DIRECTV Review 2025: The Satellite TV Giant Offers Service That’s Powerful But Pricey
DIRECTV has lots of channels (but not as many as before), excellent sports offerings, and sweet deals and promotions—but it’s still too expensive.
Is DIRECTV worth the price?
I’ve researched and tested DIRECTV for six years now, and I’ve been a DIRECTV customer several times in my life. As a satellite TV service, it stands out for its broad availability, large channel count, Genie and Gemini receiver/DVRs, and excellent new customer deals.
DIRECTV also has a strong appeal for sports fans, boasting many sportsball channels and regional sports networks, plus features built for game-day viewing. But be warned: DIRECTV is expensive, much like traditional cable, with term agreements (contracts) and hidden fees.
For those reasons, I don’t recommend DIRECTV to anyone seeking reasonably priced TV service (yes, pricing is why I left). Yet, for the ultimate sports experience, DIRECTV reigns supreme, potentially justifying its premium cost for dedicated sports enthusiasts. The same goes for rural folks with limited TV options (and, perhaps, DISH fatigue).
One crucial point, though: Our customer satisfaction survey paints a less rosy picture of DIRECTV. While some enjoy the service, overall satisfaction levels are middling at best. Consider this carefully before signing up for DIRECTV. I have more details in my expert DIRECTV review below.
Pro tip: DIRECTV Streaming App + Device packages mirror DIRECTV Satellite + Device packages with similar pricing, channel counts, features, and term agreements—but you access your content via the Gemini Air device, DIRECTV app, and the internet. Some users find DIRECTV Streaming App + Device more flexible.
DIRECTV packages and prices are pricey but loaded
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer for details.
Which DIRECTV plan do I recommend? Depends. First, you should know that DIRECTV plans have high prices, but the hidden fees add up to 18–35% to your total bill (see pro tip below).
Pro tip: DIRECTV charges a $10-a-month (per TV) Gemini receiver lease fee on all plans, plus a regional sports network (RSN) fee of up to $17.99 monthly on most plans. Add these costs ($27.99 total) to all prices for a better estimate of your monthly payment.
Okay, there’s something else you should know before signing up for DIRECTV, so here’s another pro tip before I get into package recommendations.
Pro tip: DIRECTV plans have 24-month term agreements (contracts). If you cancel after 14 days of signing up, DIRECTV charges an Early Termination Fee of $20 per month remaining.
I hesitate to recommend DIRECTV because of the term agreements, high prices, and substantial hidden fees. DIRECTV’s satellite TV arch rival, DISH Network, has fewer channels, better affordability, and the same availability. But my top recommendations are live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV for their healthy channel lineups, better flexibility, and greater affordability.
But, again, sports fanatics might be okay with DIRECTV’s high cost in exchange for its strong sports programming. And if you live in a rural area, DIRECTV might be your only option. In these cases, I have plan suggestions.
Just don’t forget about those fees, which really bump up your monthly payment. Here’s one more helpful hint derived from my DIRECTV research.
Pro tip: If DIRECTV plans don’t fit your budget, try the service’s Genre Packs. Starting at $34.99 a month, these smaller, cheaper packs of channels and streaming services are tailored to entertainment, news, and sports fans.
DIRECTV is the best TV provider for promotions and deals
DIRECTV always offers a ton of enticing deals for new customers, which is why we awarded it the Best of the Best for Promos among TV providers in 2025. I would just add that some DIRECTV deals might not provide enough value to make up for its steep pricing for some folks.
Here are some of the best current DIRECTV deals and promotions.
- Bill credit offer: Save $10/mo. off your bill for 24 months when you sign up for the CHOICE, ULTIMATE, or PREMIER package. (Discount is reflected in the prices shown in this review.)
- Premium channel offers: New DIRECTV customers who choose the ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, or ULTIMATE packages can get free premium channels for 3 months, including: Max, CINEMAX, STARZ, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and MGM.
Check out our DIRECTV deals guide for a complete rundown of available discounts and promotions.
Pro tip: You’ll save $12 monthly on your DIRECTV bill by declining local channels, which you can still get with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. Prices start at $25, but some newer TVs have them built-in. Your local channels won’t appear on your DIRECTV onscreen guide, but programming info is free.
DIRECTV vs. the competition
It’s worth comparing DIRECTV with its rival satellite TV providers and also live TV streaming services. I’ve made a few comparisons within this review.
