| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No satellite needed | No original content |
| Many regional sports networks | Prices aren’t competitive |
| Unlimited streams at home | |
| Local channels included in most locations |
DIRECTV STREAM is a great choice for large families and sports fans. Its unlimited home network streaming means that each member of your household can stream in a different room on Saturday morning—no more fighting over the remote. It’s also one of only two major streaming platforms to have a contract with Bally Sports.
DIRECTV STREAM subscription options
DIRECTV STREAM offers four unique channel packages. The base plan offers an impressive 90+ channels for the price, but sports fans will want to consider upgrading to the Choice plan. This plan unlocks many regional sports channels, including FanDuel Sports Networks across the country.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Live Channels | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $86.99 | 90+ | Unlimited at home, 3 outside home |
| Choice | $114.99 | 125+ | Unlimited at home, 3 outside home |
| Ultimate | $129.99 | 160+ | Unlimited at home, 3 outside home |
| Premier | $169.99 | 185+ | Unlimited at home, 3 outside home |
DIRECTV STREAM user profiles
DIRECTV STREAM now offers multiple user profiles. The platform promised this feature in mid-2024, and it rolled out in early September. Now, you can create up to four additional profiles in addition to your primary profile. While parental controls can be set for each device, it’s unclear if each profile can have its own parental controls just yet. You can definitely save favorite shows and sports teams for each unique user profile.
DIRECTV STREAM content
DIRECTV STREAM has a healthy blend of entertainment, news, and sports content. All plans have local networks, Bravo, CNN, FX, and TruTV. You can also watch sports must-haves like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network and NHL Network without paying for an add-on.
Subscribers get thousands of on-demand titles across all plans. Even the base channel package offers more than 60,000 on-demand series and movies. At the highest service tier, DIRECTV STREAM delivers more than 90,000 on-demand titles. You can also save an unlimited number of programs to your DVR, but keep in mind that they will be automatically deleted after nine months.
DIRECTV STREAM for sports fans
DIRECT STREAM is ideal for anyone who cares about regional sports. It’s one of the only streaming platforms that has a relationship with FanDuel Sports. If there is a local FanDuel Sports Network servicing your area, it will show up in your channel guide if you have the Choice, Ultimate, or Premier package. DIRECTV STREAM also carries NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports California, and NBC Sports Chicago for customers in those regions. Everyone can take advantage of niche regional sports networks like Altitude and Marquee Sports Network. Be sure to enter your zipcode on the DIRECTV STREAM homepage before subscribing to see exactly which channels you’ll get in your area.
How does DIRECTV STREAM compare to other streaming services?
Now that DIRECTV STREAM has multiple profiles, it’s more aligned with competitor offerings. It still comes out on top for simultaneous streams, and it’s one of just two major carriers to let you try before you buy. The price points at the high end are not competitive, but you do get a ton of channels for the cost. With a Premium DIRECTV STREAM plan, you get four premium channels, including Max and Paramount Plus with SHOWTIME. Competitors make you pay for separate add-ons for these apps.
| Streaming Service | Cost Per Month | Free Trial | DVR | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV STREAM | $86.99+ | Yes, 5 days | Unlimited | Unlimited at home, 3 out-of-network |
| Fubo | $79.99+ | Yes, 7 days | Unlimited | 10 at home, 3 out of network |
| Hulu + Live TV | $82.99+ | Yes, 3 days | Unlimited | 2 |
| Sling TV | $45.99 | No | 50 hours | 1-4, depending on plan |
| YouTube TV | $82.99 | Yes, 7 days | Unlimited | 3 |
How to cancel a DIRECTV STREAM subscription
To cancel your DIRECTV STREAM plan:
- Log into your account on a computer and go to “Manage My TV Subscription.
- Click the “Cancel my subscription link” and follow the ensuing prompts.
- Continue to access your service until your current billing cycle ends.
If you purchased a DIRECTV device recently, it can be returned within 14 days of purchase for a full refund. If your DIRECTV STREAM subscription included a device at no additional cost, it must be returned within 14-days of your plan cancellation. If you fail to return it, you will be charged a non-return fee of $120.
FAQ
What are the negatives of DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV STREAM can get expensive. The highest tier plan is $169.99 per month before taxes. To take advantage of its best sports feature, you’ll need at least the Choice plan, which is $114.99 per month.
Does DIRECTV STREAM have good video quality?
DIRECTV STREAM has Best, Better, or Good video quality settings in the app. Video quality starts at 720p HD, and users can get 4K UHD with a compatible device.
Is it worth switching from DIRECTV to DIRECTV STREAM?
If you currently have a DIRECTV plan, it may be worth it to switch to DIRECTV STREAM. The latter doesn’t require a contract and offers unlimited DVR. You also don’t need any DIRECTV equipment if you have DIRECTV STREAM.
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