DIRECTV STREAM review: Is it the right streaming service for you?

DIRECTV STREAM at a glance

• Monthly cost: $86.99-$169.99
• Simultaneous Streams: Unlimited at home, 3 out-of-network
• DVR: Yes, Unlimited 
• On-Demand Library: Yes, 40,000+
• Live TV Streaming: Yes, 90+ to 180+ channels (depending on package)

DIRECTV STREAM offers a lot of choice, making it a good cable replacement for a variety of customers. It’s one of just two major live TV streaming platforms to offer regional Bally Sports channels, for one. It also carries NFL Network, MLB Network and NBA TV in the Choice plan and above. Large households will benefit from the unlimited home network streaming feature. Plus, it recently added user profiles, so you can track your favorite programs individually. It may not be the best choice for the budget-conscious streamer, but you do get a lot of bang for your buck. 

DIRECTV STREAM subscription options

There are three DIRECTV STREAM packages: Entertainment, Choice, and Ultimate. At the high end, you can get nearly 200 channels. The plans offer a diverse array of entertainment, news, and sports content. There is a 5-day DIRECTV STREAM free trial available for all channel packages. 

DIRECTV STREAM content

DIRECTV STREAM stands out against competitors in at least two categories: channel volume and local sports. At the highest tier, customers get nearly 200 channels guaranteed, which is far more than options like Hulu + Live TV, where the only base plan comes with under 100 networks. DIRECTV is also just one of two major live streaming platforms (along with Fubo) to have a relationship with FanDuel Sports Networks. These channels give you access to a lot of local action for baseball, college football and more. 

Most markets also get local affiliates for Fox, ABC, NBC, and CBS in all channel plans with DIRECTV STREAM.  Plus, even the Entertainment plan has popular channels like ESPN, Fox Sports 1 (FS1), Bravo, TLC, CNN, FX and TruTV. Higher tiers of service unlock more sports networks, including NFL Network and MLB Network. Depending on your package, you can expect to get between about 40,000 and 90,000 on-demand titles, too.

It’s possible to customize your service with paid extras. For instance, film buffs can add the Movie Pack to access everything from Crime & Investigation and Hallmark Mystery to the Smithsonian Channel and Sony Movies. Individual premium channels like Max can also be added to any plan for a price.

DIRECTV STREAM DVR

Like nearly all live streaming platforms, DIRECTV STREAM offers unlimited cloud storage. This means you can save as many shows and movies as you want to your DVR. One limitation is storage time. Programs will be automatically deleted after nine months.

You can set your DVR to record every new episode of your favorite show, and the streaming service recently eliminated a previous rule that only lets you keep up to 30 episodes of the same show. Once a title is in your cloud DVR, you can access it at home and away from home by logging into your account.

DIRECTV STREAM viewing experience and video quality

Most live TV streams at a resolution of 720p HD on DIRECTV STREAM, but users can get 4K UHD for some content with a compatible device. If you’re watching something on-demand, it will often stream at 1080p. You can also adjust your preferences by switching between the Best, Better and Good video quality settings in the app.

This video quality is slightly behind some competitors. For example, Hulu + Live TV offers video quality up to 60fps HD. Meanwhile, YouTube TV brought back 1080p enhanced for many channels.

DIRECTV STREAM user profiles

It took them until 2024, but DIRECTV STREAM finally has unique user profiles for up to five people. Each account has one primary profile, and you can add four others. Parental controls apply to each device, but you can use a PIN to bypass controls for an adult profile if you want to set a particular device to a child-friendly rating. Each profile user can save their own favorite shows and sports teams.

DIRECTV STREAM for sports fans

DIRECTV STREAM might be the best live streaming platform for sports fans. At the very least, it should be at the top of your list if you care a lot about sports channels. You get a lot of regional sports networks (RSNs) with the Choice package and above, which includes your local FanDuel Sports network, plus Marquee Sports Network and Monumental Sports Network. DIRECTV STREAM also carries NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Boston, NBC Sports California and NBC Sports Chicago in local markets.

Regional sports aside, the Choice and Ultimate plans also carry ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, Golf Channel, MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NHL Network and more. If you’re into collegiate sports, try the paid Sports Pack extra to get channels like SEC Network and Big Ten Network. 

How does DIRECTV STREAM compare to other streaming services?

DIRECTV STREAM is similar to other major live streaming platforms when it comes to user profiles, simultaneous streams and DVR space. It even has an upper hand by offering a rare free trial. As for cost, the top-tier plans are not particularly price competitive, but the Entertainment plan is priced within the range of competitors like YouTube TV and Fubo.

How to subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM

Signing up for a new DIRECTV STREAM plan takes just a couple of minutes. It’s worth noting that your credit card will automatically be charged each month unless you cancel. So keep your eyes on your free trial period and cancel before it’s over if you don’t want to move forward.

1. Go to the DIRECTV STREAM site to review available packages.
2. Choose “Try it free” under the package you want.
3. Check the box next to any additional offers you want to add, such as free Max for three months.
4. Choose any optional premium channels you want.
5. Select “Start 5-day free trial” on the bottom left side of the screen.
6. Enter your account info and existing ID, or and create a new user ID.
7. Review and accept the Terms of Service.
8. Select “Continue to payment” and follow the steps to complete your plan set up.

How to cancel a DIRECTV STREAM subscription

DIRECTV STREAM is a month-to-month service, so you can end your subscription or change plans at any time. If you decide the service is not for you, you can cancel your DIRECTV STREAM using the following steps. You will still have access to your subscription until the end of the current billing cycle.

1. Log into your DIRECTV STREAM account on a browser and go to “Manage My TV Subscription. 
2. Click the “Cancel my subscription link” and follow the ensuing prompts.
3. 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 channels does DIRECTV STREAM not have?

DIRECTV STREAM has most popular and mainstream networks, but occasionally loses some due to contract disputes. For instance, in 2024, customers temporarily lost access to Disney owned channels.

Is it worth switching from DIRECTV to DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM offers unlimited DVR and allows customers to go equipment-free, so it can be a good choice for people who want to eliminate fees.

Does DIRECTV STREAM have local channels?

Yes. DIRECTV STREAM offers local channels in most markets including, ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC.