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Is the DIRECTV STREAM Free Trial Really Free?

Curious about DIRECTV STREAM's five-day free trial? Discover the real deal—what's included, how to avoid unexpected charges, and how to cancel—in my expert guide.

So, are you eyeing DIRECTV STREAM for your live TV fix? Do what I did and start with the five-day free trial.

Basically, I got to kick the tires for five days, enjoying full access to my DIRECTV STREAM channel package and features. (I did have to drop my card details up front—there was no escaping that part.) I dove headfirst into the service, watching live channels and on-demand content, setting and watching Cloud DVR recordings, and more—without paying a dime—for almost a whole week.

In this guide, I break down what you get and how to avoid any “Oops, I forgot to cancel!” moments.

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What does the DIRECTV STREAM free trial include?

Here’s the cool part: DIRECTV STREAM doesn’t hold back during the trial. I got the full VIP treatment, including all the channels in my chosen plan, Cloud DVR, and streaming on multiple screens. Basically, they’re like, “Here’s the keys—have fun, dude!”

Since it’s free, and I’m just testing DIRECTV STREAM for work, I figured I’d go big or go home. I picked DIRECTV STREAM’s top-tier plan (PREMIER, $164.99 monthly, 185+ channels) for the trial. That way, I got to try everything the service offers—every channel, including most premium channels, unlimited Cloud DVR, and the Sports Central feature. I recommend you try the same package (you can always change your mind before making it official).

Another recommendation: To make sure I didn’t get stuck with a surprise $165 dollar bill for DIRECTV STREAM’s top plan, I put a reminder in my phone so I’d remember to cancel. That’s always a smart move with free trials.

How do I sign up for the DIRECTV STREAM free trial?

It’s easy! These are the steps I followed to sign up for the trial:

  1. Visit the DIRECTV STREAM signup page.
  2. Pick a DIRECTV STREAM package and click “Try it free.”
  3. Choose any add-on packages, premium channels, or promotions.
  4. Click “Start 5-day free trial.”
  5. Enter your account info.
  6. Review and accept DIRECTV STREAM’s Terms of Service.
  7. Click “Continue to payment” and follow the prompts. You won’t be charged if you cancel on time.
  8. Download the DIRECTV app, log in, and hit the couch!
Screenshot of the package choice screen in the DIRECTV STREAM free trial process shows packages and pricing, plus the "Start 5-day free trial" button.
This screenshot shows part of the DIRECTV STREAM free trial signup process. (Screenshot from DIRECTV.com)

How do I cancel my DIRECTV STREAM free trial?

You know the drill: cancel before the clock strikes midnight on day five, or you’ll be charged. Thankfully, DIRECTV STREAM makes it pretty clear when your trial ends.

Here’s the super-easy breakdown:

  1. Hop onto your computer or phone and head to the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  2. Log in (obviously).
  3. Find the “Manage My TV Subscription” section.
  4. Select “Cancel my subscription” and follow the prompts.

BOOM—you’re done! Trial over. If you want to keep watching, you’ll need to subscribe.

Screenshot of the DIRECTV STREAM cancellation page
The DIRECTV STREAM cancellation page as viewed in the Chrome browser. (Screenshot from DIRECTV.com)

Does DIRECTV STREAM have a 30-day free trial?

Nope—according to my research, five days is DIRECTV STREAM’S standard jam, although you might stumble upon some wild promotional deals now and then.

What other live TV streaming services have free trials?

DIRECTV STREAM isn’t the only live TV streaming service that lets you sample its wares. I’ve prepared a comparison table below to help you compare DIRECTV STREAM’s free trial with those of other live TV streaming services.

Remember to read the fine print while signing up. Free trials can be sneaky sometimes. And, once more for good measure: Remember to cancel before the trial period ends so you don’t get charged.

Service Trial length Channels Cloud DVR Details
DIRECTV STREAM 5 days 90–185+ Unlimited View plan
Frndly TV 7 days 50+ Unlimited View plan
Fubo 7 days 50–291+ Unlimited View plan
Hulu + Live TV Varies 95+ Unlimited View plan
Philo 7 days 70+ Unlimited View plan
Sling TV 30–48+ 50 hrs. (upgrade available) View plan
YouTube TV Varies 100+ Unlimited View plan

Data effective as of post date.

DIRECTV STREAM free trial FAQs

What happens after the 5-day free trial ends?

If you haven’t canceled your DIRECTV STREAM free trial after five days, you’ll receive a bill for the price of your chosen package (plus taxes and fees). So remember to cancel to avoid those charges.

How many devices can I stream on at the same time?

You can watch DIRECTV STREAM on unlimited devices when you’re on your home Wi-Fi network. When you’re outside the home, you can watch on up to three mobile devices.

Can I switch plans during the DIRECTV STREAM free trial?

Yes, you can switch plans during your DIRECTV STREAM free trial period. You can also switch plans anytime after you subscribe.

Why you should trust our DIRECTV STREAM free trial guide

Our TV experts have spent over five years using DIRECTV STREAM and competing live TV streaming services. With hands-on experience and rigorous research, we’ve evaluated DIRECTV STREAMS’s free trial process, channel lineup, and features. All recommendations and insights come from our first-hand experience and testing, which we cross-referenced with CableTV.com’s existing live TV streaming service coverage.

Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.

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