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DIRECTV STREAM

By David Anders Last updated: November 22, 2021

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly known as AT&T TV) has no annual contract and gets you as many channels as cable. You can also add on a DIRECTV STREAM device powered by Google Assistant for an extra $5/mo., or you can stream DIRECTV STREAM on a streaming device, smart TV or gaming console you already have.

Why choose DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM is a new streaming service that was recently rebranded from AT&T TV, and like the old service, it has one of the best channel lineups of any streaming service. As a bonus, you’ll get HBO Max™, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, EPIX® and Cinemax included free for three months on the CHOICE ($84.99/mo.) package and above.

What we like

  • Channel lineup – DIRECTV STREAM’s channel lineup includes more popular channels than any other streaming service.

  • DVR storage – 20 hours included, unlimited for an extra $10/mo.1 significantly outweighs what you get with Hulu, Sling and fuboTV.

  • Easy self-install – DIRECTV STREAM is plug and play. No cable box or appointments are needed.

1Recordings expire after 90 days. Restr’s apply.

Things to consider

  • Monthly price – DIRECTV STREAM is one of the pricier live TV streaming services, especially when you add sports.

  • Lacking in sports – You’ll only find regional sports networks (RSNs) in DIRECTV STREAM’s higher-priced plans.

DIRECTV STREAM packages and pricing

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) gives you four package options to ensure everyone’s needs are met. With DIRECTV STREAM, you won’t have to worry about contracts or price increases.

DIRECTV STREAM recommends a minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream for optimal viewing.
See details

Choose the best DIRECTV STREAM package

Need a little help selecting the perfect DIRECTV STREAM plan? We examined the top channels that come with each tier to determine which lineup is the best fit for you. Your local channels and regional sports are also included where available.

ENTERTAINMENT: Best for households that want a well-rounded channel lineup (without an emphasis on sports) at a budget-friendly price. Comes with top channels such as A&E, Bravo, Disney, ESPN, FX, HGTV and Syfy. 

CHOICE: Best for sports-minded households that don’t want to overpay for a monthly TV service. Popular channels include ESPNews, Bally Sports RSNs, Game Show Network, OWN, SEC Network, Tennis Channel and SportsNet New York. Includes everything in the ENTERTAINMENT package. Includes HBO Max, SHOWTIME, EPIX, Cinemax and Starz for three months.

ULTIMATE: Best for viewing niche channels and sports. Top channels in the XTRA package are American Heroes Channel, Discovery Family, DIY Network, Golf Channel, Logo, Nat Geo Wild and Sportsman Channel. Also includes everything in the CHOICE package and HBO Max, SHOWTIME, EPIX, Cinemax and Starz for three months.

PREMIER: Best for the movie fanatic household. Comes with HBO MAX (for as long as you subscribe), Cinemax, EPIX, SHOWTIME and STARZ, plus everything in the ULTIMATE package. 


What do DIRECTV STREAM packages have that you can’t get with other live TV streaming services?

  • With fuboTV you won’t find Bally Sports RSNs or HBO. You can find all of these channels, and more, in a DIRECTV STREAM plan.  
  • Unlike Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM has options to include MLB Network and NBA TV. 
  • YouTube TV won’t satisfy baseball fans without the MLB Network, but DIRECTV STREAM offers it. 

On the other hand, DIRECTV STREAM does not currently offer PBS, NFL Network, ION, Music Choice, Pac-12 Network or ESPN College Extra.

What is the DIRECTV STREAM streaming device?

If you want to stream in 4K, you have the option of buying the DIRECTV STREAM streaming device for $5/mo. for 24 months or $120 upfront. DIRECTV STREAM’s streaming device is not like any you’ve seen before. It’s small, easy to install and you can even move it from TV to TV if you want, but it also gives you features like Google voice control, the ability to pair with Bluetooth devices and support for 4K content from streaming apps like Netflix and Disney Plus.

Added benefits of DIRECTV STREAM

Access to thousands of apps1

Launch your favorite apps – HBO Max, Netflix, Pandora and more – directly from your DIRECTV STREAM device. No changing inputs, devices or remotes required.

