DIRECTV vs DIRECTV Stream – What is the Difference?

Several others before you have trodden on this path of confusion and mistook one service for another. To clear the muddle a little, let us just first blatantly state that DirecTV and DirecTV Stream are not synonymous. Although both are offered by the same TV programming distributor, DirecTV, the two services are quite different from one another in terms of signal transmission, operations, and content distribution.

In this DirecTV vs. DirecTV Stream blog, we have highlighted the key differences between the two services to clear your doubts once and for all. 

DirecTV

DirecTV is a multichannel video programming distributor that offers TV service to its residential and business customers via satellite or their existing internet connection. The company was founded in June 1994 as a digital satellite service provider, and by 2005, it had become the leading satellite TV service in the USA. In 2015, AT&T acquired DirecTV and announced that it would combine its existing IPTV service, called U-Verse, and DirecTV under one subsidiary, or “home entertainment gateway”. The subsidiary, now known as DirecTV, is co-owned by AT&T (70 percent share) and TPG Capital (30 percent share). 

Currently, DirecTV offers TV service to more than 11.85 million subscribers all over the country, including remote and rural areas. The pay TV service starts at $69.99 per month and can offer up to 150 channels and 65,000 on-demand shows and movies. For details about the DirecTV channel list, you can refer to the DirecTV Channel Guide. 

The company is based in El Segundo, California, and operates a fleet of satellites in geostationary orbit to transmit data all across North America. 

Pros

• Available nationwide
• Also gives you access to more than 150 networks via your existing internet connection.
• Provides access to premium networks in the Premier package
• Includes special offer on premium channels in the rest of plans
• Add-on packages are available
• Genie HD DVR
• Access over 200 hours of HD storage via satellite plans and unlimited storage through your existing internet connection.
• 2-year price guarantee

Cons

• Charges a monthly $15 advanced receiver services fee with every plan
• Requires a 2-year contract
• Requires a credit check
• Interruptions, particularly in inclement weather, may affect satellite service

DirecTV Stream 

In 2016, AT&T decided to diversify its portfolio and suggested launching contract-free streaming services for premium content. In November 2016, AT&T announced the rollout of DirecTV Now (also briefly known as AT&T TV from 2019 to 2021) which later became DirecTV Stream. 

Like other popular streaming services in the country, DirecTV Stream also requires a fast internet connection with a minimum download speed of 8 Mbps. Customers can stream content on unlimited devices on their home network, as long as they have gigabit and multi-gigabit broadband speeds. DirecTV Stream offers up to 150 channels on its elite monthly plans, and viewers can take their pick from the 65,000 On-Demand movies and shows that are available for streaming and downloading. 

At first glance, DirecTV Stream may look like the priciest streaming service in America, but when you consider the fact your subscription opens the doors to around 7,000 streaming apps such as Netflix, HBO Max, Pandora, YouTube, and Prime Video, the exclusive service feels worth the cost. 

Pros

• Live streaming of DirecTV
• Does not require a contract
• Easy, self-installation
• Access to Netflix, Pandora, YouTube, and more.
• Includes RSNs without any extra cost
• Does not require a credit check
• Up to 65,000 on-demand shows and movies

Cons

• Requires high-speed internet
• More expensive than other streaming services

Subscribe to DirecTV Stream

• 150+ Live TV Channels
• DVR Cloud Recording
• Streaming on Unlimited Devices
• Plans Starting at $69.99/mo.

Call 877-209-3574 Now!

Plans and Pricing – DirecTV vs DirecTV Stream 

DirecTV’s pay-TV service and streaming services cost at least $8.58 more than the average cable TV subscription. The average cost of cable TV in the USA is $78.58 per month, according to USNEWS. The maximum number of channels a cable TV provider can carry is 1,800. In comparison, the average monthly subscription fee for a streaming service is approximately $10, while live TV streaming sites, such as YouTube TV, have a starting cost of $50.99 per month.

DirecTV services are costlier than their major competitors, but you pay for the quality and quantity of content on your TV screens. 

A deeper look at the DirecTV and DirecTV Stream plans and prices will reveal that you are getting more than what you pay for when you subscribe to these services. In reality, both services offer bundle deals on each of their monthly plans and open doors to round-the-clock, unlimited entertainment with free access to premium channels.

