DIRECTV STREAM Review: The Best Live TV Streaming Service in 2025


Value 5/5

With a wide range of channel packages, you can choose the lineup that’s right for your family.

Channels 5/5

DIRECTV STREAM offers nearly every channel you could possibly want.

Experience 5/5

The interface is easy to use. You never feel “lost” with DIRECTV STREAM.

$34.99/mo.+

DIRECTV STREAM Pros and Cons

What Does DIRECTV STREAM Cost?

Additional channel bundles and add-ons are available.

Can You Get a Discount on DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM usually offers discounts for new users. These deals are best in August and September as they try to earn your business for NFL and college football season. Once you’ve signed up, you can only access these deals again with a new credit card and email address.

Current DIRECTV STREAM Discounts

DIRECTV’s “Signature Packs” have some great intro offers.

  • 3 months free of Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+ and Cinemax
  • Get $3 off Peacock
  • Get $2 off Discovery+
  • Get $2 off AMC+

Can You Watch DIRECTV STREAM for Free?

Yes! Get started with a 5-day free trial of any DIRECTV STREAM package. It’s the best way to get a feel for the platform, set up your favorite channels, and try the DVR. Cancel before the trial is over and you won’t be charged.

If you’re still not sure, you can also use MyFree DIRECTV, which gives you a taste of DIRECTV and it won’t cost anything.

MyFree DIRECTV includes over 90 channels like ACC Digital Network, T2, Court TV, Documentary+, Tastemade, FOX Weather, Women’s Sports Network, PokerGO, Yahoo! Finance, MovieSphere, and Comedy Dynamics.

As free services go, MyFree DIRECTV is not very good. It has a great user interface, but the channel lineup is weak. See Streaming Smarter’s Guide to Free TV for better free options like Plex, Pluto TV, and Tubi.

watch free

What Channels Are Available on DIRECTV STREAM?

The great thing about DIRECTV STREAM is that nearly every TV channel is available.

The “skinny” MySports package gives you ABC, FOX, and NBC, cable standouts like CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, TNT, TBS, and USA Network, and sports must-haves like ESPN, FS1, Golf Channel, NBA TV, NHL Network, MLB Network, Big Ten Network, and ACC Network.

If you’re a first-time cord-cutter, you’ll probably prefer the Entertainment package, which adds CBS, CW, and a lot of cable favorites like ION, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, Discovery, TLC, Food Network, and more.

Jump up to Choice if you need your regional sports network, Golf Channel, Great American Family, The History Channel, Lifetime, MeTV, or OWN.

I don’t recommend the Ultimate or Premier levels since those are mostly movie channels and you’re better off with an on-demand streamer for premium content.

More channels are available with add-on packages (see below).

What Local Channels Are on DIRECTV STREAM?

All DIRECTV STREAM signature packages include ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW, and PBS. It’s a great choice if you need local news, weather and sports.

If you choose the inexpensive genre packs, you won’t get CBS. Availability of FOX and NBC depend on your zip code. If you need local channels, either upgrade to the Enterainment level or sign up for Paramount+ with Showtime and you’ll get your live, local CBS channel. Choose Peacock Premium Plus to get your local NBC station.

$12.99/mo.

$13.99/mo.

What Sports Channels Are on DIRECTV STREAM?

Every level of DIRECTV STREAM has a strong sports lineup. You can flex your subscription up or down, depending on your needs. The ESPN family, Golf Channel, Fox Sports, NFL Network, MLB Network, MLB Strike Zone, NHL Network, NBA TV, NFL RedZone, Willow (cricket), and Tennis Channel are available.

DIRECTV STREAM is also a great choice for college sports fans with ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and SEC Network.

If you choose MySports as your base package, you’ll get ESPN+ for free.

Basketball fans can add NBA League Pass Premium for $24.99/month.

If you like soccer, add MLS Season Pass for $14.99/month

Can You Watch Regional Sports Networks with DIRECTV STREAM?

Yes! DIRECTV STREAM has the best collection of regional sports networks for cord-cutters. The FanDuel regional channels are available, along with most independent team-specific channels. You’ll find 35 regional sports networks on the service. Although DIRECTV STREAM has three of the NBC Sports-affiliated regional channels, it does not have NBC Sports Philadelphia. See Streaming Smarter’s Guide to Sports to know which service is best for you.

If you choose the MySports package ($69.99), you can access 28 regional sports networks with the MyHome Team add-on ($19.99).

Does DIRECTV STREAM offer 4K Broadcasts?

Yes, 4K is included in all levels. The service offers three 4K channels: two channels that go live when live sports have a 4K option and one channel that has a 24/7 feed of shows, original series, and documentaries. You will need 4K-enabled devices to see the high-resolution broadcasts.

Does DIRECTV STREAM Require a Contract?

You can subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM one month at a time. Cancel anytime at no penalty.

The company has another product called DIRECTV STREAM via Internet that requires a 2-year commitment, additional fees, and the use of their Gemini streaming device. Because of those added costs, I recommend the standard DIRECTV STREAM the better value.

Does DIRECTV STREAM Have a DVR?

Yes. The included cloud DVR allows for unlimited recordings. Each recording can be saved up to 9 months.

What Streaming Devices are Compatible with DIRECTV STREAM?

  • Web Browsers: Chrome, Edge, Safari
  • Android phones and tablets
  • Apple TV
  • Roku
  • iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touch
  • Amazon Fire TV devices and Fire tablets
  • Google Chromecast
  • Google and Android TV devices 
  • Samsung TV
  • DIRECTV Gemini and Gemini Air
  • Apple Vision Pro

How Many Simultaneous Devices Can Stream DIRECTV STREAM?

One of my favorite things about DIRECTV STREAM is that unlimited devices can watch when connected to your home network. Outside the home, you’re limited to 3 simultaneous streams at once.

DIRECTV STREAM is also a great choice if you have multiple homes. You can update your home network up to 4 times in a 12-month period.

What Are All the Channels Available on DIRECTV STREAM?