Cloud DVR storage2

DIRECTV STREAM includes 20 hours of DVR storage on all of its packages, but you can upgrade to unlimited for an extra $10/mo. Best of all, there’s no limit on how many shows you can record at once.

Mobile streaming3

DIRECTV STREAM allows for 20 concurrent streams at home and 3 concurrent streams on the go on your smartphone or tablet via the DIRECTV STREAM app.

Voice Control with built-in Google Assistant4

The DIRECTV STREAM remote has a built-in Google Assistant, which you can use to change the remote or search for shows, or even ask a question and get the answer on your TV.

HBO Max, SHOWTIME, EPIX, Cinemax and Starz included for three months5

Every DIRECTV STREAM package but Entertainment includes HBO Max, SHOWTIME, EPIX, Cinemax and Starz for some length of time. The CHOICE and ULTIMATE plans will get you access for three months, while the PREMIER package includes it for as long as you have service.

1Req’s separate subscription/login for apps.
2Recordings expire after 90 days. Restr’s apply.
3All 20 DIRECTV streams must be on the same home network and a compatible router is required. Certain channels are excluded. Limit 3 concurrent out-of-home DIRECTV streams. Restrictions apply. See directv.com/20streams for details.
4Google login required. Separate subscription/login required for 3rd party app content
5Premium networks auto-renewmafter 3 months at then prevailing rate unless you change or cancel.

DIRECTV STREAM add-on packages

DIRECTV STREAM knows there isn’t a one-size-fits-all package — that’s why they make premium networks, sports packs and international channels available to add on to your DIRECTV STREAM package.

  • Premiums

    Enjoy the blockbusters and original series from your favorite premium channels. Add HBO Max for $14.99/mo. or Cinemax®, SHOWTIME® or STARZ® for $10.99/mo. each.

  • Sports

    DIRECTV STREAM is one of the few streaming services that give you the option to add major sports packs like NHL Center Ice. Look for these sports packs before the season begins.

    Three people watching TV

  • International

    Boost your Spanish-language channel options with the DIRECTV STREAM Deportes for just $5/mo. or add the entire DIRECTV STREAM Español pack for $15/mo. Brazilian, Korean and Vietnamese international packs are also available from DIRECTV STREAM for $20 to $30/mo. each.

    A family watching TV

Compare DIRECTV STREAM to other live TV streaming services

Overall, DIRECTV STREAM is slightly more expensive than other live TV streaming services, but you’ll get a more complete channel lineup. See how it compares to some of the top options below:

DIRECTV STREAM requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. See details

DIRECTV STREAM FAQs

What do I need to get DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM recommends download speeds of 8 Mbps per stream. Faster speeds will give you a better streaming experience, especially if you have other connected devices or are streaming via Wi-Fi. You’ll also need a credit card for recurring monthly payments.

Yes. DIRECTV STREAM makes installation hassle-free. You’ll receive your new AT&T TV device in the mail. Simply plug in your device, remove the “remote” tab and turn on your TV. Follow the prompts on your TV to complete setup. Call AT&T customer service for assistance with AT&T TV self-install.

Yes. Once you have DIRECTV STREAM service, you can stream live and On Demand TV on your smartphone or mobile device. Download the DIRECTV STREAM app, available for free on Android and iOS devices, and log in with your account information to start streaming.

Yes. The DIRECTV STREAM device lets you record and store up to 20 hours of content. You can also upgrade to unlimited DVR storage for an extra $10/mo. Since the device uses cloud-based technology, you can record any number of shows at once.

In addition to its own streaming device, you can also watch DIRECTV STREAM app on the following devices:

  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Apple TV
  • Google Chromecast
  • Roku
  • Samsung smart TVs

Yes. AT&T TV has been rebranded as DIRECTV STREAM. Old AT&T TV customers will still be on the same plans — they’ll just be under a new name. With the new DIRECTV STREAM service, however, new customers will get free HBO Max included for three months on most plans.

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David Anders

Written by:

David Anders

Senior Writer, Broadband Content

David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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