What Exactly is DIRECTV?
"The Premium Choice for Comprehensive Sports, Including Your Local Teams."
DIRECTV Stream is designed for the serious sports fan, offering a robust channel lineup and features that bring the stadium experience directly to your screen. It stands out by providing unparalleled access to Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), making it a top choice for following your local teams.
With a DIRECTV Stream subscription, you gain access to:
- ✅Unmatched RSN Coverage: Get the most Regional Sports Networks to follow your local teams and favorite regional matchups.
- ✅All the Major Sports Networks: Access a wide array of national sports networks, including ESPN, FS1, MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network.
- ✅Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your must-watch games, matches, and shows and keep your recordings for up to nine months.
- ✅Flexible Multi-Device Streaming: Stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously outside your home, with unlimited streams available on your home network.
DIRECTV Stream Plans & Pricing (July 2025)
DIRECTV Stream offers several packages to fit different viewing preferences, with varying channel counts and features.
ENTERTAINMENT
$84.99/mo
(+ $15/mo Advanced Service Fee)
- Channels: 90+
- DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR
- Streams: Unlimited screens on your home network
- Promo: 3 free months of Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax & MGM+
CHOICE
$89.99/mo
(+ fees for RSN & Advanced Service)
- Channels: 125+
- Includes: Specialty sports & Regional Sports Networks
- DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR
- Streams: Unlimited screens on your home network
- Promo: 3 free months of Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax & MGM+
ULTIMATE
$119.99/mo
(+ fees for RSN & Advanced Service)
- Channels: 160+
- Includes: More sports & movies, Regional Sports Networks
- DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR
- Streams: Unlimited screens on your home network
- Promo: 3 free months of Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax & MGM+
PREMIER
$164.99/mo
(+ fees for RSN & Advanced Service)
- Channels: 185+
- Includes: Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax are all included!
- DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR
- Streams: Unlimited screens on your home network
ÓPTIMO MÁS
$79.99/mo
(+ $15/mo Advanced Service Fee)
- Channels: 200+
- Includes: Primarily Spanish-language content
- DVR: Unlimited Cloud DVR
- Streams: Unlimited screens on your home network
From Local Rivalries to Global Showdowns: Unrivaled Sports Access
DIRECTV Stream delivers a powerhouse of live sports, from national showdowns to crucial local matchups.
Key Sports Features:
Catch Every Major Event: Get all major broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) for national and local game broadcasts.
Deep Dive into Leagues: Access a wide range of national sports channels including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and more.
Your Hometown Heroes: Enjoy extensive RSN coverage, often surpassing competitors, for your favorite local teams (RSN fees may apply).
All the Action: Follow NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, and more, with a channel lineup designed to keep you in the game.
More Than Just Games: A World of Entertainment Awaits
While sports are a highlight, DIRECTV Stream also offers a broad selection of entertainment and news channels to satisfy every member of your household.
Popular Entertainment: Access channels like AMC, Bravo, CMT, Comedy Central, Discovery, E!, Food Network, FX, HGTV, MTV, TBS, TNT, USA, and many more.
News & Information: Stay informed with CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, and other leading news channels.
Enhance your subscription with these premium networks (additional fees apply): Max (formerly HBO Max), Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax
Why Choose DIRECTV Stream for Sports?
DIRECTV Stream is designed for the serious sports fan, offering a robust channel lineup and features that bring the stadium experience directly to your screen.
Your Local Teams, Always Live: Unmatched RSN Coverage
DIRECTV Stream is renowned for offering the most Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), ensuring you can follow local teams that other services often miss.
National Powerhouses: All the Major Sports Networks
Access a wide array of national sports networks, including ESPN, FS1, FS2, MLB Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network for comprehensive coverage.
Never Miss a Moment: Unlimited Cloud DVR
Enjoy unlimited cloud DVR storage to record all must-watch games. Keep recordings for up to nine months, so you never miss a play.
Watch Your Way: Flexible Multi-Device Streaming
Stream on unlimited devices on your home network and up to 3 devices on the go, perfect for households with multiple sports fans.
Stream Anywhere, Anytime: Your Devices, Your Rules
DIRECTV Stream is designed for seamless viewing across a wide array of devices, ensuring you can watch your favorite sports and shows wherever you are.
Supported Platforms Include:
Compatible with popular streaming players like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast.
The DIRECTV Stream app is available on a wide variety of modern Smart TV models from major manufacturers.
Stream on your iOS or Android smartphone or tablet by downloading the official app.
Watch directly from your computer or laptop by logging into the DIRECTV Stream website.
Global Access & Enhanced Privacy: Stream with a VPN
While DIRECTV Stream is geo-restricted to the United States due to licensing agreements, your viewing doesn't have to stop when you travel abroad.
Why Use a VPN with DIRECTV Stream?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and allows you to obtain a US IP address, making it appear as if you're browsing from home. This is essential for travelers and enhances everyone's online security.
Bypass geo-restrictions to watch every game and show from your DIRECTV Stream subscription, even when you're overseas.
Encrypt your connection to protect your data from third parties and enhance your overall online privacy.
