our Sling TV review to learn more.
- fuboTV pricing–Plans start at $79.99/month. See our fuboTV review.
- Hulu Live pricing–Plans start at $76.99/month. See our Hulu Live review to learn more.
- YouTube TV pricing–Plans start at $72.99/month. See our YouTube TV review to learn more.
- DIRECTV STREAM pricing–Plans start at $79.99/month.
DIRECTV STREAM Pros & Cons
There are good and bad parts of every streaming service. Here are some of the highs and lows you might experience with DIRECTV STREAM.
Pro: DIRECTV STREAM has tons of channels
DIRECTV STREAM starts you off with over 65+ channels. They are also one of the only streaming services that offer access to PBS (depending on location). With the number of DIRECTV STREAM channels in each package and the number of add-ons available, you should find the right package for you.
Pro: You can pick the package that’s right for you (and your budget)
Each DIRECTV STREAM gives you a good mix of channels and they all include local channels (based on area) and some regional sports networks. If you want a basic package, you can go with the Entertainment package. If you want movie channels and a huge package, there’s the Premier package. It’s all going to come down to what you want to pay for your package.
Pro: You’ll have access to enough simultaneous screens for the whole family
Most services allow you to watch on more than one screen at a time. This allows the whole family to watch what they want, much like they would with cable on different TVs. With DIRECTV STREAM, you can watch up to 20 shows concurrently inside your home and another 3 screens can be utilized outside of the home. In short, at home or on-the-go, the whole family should be able to watch DIRECTV STREAM whenever they want!
Pro: Tons of upgrade potential
DIRECTV STREAM offers movie channels, NBA League Pass, and foreign language packages as part of their add-on offerings. So, if you can’t find something you want in one of the base packages, there is a good chance that there’s an add-on for you.
Con: Limited sports channels in the Entertainment package
As far as sports are concerned, the main draw for the Entertainment package would be local channels and the addition of ESPN and ESPN2. Larger packages include NCAA sports channels, MLB TV, NBA TV, NHL TV, and other sports networks. Unfortunately, the smallest package also has the fewest number of sports channels.
Con: Larger packages end up being more expensive than most streaming services
The base DIRECTV STREAM package is $79.99 per month, which is similar to some other services. However, the larger packages can end up costing double that. The largest package is $150 per month, which is cheaper than some cable plans, but more expensive than most streaming packages.
FAQ
What is DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV STREAM is a live streaming service that works like cable. You get a similar package filled with channels and can watch live or on-demand TV for one low price. Along with all of that, you’ll also have access to a cloud-DVR, and you can also watch your favorite shows through many associated TV Everywhere apps.
What channels are available with DIRECTV STREAM?
The channels you receive will depend on the package you choose. Packages offer between 65+ to over 140 channels. With DIRECTV STREAM, some popular channels available in the various packages include AMC, ESPN, local channels like ABC and NBC, USA, TNT, Disney, TBS, and regional sports networks like Bally Sports.
How much is DIRECTV STREAM every month?
This depends on the package you choose and if you add any additional programming. The basic, Entertainment package starts at $79.99 per month. Larger packages are available for anywhere from $90 to $150 per month, depending on the plan.
Does DIRECTV STREAM come with a free trial?
It sure does! DIRECTV STREAM offers all new customers a free 5-day trial. If you’re not satisfied with the service, just cancel during the first 5-days and you won’t be charged.
What devices work with DIRECTV STREAM?
Most popular streaming devices work with DIRECTV STREAM. It’s as simple as downloading the app to your device, and you’ll be ready to watch. You can use mobile phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Apple TV, Chromecast, or Roku.
Are local channels available with DIRECTV STREAM?
Local channels are based on location, but they are available with DIRECTV STREAM. Depending on your area, you could have ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS, CW, and even local channels like MyTV.
Is DIRECTV STREAM Worth It?
If you’re looking for the closest experience to cable, you’ll probably love DIRECTV STREAM.
This live streaming service offers an experience very similar to cable, but with the perks that come with streaming, like no contracts or commitments required. You can choose from four packages and add any additional channels you want. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, DIRECTV STREAM has something for you. The biggest problem with this service can be the higher prices on some packages, but if it’s in your budget, DIRECTV STREAM offers a solid service.
Don’t forget, if you’re on the fence, DIRECTV STREAM gives you a chance to try the service out before you’re charged anything.
Click here for your free 5-day trial to DIRECTV STREAM!
Have any questions about our DIRECTV STREAM review? Let us know by dropping a comment below.