Signature Packages

  • ABC
  • ACC Digital Network
  • AccuWeather
  • Alien Nation
  • AMC
  • America’s Test Kitchen
  • Anger Management
  • Animal Planet
  • Are We There Yet
  • Ax Men
  • AXS TV
  • BabyFirst HD
  • BBC America
  • BET
  • Big 12 Studios
  • Bloomberg TV
  • Boomerang
  • Bob Ross
  • Bravo
  • Buzzr
  • Cartoon Network East
  • CBS
  • Cheddar News
  • CleoTV
  • CMT
  • CNBC
  • CNN
  • CNN En Español
  • CNNi
  • Cold Case Files
  • Comedy Central
  • Comedy Dynamics
  • Court TV
  • Crime 356
  • C-SPAN
  • C-SPAN2
  • Curiosity Now
  • CW
  • Dance Moms by Lifetime
  • Daystar
  • Deal Zone
  • Declassified
  • DIRECTV 4K’
  • DIRECTV 4K Live’
  • DIRECTV 4K Live 2′
  • Discovery
  • Disney Channel East
  • Disney Junior
  • Disney XD
  • Documentary+
  • Dog Whisperer
  • Dove TV
  • Drool
  • Duck Dynasty
  • E!
  • EarthxTV
  • EBONY TV
  • El Rey Rebel
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • FailArmy
  • Family Feud (Steve Harvey)
  • Family Handyman
  • Family Movie Classics (FMC)
  • Fight Network
  • FM
  • Food Network
  • FOX
  • FOX Business Network
  • FOX News Channel
  • FOX Soul
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FOX Weather
  • Freeform
  • FUEL TV
  • FX
  • FXX
  • Galavisión
  • GoTraveler
  • Great American Adventures
  • Hallmark Channel
  • Hallmark Mystery
  • HerSphere
  • HGTV
  • Hipstr
  • History & Warfare Now
  • HLN
  • Horror by Alter
  • HSN
  • Ice Road Truckers
  • IFC
  • INFAST
  • Investigation Discovery
  • INWONDER
  • ION East HD
  • Jamie Oliver
  • Jewelry TV
  • Joel Osteen
  • Let’s Make a Deal
  • Love Nature
  • MagellanTV Now
  • MAVTV
  • MeatEater
  • Merit Street
  • Modern Marvels
  • MotorTrend
  • Movie Favorites by Lifetime
  • MovieSphere
  • MSNBC
  • MTV
  • MTV2
  • National Geographic Channel
  • Newsmax
  • NewsNation
  • NBC
  • Nickelodeon East
  • Nicktoons
  • Nosey
  • Origin Sports
  • Ovation
  • OZ TV
  • Paramount Network
  • PBS Kids
  • Pickleball TV
  • Players TV
  • PokerGO
  • PowerNation
  • Pureflix TV
  • Pursuit Channel
  • QVC
  • QVC2
  • QVC3
  • Racing America
  • Reelz
  • Revolt
  • RFD-TV
  • Rig TV
  • RVTV
  • Scientology Network
  • Scripps News
  • Shop LC
  • Somos Novelas
  • Space Science Now
  • SportsGrid
  • Stadium Stream
  • Start TV
  • SundanceTV
  • Supermarket Sweep
  • Surfer TV
  • Swerve Combat
  • Syfy
  • T2
  • Tastemade
  • Tastemade Home
  • Tastemade Travel
  • TBS
  • TeenNick
  • The Design Network
  • The First
  • TheGrio
  • The Jim Rome Show
  • The Pet Collective
  • The Price is Right: Drew Carey
  • The Price is Right: The Barker Era, Jamie Oliver
  • Tiny House Nation
  • TLC
  • TNA
  • TNT
  • Torque by History
  • Total Crime
  • True Crime Now
  • TV Land
  • TV One (HD only)
  • Univision (Este)
  • USA Network
  • VH1
  • Waypoint TV
  • WE tv
  • Women’s Sports Network
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Yu-Gi-Oh!
  • ABC
  • A&E
  • ACC Digital Network
  • ACC Network
  • AccuWeather
  • Alien Nation
  • AMC
  • America’s Test Kitchen
  • Anger Management
  • Animal Planet
  • Are We There Yet
  • Ax Men
  • AXS TV
  • BabyFirst HD
  • BBC America
  • BET
  • Big Ten Network
  • Big 12 Studios
  • Bloomberg TV
  • Boomerang
  • Bob Ross
  • BOUNCE TV
  • Bravo
  • Buzzr
  • Cartoon Network East
  • CBS
  • Cheddar News
  • CleoTV
  • CMT
  • CNBC
  • CNBC World
  • CNN
  • CNN En Español
  • CNNi
  • Cold Case Files
  • Comedy Central
  • Comedy TV
  • Comedy Dynamics
  • Cooking Channel
  • Court TV
  • Cozi TV
  • Crime 357
  • C-SPAN
  • C-SPAN1
  • Curiosity Now
  • CW
  • Dance Moms by Lifetime
  • Daystar
  • Deal Zone
  • Declassified
  • DIRECTV 4K’
  • DIRECTV 4K Live’
  • DIRECTV 4K Live 2′
  • Discovery
  • Disney Channel East
  • Disney Junior
  • Disney XD
  • Documentary+
  • Dog Whisperer
  • Dove TV
  • Drool
  • Duck Dynasty
  • E!
  • EarthxTV
  • EBONY TV
  • El Rey Rebel
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNEWS
  • ESPNU
  • FailArmy
  • Family Feud (Steve Harvey)
  • Family Handyman
  • Family Movie Classics (FMC)
  • FanDuel TV
  • Fight Network
  • Food Network
  • FOX
  • FOX Business Network
  • FOX News Channel
  • FOX Soul
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FOX Weather
  • Freeform
  • FUEL TV
  • Fuse
  • FX
  • FXX
