With DIRECTV STREAM, subscribers can access up to 150+ channels, including must-have sports and premium movie options. You can access it easily via DIRECTV STREAM’s set-top box or through your favorite streaming media player, such as the latest season of White Lotus on HBO Max or the exciting Korean zombie show, Kingdom, on Netflix. Let’s take a deep dive into DIRECTV STREAM to see if it’s the right TV service for your home. For those interested in HBO Max, the service is included in the PREMIER plan. Both the DIRECTV STREAM CHOICE and ULTIMATE plans include HBO Max at no additional cost for three months with an additional charge per month after that. If you’re looking for a more affordable yet still well-rounded TV streaming service, we recommend that you also look at one of our favorite options—fuboTV. If you want to record your favorite TV programs and movies when you aren’t around, DIRECTV STREAM Cloud DVR allows you to unlimited storage (with the exception of 30 episodes max per show) for nine months. So, if you’d like to upgrade from the included 20-hour DVR to unlimited, expect a $10 per month fee. Further on in our review, we’ll dive into more detail surrounding DIRECTV STREAM’s streaming device, but know that it will cost you $5/month over 24-months or $120 upfront if needed. We believe that most subscribers won’t need/want the streaming device, so keep reading. While the ENTERTAINMENT package includes over 75+ channels, users can step up to the CHOICE, ULTIMATE, or PREMIER packages to obtain more channels. Be sure to check DIRECTV STREAM’s official website for a complete channel lineup.
Animal Planet BBC America Cartoon Network CNBC Discovery Channel Disney Junior Food Network Freeform FX Hallmark Channel HGTV HISTORY Lifetime MSNBC National Geographic TBS Univision USA
ACCN BTN Cheddar News CNBC World Cooking Channel Game Show Network IFC Nick Jr. Nicktoons Tastemade
BBC World News Destination America Discovery Family Channel DIY Network FX Movie Lifetime Movie Network MTV Classic Nat Geo Wild Oxygen STARZ Encore™ Universal Kids
CINEMAX HD Hallmark Movies & Mysteries HBO HBO Max SHOWTIME® STARZ®
Each premium channel will cost you an additional monthly fee, as shown below, but can be a movie lover’s best friend. Sports fans will need to consider stepping up to one of DIRECTV STREAM’s more expensive monthly packages to obtain everything they want to watch.
ESPN HD ESPN2 HD FOX Sports (FS1) MotorTrend HD
ACC Network HD Big Ten Network HD ESPNews HD ESPNU HD Golf Channel MLB Network HD NBA TV NFL Network SEC Network Tennis Channel HD TVG
CBS Sports Network ESPN College Extra FOX Sports (FS2) NHL Network Olympic Channel Sportsman Channel TUDN
As with other add-ons, costs for international channels are monthly, in addition to your base package. For those on the go, DIRECTV STREAM can also be accessed via an Android device, iPhone, iPad, or either the Safari or Chrome desktop web browser. At $120, the DIRECTV STREAM streaming device is one of the most expensive options available, barring the Apple TV. One benefit of the streaming box is the included remote powered by Google. Not only does the DIRECTV STREAM remote mimic a more traditional television remote, but it also offers voice control built-in to quickly launch your apps, such as Disney+, or tune to your favorite channels. The DIRECTV STREAM streaming device features support for 4K content and Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound, so you can enjoy your favorite content as though you were in the cinema. Overall, DIRECTV STREAM does offer a compelling amount of content to watch whether you’re a serial TV fan, a sports fanatic, or a Blockbuster aficionado—quality is not the issue. But, with newer companies breaking ground in the streaming TV space, better-priced options are available. For example, DIRECTV STREAM’s PREMIER package will cost you $155 and get you 150+ channels, plus 20 hours of Cloud DVR recording time. However, on the opposite side of the fence, a service such as fuboTV will cost you $84.99 for their Elite package with 205+ channels, as well as 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR recording time. Is DIRECTV STREAM worth the big dollars? It’s a compelling service, but overall, we think you could spend your money smarter elsewhere due to the high price. Other streaming TV services offer a comparable experience for much less of your hard-earned dollars. Be sure to check out our guide featuring the best live TV streaming providers for more great options.
