DIRECTV Genre Packs Review: Channels, Pricing and More 2026

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Recently, I reviewed MyFree DIRECTV, the free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service from DIRECTV. With only 150+ FAST channels and 239 on-demand titles, MyFree DIRECTV is a tiny DIRECTV sampler (similar to DISH’s Sling Freestream). But it’s also meant as a base plan to pair with cheaper, smaller, specialized DIRECTV channel packages they call genre packs.

I signed up for a genre pack free trial when it debuted. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience from signup through cancellation and tell you if I think DIRECTV’s genre packs are worth it.

Jump to:

• Packs and prices
• Specs and features

How do I get DIRECTV Genre Packs?

DIRECTV Genre Packs and pricing

There are eight DIRECTV Genre Packs. Five are base packs (MySports, MyEntertainment, MyKids, MyNews, and MiEspañol). The other three are mini packs (My Cinema, MySports Extra, and MyHomeTeam) that must be paired with one of the other five.

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

* Requires MyNews, MyEntertainment, or MySports base pack.
† Requires MySports base pack.

DIRECTV MyEntertainment pack

I signed up for the MyEntertainment genre pack because I’m not a news junkie or sportsball fanatic, and my Spanish isn’t good enough for MiEspañol. Besides, I think MyEntertainment is the best of the genre packs (I will cover the others later in this review).

For $34.99 a month, MyEntertainment has 60+ reasonably popular channels, a small but decent on-demand library, and unlimited Cloud DVR. You also get three on-demand streaming services: Disney+ Basic, Hulu Basic, and HBO Max Basic with Ads.

I’m usually not wild about streaming plans with ads, but DIRECTV’s MyEntertainment genre pack is a fantastic deal if you’re on a budget. The streaming services alone would cost $30.00 a month, so you’re getting the live channels and Cloud DVR for only $4.99 a month.

There is a significant downside to MyEntertainment, though: It has no local or sports channels. Fortunately, you can get your local channels by buying an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. I installed one at my mom’s place, and it was super easy to set up and start watching networks like CBS, NBC, and FOX.

DIRECTV MyEntertainment vs. the competition

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Among the more affordable live TV streaming services, MyEntertainment’s closest competition includes Sling TV’s Sling Blue plan ($45.99/mo., 48+ channels, 50-hour Cloud DVR), Philo ($33.00/mo., 70+ channels, unlimited Cloud DVR), and Frndly TV ($6.99–$11.99/mo., 50+, unlimited Cloud DVR).

Here are more comparison points to consider if you’re choosing between them:

• Channel lineup: Philo’s 70+ channel lineup beats the other services handily, especially at only $33.00/mo..
• Streaming services: MyEntertainment’s Disney+/Hulu/HBO Max offer is best, even with ads. But Philo has AMC+—with AMC, Shudder, BBC America, IFC Unlimited, and more—ad-free.
• Local channels: MyEntertainment, Philo, and Frndly TV have none; Sling TV has them only in select markets.
• News channels: My Entertainment has five news channels, Sling Blue has three, Philo has one, and Frndly TV has none.
• Sports channels: My Entertainment, Philo, and Frndly TV have none. Sling Blue has five, but three (TBS, TNT, and truTV) aren’t purely sports-related.
• On-demand content: All four services have on-demand movies and shows, but MyEntertainment has a slightly better selection.
• Wholesome content: Frndly TV is a streaming service that prides itself on affordable, family-friendly channels. If you want spicy content, look elsewhere.

Considering all of the above, I’d prefer Philo for its lower price, more robust channel lineup, and included ad-free AMC+ streaming service. That said, MyEntertainment also has a lot to offer for a pretty decent price. Check out the channel lineup below. Then we’ll talk about the other DIRECTV Genre Packs.

DIRECTV MyEntertainment channels

DIRECTV MySports (base pack)

We have a whole review dedicated to DIRECTV’s MySports genre pack, thanks to my fellow CableTV.com scribe, Eric Chiu. See his expert review for the full scoop—but here’s the gist while you’re here.