A VPN can help prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from slowing down your connection during high-bandwidth activities like live sports streaming.
Recommended VPN Providers:
When choosing a VPN, select a reliable provider known for working with streaming services. Top options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and Bitdefender.
Why DIRECTV Stream Stands Out: A Balanced View
A balanced look at DIRECTV Stream's strengths and areas for consideration.
Pros
- Best for RSN Coverage: Offers the most Regional Sports Networks, crucial for local team fans.
- Large Channel Counts: Provides a high number of channels across its packages, often more than competitors.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your favorite content with no storage limits.
- Unlimited In-Home Streams: Enjoy unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network.
- Premium Channel Offers: New customers can get free months of popular premium channels.
Cons
- Higher Price Point: Generally one of the pricier live TV streaming services.
- Additional Fees: Includes an Advanced Service Fee and RSN fees on top of the advertised price.
- Term Agreements: Some plans may require a 24-month agreement.
- No Game Console App: Lacks a dedicated app for game consoles.
- HD Streaming Quality: Some users report underwhelming HD streaming quality.
DIRECTV Alternatives: How Does it Stack Up?
When considering DIRECTV, it's helpful to see how it compares to other streaming services that offer a significant amount of live sports and entertainment.
1. DIRECTV STREAM
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Premium Sports: Strongest offering for RSNs (Regional Sports Networks) from Choice plan upwards.
- Dedicated league channels (MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network on higher tiers).
- Unlimited cloud DVR, up to 20 simultaneous streams in-home.
Plans & Pricing:
- Entertainment: $84.99/mo. (90+ channels, no RSNs) (Visit Website)
- Choice: $89.99/mo. (First month $59.99, includes RSNs) (Visit Website)
- Ultimate: $119.99/mo. (First month $89.99) (Visit Website)
- Premier: $164.99/mo. (Includes all premium networks) (Visit Website)
Our Take: Ideal for extensive channels, especially if RSNs are crucial for local team coverage, with a robust simultaneous streaming capability.
Try 5-Day Free Trial2. FuboTV
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Broad Live Sports: 200+ channels including ESPN, NFL Network, FS1, many RSNs.
- Strong for: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR, 10 simultaneous streams, 4K streaming (Elite plan).
Plans & Pricing:
- Pro Plan: $84.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Elite Plan: $94.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Deluxe Plan: $114.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Latino Plan: $14.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- RSN Fee: $12-$15/mo. (Mandatory) (Learn More)
Our Take: FuboTV is ideal for comprehensive live TV with a strong sports focus, including RSNs, but consider the additional RSN fee.
Try 7-Day Free Trial3. ESPN+
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Exclusive UFC Fight Nights, out-of-market NHL, 6,000+ NCAA games.
- Top international soccer (La Liga, Bundesliga, FA Cup).
- Complements: Does NOT include linear ESPN channels.
Plans & Pricing:
- ESPN+ Monthly: $11.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- ESPN+ Annual: $119.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- Disney Bundle Trio Basic: $16.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Disney Bundle Trio Premium: $26.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- UFC PPV Event: $79.99/event (Visit Website)
Our Take: Best for dedicated fans of specific sports not found on linear TV, especially when bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
Get ESPN+4. YouTube TV
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Extensive Channels: 100+ channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, major networks.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: Record all your favorite sports.
- 4K Plus add-on available. NFL Sunday Ticket add-on.
Plans & Pricing:
- Base Plan: $82.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Introductory Offer: $59.99/mo. (First 2 months) (View Offer)
- 4K Plus Add-on: $9.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- NFL Sunday Ticket: $379/season (Add-on) (View Offer)
Our Take: Excellent for broad channel selection and unlimited DVR, covering most major sports, with varying free trial lengths.
Try Free (2-21 days)5. Hulu + Live TV
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Bundle Value: 100+ channels, includes Hulu on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
- Unlimited cloud DVR. Live sports (NHL, Soccer, MLB, Auto Racing, NFL, College Football, PGA, Tennis).
Plans & Pricing:
- Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $82.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads), and ESPN+ (With Ads): $95.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Live TV Only: $81.99/mo. (Visit Website)
- Legacy Bundle ($87.99/mo.): No longer available for new purchase (Learn More)
Our Take: Combines live TV (including ESPN) with a vast on-demand library and ESPN+ exclusives, but be aware of legacy plan availability.
Try 3-Day Free Trial6. Sling TV
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Budget-Friendly: Customizable packages.
- Orange includes ESPN; Blue includes NFL Network.
- 50 hours DVR.
Plans & Pricing:
- Sling Orange: $45.99/mo. (First month $23) (Visit Website)
- Sling Blue: $45.99/mo. (First month $23) (Visit Website)
- Sling Orange + Blue: $60.99/mo. (First month $30.50) (Visit Website)
- Total TV Deal: $21/mo. (Comprehensive add-on) (View Add-ons)
- Sling Freestream: Free (Ad-supported tier) (Watch Free)
Our Take: Most affordable option to get live ESPN or NFL Network, with customizable add-ons and a significant first-month discount.
