DirecTV’s streaming service brings a traditional live TV experience over the internet with no satellite dish required. When you sign up, you get access to large, cable-style channel packages and premium features, similar to what cable or satellite customers expect.
But is the service worth signing up for? Well, below are reasons why you should and shouldn’t subscribe to the provider.
Why you should sign up for DirecTV
Here are seven reasons this service is worth it:
1. Huge channel lineup
With DirecTV Stream, you get one of the broadest channel offerings among streaming services. Even the base plan includes all your must-have news such as CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, CNBC, etc..
It also has an entertainment lineup with AMC, HGTV, Food Network, Disney Channel, etc. You also enjoy music, kids, and lifestyle networks.
As you move up the tiers, more specialty networks come in. For instance, Choice adds college and pro sports channels like ACC Network, Big Ten Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, and SEC Network.
The Ultimate adds additional sports and family channels like CBS Sports Network, Discovery Family, NHL Network, and STARZ Encore.
In short, you’ll find a very deep lineup of movies, shows, news, and sports.
2. Good sports coverage
If you’re into sports, DirecTV delivers. Its packages include dozens of sports networks.
You will find channels like ESPN and NFL Network, to specialty channels like Golf Channel, College Sports Network, and more. Most of these lineups are not available on smaller services.
Notably, DirecTV Stream carries 30+ regional sports networks (RSNs) across the country, which is the most in the industry.
This means you can watch virtually all nationally televised games and your local team broadcasts if you’re in the market. This is something few streaming services can match.
3. Unlimited cloud DVR and multidevice streaming
You get unlimited cloud DVR storage included at no extra cost, so you can record as many shows as you like, no matter the length. The service even supports unlimited simultaneous recordings, meaning you can record all channels at once if needed.
What’s more, you can watch on virtually any device. Be it smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, or the included Gemini streaming box. You are allowed up to 3 out-of-home streams at once and unlimited on your home network.
4. On-demand playback
DirecTV Stream also includes a built-in replay or catch-up feature. If you missed a show, you can rewind up to 72 hours on most networks and watch it on demand.
This is like having an automatic DVR backup for anything airing recently on live channels. So, you have more flexibility to never miss your favorite programs.
5. Flexible hardware and streaming options
You aren’t locked into one way to watch. DirecTV Stream works via its app on your existing devices. If need be, you can get an optional DirecTV Gemini box with a Google Assistant voice remote.
The box connects to your TV and internet and can integrate thousands of streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and so on right alongside the DirecTV interface.
Why You Shouldn’t Sign Up for DirecTV
Despite its breadth, DirecTV Stream has significant downsides you should consider. Most notably:
It’s very expensive
DirecTV’s streaming plans are among the priciest on the market. Even with promotional discounts, the published prices are high, that is $84.99 to $164.99, and hidden fees quickly add up.
For instance, this service charges about $10 per month to lease the Gemini device, and it imposes an ARS fee of about $15 on all plans. You will end up paying 30 to 40% more than the advertised rate once all fees are included.
Long-term pricing commitment
DirecTV advertises cancel-anytime service, but its best prices usually require staying subscribed for 24 months. The low monthly rates $84.99 to $164.99 assume a two-year promotional period. If you drop service early, you could lose those discounts.
To save money, you end up locking in a two-year price guarantee. If you prefer month-to-month simplicity or the ability to switch plans freely, DirecTV’s fine print is a drawback.
Demands a very reliable broadband connection
Unlike satellite TV, DirecTV’s streaming service requires you to have a good home internet connection. If your internet is slow or unstable, you’ll face buffering, dropped streams, or outages.
You also can’t use it offline at all. In areas with weak internet or data caps, that dependency is a real limitation.