DIRECTV offers no-contract live TV streaming plans that include local channels, sports, news, and entertainment networks.
In April 2025, the company retired the “DIRECTV STREAM” name, but the service continues under the DIRECTV brand with the same app and features.
I’ve tested DIRECTV’s streaming service extensively to evaluate its pros and cons.
Although DIRECTV is still best known for its satellite TV service, the company has shifted more attention to streaming in recent years.
Customers can choose from full cable-style bundles, lower-cost genre packs, or its free ad-supported service.
DIRECTV’s streaming plans have no contracts or hidden fees. It competes with companies like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling TV and Fubo.
DIRECTV Streaming Pros and Cons Overview
| Pros | Cons |
| Signature Streaming Packages: Well-rounded lineup; regional sports networks available | High monthly price for Signature Packages |
| Genre Packs: Lower cost, flexible options | Gemini Air device costs extra if leased |
| Unlimited cloud DVR storage with paid plans | Limited content available with MyFree DIRECTV |
| Unlimited in-home streams; three on the go | |
| No contracts or hidden fees |
What makes DIRECTV stand out from other streaming TV options? In this article, you’ll learn five things to know before you sign up for DIRECTV.
Table of Contents:
- How Much Does DIRECTV Cost?
- What Channels Does DIRECTV Offer?
- Does DIRECTV Offer Cloud DVR?
- What Equipment Do I Need to Use DIRECTV?
- How Is the DIRECTV User Experience?
1. How Much Does DIRECTV Cost?
DIRECTV’s streaming plans can feel like a good value — or wildly overpriced — depending on the type of plan you choose.
DIRECTV’s Signature Streaming Packages start at $89.99 per month for the Entertainment package, which includes local broadcast stations plus a mix of sports, news, and entertainment networks.
Most people who choose DIRECTV pay more for the Choice package or higher because these Signature Packages include regional sports networks. The Choice plan costs over $100 per month after limited-time promotions.
In addition to Signature Packages, DIRECTV now offers lower-cost Genre Packs with fewer channels:
- MySports: $69.99/month
- MyEntertainment: $34.99/month
- MyNews: $39.99/month
- MiEspañol: $34.99/month
- MyKids: $19.99/month
Note: DIRECTV also offers a free, ad-supported plan called MyFree DIRECTV. It includes a limited selection of live channels with no payment information required.
DIRECTV offers a 5-day free trial for its paid plans and frequent discounts on Signature Packages.
2. What Channels Does DIRECTV Offer?
DIRECTV’s Signature Packages — its full cable-style bundles — have a well-rounded channel lineup and offer regional sports networks that other streaming services have dropped.
That includes channels from FanDuel Sports Network, formerly known as Bally Sports.
Aside from regional sports, the DIRECTV Choice plan features more than 125 networks from these content partners and more:
- AMC Networks
- Disney
- FOX
- NBCUniversal
- Paramount
- Warner Bros. Discovery
If you want a service that includes your local channels, DIRECTV has ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and PBS.
NFL Network and NFL RedZone are also available.
Here’s my advice: Make a list of your must-have channels, then use the tool on DIRECTV’s website to see if they’re all available.
If you have more limited channel needs, don’t overlook the Genre Packs. They can help you downgrade and save.
I’m someone who prefers a full bundle (Signature Package) for part of the year, but I’ve been able to switch to a skinny bundle (Genre Pack) during the summer.
As a bonus, some of the Genre Packs include other standalone streaming apps included in the plan price.
3. Does DIRECTV Offer Cloud DVR?
DIRECTV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage with all paid plans, and recordings are saved for up to nine months.
Unlike YouTube TV, DIRECTV’s DVR is more flexible. You can record a single episode or an entire series, choose only new episodes or new episodes plus reruns, and even set recordings based on your favorite leagues and sports teams.
You can start a recording from the live guide, while watching live TV, or by using the search feature. Multiple shows can be recorded at the same time, and in most cases you can fast-forward through commercials when watching DVR content.
When it comes time to delete your recordings, DIRECTV gives you the option to remove programs individually or in bulk from the My Library section.
The free MyFree DIRECTV plan does not include cloud DVR storage.
4. What Equipment Do I Need to Use DIRECTV?
DIRECTV’s streaming plans work on most major streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and more. You can also watch from the DIRECTV mobile app or a web browser.
Select 4K content is available at no extra charge, but you’ll need a compatible device and a supported program to watch in 4K.
If you want a more cable-like experience, DIRECTV offers the Gemini Air — a streaming device that you can lease for $10 per month. It’s optional, but the included remote offers one-click access to the guide, DVR, and channel numbers, along with voice control.