  • Galavisión
  • Game Show Network
  • GET
  • Golf Channel
  • GoTraveler
  • Great American Adventures
  • Great American Family
  • GRIT
  • Hallmark Channel
  • HerSphere
  • Heroes & Icons (H&I)
  • HGTV
  • Hipstr
  • The History Channel
  • History & Warfare Now
  • HLN
  • Horror by Alter
  • HSN
  • Ice Road Truckers
  • IFC
  • INFAST
  • Investigation Discovery
  • INWONDER
  • ION East HD
  • Jamie Oliver
  • Jewelry TV
  • Joel Osteen
  • Justice Central
  • Let’s Make a Deal
  • Lifetime
  • LMN
  • Love Nature
  • MagellanTV Now
  • MAVTV
  • MeatEater
  • Merit Street
  • MeTV
  • MLB Network
  • Modern Marvels
  • MotorTrend
  • Movie Favorites by Lifetime
  • MovieSphere
  • MSNBC
  • MTV
  • MTV2
  • National Geographic Channel
  • NBA TV
  • Newsmax
  • NewsNation
  • NBC
  • NFL Network
  • Nick Jr.
  • Nickelodeon East
  • Nicktoons
  • Nosey
  • Origin Sports
  • OWN
  • OZ TV
  • Paramount Network
  • PBS Kids
  • Pickleball TV
  • Players TV
  • PokerGO
  • Pop TV
  • PowerNation
  • Pureflix TV
  • Pursuit Channel
  • QVC
  • QVC2
  • QVC3
  • Racing America
  • Recipe TV
  • Reelz
  • RFD-TV
  • Rig TV
  • RVTV
  • Science
  • Scientology Network
  • Scripps News
  • SEC Network
  • Shop LC
  • ShortsTV
  • Somos Novelas
  • Space Science Now
  • SportsGrid
  • Stadium Stream
  • Start TV
  • SundanceTV
  • Supermarket Sweep
  • Surfer TV
  • Swerve Combat
  • Syfy
  • T2
  • Tastemade
  • Tastemade Home
  • Tastemade Travel
  • TBS
  • TCM
  • TeenNick
  • Tennis Channel HD
  • The Design Network
  • The First
  • TheGrio
  • The Jim Rome Show
  • The Pet Collective
  • The Price is Right: Drew Carey
  • The Price is Right: The Barker Era, Jamie Oliver
  • Tiny House Nation
  • TLC
  • TNA
  • TNT
  • Torque by History
  • Total Crime
  • Travel Channel
  • True Crime Now
  • truTV
  • TV Land
  • TV One (HD only)
  • UniMás
  • Univision (Este)
  • UPTV
  • USA Network
  • VH1
  • VICE
  • Waypoint TV
  • WE tv
  • Weather Channel
  • Women’s Sports Network
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Yu-Gi-Oh!
  • Altitude Sports
  • Chicago Sports Network
  • FanDuel Sports Detroit
  • FanDuel Sports Florida
  • FanDuel Sports Great Lakes
  • FanDuel Sports Midwest
  • FanDuel Sports North
  • FanDuel Sports Ohio
  • FanDuel Sports Oklahoma
  • FanDuel Sports SoCal
  • FanDuel Sports South
  • FanDuel Sports Southeast
  • FanDuel Sports Southwest
  • FanDuel Sports Sun
  • FanDuel Sports West
  • FanDuel Sports Wisconsin
  • Marquee Sports Network
  • MASN
  • Monumental Sports Network
  • MSG
  • MSG Sportsnet
  • NBC Sports Bay Area
  • NBC Sports Boston
  • NBC Sports California
  • NESN
  • ROOT SPORTS Northwest
  • SNY
  • Space City Home Network
  • Spectrum SportsNet
  • Spectrum SportsNet LA
  • SportsNet Pittsburgh
  • YES Network
  • ABC
  • A&E
  • 5StarMAX
  • ACC Digital Network
  • ACC Network
  • AccuWeather
  • ActionMAX
  • Alien Nation
  • AMC
  • American Heroes Channel
  • America’s Test Kitchen
  • Anger Management
  • Animal Planet
  • Are We There Yet
  • Aspire
  • Ax Men
  • AXS TV
  • BabyFirst HD
  • BBC America
  • BBC News
  • BET
  • BET Her
  • Big Ten Network
  • Big 12 Studios
  • Bloomberg TV
  • Boomerang
  • Bob Ross
  • BOUNCE TV
  • Bravo
  • Buzzr
  • Cartoon Network East
  • CBS
  • CBS Sports Network
  • Cheddar News
  • Cinemax East
  • CleoTV
  • CMT
  • CNBC
  • CNBC World
  • CNN
  • CNN En Español
  • CNNi
  • Cold Case Files
  • Comedy Central
  • Comedy TV
  • Comedy Dynamics
  • Cooking Channel
  • Court TV
  • Cozi TV
  • Crime 359
  • C-SPAN
  • C-SPAN1
  • Curiosity Now
  • CW
  • Dance Moms by Lifetime
  • Daystar
  • Deal Zone
  • Declassified
  • Destination America
  • DIRECTV 4K’
  • DIRECTV 4K Live’
  • DIRECTV 4K Live 2′
  • Discovery
  • Discovery Family Channel
  • Discovery Life
  • Disney Channel East
  • Disney Junior
  • Disney XD
  • Documentary+
  • Dog Whisperer
  • Dove TV
  • Drool
  • Duck Dynasty
  • E!
  • EarthxTV
  • EBONY TV
  • El Rey Rebel
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNEWS
  • ESPNU
  • FailArmy
  • Family Feud (Steve Harvey)
  • Family Handyman
  • Family Movie Classics (FMC)
  • FanDuel TV
  • Fight Network
  • FM
  • Food Network
  • FOX
  • FOX Business Network
  • FOX News Channel
  • FOX Soul
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FOX Sports 2
