DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV STREAM | What's the Difference?

DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV STREAM, what’s the difference? We’ve received numerous questions from viewers asking how exactly the two services differ.

Cord-cutters have long known DIRECTV as an expensive satellite provider. And, they are. DIRECTV STREAM is the no-contract live TV streaming service arm of the company.

The two services share some similarities but are not mirror copies of each other. In some instances, it might even make sense to choose the contract version.

Watch our DIRECTV STREAM vs. DIRECTV video now to see which might provide more of what you need.

Quick Jump Sections:
0:00 - DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV STREAM
1:56 - How much does each service cost?
5:42 - DIRECTV STREAM vs. DIRECTV channel lineup
7:53 - DIRECTV vs. DIRECTV STREAM DVR and simultaneous screens
8:48 - Who should sign up for DIRECTV?
9:30 - Bottom Line

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📺 The 6 Best Live TV Streaming Services -

📺 DIRECTV STREAM Review - ​​

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[FrugalRules]

What do you think DIRECTV/DIRECTV STREAM gets wrong in their service?

[joannaa.]

Just for me. I plan to keep what I have in streaming. No pressure and plenty to choose from on my Roku.

[RealSeanSmart]

You two are always so professional and love all your videos. Lot of Great Information. As For Satellite I prefer Dish Network. I live in the middle of nowhere so the Internet isn’t the best to have streaming TV. I watch your videos even though it doesn’t always cater to me. THANK YOU ✌🏻

[sethbessinger]

Thanks for the video! I agree that it’s too expensive. People can’t have every channel they had from cable without paying the price for cable!

[wendellwendellb]

I intend to make the switch to DIRECTV Stream. I compared the two, looked at the channels of the package I want, and I save a good amount of money. The only thing that I will miss is the DIRECTV premier protection plan (all my tv’s were under the plan, but, I’m willing to give that up. Although I currently get NFL Sunday ticket free, it’s not a deal breaker, I watch whatever game is on through local networks. I don’t like that when you do any particular thing with DIRECTV, they enter you into a new 2 year contract. I had an opportunity to see DIRECTV Stream at a store, talked with an associate. I will make the transition in the next couple of months!

[shackdaddy]

I know this video was just comparing DIRECTV to DIRECTV‘s stream, but one thing that should be mentioned that unlike like the other streaming services do you have to call to cancel DIRECTV stream. The other streaming services you can cancel online. Have you decide to reactivate it later you can activate it online also.

[theonlyjessicataylor]

thank you for your video. you saved me!

[MB-ngrj]

My issue with streaming is, if using a Roku, you don't have a number pad to punch in channel numbers, the best you can do is save favorite channels or endlessly scroll around to find channels to watch. Very tedious, seems like taking technology in reverse unless someone has a better idea...

[spaceghost]

BOTH services are still MOSTLY under the control of AT&T, no matter what they say, and you can see it in their customer service (or lack thereof).
AT&T owns at least 70% of the companies, so you can bet that they continue to HEAVILY influence the business practices of both.
IMO, the best thing for the customers would be for AT&T to sell ALL of DirecTv to Dish and get out of the way.
Perhaps then we would see a change in the business practices of the streaming part of the company.
If not, then let them wither on the vine.
JMHO :)

[rminor]

Had directtv for two years, got up to $165/mo. My wife insisted on channel numbers, really wanted the numbers to be the same. She watches Magnolia network and hgtv and I watch the Brave's games so the ultimate package for us. Still saves us $60/mo and can watch all the channels on my laptop, unlike directtv that just shows part of their channels online. Plus it' stays on when it rains.

[BrettIkedo]

I have all of the streaming services and seriously thinking about getting back to cable (Direct TV). I’m comparing stream vs satellite. My new house has a satellite installed already. I know I can keep the streaming services too but I’m trying to reduce my subscription bills. Anyone have any thoughts on switching and if it’s ultimately more efficient?

[kathleenwanek]

I would like Bally Sports Great Lakes to watch the Cleveland Guardians but not at $90/month. In the old days we used to watch local sports on local tv and not expensive cable or direct tv stream. I wish we had a less expensive option or Bally sports as a separate app. I don’t think I’m alone on this

[dallase]

This is over a year old. Direct TV now seems to have a Satellite / Stream Service that also seems to have a 2 year price lock but maybe that is not true because there is so much fine print there might be some kind of hidden fees or hidden price increase via some kind of technical lingo.

[justintm]

I really like direct tv stream the picture quality is amazing but my only complaint is that it can only record 30 episodes per series that’s a bummer I hope that changes in the future.

[toddandrews]

I have Direct TV and like the way I can move between channels by simply entering a channel number...But don't like the monthly price and all the shopping channels.
Is there an alternative with has a "simple" way to move between channels like Direct TV satellite does?

[jaimevalencia]

With DIRECTV streams. You get what you pay for. A bit pricy but worth it.

[Tom-oziy]

If I remember correctly, ATT is a minority owner in the company that owns Directv Stream.

[zeel]

Do you get local channels with their side channels on stream?

[jonathankuelske]

The prices are crazy on some of these apps

[drpyro]

I haven’t spoken to one avid live sports watcher that said they were comfortable cutting the cord. No matter how good and stable your internet service is there is a chance that it will buffer at the wrong time. That’s a deal breaker and kills the experience of watching live sports.