Whether you use the Gemini Air or your own streaming device, you’ll need a high-speed internet connection (at least 8 Mbps per stream according to DIRECTV) for the best performance.
If you’re looking for an internet plan fit for streaming, I have a free tool to help you here.
5. How Is the DIRECTV User Experience?
DIRECTV’s app layout will feel familiar to anyone who has used cable or satellite TV. I recently leased the Gemini Air to put it to the test and provide a complete walkthrough.
Even if you don’t use that device, the video below will help you master the service’s user interface.
The home screen surfaces recently watched channels, live previews, and on-demand recommendations. A Continue Watching row appears as you scroll, and the main menu gives quick access to the live guide, My Library (DVR), Sports Central, and settings.
The live guide is laid out like traditional cable, with options to filter by Recent or Favorites and preview up to two weeks ahead. You can start a recording directly from the guide or jump straight into a live broadcast.
My Library organizes your DVR recordings, bookmarks, and purchases. You can view upcoming scheduled recordings and delete recordings from this section.
The On Demand section features a rotating library of shows and movies — but keep in mind, most on-demand programming includes unskippable ads.
Sports fans can use the Sports Central hub to track favorite teams, set game recordings, and view live stats with the optional Sports Mode (on select devices).
For a full walkthrough of DIRECTV’s interface and features, watch my video above or check out my guide.
Final Thoughts
A lot of people still carry strong opinions about DIRECTV based on their past experiences. But the changes over the past year have been a big step forward.
DIRECTV now offers no-contract full cable-style bundles (Signature Packages) for those who want them, plus cheaper partial bundles (Genre Packs) for people who rely less on live TV in the streaming era. And with MyFree DIRECTV, you can try the app and see how it works without paying a cent.
One savings tip: If you’re deciding between a Signature Package and a Genre Pack, check the new customer discounts before you sign up. Discounts are more common for Signature Packages, and you can always start with one plan, then switch to another or cancel altogether the following month.
For more ways to cut the cord, subscribe to the Michael Saves YouTube channel.
If I cancel direct tv stream I own the DVR box. So can switch to sling and still record and save via DirectTV DVR no
Can you get all the sports on DIRECTV streaming
HULU+Live TV only allows you to use it at one address, period. If you have a second home and try to use it, it’ll make you set that second address as your primary address, then when you go back to your primary home, you have to switch it back again. HULU only allows you to switch the primary address 4 times a year, although I think you can call and get them to remove it if you only use it at one address at a time. DirecTV Streaming is great because my mother can you it at her home via my account. She typically only watches local channels and mainly just the news. All that makes it worth paying the extra for DirecTV Streaming.
I have a 65 inch Sony Bravia when I view streaming movies I only have cropped tv, why can’t I get a full screen
I keep trying to find something via Google and all they talk about is the fee for 24 months. What happens AFTER the 24 months?
What is the picture quality on DirectTV streaming? I can’t seem to find a solid answer.
They keep saying they’re adding 4K, but that’s not happened yet.
It should be clarified ..
If you want Bally Sports (MLB, NHL, NBA games for example). DirecTV and fubo are the only streaming services providing that.
fubo was added in Dec 2022. Until then DirecTV had exclusive rights.
Forbes:
“The 19 Bally RSNs have the TV rights to 42 franchises across MLB, NBA and NHL”
For example, I live in St Louis. All home Cardinals games would be shown on my local station, away games exclusively on Bally Sports.
Interestingly
Sinclair Sports Diamond Sports, which owns Bally is close to bankruptcy. We are talking about major league teams losing or at risk of losing about 30% of their revenue. Huge.
Forbes Feb 15, 2023:
The Diamond Sports Group, which runs Bally Sports, a group of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) owned by Sinclair Broadcasting, is expected to file for bankruptcy. According to a number of reports, Diamond Sports missed a $140 million interest-only payment resulting in a Chapter 11 debt restructuring and a 30-day grace period.
Is there a way to just buy a Bally Sports Package to watch the Atlanta Braves when you live in the Braves region?
No Braves with the standalone Bally app: https://www.ballysports.com/packages/
Hello George I have a question about your comment. I live in STL also, and we have UVerse TV, thinking of moving to streaming. We watch all games, home and away on Bally Sports MidWest. But you mention that Cardinal home games are shown on your local station. Did you mean Bally Sports MidWest? If not, how are you watching home games on a local station and if so, which one? I find them rarely shown locally unless it is a network airing.
I found your info very helpful do you have a affiliate link?
thanks! I believe so — if you click on the links within the article to DIRECTV STREAM. I have them bolded.