Get 50% Off First Month7. Peacock Premium
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Niche Sports: Exclusive Premier League matches.
- Big Ten sports, IndyCar, and simulcasts of Sunday Night Football.
- Current seasons of NBC and Bravo programming.
Plans & Pricing:
- Premium (with ads): $10.99/mo. or $109.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- Premium Plus (ad-free, downloads): $16.99/mo. or $169.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- New "Select" Tier: $7.99/mo. or $79.99/yr. (No sports content) (Learn More)
- Price Change Effective: July 23, 2025 (New/Returning) / August 22, 2025 (Existing) (Details)
Our Take: Best for Premier League soccer and Big Ten fans on a budget, with tiered options and recent price adjustments.
Start Free Trial8. Paramount+
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- CBS Sports Content: Exclusive access to NFL on CBS.
- SEC football, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, NWSL.
- Showtime originals (with Showtime plan).
Plans & Pricing:
- Essential (with ads): $7.99/mo. or $59.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- with Showtime (ad-free, downloads): $12.99/mo. or $119.99/yr. (Visit Website)
- Student Discount: 50% off for 12 months (Get Discount)
- Senior Discount (AARP): 10% off (Get Discount)
- Price Change Effective: August 20 (New) / September 20 (Existing for With Showtime) (Details)
Our Take: Essential for fans of CBS Sports, especially European soccer and NWSL, with valuable student and senior discounts available.
Try 7-Day Free Trial9. Amazon Prime Video
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Exclusive NFL: Home of Thursday Night Football.
- New for 2025: NBA games (66 regular season games, playoffs), NASCAR.
- Features WNBA games, NWSL, Premier Boxing Champions, ONE Championship.
Plans & Pricing:
- Included with Amazon Prime: $14.99/mo. or $139/yr. (Visit Website)
- Standalone Prime Video: $8.99/mo. (Visit Website)
Our Take: Great for NFL fans who also use Prime for shopping and other content, with a rapidly expanding live sports portfolio.
Try 30-Day Free Trial10. Apple TV+
Key Features & Sports Coverage:
- Exclusive Soccer & Baseball: Home to MLS Season Pass (additional cost).
- Friday Night Baseball.
- Superior streaming quality (4K HDR, Dolby Atmos).
Plans & Pricing:
- Apple TV+: $9.99/mo. or $99/yr. (Visit Website)
- Student Plan: $5.99/mo. (Get Discount)
- MLS Season Pass (add-on): $14.99/mo. or $99/season (View Offer)
- Apple One Individual Plan: $19.95/mo. (View Bundle)
Our Take: Highly specific for dedicated MLS fans and a good add-on for baseball, best value when integrated into Apple One bundles.
Try 7-Day Free TrialKey Difference Summary
While FuboTV excels in broad live sports and RSN coverage, other services offer unique value propositions. ESPN+ focuses on exclusive niche sports, YouTube TV provides unlimited DVR and a wide channel selection, Hulu + Live TV bundles entertainment with live TV, DIRECTV STREAM offers premium RSN access and multiple streams, Sling TV is highly customizable and budget-friendly, and services like Peacock, Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ cater to specific sports leagues or content types, often with unique bundling opportunities.
Real Fans, Real Experiences: Hear From Our Community
Hear directly from sports fans who have made the switch to DIRECTV Stream.
"DIRECTV Stream is a game-changer for me. I finally get all my local team's games without cable, and the picture quality is fantastic!"
- Alex P., Dedicated Fan
"The unlimited DVR is a lifesaver for my busy schedule. I can record every game and watch it on my own time. Plus, the RSN coverage is unmatched."
- Chris M., Sports Enthusiast
"Having unlimited streams at home means no more fighting over the remote. Everyone can watch what they want, when they want. It's perfect for my family."
- Jamie L., Happy Parent
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about DIRECTV Stream
Does DIRECTV Stream offer a free trial?
Yes, DIRECTV Stream typically offers a 5-day free trial for new customers to explore its plans and channel lineups before committing.
What are the additional fees?
All plans have a mandatory $15/month Advanced Service Fee. Additionally, the CHOICE, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER plans have a Regional Sports Network (RSN) Fee of up to $17.99/month depending on your location.
How many devices can I stream on at once?
You can stream on an unlimited number of devices connected to your home network. Away from home, you can stream on up to 3 devices simultaneously.
Does DIRECTV Stream have a contract?
While some offers may not require one, certain promotional prices or packages for DIRECTV Stream can require a 24-month term agreement. It's important to check the terms of your specific offer.
Is DIRECTV Stream available on PlayStation or Xbox?
No, DIRECTV Stream does not currently have a dedicated app for PlayStation or Xbox gaming consoles.
Ready for the Ultimate Sports Viewing Experience?
DIRECTV Stream is the top choice for serious sports fans who need comprehensive RSN coverage. With its massive channel lineups, unlimited DVR, and flexible streaming options, it's the definitive service for those who want it all.
Find the perfect plan for your household and start your free trial to see the difference!
Looking for more live sports? Visit the LiveCloak Homepage for comprehensive schedules and streaming links for all your favorite events!