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DIRECTV: TV via satellite or internet

By Camryn Smith Last updated: January 16, 2025

DIRECTV provides TV packages with 90+ channels and add-on options. Our experts break down DIRECTV plans, add-ons and equipment.

DIRECTV provider overview

DIRECTV provides TV service through satellite or internet connections throughout the U.S.

You can connect with a DIRECTV satellite dish or through your existing internet service to get the channel package you want. With four main package options, multiple DVR devices, plus lots of add-on possibilities for sports, movies and international programming, DIRECTV offers entertainment for all across the U.S.

DIRECTV available packages

1. ENTERTAINMENT: $74.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($89.99/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee) w/24-mo. agmt., autopay and paperless bill. One-time $19.95 activation fee may apply.
2. CHOICE: $89.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($122.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo. agmt., autopay and paperless bill. One-time $19.95 activation fee applies.
3. ULTIMATE: $119.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($152.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d.
4. PREMIER: $164.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($197.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d. As of 01/07/25.

Get more with DIRECTV add-on packs

DIRECTV has some of the best sports, premium and international channel packs available. Some DIRECTV channel packs will add to your monthly bill, while others, such as major sports packs, will cost a one-time fee.

Premiums

All DIRECTV plans include premium channels like Max (formerly HBO Max), SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, Cinemax® & MGM+™ for three months.* After that, you’ll automatically be charged full price unless you cancel. Subscription prices for each network cost between $6.99 and $16.99.

International

International programming is available with DIRECTV Spanish-language base TV packages or smaller add-on packs. Choose from a variety of international options, including Brazilian, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Vietnamese.

Three months of Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, STARZ and MGM+™ included*

When you sign up for the Entertainment through Ultimate packages with DIRECTV, you’ll get for the first three months Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, STARZ and MGM+™ included at no extra cost. After the first three months, you’ll be charged for each channel at the prevailing rate unless you call to change or cancel.

*w/ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE or ULTIMATE package. Must select offers. Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+ and Cinemax are included for first 3 months and auto-renew monthly thereafter at then-prevailing rates unless canceled.(currently $16.99/mo. for Max, $12.99/mo. for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, $10.99/mo. each for STARZ and Cinemax, and $6.99/mo. for MGM+). Offer subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Max and related elements are property of Home Box Office, Inc. Access Max only through Max app or max.com. Offer not available to DIRECTV via Satellite and U-verse TV customers switching to DIRECTV via Internet. As of 01/07/25.

DIRECTV sports packages

The DIRECTV Sports Pack offers live pro and collegiate sports and 20+ sports networks. 

You can get major sports packs for pro baseball, hockey and basketball. Consider the DIRECTV Sports Pack for 35+ sports channels, including your regional sports networks.

DIRECTV Sports Pack channels include: 

  • NFL Network, MLB Network, NHL Network, NBA TV
  • Golf Channel
  • Tennis Channel
  • ACC, Big Ten and SEC Networks 
  • CBS Sports Network and TUDN
  • Outdoor and Sportsman Channels
  • Regional sports networks

DIRECTV deals and promotions

DIRECTV may offer promotional deals for customers. These offers may change depending on the promotional period, so make sure to check DIRECTV’s website to get the most up-to-date offers. 

  • Get up to $240 in value when you sign up for DIRECTV through a credit each month for 24 months with the Choice package or higher
  • Get three months of Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, STARZ®, Cinemax® and MGM+ included with Entertainment, Choice or Ultimate packages
  • Refer friends to DIRECTV and earn up to $500/year in e-gift cards when they sign up for DIRECTV

DIRECTV equipment

DIRECTV has several DVR devices: the Gemini, Gemini Air, Genie, Genie 2 and Genie mini. 

The Gemini device can be used with DIRECTV via internet or satellite, while Gemini Air is for DIRECTV internet customers only. The Genie devices are paired with DIRECTV for satellite customers.

DIRECTV allows you to watch TV using your existing home internet with the new Gemini device. It can give you access to thousands of streaming apps. Gemini’s voice remote lets you discover shows, and you can change channels by using Google Assistant.

A Genie DVR serves up HDTV for all the TVs in your home. You can pause, record and delete TV shows from any room. Record up to seven shows at once, all in HD.

DIRECTV’s equipment has a service fee of $15/mo. Your first Gemini and Genie devices are included in your order, but additional receivers (for multiple TVs) are $7 – $10/mo. For the Genie 2, you’ll pay $99 up front.

*For qualified customers. Limited 4K content available. 4K TV req’d. Video quality defined by resolution. High speed internet required.

DIRECTV installation

DIRECTV satellite requires professional installation, but you can self-install with DIRECTV via internet.

Installing DIRECTV Satellite 

If you sign up for DIRECTV Satellite, you will be required to schedule a free professional installation appointment to set up your TV service. This is because it requires a satellite dish to be installed on the outside of your home.

Once you schedule your appointment, your DIRECTV technician will handle the rest once your installation date arrives. Make sure someone age 18 or older is available during the installation process to provide easy access to your roof or balcony.

Installing DIRECTV over your internet connection 

You can self-install your DIRECTV service via your existing internet connection. All you need to do is sign up, receive your equipment and activate your service online. You can follow step-by-step instructions on DIRECTV’s website and set up your service at no extra cost.

Compare DIRECTV to other TV providers

DIRECTV offers a robust channel selection between its packages, as well as top-tier sports offerings and DVR options.

Depending on where you live, you could have multiple TV provider options. Use our TV provider comparison tool to see how DIRECTV compares to DISH and other TV providers. For more information about TV providers in your area, call our experts.

DIRECTV AT&T TV NOW
Starting price at
ENTERTAINMENT starting at $74.99/mo.1 $55.00/mo.*
Channels
90+ 45+
Streaming access
DIRECTV App AT&T TV NOW App
Records
5 shows at once 500 hours
Contract
2-year contract None

DIRECTV FAQs

What’s DIRECTV’s most affordable package?

The Entertainment package comes with 90+ channels, including your local networks for a budget-friendly starting monthly price of $74.99, plus tax.1

Downgrading your package and eliminating add-ons is the simplest way to lower your monthly DIRECTV payments. If, however, you want to lower your bill without sacrificing some of your channel options, try calling DIRECTV customer service to see if there are any bill credits you may qualify for.

DIRECTV service is available at many apartment complexes. To be eligible for DIRECTV, your apartment must have a clear view of the southern sky and a place to mount the satellite dish. DIRECTV via internet is also available at apartments. Check with your leasing office regarding any restrictions.

As of 2023, DIRECTV no longer offers the NFL Sunday Ticket. That can be found at YouTube TV.

Camryn Smith

Written by:

Camryn Smith

Camryn Smith started writing for Allconnect in July 2022 and has developed broadband expertise across the landscape, including home internet providers, plans, pricing and equipment, as well as internet technolog… Read more

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