For a deeper dive into DIRECTV and its competitors, see my colleague Logan Jones’ expert guide to the best TV providers. You can also compare the similar DIRECTV Streaming App + Device to its competitors in my guide to the best live TV streaming services.
DIRECTV channels: Plenty of entertainment and sports networks
In my research, I’ve seen DIRECTV bounce back and forth between having one of the beefiest channel lineups of traditional (cable/satellite) TV providers and leaner lineups identical to DIRECTV Streaming App + Device packages. Currently, it’s the former: 165–340+ channels.
As for sports channels, DIRECTV has the most of any provider, including plenty of regional sports networks (RSNs).
DIRECTV channel lineups at a glance
| Package | Included channels |
|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | For budget-minded folks who watch TV, but not obsessively, ENTERTAINMENT has a solid selection of popular entertainment, news, sports, and local channels—plus an extra 90+ FAST channels via MyFree DIRECTV. |
| CHOICE™ | Best for average households with varied interests, CHOICE has everything in ENTERTAINMENT, plus specialty sports channels like ACCN, Big Ten Network, MLB Network, and NBA TV—plus regional sports networks. |
| ULTIMATE | Best for larger households and sports fanatics, ULTIMATE has everything in CHOICE, plus additional entertainment and sports channels like CBS Sports Network, Discovery Family, NHL Network, and STARZ ENCORE. |
| PREMIER™ | For movie lovers and folks who appreciate a top-tier TV experience, PREMIERE has everything in ULTIMATE, including streaming services Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See full disclaimer for details.
As for sports channels, DIRECTV has the most of any provider, including plenty of RSNs, which carry a fee of up to $17.99 monthly. Let’s explore DIRECTV’s sports packages and channel add-ons.
Pro tip: DIRECTV carries beIN Sports XTRA, but not beIN Sports (see DISH for that channel).
DIRECTV sports packages and add-ons at a glance
| Package | Price | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV My Sports Genre Pack | $69.99/mo. | Custom sports-only package with 60+ channels (available à la carte) | View Plan |
| DIRECTV Sports Pack | $14.99/mo. | 40 out-of-market sports networks, including CBS Sports Network, 17 regional FanDuel Sports Networks, and ESPN College Extra | View Plan |
| FOX Soccer Plus | $14.99/mo. | Soccer matches from Liga MX, Major League Soccer, and CONCACAF Champions Cup, premium rugby matches from the National Rugby League and the Super Rugby League, and the Australian Rules Football League | View Plan |
| MLB Extra Innings | $149.99/season | Up to 90 out-of-market MLB games each week throughout the MLB regular season; includes MLB Network Strike Zone, MLB Extra Innings Mix, and MLB.TV | View Plan |
| NBA League Pass | $99.99/season | Around 40 out-of-market NBA games per week during the NBA regular season | View Plan |
| NHL Center Ice | $69.99/season | Up to 40 out-of-market NHL games a week, plus NHL Network | View Plan |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Although DIRECTV no longer carries NFL SUNDAY TICKET, the provider still offers four other major sports add-on packages. Each package brings you out-of-market access to the top sports leagues in the U.S.
With both the NBA and the NHL now in season, NBA League Pass and NHL Center Ice are important for megafans of basketball and hockey. After all, 40 out-of-market games per week from each league is a lot to miss out on.
The DIRECTV Sports Pack also has 40 out-of-market sports networks (including CBS Sports Network, 17 regional FanDuel Sports Networks, and ESPN College Extra) for an additional $14.99 per month. To learn more, read our in-depth guide to DIRECTV Sports Packages.
DIRECTV equipment is decent, but it costs extra
During the signup process, DIRECTV offered me a choice of devices: the Genie receiver/DVR (wired) or Gemini (wireless). Each costs $10.00 a month.
If I were ever going back to DIRECTV, I’d choose the Gemini. I have a strong Google Fiber Wi-Fi network, and its wireless connectivity and broad streaming app support helps me minimize cable and device clutter (I love being able to watch my DIRECTV content and streaming services on a single device).
The Gemini also allows you to record up to 450 hours of HD content.
If you have a spotty Wi-Fi connection or live in a rural area, you might get better results with a wired connection. In that case, choose the Genie. It’s a solid device, but it stores only 200 hours of movies and shows, and doesn’t support streaming apps. So, if you’re able, consider upgrading your internet connection so you can use a Gemini instead.
Both devices require a satellite dish to be installed on your roof. Find more information about the Gemini and Genie devices in the table below.