DirecTVStream sounds good to me, because I saw in the channel lineup, they have the YES NETWORK. I currently have YOU TUBE TV. Which does not have the yes channel. And MLB NETWORK, that I signed on for doesn`t have it here in Brooklyn, New York. It gets blacked out. Which I view through a ROKU device. I`m going to finish watching everything I recorded. Then sign up for DIRECT TV STREAM.
I currently have regular Directv service with a Genie boxes, I am interested in possibly switching to DTV Stream. Is there equipment in need to purchase in order to obtain DVR services? I have a Samsung Smart TV, but can not seem to find the information I am looking for to definitely make the switch. The prices seem great compared to my current DirecTV price (which just went up AGAIN). Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Michael. I have Direct tv stream through my Fire stick. I didn’t want to pay for their streaming box or their remote. My Fire stick remote is pretty basic. It has volume control but that’s about it. Is there a universal remote available that will control my tv, the fire stick and the direct tv stream app? It would be nice to be able to punch in a station number instead of having to go through the guide each time. Also, if there was one that had voice control that would be huge. Thanks.
If you want station numbers, you should get the DIRECTV STREAM box. Some of the more expensive Fire TV sticks (or Roku) can allow you to pair with your TV so that you can use them for power and volume.
Michael, Your review was extremely helpful. We have a beach house that had DirecTV cable service and I was looking to switch to DirecTV Stream on Roku devices. My understanding is that guests want cable-like content, but the house is vacant for a long off season so I am looking for a service that is easy to cancel/pause and then re-subscribe/activate as I may have to do this multiple times per year. So I don’t like the idea of having to chat with DirecTV to cancel my Stream subscription. You mentioned Youtube TV as your top pick otherwise, but some comments sound like maybe it doesn’t work on Roku which is what we have in our home and what I’m familiar with. Any recommendations for which service/device might be the best fit for our situation? Thanks in advance, Peter
YouTube TV does work on Roku. They had a bit of a dispute with them last year, but it’s all been resolved. I use YouTube TV on a Roku. This article summarizes my thoughts: https://michaelsaves.com/streaming/best-live-tv-streaming/ YouTube TV is very easy to pause.
Michael thanks for the quick and helpful reply! I read a lot of your other reviews and am trying to decide between Youtube TV (which my wife considers evil) and Hulu + Live TV…we already use Hulu at home and pay to eliminate ads. As previously mentioned, this is for our beach house which has 6 TVs and each of these has limited streams unless you pay extra, but I think that’s OK since it’s unlikely there will be that much parallel watching. It does really irk me to pay $70/month and still have to see ads (I did see your tip on DVR ffwd for Youtuve TV – thanks!). Between Youtube TV and Hulu + Live TV, are there any other pros/cons for our situation? Thanks again for your guidance through this maze!
Do you know anything about taxes and fees with Direct TV stream? I don’t have a problem using them because I watch the RSN’s. If they don’t charge a “broadcast TV fee” like the cable companies, then I would have no problem moving over to Direct TV stream.
There is no broadcast TV fee, but taxes are location-dependent. If one live TV service charges taxes, the others will too. I’ve lived in places with taxes and places without. I have a brief article that explains it: https://michaelsaves.com/streaming/youtube-tv-taxes
Keep in mind that per direct tv stream representative, they only offer an autodraft for payments. So if you pay your bills on certain dates based on your paydays, this service doesn’t allow you to choose your payment date to them. Good luck!
I am a big YouTube TV fan and subscriber, but, now that they have lost Disney-owned channels (at the moment), their attraction and shine has gone away a lot. I don’t care about the $15 price reduction. I think YouTube TV made a big mistake letting it get to this point with Disney. I already survived them not renewing with ROKU. I’m giving Hulu – Live TV a trial run as DirectTV Streaming is a bit pricey but I may end up there in the end (but no NFL Network!). I don’t like that you have to call DirectTV Streaming in order to cancel. That makes the “hassle meter” for them go way up (Feel like I’m then dealing with Spectrum/Time Warner cable again – brings back nightmares). I also wish they had better Cloud DVR offerings (even if more price) as you need to cover a season of a show.
Currently all Direct TV services and AT&T U-Verse do not have Disney channels or any Disney owned or affiliated networks due to contract negotiations breaking down so this is not just with Youtube TV. I have heard negotiations are not going well with other stream providers that carry Disney or affiliated networks. Disney is wanting a big chunk from the streaming services that carry it.
Fubo TV has some New York sports channels. We use it to watch SNY and MSG. I haven’t found a cheaper alternative to watch both. I wish you could order just my teams games without other tv channels.
Maybe one day we’ll get that option