Stream with DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV: Live Streaming or Satellite TV Service – Which Is Better For You?
Our expert analysis says that both DIRECTV' streaming and satellite TV options are too expensive to be worth it for most folks—but the no-contract streaming service is at least easier to escape.
Is Stream with DIRECTV or DIRECTV better?
When it comes to DIRECTV, I have years of experience using both the classic satellite dish setup and its streaming form, Stream with DIRECTV (formerly DIRECTV STREAM). Which one is better depends on your preferences.
Each DIRECTV service has nearly identical high prices, two-year term agreements, and hidden fees that always seem to pop up. Also, both services are excellent for sports. The biggest differences are channel lineups, delivery method (satellite vs. streaming), devices (Genie or Gemini or Gemini Air) for live TV channels, movies, and shows.
I’ve enjoyed both feature-rich services, but if you forced me to choose, I’d go with Stream with DIRECTV. It’s just simpler to install and use—and cancel without a penalty. However, my overall recommendation is that DIRECTV plans change too frequently and its prices are much too high; you can often get more bang for your buck elsewhere. Check out YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV or, if you’re still considering a satellite setup, DISH.
But maybe you’re not yet ready to turn your back on DIRECTV or Stream with DIRECTV—perhaps because you want to access the services’ top-shelf sportsball experience. If so, read on for a deeper comparison of both services.
Compare Stream with DIRECTV and DIRECTV head to head
| Provider | Price* | Connection type | Channel count | DVR storage | Simultaneous recordings | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Stream with DIRECTV Best for flexibility |
$84.99–$164.99/mo. | Internet | 90–185+ | Unlimited for $10.00/mo. | 5 |
View Plans for DIRECTV STREAM Read Stream with DIRECTV Review |
|
DIRECTV Satellite + Device Best for DVR and features |
$84.99–$164.99/mo. | Satellite | 165–340+ | 200 hrs. (Genie) or 450 hrs. (Gemini) for $10.00/mo. | 3 |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV Review |
Data effective as of post date. Not all offers are available in all areas. See full disclaimer for details.
Let’s recap the similarities and differences between Stream with DIRECTV and DIRECTV.
Stream with DIRECTV has 90–185+ channels—55% fewer than DIRECTV. That’s not such a big deal because the lineups are curated to include mostly popular channels—you won’t get as many filler channels as you find on DIRECTV.
Stream with DIRECTV connects to your home Wi-Fi network and delivers your channels via either the Gemini Air device (first one’s free), or one of several streaming devices that support the DIRECTV app.
DIRECTV has 165–340+ channels for close to the same prices as Stream with DIRECTV—and no more second-year price hike, thanks to DIRECTV’s two-year price guarantee. But that guarantee comes with a two-year contract where you can cancel early, but it’ll cost you $20 per remaining month.
Pro tip: If DIRECTV’s traditional plans are too expensive, but you like the brand, check out DIRECTV’s Genre Packs. These themed packages are dedicated to entertainment, kids, news, and sports content, featuring smaller price tags. They also have fewer channels—but more of the ones you want—and some even include streaming services like Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, and HBO Max.
If satellite TV is your only option, the more affordable DISH Network has slightly fewer channels than DIRECTV, but almost as many sports networks and add-ons. DISH also has the more powerful Hopper 3 DVR ($10.00 a month) and also guarantees your monthly payment for two years.
However, as I mentioned, I steer people away from DIRECTV services and towards live TV streaming services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. While they have fewer channels than Stream with DIRECTV and DIRECTV, I’ve found they offer better overall value with better affordability, no hidden fees, curated lineups of popular channels, and free unlimited cloud DVR storage.
Pro tip: Check out our guide to the Hidden Costs of DIRECTV, which explains all of the service’s various hidden charges, including fees for activation, devices, early cancellation, late payments, local channels, and more.
Stream with DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV prices and plans: Both are expensive
Stream with DIRECTV and DIRECTV have four separate plans with similar monthly payments—but wildly divergent channel counts. Let’s see how they rate in terms of overall value.
Stream with DIRECTV pricing and plans
| Package | Price* | Channel count | Popular channels | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stream with DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT | $84.99/mo. | 90+ | AMC, CNN, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, MSNBC, Nickelodeon, and TLC | View Plan |
| Stream with DIRECTV CHOICE™ | $89.99/mo. | 125+ | Bravo, Disney, IFC, Nick Jr., OWN, Science, Travel Channel, and UniMás | View Plan |
| Stream with DIRECTV ULTIMATE | $119.99/mo. | 160+ | Magnolia Network, Golf Channel, LOGO, Nat Geo WILD, NHL Network, and Universal Kids | View Plan |
| Stream with DIRECTV PREMIER | $164.99/mo. | 185+ | CINEMAX®, STARZ®, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®, and HBO MaxTM | View Plan |
Data effective as of post date. Not all offers are available in all areas. See full disclaimer for details.
