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Streaming Service
DIRECTV STREAM is a live TV streaming service, which means it competes directly with cable and satellite services. With DIRECTV STREAM (formerly known as AT&T TV), cord-cutters don’t have to give up live TV. But will you still save money cutting the cord when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM? Let’s examine how much DIRECTV STREAM costs per month and what you’ll get for your money.
DIRECTV STREAM costs $69.99 per month for the ENTERTAINMENT package, which is its cheapest package. You can also choose to spend more to get a larger selection of channels. DIRECTV STREAM sometimes offers discounts for new subscribers.
DIRECTV STREAM offers four basic plans: ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER. Each package is bigger than the last, with more channels and a higher price.
You can also add the DIRECTV STREAM device to your plan for $5 a month for the first 24 months (or $120 upfront), but that isn’t required. DIRECTV STREAM also works on devices such as Roku and Fire TV.
Which DIRECTV STREAM subscription plan should you choose? It’s worth taking a closer look at each plan. For details on what we like best about the bundles, check out our DIRECTV STREAM review.
DIRECTV STREAM changes its discounts and deals often. As of this writing, DIRECTV STREAM does have a free trial, which lasts five days and is available only to new customers. DIRECTV STREAM is also offering discounts on the first two months of service for new customers until 6/19/22.
DIRECTV STREAM is a live TV streaming service. The idea is that DIRECTV STREAM is a cable alternative — instead of signing up for cable or satellite TV, you can get DIRECTV STREAM.
Why would you choose DIRECTV STREAM over cable or satellite? For starters, it offers the same basic features. Just like cable, DIRECTV STREAM comes with live network TV channels, including local channels, sports channels, news channels, and all the rest of your favorites. You can channel surf, record things on DVR, and do all the other good stuff you can do with cable. Just as with cable, the channels are bundled together and sold in big chunks.
Streaming services such as DIRECTV STREAM have a few advantages over cable. Since they stream online, you can watch them on all sorts of connected devices — including mobile devices. You won’t have to worry about a cable box (or any pesky cable box fees), and you’ll be able to watch DIRECTV STREAM on all your smart TVs and streaming devices. Since there are no contracts, you can call it quits at any time.
DIRECTV STREAM competes with other live TV streaming services, such as Sling TV. DIRECTV STREAM’s competition doesn't vary too wildly — YouTube TV’s prices are similar to DIRECTV STREAM’s, for example, and Hulu’s channel list includes many of the same networks as DIRECTV STREAM’s — but there are some important differences, which is why we review all of the options to rate them and rank the best streaming services.
DIRECTV STREAM has a very impressive channel lineup. One of its selling points is its strong coverage of sports, including regional sports networks. Regardless of where you live, DIRECTV STREAM is likely to be one of your best bets for watching baseball without cable. DIRECTV STREAM’s channel selection also includes some hard-to-find networks. For example, DIRECTV STREAM is one of the few good options for watching RFD-TV without cable.
Though it’s a live TV streaming service, DIRECTV STREAM isn't just about watching channels like Comedy Central, FS1, and Cartoon Network/Adult Swim without cable. DIRECTV STREAM also offers on-demand content, including hit movies and popular TV shows.
DIRECTV STREAM offers live TV, just like cable. And just as with cable, the live networks have commercial breaks with ads. That doesn’t change, but you can always turn to DIRECTV STREAM’s ad-free on-demand content or use its cloud DVR feature to fast-forward through commercial breaks in recorded content.
A big reason live TV streaming services such as DIRECTV STREAM are so exciting is they don’t tie you to a cable box. You can use DIRECTV STREAM on all sorts of smart TVs and streaming devices, not to mention smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Once you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM, you can just download the DIRECTV STREAM app on any compatible device and sign in. You can use the same account on multiple devices.
If you don’t have a device already, you may want to consider DIRECTV STREAM’s own hardware. The DIRECTV STREAM device uses a version of Android TV, so it will look familiar if you’re used to using an Nvidia Shield TV, a Sony smart TV, or one of the other devices that use Android TV. The DIRECTV STREAM device has a voice remote and will run all your major streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu.
DIRECTV STREAM offers more than just tons of live TV and on-demand content. You’ll find plenty of perks here too, such as the impressive DVR feature and the ability to stream on multiple devices at the same time.
How much does DIRECTV STREAM cost?
DIRECTV STREAM costs $69.99 per month for the cheapest of four packages.
Does DIRECTV STREAM have contracts?
DIRECTV STREAM does not require contracts. You can cancel at any time.
Does DIRECTV STREAM have a DVR?
Yes. DIRECTV STREAM includes cloud DVR service with unlimited space.
What’s the difference between DIRECTV STREAM and DIRECTV?
DIRECTV is a satellite pay TV service. DIRECTV STREAM is also a pay TV service, but it streams online. You don’t need a satellite dish or a long-term contract with DIRECTV STREAM — all you need is an internet connection.
I already have a DIRECTV streaming app. Is this service the same thing?
Some cable and satellite services offer streaming apps that act a little like DIRECTV STREAM and its competitors. DIRECTV has an app like this, and it may be what you’re thinking of. These apps are nice perks, but they’re not as impressive as full-fledged live HD TV streaming.