  • FOX Weather
  • Freeform
  • FUEL TV
  • Fuse
  • FX
  • FX Movie Channel
  • FXX
  • fyi,
  • Galavisión
  • Game Show Network
  • GET
  • Golf Channel
  • GoTraveler
  • Great American Adventures
  • Great American Family
  • GRIT
  • Hallmark Channel
  • Hallmark Mystery
  • HBO 2 East
  • HBO Comedy East HD
  • HBO East
  • HBO Family East
  • HBO Latino
  • HBO Signature East HD
  • HBO Zone East HD
  • HerSphere
  • Heroes & Icons (H&I)
  • HGTV
  • Hipstr
  • The History Channel
  • History & Warfare Now
  • HLN
  • Horror by Alter
  • HSN
  • Ice Road Truckers
  • IFC
  • INFAST
  • Investigation Discovery
  • INWONDER
  • ION East HD
  • Jamie Oliver
  • Jewelry TV
  • Joel Osteen
  • Justice Central
  • Let’s Make a Deal
  • Lifetime
  • LMN
  • Love Nature
  • Logo HD
  • MagellanTV Now
  • Magnolia Network
  • MAVTV
  • MAX Latino
  • MeatEater
  • Merit Street
  • MeTV
  • MLB Network
  • Modern Marvels
  • MoreMAX
  • MotorTrend
  • Movie Favorites by Lifetime
  • MovieMAX
  • MovieSphere
  • MSNBC
  • MTV
  • MTV2
  • MTV Classic
  • Nat Geo WILD
  • National Geographic Channel
  • NBA TV
  • Newsmax
  • NewsNation
  • NBC
  • NFL Network
  • NHL Network
  • Nick Jr.
  • Nickelodeon East
  • Nicktoons
  • Nosey
  • Origin Sports
  • Outdoor Channel
  • Ovation
  • OWN
  • OZ TV
  • Oxygen True Crime
  • Paramount Network
  • Paramount+ with SHOWTIME EAST
  • PBS Kids
  • Pickleball TV
  • Players TV
  • PokerGO
  • Pop TV
  • PowerNation
  • Pureflix TV
  • Pursuit Channel
  • QVC
  • QVC2
  • QVC3
  • Racing America
  • Recipe TV
  • Reelz
  • Revolt
  • RFD-TV
  • Rig TV
  • RVTV
  • Science
  • Scientology Network
  • Scripps News
  • SEC Network
  • Shop LC
  • ShortsTV
  • SHO X BET
  • SHOWTIME 2 East
  • SHOWTIME EXTREME
  • SHOWTIME Family Zone
  • SHOWTIME Next
  • SHOWTIME Showcase
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Somos Novelas
  • Space Science Now
  • SportsGrid
  • Sportsman Channel
  • Stadium Stream
  • Start TV
  • STARZ
  • STARZ Cinema East HD
  • STARZ Comedy East HD
  • STARZ Edge East HD
  • STARZ ENCORE Action
  • STARZ ENCORE Black
  • STARZ ENCORE Classic
  • STARZ ENCORE East
  • STARZ ENCORE Family
  • STARZ ENCORE Suspense
  • STARZ ENCORE West
  • STARZ ENCORE Westerns
  • STARZ In Black East HD
  • STARZ Kids & Family
  • SundanceTV
  • Supermarket Sweep
  • Surfer TV
  • Swerve Combat
  • Syfy
  • T2
  • Tastemade
  • Tastemade Home
  • Tastemade Travel
  • TBS
  • TCM
  • TeenNick
  • Tennis Channel HD
  • The Design Network
  • The First
  • TheGrio
  • The Jim Rome Show
  • The Pet Collective
  • The Price is Right: Drew Carey
  • The Price is Right: The Barker Era, Jamie Oliver
  • ThrillerMAX
  • Tiny House Nation
  • TLC
  • TNA
  • TNT
  • Torque by History
  • Total Crime
  • Travel Channel
  • True Crime Now
  • truTV
  • TUDN
  • TV Land
  • TV One (HD only)
  • UniMás
  • UNIVERSO
  • Univision (Este)
  • UPTV
  • USA Network
  • VH1
  • VICE
  • Waypoint TV
  • WE tv
  • Weather Channel
  • Women’s Sports Network
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Yu-Gi-Oh!
  • Altitude Sports
  • Chicago Sports Network
  • FanDuel Sports Detroit
  • FanDuel Sports Florida
  • FanDuel Sports Great Lakes
  • FanDuel Sports Midwest
  • FanDuel Sports North
  • FanDuel Sports Ohio
  • FanDuel Sports Oklahoma
  • FanDuel Sports SoCal
  • FanDuel Sports South
  • FanDuel Sports Southeast
  • FanDuel Sports Southwest
  • FanDuel Sports Sun
  • FanDuel Sports West
  • FanDuel Sports Wisconsin
  • Marquee Sports Network
  • MASN
  • Monumental Sports Network
  • MSG
  • MSG Sportsnet
  • NBC Sports Bay Area
  • NBC Sports Boston
  • NBC Sports California
  • NESN
  • ROOT SPORTS Northwest
  • SNY
  • Space City Home Network
  • Spectrum SportsNet
  • Spectrum SportsNet LA
  • SportsNet Pittsburgh
  • YES Network
  • ABC
  • A&E
  • ACC Digital Network
  • ACC Network
  • AccuWeather
  • Alien Nation
  • AMC
  • American Heroes Channel
  • America’s Test Kitchen
  • Anger Management
  • Animal Planet
  • Are We There Yet
  • Aspire
  • Ax Men
  • AXS TV
  • BabyFirst HD
  • BBC America
  • BBC News
  • BET
  • BET Her
  • Big Ten Network
  • Big 12 Studios
  • Bloomberg TV
  • Boomerang
  • Bob Ross
  • BOUNCE TV
  • Bravo
  • Buzzr
  • Cartoon Network East
  • CBS
  • CBS Sports Network