MySports has 20+ sports channels, plus the ESPN Unlimited streaming service, for $69.99 monthly—that’s pretty pricey. And for only $12.00 more, you could go with YouTube TV (100+ channels, great for sports) or Hulu + Live TV (95+ channels, huge on-demand library).

But if you need nothing more than the dream sports-only package and you’re okay with the steep price, I say go for it.

DIRECTV MySports channels

DIRECTV MyKids (base pack)

DIRECTV’s new MyKids pack is a streaming plan built for families, bundling top channels like Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, and Cartoon Network. It also includes a Disney+ Basic subscription, making it an all-in-one package for kids’ entertainment.

Whether you’re young at heart or have a child who controls the remote, the MyKids pack is the perfect fit. This specialized package consolidates top kids’ channels into one convenient plan, ideal for any family that prioritizes children’s content.

DIRECTV MyKids channels

DIRECTV MyNews (base pack)

Are you such a news nerd that you have no use for entertainment and sports? That’s the only reason I can see anyone choosing the DIRECTV MyNews genre pack. It has 10+ channels for $39.99/mo.—that’s outrageous. But check out the channel lineup and decide for yourself.

DIRECTV MyNews channels

DIRECTV MiEspañol (base pack)

The MiEspañol genre pack gives you 60+ Spanish-language channels and ViX Premium (with ads) for $34.99 monthly. That’s somewhat on the expensive side. In my research, I’ve found a variety of Latino/Spanish streaming plans and add-ons, all with wildly different pricing and channel counts. But for everything that’s included, this is one of the most comprehensive and valuable Spanish-language streaming packages out there.

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* Requires Hulu + Live TV base plan priced $88.99–$99.99/mo.

DIRECTV MiEspañol channels

DIRECTV MySports Extra (mini pack)

If you choose the MySports genre pack but want a beefier sports channel lineup with cricket, football, outdoors, and racing networks, you can add this mini pack for $12.99/mo. (sorry, it’s not available a la carte). Like MyNews, MySports Extra feels a bit too pricey for what you get.

DIRECTV MySports Extra channels

DIRECTV MyHomeTeam (mini pack)

Similarly, you can add this regional sports network (RSN) package to MySports for an extra $19.99/mo.. It includes 15+ channels (mostly FanDuel Sports Networks—see below), but you only get the in-market coverage that’s available in your area. Beware the combined monthly payment, though. Paying $90.00 a month for a package that appeals only to sports fans is bonkers—unless you own a sports bar.

DIRECTV MyHomeTeam channels*

* Channels vary by zip code.

DIRECTV MyCinema (mini pack)

If you already have MyEntertainment, you can add this mini pack of mostly “meh” movie channels for an additional $9.99/mo.. I know I can get a lot more on-demand movies and shows than this for my ten bucks (Prime Video, Disney Duo Basic, Shudder, Arrow Player, and Screambox are solid alternatives), so I’d never go for MyCinema.

DIRECTV MyCinema channels

DIRECTV Genre Pack add-ons

Besides the mini packs, DIRECTV also offers the following premium add-ons and streaming services:

DIRECTV Genre Pack add-ons

DIRECTV Genre Pack specs and features

With DIRECTV’s genre packs, you get the same unlimited Cloud DVR and stream allotment (10 at home, 3 mobile). See our full DIRECTV streaming review for more about specs and features.

How do I cancel DIRECTV Genre Packs?

DIRECTV Genre Packs review FAQ

Why you should trust our DIRECTV Genre Packs review

I’ve spent more than five years covering DIRECTV’s satellite and streaming plans, as well as competing TV providers and live TV streaming services. For this DIRECTV Genre Packs review, I signed up for the MyEntertainment genre pack and spent a week testing it in the DIRECTV app, doing hands-on testing and rigorous research.

I evaluated everything about DIRECTV Genre Packs: sign-up process, channel lineup, features, performance, and cancellation process. All recommendations and insights come from my first-hand experience and testing, which I 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.