Edited and fact-checked by Mia Carter, our Contributing Writer with over 27 years covering tech and mobile apps.
DIRECTV’s strength
DIRECTV’s satellite service offers broad sports coverage, including local regional sports networks (RSNs) with CHOICE and higher packages where available. Satellite customers can use Gemini receivers with DVR functionality that supports up to 450 hours of HD recordings.
Premium networks aren’t included with every package, although DIRECTV currently offers eligible customers promotional access to HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax, and MGM+ with select packages. PREMIER includes premium networks such as HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax as part of the package.
For a complete breakdown of DIRECTV’s features, explore our full DIRECTV review.
How much do DIRECTV TV plans cost?
DIRECTV TV Plans and Pricing and Channel Counts
| Package Name | Monthly Price | Channel count |
|---|---|---|
ENTERTAINMENT | $89.99/mo. for 24 mos. plus taxes and fees | 175+ |
CHOICE™ | $94.99/mo. for 24 mos. plus taxes and fees | 215+ |
ULTIMATE | $124.99/mo. for 24 mos. plus taxes and fees | 280+ |
PREMIER™ | $169.99/mo. for 24 mos. plus taxes and fees | 350+ |
How much do DIRECTV streaming plans cost?
DIRECTV Streaming Plans, Pricing, Channel Counts
| Package Name | Monthly Price | Channel count |
|---|---|---|
ENTERTAINMENT | $59.99/mo. for first month + taxes & fees | 90+ |
CHOICE™ | $64.99/mo. for first month + taxes & fees | 125+ |
ULTIMATE | $89.99/mo. for first month + taxes & fees | 160+ |
PREMIER | $129.99/mo. for first month + taxes & fees | 185+ |
Data effective as of post date.
DIRECTV’s satellite and streaming plans have different billing terms and fees. New DIRECTV satellite customers generally take on a 24-month programming commitment, while DIRECTV’s current streaming packages renew monthly and are advertised with no annual contract.
CHOICE and higher packages include regional sports networks where available and are subject to a Regional Sports Fee based on location. Satellite service also carries a required TV Access Fee and a one-time activation fee, while additional equipment and other charges can apply. DIRECTV streaming customers who lease a Gemini device pay a device lease fee, and streaming packages include unlimited cloud DVR without a separate DVR charge. Satellite customers may have an Advanced Receiver Service fee covering DVR and other advanced features, depending on their package and account.
DIRECTV plans FAQ
What are the hidden fees I should know about?
Fees depend on how you get DIRECTV. For satellite service, current charges can include a TV Access Fee, a Regional Sports Fee with CHOICE and higher packages, a one-time activation fee, and an Advanced Receiver Service fee depending on your package and account.
Additional equipment can also add charges, and leased equipment must be returned after cancellation to avoid non-return fees. Streaming customers can face a Regional Sports Fee on qualifying packages and a Gemini lease fee if they choose leased DIRECTV equipment.
Does DIRECTV offer a free trial?
DIRECTV satellite doesn't currently advertise a traditional free trial. However, eligible new DIRECTV streaming customers who use their own compatible device can currently get a five-day free trial. A valid card is required, and the streaming subscription renews monthly after the trial unless canceled. Check our DIRECTV deals page for current promotions.
What makes DIRECTV worth the high cost?
DIRECTV offers extensive sports coverage. CHOICE and higher packages include local regional sports networks where available, and eligible Signature Package customers can add DIRECTV Sports Pack for more than 35 regional and specialty sports networks. On satellite, PREMIER includes every DIRECTV Sports Pack channel plus NFL RedZone from NFL Network. Whether that lineup justifies the cost depends on which sports and channels you watch.
What happens if I want to cancel DIRECTV?
Cancellation terms depend on how you receive DIRECTV. New satellite customers generally have a 24-month programming commitment, and DIRECTV says an early termination fee of up to $20 for each month remaining in that commitment can apply if you cancel early. Current DIRECTV streaming packages are advertised without an annual contract and renew monthly unless canceled. Satellite customers must also return leased equipment after cancellation to avoid applicable non-return fees. Review our what to watch on DIRECTV and DIRECTV deals before signing up.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