  • Cheddar News
  • CleoTV
  • CMT
  • CNBC
  • CNBC World
  • CNN
  • CNN En Español
  • CNNi
  • Cold Case Files
  • Comedy Central
  • Comedy TV
  • Comedy Dynamics
  • Cooking Channel
  • Court TV
  • Cozi TV
  • Crime 358
  • C-SPAN
  • C-SPAN0
  • Curiosity Now
  • CW
  • Dance Moms by Lifetime
  • Daystar
  • Deal Zone
  • Declassified
  • Destination America
  • DIRECTV 4K’
  • DIRECTV 4K Live’
  • DIRECTV 4K Live 2′
  • Discovery
  • Discovery Family Channel
  • Discovery Life
  • Disney Channel East
  • Disney Junior
  • Disney XD
  • Documentary+
  • Dog Whisperer
  • Dove TV
  • Drool
  • Duck Dynasty
  • E!
  • EarthxTV
  • EBONY TV
  • El Rey Rebel
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNEWS
  • ESPNU
  • FailArmy
  • Family Feud (Steve Harvey)
  • Family Handyman
  • Family Movie Classics (FMC)
  • FanDuel TV
  • Fight Network
  • FM
  • Food Network
  • FOX
  • FOX Business Network
  • FOX News Channel
  • FOX Soul
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FOX Sports 2
  • FOX Weather
  • Freeform
  • FUEL TV
  • Fuse
  • FX
  • FX Movie Channel
  • FXX
  • fyi,
  • Galavisión
  • Game Show Network
  • GET
  • Golf Channel
  • GoTraveler
  • Great American Adventures
  • Great American Family
  • GRIT
  • Hallmark Channel
  • HerSphere
  • Heroes & Icons (H&I)
  • HGTV
  • Hipstr
  • The History Channel
  • History & Warfare Now
  • HLN
  • Horror by Alter
  • HSN
  • Ice Road Truckers
  • IFC
  • INFAST
  • Investigation Discovery
  • INWONDER
  • ION East HD
  • Jamie Oliver
  • Jewelry TV
  • Joel Osteen
  • Justice Central
  • Let’s Make a Deal
  • Lifetime
  • LMN
  • Love Nature
  • Logo HD
  • MagellanTV Now
  • Magnolia Network
  • MAVTV
  • MeatEater
  • Merit Street
  • MeTV
  • MLB Network
  • Modern Marvels
  • MotorTrend
  • Movie Favorites by Lifetime
  • MovieSphere
  • MSNBC
  • MTV
  • MTV2
  • MTV Classic
  • Nat Geo WILD
  • National Geographic Channel
  • NBA TV
  • Newsmax
  • NewsNation
  • NBC
  • NFL Network
  • NHL Network
  • Nick Jr.
  • Nickelodeon East
  • Nicktoons
  • Nosey
  • Origin Sports
  • Ovation
  • OWN
  • OZ TV
  • Oxygen True Crime
  • Paramount Network
  • PBS Kids
  • Pickleball TV
  • Players TV
  • PokerGO
  • Pop TV
  • PowerNation
  • Pureflix TV
  • Pursuit Channel
  • QVC
  • QVC2
  • QVC3
  • Racing America
  • Recipe TV
  • Reelz
  • Revolt
  • RFD-TV
  • Rig TV
  • RVTV
  • Science
  • Scientology Network
  • Scripps News
  • SEC Network
  • Shop LC
  • ShortsTV
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Somos Novelas
  • Space Science Now
  • SportsGrid
  • Sportsman Channel
  • Stadium Stream
  • Start TV
  • STARZ ENCORE Action
  • STARZ ENCORE Black
  • STARZ ENCORE Classic
  • STARZ ENCORE East
  • STARZ ENCORE Family
  • STARZ ENCORE Suspense
  • STARZ ENCORE West
  • STARZ ENCORE Westerns
  • SundanceTV
  • Supermarket Sweep
  • Surfer TV
  • Swerve Combat
  • Syfy
  • T2
  • Tastemade
  • Tastemade Home
  • Tastemade Travel
  • TBS
  • TCM
  • TeenNick
  • Tennis Channel HD
  • The Design Network
  • The First
  • TheGrio
  • The Jim Rome Show
  • The Pet Collective
  • The Price is Right: Drew Carey
  • The Price is Right: The Barker Era, Jamie Oliver
  • Tiny House Nation
  • TLC
  • TNA
  • TNT
  • Torque by History
  • Total Crime
  • Travel Channel
  • True Crime Now
  • truTV
  • TUDN
  • TV Land
  • TV One (HD only)
  • UniMás
  • UNIVERSO
  • Univision (Este)
  • UPTV
  • USA Network
  • VH1
  • VICE
  • Waypoint TV
  • WE tv
  • Weather Channel
  • Women’s Sports Network
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Yu-Gi-Oh!
  • Altitude Sports
  • Chicago Sports Network
  • FanDuel Sports Detroit
  • FanDuel Sports Florida
  • FanDuel Sports Great Lakes
  • FanDuel Sports Midwest
  • FanDuel Sports North
  • FanDuel Sports Ohio
  • FanDuel Sports Oklahoma
  • FanDuel Sports SoCal
  • FanDuel Sports South
  • FanDuel Sports Southeast
  • FanDuel Sports Southwest
  • FanDuel Sports Sun
  • FanDuel Sports West
  • FanDuel Sports Wisconsin
  • Marquee Sports Network
  • MASN
  • Monumental Sports Network
  • MSG
  • MSG Sportsnet
  • NBC Sports Bay Area
  • NBC Sports Boston
  • NBC Sports California
  • NESN
  • ROOT SPORTS Northwest
  • SNY
  • Space City Home Network
  • Spectrum SportsNet
  • Spectrum SportsNet LA
  • SportsNet Pittsburgh
  • YES Network

