DIRECTV STREAM Review 2024: Fat Channel Lineups and Fatter Price Tags
Our experts have spent hundreds of hours researching and testing DIRECTV STREAM and found that, while it has a lot of channels and sports, it'll cost you.
$69.99–$149.99/mo. (plus tax)
$69.99–$149.99/mo. (plus tax)
Is DIRECTV STREAM worth it?
DIRECTV STREAM is a robust live TV streaming service, but it’s also pricier than most of the others we’ve reviewed at CableTV.com. But, if you want a full boat of sports channels, especially regional sports networks (RSNs), DIRECTV STREAM has ’em.
DIRECTV STREAM isn’t a great choice for experienced, budget-conscious cord-cutters, but it is worth it for streaming newbies who want to switch from satellite TV painlessly: DIRECTV STREAM looks and functions almost identically to regular DIRECTV, right down to the interface and channel selection.
One big caveat: DIRECTV STREAM didn’t fare well in our annual customer satisfaction survey. We did hear from a few who enjoy every aspect of the service, but the number was concerning low.
DIRECTV STREAM deals and promotions
DIRECTV STREAM usually offers a decent amount of sign-up deals and promotions. Here are its most vibrant deals:
- Free premium channels: New DIRECTV STREAM subscribers can get free premium channels, including MaxTM, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, CINEMAX, and MGM+TM, on select plans for three months.
- Bill credit offer: For a limited time, when you sign up for the CHOICE, ULTIMATE, or PREMIER package, you will save $10/mo. off your monthly bill for two years.
DIRECTV STREAM plans and pricing: More channels, more money
| Plan | Price* | Channels | Streams | Cloud DVR | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV STREAM ENTERTAINMENT | $69.99/mo. (plus tax) | 75+ | 3 (unlimited on home network) | Unlimited | View plans |
| DIRECTV STREAM CHOICE | $76.99/mo. (plus tax) | 105+ | 3 (unlimited on home network) | Unlimited | View plans |
| DIRECTV STREAM ULTIMATE | $104.99/mo. (plus tax) | 140+ | 3 (unlimited on home network) | Unlimited | View plans |
| DIRECTV STREAM PREMIER | $149.99/mo. (plus tax) | 150+ | 3 (unlimited on home network) | Unlimited | View plans |
| DIRECTV STREAM ÓPTIMO MÁS™ | $79.99/mo. (plus tax) | 100+ | 3 (unlimited on home network) | Unlimited | View plans |
*2-year low price guarantee.
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
DIRECTV STREAM’s plans mostly mirror those of DIRECTV satellite—the difference being that DIRECTV Stream requires no annual contracts or extra equipment (like a receiver box or roof dish). It does offer the option of renting a branded streaming box (a leftover from the AT&T TV era) for an additional $5 a month, but we’d recommend buying your own streaming device.
DIRECTV STREAM specs and features: Load up that DVR
DIRECTV STREAM has several features equal to streaming industry favorites like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV. Below, we’ll break down everything from DIRECTV STREAM’s cloud DVR storage to compatible devices.
Cloud DVR
DIRECTV STREAM now offers unlimited cloud DVR storage for nine months. Competitors like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV also feature unlimited cloud DVR storage for nine months, so don’t let recording all your favorite shows tie you to DIRECTV STREAM. You’ve got options, dear reader.
Simultaneous streams
| Service | Simultaneous streams | Within home network |
|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV STREAM | 3 | Unlimited |
DIRECTV STREAM allows for three simultaneous streams outside of your home network, and unlimited within it. If you somehow have dozens of TV watchers in your house, we strongly suggest upgrading your internet service—DIRECTV STREAM says you’ll need at least 8 Mbps of speed to stream smoothly, but we suggest at least 25 Mbps.
Compatible devices
| Device | DIRECTV STREAM |
|---|---|
| Amazon Fire Cube, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Android phones, tablets | ✔ |
| Android TV | ✔ |
| Apple TV (4th gen.) | ✔ |
| Apple TV 4K | ✔ |
| Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV | ✔ |
| Echo Show | — |
| iPhone, iPad | ✔ |
| LG TVs (select models) | — |
| Nintendo Switch | — |
| NVIDIA SHIELD Pro TV | — |
| PC, Mac web browsers | ✔ |
| PlayStation 3, 4, 5 | — |
| Roku Ultra, Express, Premiere, Stick, TV | ✔ |
| Samsung TVs (select models) | ✔ |
| TiVo Stream | — |
| Wii | — |
| Xbox One | — |
Data effective as of post date.
DIRECTV STREAM doesn’t require a provider-supplied streaming box—but it’ll gladly rent it to you for an extra $5 a month. We recommend using the DIRECTV STREAM app with your own streaming device instead; rental fees add up over time.
Video and audio quality
DIRECTV STREAM, like other live TV streaming services, streams live at 720p HD, with on-demand content available in 1080p or Blu-ray quality. DIRECTV STREAM doesn’t support 4K Ultra HD, either live or on-demand.
DIRECTV STREAM’s audio feed is standard 2.0 stereo, with some available in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. Sorry, no Dolby Atmos here.
What do real customers think of DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV STREAM scored 3.4 stars out of a possible 5 in our annual customer satisfaction survey—not great. Unsurprisingly, most of the customers’ complaints were about pricing, not performance. Several even praised DIRECTV STREAM’s customer service, a rarity for most any TV provider.
I have very few problems, but when I do need help, the staff is friendly, informative, and helpful, and my issue is resolved quickly. I like that before ending the call, the technician summarizes the call in order of how it transpires from beginning to end and makes sure I understand everything. Most helpful and efficient.
DIRECTV STREAM FAQ
How much does DIRECTV STREAM cost?
DIRECTV STREAM offers four plans: ENTERTAINMENT at $69.99 a month (75+ channels), CHOICE at $76.99 a month (105+ channels), ULTIMATE at $104.99 a month (140+ channels), and PREMIER at $149.99 a month (150+ channels).
Can you stream DIRECTV STREAM on a smart TV?
Yes, the DIRECTV STREAM app is compatible with 2017 and newer models of Samsung smart TVs. It’s also available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, and Chromecast with Google TV devices.
What is the difference between DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM?
Content-wise, there’s not much that separates DIRECTV from DIRECTV STREAM. But DIRECTV is a satellite TV service with a two-year contract and dish installation, while DIRECTV STREAM is a live TV streaming service that requires no long-term commitments or bulky equipment. We explain these differences in more detail on our DIRECTV STREAM vs. DIRECTV page.
