What Is Spectrum TV Essentials?
Spectrum TV Essentials is a live TV streaming service that includes over 70 entertainment, lifestyle and children’s networks. But there’s a catch.
DIRECTV STREAM1 Review for 2023
DIRECTV STREAM is a live TV streaming service from DIRECTV. The easy-to-use technology, bountiful channels and no-cable nonsense make it a great choice for TV lovers who don’t want to deal with traditional cable service. Its prices are about the same (or even more expensive) than traditional TV, but with everything you get in its higher-tier packages, you get what you pay for.
Table of Contents
- Overall Review of DIRECTV STREAM for 2023
- What is the Price of DIRECTV STREAM?
- What Features Does DIRECTV STREAM Have?
- Are There Any Requirements for DIRECTV STREAM?
- What Channels Does DIRECTV STREAM Have?
- Does DIRECTV STREAM Have Contracts?
- Is DIRECTV STREAM Worth It?
- FAQ
Summary
DIRECTV STREAM offers a robust, and therefore pricey, streaming service that provides an authentic TV experience for cord cutters. Users will love the easy installation, clean, simple interface, and convenience. Drawbacks includes some pricier higher-end packages and paying extra for more cloud storage.
However, if you are looking for a streaming service that has hundreds of channels, including premium and sports, look no further than DIRECTV STREAM.
What Is DIRECTV STREAM?
AT&T launched AT&T TV in early 2020, which was rebranded to DIRECTV STREAM in 2021 following DIRECTV once again becoming a standalone company. DIRECTV now operates two TV services – DIRECTV STREAM is an on-demand TV streaming service (meaning you stream TV channels over the internet through its streaming device) and DIRECTV is a satellite TV service.
DIRECTV STREAM tries to appeal to cord-cutters, people who have had enough of paying for cable and want to have more control over what they watch and how much they pay for it. This means they offer a few different packages that include or exclude certain channels. And because it is a full TV service – not just a streaming service like Netflix or HBO MaxTM – it can get kind of pricey, especially in the second year of contracts.
How Much Does DIRECTV STREAM Cost?
The cheapest package, DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Internet, starts at $64.99/mo.1 With this package you get:
- 75+ channels
- ESPN, Nickelodeon, TNT, HGTV & more
- HBO Max free for three months2
Service subject to DIRECTV connect via internet terms and conditions (see https://www.directv.com/legal/directv-stream-tos-eula-policy/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Requires high speed internet. Minimum?internet speed?of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. Residential customers only. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit. Pricing: ENTERTAINMENT $64.99/mo., CHOICE $84.99/mo., ULTIMATE $109.99/mo., PREMIER $154.99/mo. for two years. After 2 years, prevailing prices apply. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Advanced Receiver Service Fee of $15/mo. (which is extra and applies to all packages) and Regional Sports Fee of up to $13.99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE package or higher) and certain other add’l fees & charges. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. Service billing cycle starts after 5 days from purchase.
Gemini included for well qualified customers; otherwise $120 for new Gemini or $49.99 for Certified Restored Gemini. Purchased Gemini may be returned within 14 days of the Ship Date for a full refund however all monthly fees, including additional monthly fees, will continue to apply. Additional Gemini purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. If you cancel your service in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included Gemini within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas.?Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Package, Advanced Receiver Service Fee, Regional Sports Fee (varies by zip code) and equipment fees for TV connections are included in two-year price guarantee. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), and transactional fees are not included in two-year price guarantee. Offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com/ for details. Cancellation: Modify or cancel at any time online or by calling 1-800-531-5000.
ADDITIONAL GEMINI: Additional Gemini for well-qualified customers $10/mo. for 12 mos. otherwise $120 each or $49.99 for each Certified Restored Gemini. Non-qualified customers must purchase at least one Gemini up front. Applicable taxes due at sale.? Purchased Gemini may be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Gemini purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at directv.com/CancellationPolicyStream for more details.