Signature Package Add-Ons

  • Crime & Investigation
  • Hallmark Family
  • Hallmark Mystery
  • HDNet Movies
  • INSP
  • MTV Live
  • ShortsTV
  • Smithsonian Channel
  • Sony Movies
  • NFL Network
  • NFL RedZone
  • ACC Network
  • Big Ten Network
  • CBS Sports Network
  • ESPNEWS
  • ESPNU
  • FanDuel TV
  • FOX Sports 2
  • Golf Channel
  • MLB Network
  • MLB Strike Zone
  • NBA TV
  • Next Level Sports
  • NHL Network
  • Outdoor Channel
  • SEC Network
  • Sportsman Channel
  • Tennis Channel
  • TUDN
  • Willow
  • Willow Xtra

Genre Packs

Note: local channels not available in all areas. Check your zip code to see your lineup.

  • Disney+ (w/ ads)
  • Hulu (w/ ads)
  • Max (w/ ads)
  • A&E
  • American Heroes Channel
  • Animal Planet
  • Aspire
  • Bounce TV
  • Bravo
  • CNBC
  • CNN
  • Cooking Channel
  • COZI TV
  • Destination America
  • Discovery
  • Discovery Life
  • E!
  • EarthxTV
  • FETV
  • Food Network
  • Fox Business Network
  • Fox News Channel
  • Freeform
  • FX
  • FX Movie Channel
  • FXX
  • Fyi
  • Game Show Network
  • GET
  • HGTV
  • HISTORY Channel, The
  • HLN
  • Investigation Discovery
  • Lifetime
  • Magnolia Network
  • MSNBC
  • Nat Geo WILD
  • Ovation
  • OWN
  • Oxygen True Crime
  • Science Channel
  • Syfy
  • TLC
  • Travel Channel
  • UPTV
  • VICE
  • CNBC
  • CNBC WORLD
  • CNN
  • CNN International
  • C-SPAN
  • C-SPAN2
  • FOX
  • Fox Business Network
  • Fox News Channel
  • i24 News
  • MSNBC
  • NBC
  • Newsmax
  • ESPN+
  • ABC
  • ACC Network
  • Big Ten Network
  • CNBC
  • CNN
  • DIRECTV 4K Live
  • ESPN
  • ESPN2
  • ESPNEWS
  • ESPNU
  • FOX
  • FOX Business Network
  • FOX News Channel
  • FOX Sports 1
  • FOX Sports 2
  • Golf Channel
  • MLB Network
  • MSNBC
  • NBA TV
  • NBC
  • NFL Network
  • NHL Network
  • SEC Network
  • TBS
  • TNT
  • truTV
  • USA Network

Genre Pack Add-Ons

  • MAVTV
  • MotorTrend
  • NFL RedZone
  • Pursuit Channel
  • Willow
  • Family Movie Classics
  • Great American Family
  • GRIT
  • INSP
  • LMN
  • ShortsTV
  • Sony Movies HD
  • TCM