All live TV streaming services, not just Stream with DIRECTV, have fewer channels than cable and satellite TV services. So it’s not like Stream with DIRECTV is trying to give you less for your money. It’s how live TV streaming services roll—they offer quality over quantity or more popular channels instead of filler networks.
Stream with DIRECTV CHOICE™ ($89.99/mo., 125+ channels) has the best value at $0.72 per channel. With CHOICE™ and ULTIMATE ($119.99/mo., 160 channels) packages, new customers get three free months of CINEMAX, MGM+, HBO Max, Paramount+ Premium (formerly Paramount+ with SHOWTIME), and STARZ. But if you go with PREMIER ($164.99/mo., 185+ channels), those premium channels are a permanent part of your plan.
DIRECTV Satellite pricing and plans
| Package | Price* | Channel count | Popular channels | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT All Included | $84.99/mo. | 165+ | AMC, CNN, ESPN, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, MSNBC, Nickelodeon, and TLC | View Plan |
| CHOICE™ All Included | $89.99/mo. | 200+ | Bravo, Disney, IFC, Nick Jr., OWN, Science, Travel Channel, and UniMás | View Plan |
| ULTIMATE All Included | $119.99/mo. | 270+ | Magnolia Network, Golf Channel, LOGO, Nat Geo WILD, NHL Network, and Universal Kids | View Plan |
| PREMIER™ All Included | $164.99/mo. | 340+ | CINEMAX, STARZ, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and HBO Max | View Plan |
Data effective as of post date. Not all offers are available in all areas. See full disclaimer for details.
DIRECTV and Stream with DIRECTV packages are essentially the same in terms of popular channels. The difference is that Stream with DIRECTV packages cut out the filler channels you’ll probably never watch.
Both providers now charge close to the same price for their plans—but the channel counts are vastly different, as I’ve shown.
Stream with DIRECTV and DIRECTV have different equipment and DVR storage
When it comes to DVRs, the DIRECTV Genie (200 hours) and Genie 2 (450 hours) are powerful units with limited streaming app support. That said, the DIRECTV Gemini (450–unlimited hours) and Gemini Air (unlimited hours) aren’t as feature-rich as the Genies, but their accompanying cloud DVR storage is much greater. Check out each device’s vital statistics below.
Stream with DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV DVR
| DVR | Price | Storage | Simultaneous recordings | Video quality | Streaming app support | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stream with DIRECTV Gemini Air (optional) | $10.00/mo. | Unlimited (cloud) | 3 | Up to 4K | Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount+, Peacock | View Plans for DIRECTV |
| DIRECTV Genie | $10.00/mo. | 200 hrs. (physical) | 5 | Up to 4K | HBO Max, Netflix, Pandora | View Plans for DIRECTV |
| DIRECTV Genie 2 (wireless) | $10.00/mo. | 450 hrs. (cloud) | 7 | Up to 4K | HBO Max, Netflix, Pandora | View Plans for DIRECTV |
| DIRECTV Gemini | $10.00/mo. | 450 hrs.–unlimited (cloud) | 3 | Up to 4K | Disney+, ESPN, Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Prime Video | View Plans for DIRECTV |
Data effective as of post date. Not all offers are available in all areas. See full disclaimer for details.
Stream with DIRECTV‘s Gemini Air and cloud DVR
When you sign up for Stream with DIRECTV, you can choose to use the service’s new Gemini Air device ($10.00 per month), which includes a universal voice remote, support for most major streaming apps, and unlimited DVR. Or you can save ten bucks a month by using one of the many streaming devices, smartphones, or tablets that you probably already own—and already support the DIRECTV app.
Unlimited cloud DVR has a nine-month keep time for recordings, and that sure beats Stream with DIRECTV‘s old cloud DVR offer: A measly 20 hours free or unlimited storage for $10.00 a month, with only a 90-day keep time. It’s also infinitely more DVR storage than you get with the Genies.
DIRECTV Genie DVRs and wireless Gemini
If you like to keep movies, shows, and sporting events to watch at your leisure, the best option is DIRECTV’s Genie (200 hours, five simultaneous recordings) or wireless Genie 2 (450 hours, three simultaneous recordings). The Genie DVRs don’t auto-delete your recordings unless you’re out of storage.