DIRECTV receivers and DVRs at a glance
| DVR | Price | Other fees (due at signup) | DVR storage | Supported TVs | Simultaneous recordings | Video quality | Built-in streaming apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV Genie | $10.00/mo./TV | $49.00 1-time activation fee | 200 hrs. | 6 | 5 | Up to 4K | — |
|
Best Performance DIRECTV Gemini |
$10.00/mo./TV | $49.00 1-time activation fee | 450 hrs. | 8 | 3 | Up to 4K | Disney+, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Paramount+ with Showtime, Peacock, Prime Video, and more |
Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pro tip: If you have a preferred streaming device, such as the Amazon Fire Stick 4K, Apple TV 4K, Google Chromecast, or Roku Ultra, you can watch your DIRECTV channels and on-demand content through the DIRECTV app.
More of our favorite DIRECTV specs and features
DIRECTV comes with a lot of bells and whistles, and it offers add-ons that can really elevate your entertainment experience. I know we’re rounding the last corner of a very long trip through DIRECTVLand, so I’ll cut to the chase: Here are some of the neatest things that I like about the TV provider.
- Out-of-market sports with FOX Soccer Plus, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, and MLB Extra Innings
- 4K HDR programming on CHOICE packages and higher
- Mobile streaming with the DIRECTV app (Google Play and App Store)
- 72-hr. rewind on select channels
- Frequent specials and promotions
Is the DIRECTV app easy to use?
The DIRECTV app has a score of 4.6 out of 5.0 on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, based on thousands of reviews. I’ve tested it on a variety of mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming boxers and found it easy to use and highly intuitive.
The DIRECTV app has a ton of compatible devices
The DIRECTV app has broad support, so you probably already own a compatible device from this list: Android/iOS, Amazon, Apple, Chromecast, NVIDIA, Peloton, Roku, select smart TVs (Google/Android, Roku, and Samsung), and all major internet browsers.
There is no gaming console support, but the DIRECTV app works with the Apple Vision Pro virtual reality device and select Peloton models. (I hear you, fellow gamers—it’s not the same.)
| Device | Compatible with DIRECTV |
|---|---|
| Amazon Fire Cube, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Android phones, tablets | ✔ |
| Android TV | ✔ |
| Apple TV (4th gen.) | ✔ |
| Apple TV 4K | ✔ |
| Apple Vision Pro VR | ✔ |
| Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV | ✔ |
| Echo Show | — |
| iPhone, iPad | ✔ |
| LG TVs (select models) | — |
| Nintendo Switch | — |
| NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro | ✔ |
| PC, Mac web browsers | ✔ |
| Peloton (Bike, Bike+, Tread, Tread+, and Row) | ✔ |
| PlayStation 5 | — |
| Roku Ultra, Express, Premiere, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Samsung TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| TiVo Stream | — |
| Wii | — |
| Xbox One | — |
Data effective as of post date.
For details like device model numbers and operating system requirements, check out the DIRECTV device compatibility page.
What do real customers think about DIRECTV?
In our 2025 customer satisfaction survey, DIRECTV finished among the top three individual providers for overall satisfaction, but DIRECTV did have lower showings in the pricing and customer loyalty sections.
Still, many agreed that the service works excellently and offers plenty of useful features, so they think the higher prices are (mostly) worth it. Here are some snapshots from the survey.
What DIRECTV customers are saying
- 58% of customers like its pricing and value.
- 67% of customers love its user experience.
- 64% of customers say it’s reliable.
- 71% of customers find customer interactions easy and the solutions effective.
- 59% of customers would recommend it to friends and family.
DIRECTV is good but the price could be better. The quality of the programs are also good but there could be more channels.
DIRECTV review FAQ
Is DIRECTV a good option?
DIRECTV (aka DIRECTV Via Satellite) is a good satellite TV service with 165–340+ channels, solid equipment, near 100% availability, and a 68% customer satisfaction rating.
That said, it’s expensive and has 24-month term agreements and hidden fees. So we recommend DIRECTV only for:
- People living in rural areas where satellite TV and internet are the best—and probably only—option.
- Sports fans who don’t mind that DIRECTV no longer carries NFL Sunday Ticket.
Are customers happy with DIRECTV?
In our annual TV Customer Satisfaction Survey for 2025, 68% of DIRECTV customers said they were either completely satisfied or very satisfied with the satellite TV provider. Read the survey to see how DIRECTV customers rated their provider on 19 other questions covering customer service, user experience, pricing, and more.
Are there DIRECTV streaming packages?