Monthly Plans for DirecTV 

DirecTV follows a four-tier plan system to ensure that every customer in its vast consumer base feels like they are being offered tailored services for their specific needs. For instance, DirecTV’s most affordable base plan, known as the DirecTV Entertainment package, starts at $69.99 per month and carries over 150 popular TV channels, including sports, news, and lifestyle networks. For someone living in the countryside and looking for two to three hours of on-screen entertainment, the ‘Entertainment’ plan will be the best as it provides everything they need. They will neither have to fret about the lack of cable networks in the area nor the delivery of broadband services.  

On the other hand, a family living in a Beverly Hills mansion, whose bread and butter depends on the entertainment industry, will most probably opt for the top-tier, DirecTV Premium plan. They can watch unlimited local and international content to stay on top of the latest industry trends. The following table lists all DirecTV Plans:

DirecTV stands out for its flexibility in offering customers the choice between satellite and existing internet connections for their TV plans. This means that even in areas without traditional cable networks, customers can still enjoy DirecTV services without any interruptions or delays.

Monthly Plans for DirecTV Stream 

DirecTV Stream and DirecTV offer similar packages with the same number of channels, but they differ in pricing and network types. The starter pack for DirecTV Stream is the Entertainment package. It has more than 75 must-have sports, news, and entertainment channels for a monthly fee of $79.99. The plan includes access to nearly 7,000 preloaded streaming apps such as HBO Max, Netflix, Pandora, and Amazon Prime Video. Just click on the app selection at the bottom of your TV screen and sign in to your app-related account to enjoy hassle-free streaming. 

At first, you might feel hesitant about subscribing to DirecTV Stream due to its high price. However, the service provides free access to premium channels, over 65,000 On-Demand titles, and the highest number of regional sports networks, which are worth considering. Additionally, the provider is currently offering a $50 discount for the first 2 months of the service, which adds more value to the offer.

DirecTV Stream also makes everything convenient by giving you a free voice-activated remote control. So, instead of wasting time typing and clicking to navigate through an array of content on the screen, just press the ‘talk’ button on your remote control to activate the virtual assistant and ask for exactly what you need. 

Take a look at the tiered DirecTV Stream plans to pick the one that best meets your needs. 

Additional Fees – DirecTV vs DirecTV Stream

While looking for the best on-screen entertainment service for your home, you must be wary of the hidden costs associated with your purchase. Most advertisements will leave out the disclaimers for the digital or printed bills. We have been there, and we know how shocking it can be to see an unexplained $20 additional charge on your monthly TV bill. 

Luckily, DirecTV is quite transparent with its fees and surcharges. Both DirecTV and DirecTV Stream provide free installation. The difference is that for DirecTV via satellite, you will have to request a professional installation, whereas DirecTV via the Internet and DirecTV Stream installation is a quick and easy affair. The company will send you a self-installation kit via mail and the setup only takes a few minutes.

Unlike DirecTV Stream, DirecTV is a contract-based service, and canceling your subscription before the contract expiration date will result in an early termination fee of $20 per month for every remaining month. Moreover, DirecTV charges its users a flat $15 for its advanced receiver services. You can find more information about the extra charges associated with DirecTV’s services on the provider’s website.

When you add up all the additional charges on your DirecTV vs. DirecTV Stream subscriptions, you will notice that overall, DirecTV is more expensive than DirecTV stream.

DirecTV vs DirecTV Stream – Comparison

We have summarized some of the main differences between DirecTV and DirecTV Stream in the table below.

Channel Selection 

Both DirecTV and DirecTV Stream offer the same number of networks, but the latter’s plans remove filler channels. Although this may not be a significant point of contention for most users when deciding between DirecTV and DirecTV Stream, as both services carry all the in-demand channels, the ultimate choice comes down to how you want to enjoy your home entertainment.

The premium channels included in DirecTV and DirecTV Stream plans are as follows:

To summarize, it is only the DirecTV and DirecTV STream Premier plans that give free and unlimited access to premium channels. However, EPIX is only available on the house for the promo period of 3 months.

Final Word

It would not be wrong to say that DirecTV has something to offer everyone. This service via satellite is ideal for those who live in remote areas, struggle with internet speeds, prefer to have a broad collection of channels, and love to spend quality time with their family by huddling around the TV screens. Meanwhile, DirecTV’s service via the internet is ideal for people residing in densely populated urban areas, where high-speed internet is readily available, and installing large dishes is not possible due to limited space.

In contrast, DirecTV Stream is a live TV streaming service that gives users the flexibility to pause, rewind, record, and curate content. It is ideal for families where each member prefers solo screen time or binge-watching sessions based on their unique taste. The service allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited devices.

As our valued reader, we will let you be the best judge of the DirecTV vs DirecTV Stream debate.   

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