The basic Genie (wired) has enough storage and tuners for most users. The Genie 2 is best for committed couch creatures and their binge-watching habits, and the unit is wireless so you can avoid cable clutter. Another wireless option is the Gemini (different from the Gemini Air), which includes a universal voice remote, streaming app support, and 450 hours of cloud DVR storage.
If you have multiple TVs, you can add DIRECTV on up to seven more screens in your home with additional Genie or Gemini devices ($10.00 a month each). To learn more about DIRECTV whole-home DVR, check out our DIRECTV Genie review.
Stream with DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV installation = simple vs complicated
Installing and setting up Stream with DIRECTV is a breeze. In fewer than five minutes, I downloaded the app to my Roku Ultra and smartphone, signed in, and started browsing what to watch while also building my watchlist. (Note: We haven’t tested the Gemini Air device. When we do, we’ll update this article. For now, it’s safe to assume the set-up process will be just as easy.)
The installation process is much more complicated, and potentially frustrating, with DIRECTV’s satellite service. It required setting up an install appointment where a technician installed the dish on my roof, drilled cable holes into my house, and set up my Genie DVR. That involved taking time off work and took significantly longer to complete. Also, apartment dwellers may need to have their landlord sign an installation approval form. On the bright side, installation is free of charge.
Stream with DIRECTV vs DIRECTV: Two services, one streaming app
Comparing Stream with DIRECTV‘s and DIRECTV’s apps is a little tricky. Allow us to elaborate.
Stream with DIRECTV app
All streaming services are based around an app that you use on a compatible device like a Chromecast, gaming console, personal computer, smart TV, smartphone, streaming stick, or tablet. So, whereas the DIRECTV app is an extra way to enjoy your DIRECTV package on the go, the Stream with DIRECTV mobile app is the main way to use the service.
When I put the Stream with DIRECTV app to the test, I quickly understood why it boasts such high ratings—4.6 out of 5.0 on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. From my perspective, the app consistently delivered an easy, intuitive user experience across every platform I tried.
One of the first things that struck me was the app’s incredible device compatibility. I found it worked seamlessly with my Android and iOS devices, Amazon Fire TV sticks, Apple TV, Chromecast, NVIDIA Shield, and even my Roku. I also experimented with it on my Google and Roku smart TVs, as well as various internet browsers, and had no issues whatsoever. It’s safe to say you probably already own something that works with it.
Now, on the downside, I was a bit disappointed to discover there’s no gaming console support. As a gamer, that’s a feature I’d love to see in the future. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that the app is compatible with the Apple Vision Pro virtual reality device and even select Peloton models, which is a nice touch.
The DIRECTV device compatibility page offers all the nitty-gritty details like specific model numbers and operating system requirements.
Stream with DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV FAQ
How much does DIRECTV's streaming plans cost?
Stream with DIRECTV has four plans priced $84.99–$164.99/mo. a month for 90–185+ channels.
Can I stream DIRECTV if I have DIRECTV?
You can stream your DIRECTV live channels, on-demand content, and DVR recordings with the DIRECTV App, which is free to current DIRECTV subscribers.
Is DIRECTV streaming worth it?
If you’re asking about the Stream with DIRECTV live TV streaming service, we think it’s too expensive to be worth it, unless you're a sports lover. But if you’re asking about streaming DIRECTV through its mobile app, we think it adds a ton of value to your DIRECTV subscription.
How much does DIRECTV cost after one year?
DIRECTV no longer has a second-year price hike—the satellite TV provider now offers a two-year price guarantee. Current DIRECTV prices are $84.99–$164.99/mo..
Why you should trust us
At CableTV.com, we constantly analyze prices, plans, and specifications of TV providers like Stream with DIRECTV and DIRECTV so our readers can make informed buying decisions. We’ve also tested Stream with DIRECTV and DIRECTV from signup through activation, and surveyed other customers to see what they thought about providers. To learn more about our process, see our How We Rank page.
Disclaimer
DIRECTV:
ENTERTAINMENT: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($84.99/mo. w/ req’d fees) w/24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d.
CHOICE: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($116.98/mo. w/ req’d fees) w/24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d.
ULTIMATE: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($146.98/mo. w/ req’d fees) w/24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d.
PREMIER™: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($191.98/mo. w/ req’d fees) w/24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d.
Stream with DIRECTV:
ENTERTAINMENT: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($84.99/mo. w/ req’d 15/mo. ARS fee) w/24-mo. agmt.
CHOICE™: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($104.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.
ULTIMATE: or 24 months + taxes & fees ($134.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.
PREMIER: for 24 months + taxes & fees ($179.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.
