DIRECTV STREAM Plans, Pricing, Channels and Everything Else to Know

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DIRECTV STREAM is one the most cable-like options available for cord-cutters. This service has had a few different names over the years--it was originally called DIRECTV Now, and then it became AT&T TV. With DIRECTV STREAM, you can essentially have the cable experience without the cable contract. You can choose anywhere from 75 to 150 or more channels, complete with options for premium add-ons and regional sports broadcasts. 

It's not the cheapest streaming choice out there, but it's one of the best if you want a wide range of entertainment, family, news, sports, and movies in your lineup. 

Curious if DIRECTV is right for you? Read on to learn more about what this popular streaming platform has to offer.

How Much Does DIRECTV STREAM Cost?

DIRECTV STREAM is similar to cable and satellite services. It gives viewers an option of four packages that range from a regular monthly price of $75/mo. for more than 75 channels to $155/mo. for more than 150 channels.

The service also comes with cloud DVR with unlimited storage, and you can record three channels at once. Using the DIRECTV STREAM app, you can watch your recordings at home or on the go for up to nine months.

DIRECTV STREAM works with most streaming devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, Android TV, Roku, Samsung smart TVs, and more. 

You can also test out the service with a five-day DIRECTV STREAM free trial.

What Top Channels Does DIRECTV STREAM Offer?

Aside from most premium channels, the Ultimate and Premier packages include every channel DIRECTV offers. The primary difference between these two packages is the HBO Max, Cinemax, Starz, and Showtime lineup of channels, which are included at no extra charge in the Premier package, but not the Ultimate package. In the Ultimate package, you can add them on, along with other premium channels, for an additional fee.

For sports, the Entertainment package carries the most popular channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and MotorTrend. But diehard sports fans may want to look at the Choice package, which, in addition to the channels in the Entertainment package, also has: 

• ACC Network

• Big 10 Network

• ESPNews

• ESPNU

• Golf Network

• MLB Network

• NBA TV

• SEC Network

• Tennis Channel

You'll also need to upgrade to the Choice package or above to get regional sports networks. The Choice, Ultimate, and Premier packages include local regional sports networks from Bally Sports, AT&T SportsNet, and Root Sports. Other regional sports networks that may be available, depending on your location, are MASN, MSG, NESN, and YES.

The Entertainment package also carries the top: 

• Entertainment channels -- A&E, AMC, Comedy Central, Food Network, FX, HGTV, History Channel, Lifetime, TBS, TNT, and USA

• Family and kids' channels -- Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, Hallmark Channel, National Geographic, and Nickelodeon

• News and information channels -- CNBC, CNN, Fox Business, Fox News, HLN, and MSNBC 

Popular channels you'll find in the Choice package that aren't in the Entertainment package are: 

• Entertainment -- Comedy TV, Cooking Channel, Game Show Network, Heroes & Icons, OWN, and Pop TV

• Family and kids -- Nick Jr., Nick Toons, and UPtv

• News and information -- Cheddar News, Justice Network, Science Channel, and The Weather Channel

Can You Watch Local Channels with DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV STREAM provides access to most local channels, depending on where you live. This includes ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, MyTV, and PBS. Simply enter your ZIP code on DIRECTV STREAM's website to see which channels are available in your area.

What Add-Ons Are Available with DIRECTV STREAM?

Premium Movie Channels

Movie lovers will want to take advantage of DIRECTV STREAM's premium movie bundle, which includes HBO Max, along with all the HBO channels, as well as all the channels in the Cinemax, MGM+, Showtime, and Starz lineups. While free for the first three months, the package is an additional $54/mo. beginning in the fourth month.

Each property can also be purchased individually: 

• HBO and Max -- $15/mo.

• Cinemax -- $11/mo.

• MGM+ -- $6/mo.

• Showtime -- $11/mo.

• Starz -- $11/mo.

Movies Extra Pack

For an extra $5/mo., movie lovers can catch even more of their favorite flicks with the Movies Extra Pack, which includes:

• Hallmark Drama

• Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

• HDNet Movies

• Sony Movies

• Smithsonian Channel

• Crime + Investigation

• MTV Live

• ShortsTV

• INSP

AMC Plus

With the addition of AMC+ for $9/mo., you'll the best of AMC, BBC America, IFC, and Sundance TV ad-free, as well as the complete collection of:

• Shudder

• Sundance Now

• IFC Films Unlimited

Other available add-ons include NBA League Pass Premium for $20/mo., Discovery+ for $3/mo., Fox Nation for $6/mo., and ALLBLK, which highlights Black creators and storytellers, for $6/mo.

International Programming

DIRECTV STREAM also has a series of international programming available:

• Brazilian, $30/mo. -- TV Globo, SporTV

• Korean, $30/mo. -- SBS, SBS Plus, YTN, MBC Every1, MBN, EBS, TAN TV, CTS, Arirang, KBS America

• Vietnamese, $20/mo. -- SBTN, VIETV, Vietface TV, S Channel, Film 24H, Vien Thao TV, VGN, Tviet Network, HONVIETV

• Deportes, $5/mo. -- TUDN, TyC Sports, Fox Deportes, ESPN Deportes, GolTV

• Espanol, $15/mo. -- Univision, Discovery en Español, Estrella TV, Cinelatino, Mega TV, Fox Deportes, TeleCentro, CNN en Español, Sony Cine, Telemundo, TUDN, Peru Magico, TVV, ESPN Deportes, and more

Our Final Take

If you're uncertain about cutting cable, DIRECTV STREAM is a great way to start. It offers the most cable-like viewing experience of all the live streaming services. With four packages and plenty of add-ons, you're bound to find the plan that offers the programming you want. 

While it's not inexpensive, DIRECTV STREAM has most of what people are looking for in a live streaming service, especially if you want to watch regional sports on top of an extensive national channel lineup. Plus, you can always try the service for before you buy with its five-day free trial.