Premium Channels Offer: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Requires account to stay in good standing. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. If you cancel your service, you will no longer be eligible for this offer.? Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per DIRECTV account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit directv.com/hbomax.? HBO MAX is used under license.???
?Cinemax and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. Separate SHOWTIME subscription required. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a Paramount Company. All rights reserved.? Starz and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Visit starz.com for airdates/times. MGM+ is a registered trademark of MGM+ Entertainment LLC.? Google, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC
©2023 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC.? All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
The prices only go up from there, but so does the number of channels and other features. For example, the DIRECTV CHOICE™ via Internet package for $84.99/mo. gives you:
- 105+ channels
- FX, NATGEO Wild, Golf Channel & more
- HBO Max for one year2
Service subject to DIRECTV connect via internet terms and conditions (see https://www.directv.com/legal/directv-stream-tos-eula-policy/). Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Requires high speed internet. Minimum?internet speed?of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. Residential customers only. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit. Pricing: ENTERTAINMENT $64.99/mo., CHOICE $84.99/mo., ULTIMATE $109.99/mo., PREMIER $154.99/mo. for two years. After 2 years, prevailing prices apply. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Advanced Receiver Service Fee of $15/mo. (which is extra and applies to all packages) and Regional Sports Fee of up to $13.99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE package or higher) and certain other add’l fees & charges. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. Service billing cycle starts after 5 days from purchase.
Gemini included for well qualified customers; otherwise $120 for new Gemini or $49.99 for Certified Restored Gemini. Purchased Gemini may be returned within 14 days of the Ship Date for a full refund however all monthly fees, including additional monthly fees, will continue to apply. Additional Gemini purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. If you cancel your service in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included Gemini within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas.?Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional Sports available with CHOICE and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. Limits: Package, Advanced Receiver Service Fee, Regional Sports Fee (varies by zip code) and equipment fees for TV connections are included in two-year price guarantee. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), and transactional fees are not included in two-year price guarantee. Offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. All offers, programming, promotions, pricing, terms, restrictions & conditions subject to change & may be modified, discontinued, or terminated at any time without notice. See directv.com/ for details. Cancellation: Modify or cancel at any time online or by calling 1-800-531-5000.
ADDITIONAL GEMINI: Additional Gemini for well-qualified customers $10/mo. for 12 mos. otherwise $120 each or $49.99 for each Certified Restored Gemini. Non-qualified customers must purchase at least one Gemini up front. Applicable taxes due at sale.? Purchased Gemini may be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Gemini purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at directv.com/CancellationPolicyStream for more details.
Premium Channels Offer: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Requires account to stay in good standing. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. If you cancel your service, you will no longer be eligible for this offer.? Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per DIRECTV account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit directv.com/hbomax.? HBO MAX is used under license.???
?Cinemax and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. Separate SHOWTIME subscription required. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a Paramount Company. All rights reserved.? Starz and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Visit starz.com for airdates/times. MGM+ is a registered trademark of MGM+ Entertainment LLC.? Google, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC
©2023 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC.? All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
What Do You Get With DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV STREAM offers many features that digital-age TV viewers will find helpful.
Key Features
- All-in-one access anywhere1
- Access to 7,000+ apps with Google Play2
- HBO Max included for a time dependent on chosen package
- 500 hours of Cloud DVR storage & unlimited simultaneous recordings3
- Contactless delivery and fast, easy installation
- 4K compatibility4
What Do I Need for DIRECTV STREAM?
With DIRECTV STREAM, you don’t need to have AT&T internet to use it. However, you do need high-speed internet from any provider. DIRECTV recommends a minimum of 24 Mbps download speeds to enable the service to work properly.
Besides a TV/screen to display your content, all you need is the streaming device which comes your package purchase. You can also use your own compatible streaming device.
What Channels Does DIRECTV STREAM Have?
The live TV streaming service has a great channel selection from its lowest-tier package up to its highest.
DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Internet
This package includes many favorites you would expect with a TV service, including:
- Animal Planet
- BBC America
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- Discovery
- ESPN
- Food Network
- and more
DIRECTV CHOICE™ via Internet
This package includes 105+ channels, including all the best from DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Internet and:
- Cheddar
- Game Show Network
- Fuse
- MLB Network
- NBA TV
- Science Channel
- Travel Channel
- and more
DIRECTV STREAM PREMIER
DIRECTV STREAM PREMIER and its 140+ channels gets you the best from ENTERTAINMENT and CHOICE, plus:
- HBO and HBO MaxTM
- Cinemax
- SHOWTIME
- STARZ
- Hallmark Movies
- and more
No matter which package you choose, you’re going to find something you want to watch. The prices of the fancier packages can be quite intimidating, but if you consider yourself a TV lover but don’t want cable, DIRECTV STREAM is as good as it gets.
DIRECTV STREAM: DIRECTV STREAM requires high speed internet. Recommend minimum 24 Mbps for optimal viewing (min 8 Mbps per stream). Limit 3 concurrent AT&T streams.
PREMIER: Pricing: $139.99. Req’s 1 DIRECTV STREAM device, included for well qualified customers; otherwise $120. Add’l devices avail for $120 each or on installment; non-qualified customers must purchase additional devices up front. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Regional Sports Fee of up to $8.49/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE and higher Pkgs), and certain other add’l fees & charges
DIRECTV STREAM: Subject to DIRECTV terms and conditions. Avail. in the U.S. only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). DIRECTV STREAM service will continue monthly at the prevailing rate charged to your payment method on file, unless you cancel, subject to any early termination fees. If you cancel in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included DIRECTV STREAM device within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Additional devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at att.com/help/cancellation-policy-att-tv.html for more details. Once you’ve canceled, you can access DIRECTV STREAM through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Compatible device req’d. Residential customers only. Pricing, channels, features, and terms subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. GENERAL: Limit 3 concurrent streams per account. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Taxes may apply. See your Order Confirmation email and att.com/legal/att-tv.html for more details.
Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all offers.
©2022 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Does DIRECTV STREAM Have Contracts?
There are no annual contracts required.
| No Annual Contract Required |
|---|
| More consistent monthly pricing starting at $64.99/mo. + tax, no big price jump at month 13. |
| Add 1 or more devices for $5/mo. each for 24 months.* |
| Regional Sports Fee included in monthly price for CHOICETM Package and above. |
| 20 hours Cloud DVR included. Make it unlimited hours for $10/mo. ** |
| Cancel anytime. |
The Verdict: Is DIRECTV STREAM Worth It?
If you want a cable TV service without the cable, DIRECTV STREAM is your kind of TV service. There are tons of channels with plenty of packages from which to choose.
There are a lot of things to love about it – the channel count, thousands of apps and an incredibly easy setup to name some – but when people who are ditching cable because of issues like expensive prices see the upper-tier prices, it may scare them off. However, a middle-ground package like DIRECTV CHOICE™ via Internet is a great pick.
With that, if you’re fine with paying for what you get, DIRECTV STREAM might be the best TV service on the market.
Pros
- High channel count
- Super easy setup
- 7,000+ apps
- Uses Google Assistant
Cons
- A bit expensive overall
- Can get expensive
- Lacking in sports compared to other TV providers
Frequently asked questions
Is DIRECTV STREAM the same thing as DIRECTV?
No, DIRECTV STREAM is internet-based while DIRECTV is a satellite TV service.
Does DIRECTV STREAM have local channels?
Yes, the local channels you receive are based on your billing zip code.
Is DIRECTV STREAM now on Roku?
Yes, it is compatible with Roku devices.
Is DIRECTV STREAM the same as U-verse?
No, AT&T stopped selling its U-verse service in favor of AT&T TV, which was then rebranded to DIRECTV STREAM. U-verse is no longer available to new customers.