For DIRECTV streaming packages, you want to sign up for DIRECTV Streaming App + Device instead of standard DIRECTV. That said, YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV offer more than DIRECTV Streaming App + Device—and they’re more affordable.
Is there a DIRECTV streaming service?
The DIRECTV streaming service you’re looking for is called DIRECTV Streaming App + Device.
Does DIRECTV service my area?
DIRECTV service is available nationwide.
With few exceptions (like apartment buildings or houses without a south-facing mounting surface for the satellite dish), you can get DIRECTV service from way down in the Bayou all the way up to the Northern Lights.
Can I install DIRECTV myself?
You can’t install DIRECTV yourself. DIRECTV will dispatch a technician to install your satellite dish and get your DIRECTV service up and running.
How can I watch DIRECTV on the go?
Your DIRECTV service includes on-the-go viewing with the DIRECTV app. You can download the DIRECTV app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
The app allows you to stream your DIRECTV live channels, on-demand content, and DVR recordings while away from home, but you’ll need internet access. To watch offline, download your DVR recordings before leaving the house.
Does DIRECTV have a mobile app?
DIRECTV has a mobile app that allows you to watch live TV, on-demand programming, and DVR recordings anytime, anywhere. You can stream on five devices at once and choose from more than 35,000 movies and shows.
Does DIRECTV offer a discount for senior citizens?
Unfortunately, DIRECTV does not currently offer senior discounts. It does, however, offer other deals and promotions that seniors can easily take advantage of.
What is the cheapest DIRECTV package?
DIRECTV’s cheapest package is the ENTERTAINMENT plan. At $84.99/mo. for the first year, it gives you 165+ channels, including multiple ESPN and Disney channels, along with FX and IFC.
What is the best DIRECTV package?
If a diverse and hearty DIRECTV channel package is what you’re shopping for, the PREMIER plan ($164.99/mo.) hits the jackpot. The 340+ channels PREMIER delivers are a robust blend of local stations, sports and entertainment networks, and, of course, premium channels like CINEMAX, Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ.
How does DISH compare to DIRECTV?
Like DIRECTV, DISH is a satellite TV provider. Both providers have two-year contracts and guarantee against price hikes during that period. DIRECTV has more channels and slightly better sports options than DISH, but DISH has the better DVR. And, despite recent DIRECTV pricing and policy changes, it’s closer in value to DISH Network—but still more expensive. For a deeper comparison, check out our DISH vs. DIRECTV guide.
Why you should trust our DIRECTV review
I’ve spent more than five years covering DIRECTV, DIRECTV Streaming App + Device, and competing TV providers and live TV streaming services. I’ve also been a DIRECTV customer at various times in my life. For this DIRECTV review, I relied on my first-hand experience, hands-on testing, and rigorous research to ensure an accurate, helpful review. I evaluated DIRECTV’s prices, sign-up process, channel lineup, features, and performance. All recommendations and insights come from my experience and testing, which I cross-referenced with CableTV.com’s existing live TV streaming service coverage. Additionally, we pulled data from our annual TV Customer Satisfaction Survey to see how real customers felt about their DIRECTV service.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about how CableTV.com approaches its reviews.
Disclaimer
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: for 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.
ÓPTIMO MÁS: for 24 mos. + taxes & fees ($94.99/mo. w/ req’d fees) w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d.
BILL CREDIT OFFER: Limited Time Offer. Receive a credit each month for first 24 months ($10/mo. with DIRECTV via Internet or $5/mo. with DIRECTV via Satellite) with min. CHOICE pkg (currently $84.99/mo. for 24 mos. plus taxes and fees). 24-mo. agmt, Autopay and Paperless Bill req’d. Customer must activate service and account must remain in good standing to receive all discounts. You will lose this offer and/or any portion of this offer if you cancel your service. LIMIT ONE OFFER PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. May not be combined with certain offers. Offer may be changed or discontinued at any time.
MLB EXTRA INNINGS: Blackout rules and other conditions apply. Direct games based on total games carried on Nat’l and combined local Regional Sports Networks. RSNs avail. with CHOICE package or higher. Avail. of RSNs varies by ZIP code and pkg. Cost is 3 payments of $26.66 for the season. Price subject to change.
NBA LEAGUE PASS: Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply. Cost is 3 payments of $23.33 for the season. Price subject to change.
NHL CENTER ICE: Blackout restrictions and other conditions apply. Cost is 3 payments of $36.66 for the season. Price subject to change.
