Join or Sign In
Sign in to customize your TV listings
By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.
DIRECTV STREAM is one of the most popular live TV streaming services. Read on to find out more.
Disclaimer: When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
|
|
DIRECTV STREAM is a popular live streaming service from AT&T. It was previously known as AT&T TV. With four packages for viewers to choose from, it is the most cable TV-like service of any of the streaming providers. But, unlike cable, you're not locked into a contract.
Moreover, DIRECTV STREAM offers a combination of live and on-demand programming, along with a variety of premium channels and other add-on options.
Subscribers can choose from its basic package with more than 75 channels, all the way up to its top-line package that has more than 150 channels.
DIRECTV STREAM | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV | fuboTV | |
Starting monthly price | $75/mo. | $70/mo. | $73/mo. | $75/mo. |
Free trial length | Five days | N/A | Up to 14 days | Seven days |
Live titles? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Number of on-demand titles | 40,000+ | 80,000+ | 2,000+ | 10,000+ |
Streaming quality | Up to 1080p HD | Up to 1080p HD | Up to 4K Ultra HD | Up to 720p HD |
DIRECTV STREAM's price for its starter package is similar to Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV. The size of its on-demand library beats YouTube TV and fuboTV, but can't compete with Hulu + Live TV.
There are four DIRECTV STREAM packages, which gives every subscriber a plan that suits them.
DIRECTV STREAM's starter plan, the Entertainment package is $75/mo. It has more than 75 channels and over 40,000 on-demand titles. It includes the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon for the kids, along with the major sports channels, like ESPN. It also comes with unlimited space in its cloud DVR.
You can add on the premium networks for an additional fee. This includes Cinemax, Starz, and Showtime, each for $11/mo; and Epix for $6/mo. Meanwhile, HBO Max is also available for an additional $15/mo.
For an additional $25/mo., the Choice package, which runs $100/mo., has more than 105 live channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles.
In addition to everything available in the Entertainment package, the Choice package also includes regional sports networks (RSN), including Bally Sports. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get AT&T Sportsnet, MASN, MSG, NESN, Root Sports, YES Network, and more.
This package also includes a range of sports networks not found in the Entertainment package.
Going up another $10/mo., you can get the Ultimate package for $110/mo. This comes with over 140 live channels and more than 55,000 on-demand titles. In addition to everything in the Choice package, the Ultimate package includes every Starz Encore channel at no extra charge. It offers almost every channel available through DIRECTV STREAM.
To get almost everything DIRECTV STREAM offers, sign up for the Premier package. For $150/mo., you'll get over 150 live channels and 65,000-plus on-demand titles. Included in the Premier package, at no extra charge, are the premium networks, like Cinemax, HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz--those channels alone are worth the difference in price between the Premier and Ultimate tiers.
With the large number of DIRECTV STREAM channels available, the service offers every kind of programming.
The DIRECTV STREAM channel lineup in the Entertainment package includes 41 channels focused on general entertainment programming, including viewer favorites like A&E, AMC, Comedy Central, Discovery, Food Network, FX, HGTV, History Channel, Lifetime, Syfy, TBS, TNT, USA Network, and more.
There are plenty of options for family and kids programming in the Entertainment package, with 12 networks. This includes Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Hallmark Channel, National Geographic, Nickelodeon, PBS Kids, and many more.
If you want to stay current on all the latest news, DIRECTV STREAM has 19 channels, covering all viewpoints. This includes Bloomberg Television, C-Span, CNBC, CNN, HLN, MSNBC, and other news networks.
While DIRECTV STREAM does not create original programming, you can find many of the most popular shows. This includes:
9-1-1 — Fox
Abbott Elementary — ABC
The Amazing Race — CBS
America's Got Talent — NBC
American Idol — ABC
Atlanta — ABC
Barry — HBO
The Bachelor — ABC
Better Call Saul — AMC
Better Things — FX
Bob's Burgers — Fox
Chicago Fire — NBC
Chicago Med — NBC
Chicago PD — NBC
Family Guy — Fox
Law & Order: SVU — NBC
Dancing with the Stars — ABC
FBI — CBS
Ghosts — CBS
Grey's Anatomy — ABC
The Masked Singer — Fox
MasterChef — Fox
NCIS — CBS
The Neighborhood — CBS
Riverdale — CW
The Simpsons — Fox
Station 19 — ABC
Survivor — CBS
Under the Banner of Heaven — FX
The Voice — NBC
We Own This City — HBO
Young Sheldon — CBS
Sports fans will want to steer away from the Entertainment package, which only comes with ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, MotorTrend, and more. However, beyond the Entertainment package, DIRECTV STREAM is one of the top streaming platforms for sports fans. This is because DIRECTV STREAM is one of the only streaming services (along with Fubo) that still offers regional sports networks. Having access to RSNs is key for basketball and baseball fans, as many games in those sports are only broadcast on the local RSN.
In addition to the channels in the Entertainment package, other sports networks fans will enjoy are CBS Sports Networks, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, FS2, Golf Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Tennis Channel, TVG, and more. And college sports fans will be pleased to see the ACC Network, Big 10 Network, SEC Network, and more.
Additionally, subscribers to the Choice, Ultimate, or Premier packages get NFL Sunday Ticket at no additional charge. This gives you access to every out of market NFL game on Sundays.
And basketball fans can enjoy NBA League Pass Premium and get every out-of-market, regular-season game.
Every family member can stream their favorite movies and TV shows to their own device when they're at home, as DIRECTV STREAM offers unlimited streaming while on your home network. In addition, when you venture away from home, you can have three simultaneous screens when you're on the go.
DIRECTV STREAM supports most major devices. This includes:
Amazon Fire TV
Android smartphones and tablets
Android TV (Google TV)
Apple TV
Google Chromecast
Apple iPad, Apple iPhone, and Apple iPod Touch
Roku
Samsung TVs (Tizen)
Web browsers (Google Chromecast, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera)
If you're a sports fan, DIRECTV STREAM is definitely worth considering if you want to cut the cord. Since it's one of the few streaming services that includes RSNs, it may be a must-have for baseball and basketball fans.
DIRECTV STREAM's similarity to cable also makes it easy for first-time cord cutters to be able to seamlessly navigate.
Its price, however, may give some people pause, as it's one of the more expensive streaming services. However, with the five-day DIRECTV STREAM free trial, you can test it out to make sure it's the right streaming service for you.