(Only available with MySports)

  • Altitude Sports
  • Chicago Sports Network
  • Marquee Sports Network
  • FanDuel Sports Cincinnati
  • FanDuel Sports Detroit
  • FanDuel Sports Florida
  • FanDuel Sports Indiana
  • FanDuel Sports Kansas City
  • FanDuel Sports Midwest
  • FanDuel Sports North
  • FanDuel Sports Ohio
  • FanDuel Sports Oklahoma
  • FanDuel Sports SoCal
  • FanDuel Sports South
  • FanDuel Sports Southeast
  • FanDuel Sports Southwest
  • FanDuel Sports Sun
  • FanDuel Sports West
  • FanDuel Sports Wisconsin
  • Rangers Sports Network
  • Spectrum SportsNet LA
  • Spectrum SportsNet
  • CleGuardians.TV
  • Twins.TV
  • Rockies.TV
  • DBacks.TV
  • Padres.TV

DIRECTV STREAM Premium Channel Add-Ons

  • Max (7 channels) – $16.99
  •  Paramount+ with SHOWTIME (7 channels) – $12.99
  • STARZ (14 channels) – $10.99
  • Cinemax (7 channels) – $10.99
  • Peacock – $4.99
  • AMC+ – $8.99
  • Discovery+ – $4.99
  • Fox Nation – $7.99
  • ALLBLK – $5.99
  • Acorn TV – $7.99
  • HISTORY Vault – $5.99
  • Hallmark+ – $7.99
  • Lifetime Movie Club – $4.99
  • BET+ – $10.99
  • MGM+ (3 channels) – $6.99
  • A&E Crime Central – $4.99

What Is the Best DIRECTV STREAM Alternative?

It’s very hard to beat DIRECTV STREAM’s channel lineup, but some users may choose a less expensive streamer or one with unique features. Here are the contenders.

DIRECTV STREAM’s bargain genre packages make it a strong competitor with the best budget streamer: Sling TV. If you’re looking to save money, Sling is my choice for best value, but DIRECTV offers a far better channel lineup overall. The DIRECTV DVR and sports options are superior. Sling TV also doesn’t offer CBS while DIRECTV does.

Hulu + Live TV starts at $82.99, but you will get free Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu on-demand. That bundle normally costs $16.99 on its own, but Hulu gives it to you free with their live TV plan.

If you love movies and sports, Hulu could be a better option than DIRECTV STREAM, but I still give the edge to DIRECTV STREAM in most cases. You can try Hulu + Live TV free for 3 days.

Besides DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo is the only live TV streamer offering a wide lineup of regional sports networks. Fubo doesn’t have key channels like TNT, TBS, HGTV, or CNN, but it does have an unlimited DVR. Although Fubo offers multiple bundles starting at $84.99, it’s one of the more expensive live TV streamers. If you choose a channel package with regional sports networks, there’s a hidden $16 fee you won’t discover until checkout. I do not recommend it.

YouTube TV is the most popular live TV streaming service, but I don’t recommend it. It starts at $82.99, but Hulu + Live TV is the same price and offers 3 free streaming services. DIRECTV STREAM offers a better value for live TV fans.

Philo is a great option for people who want live TV without the enormous bill. In fact, it’s just $28/month. Why so cheap? It’s missing live local channels, news, and sports. That’s a dealbreaker for most people, but that rock-bottom price is hard to pass up. DIRECTV STREAM is the more complete option.

Frndly TV starts at $7.99/month, which is great for bargain hunters. But Frndly TV’s channel lineup is very limited. Most of the channels are what you’d find on free services, aside from A&E, Hallmark Channel, The Weather Channel, and MeTV. DIRECTV STREAM is the better choice.

Who Should Subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM?

I’ve tested all the live TV streaming services, but DIRECTV STREAM is the one that impresses me the most. Its user interface is easy to understand and channel numbers make it feel more familiar than its competitors. These factors make it the perfect choice for first-time cord-cutters and seniors.

If you love sports, DIRECTV STREAM is your best choice for a live TV provider. Its lineup is unbeatable. It has all the cable sports mainstays like the ESPN group, FS1, TNT, and TBS. It brings all the major college channels and every regional sports network (minus NBC Sports Philadelphia).

Thanks to the genre packs added in 2025, DIRECTV isn’t done innovating. While other live TV streamers stick you with bloated channel packages, services like DIRECTV and Sling are making things more affordable.

Because you can try DIRECTV STREAM free for 5 days, I think you’ll find it’s a superior choice to nearly every other live TV option.

$34.99/mo.+