DIRECTV Review: Pricing, plans, subscriptions, free trials and more

DIRECTV is a premium TV service provider, which sounds fancy, but it just means it's a paid television service. DIRECTV offers national and local broadcast channels on a monthly subscription basis.

The subscription prices for premium service providers tend to be less budget-friendly than over-the-top (OTT) services like ESPN+ or Paramount Premium. DIRECTV packages range from $74.99 to $154.99/month excluding add-ons and extras, so - without a doubt - it's an investment.

Comparing price tags, you might be thinking, "Why bother going premium?". Premium providers tend to offer a variety of features that OTT services don't, such as DVR storage, a much deeper channel line-up, RSN coverage, more simultaneous streams and package deals, and consistently high visual quality (4K and HD).

RELATED: How to watch live sports on DIRECTV: Soccer, basketball, football live stream, and more

In this article, GOAL brings together everything you need to know about DIRECTV, so you can decide whether it's the right service for you.

DIRECTV subscription plans

DirecTV

DIRECTV has four channel packages that start at $64.99/month and go up to $154.99/month as part of a two-year contract. Entertainment is the cheapest DIRECTV package and features HD DVR storage, with some local channels included where available.

DIRECTV features

With DIRECTV packages, you're investing in more than just the channel line-up; you're investing in a premium viewing experience that you can tailor to your needs. That means watching what you want, when you want, where you want. That's where DIRECTV's DVR capabilities come in:

DIRECTV stream has excellent DVR features, with easy self-installation and unlimited cloud storage, meaning you don't have to be thrifty with what you record.

DIRECTV simultaneous streams

Simultaneous streams are a must unless it's a "me, myself and I" situation. Nobody wants the half-hour argument over whether the newest Kardashians episode precedes the latest NBA game. Luckily, DIRECTV gives you unlimited streams on your home network, perfect for families and large households.

The DIRECTV app

The DIRECTV app allows users to watch on-the-go after online account registration. With this service, users get three on-the-move streams, which is pretty standard across the market (one to three being average).

Current DIRECTV deals & rewards

 DIRECTV's incentives for new subscribers are hard to ignore; you can get:

• Save $10 per month for the first two years on Choice, Ultimate, and Premier packages
• An offer for premium networks like Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, MGM+, STARZ, and Cinemax with an Ultimate subscription, free of charge for the first three months

Regional sports networks on DIRECTV

The RSNs available through DIRECTV are one of its crown jewels. NBC Sports, CBS, Fox (Bally Sports), AT&T Sports and Longhorn Network are just a few included in the line-up. However, it's worth noting that which regional networks are available through DirecTV depends on where you live, so you should view local channels in your area through the website using yourZIP Code. The only downside is that a regional sports fee does apply through the network.  

User-friendly interface

The DIRECTV interface also allows you to integrate other streaming apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime so that you can switch between services at your convenience. 

DIRECTV Entertainment price guaranteed

For newly approved residential customers, DIRECTV is price guaranteed for the first two years of subscription. Considering the costs themselves, it doesn't sound like much, but price guarantees go a long way nowadays. There's no point finding a bargain, and six months in, the price is hiked way out of your price range. With DIRECTV, you get stable prices for the first two years of subscription, after which you'll be charged at the current subscription rate.

Premium channels

Entertainment-wise, DIRECTV has a lot to offer. Max, SHOWTIME, and Cinemax are just a few premium channels on offer. So shows like Yellow Jackets (SHOWTIME), From (MGM+), Outlander (STARZ), and Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets (Max) are all available with the click of a button.

However, these top-rated premium networks are only included with the highest programming package (Premier), so if you want them with lower subscriptions, you'll have to invest in them as individual add-ons which can rack up quickly:

• MGM+ ($6.99/mo)
• Cinemax ($10.99/mo)
• STARZ ($10.99/mo)
• Paramount+ with SHOWTIME ($12.99/mo)
• Max ($16.99/mo)

With each of these tacked on to the Entertainment package, it comes to around $135/month. It's less than Premier but still rockets way into expensive territory. So, if your budget is on the lower end, we recommend finding out which premium channels are the best value for your viewing habits and investing in just one or two instead.

As previously mentioned, the premium channels are available in the Ultimate package for three months for free, as a special introductory deal or as a means of trying them out free of charge. Just remember to cancel these additional subscriptions if you don't wish to carry them on after the trial period.

DIRECTV Sports pack and networks

DirecTV

Undoubtedly, DIRECTV's sports networks are one of its biggest selling points. Whether you're a hockey, football, golf, or baseball fan, there's live coverage to be had.

Choice is considered DIRECTV's sports TV package. However, several speciality sports channels are exclusive to the Ultimate and Premier packages, unless you pay for one of the sports extras. Each higher tier package has all the lower tier's channels, including the exclusive ones listed below.

DIRECTV sports extras

• NBA League Pass Premium ($24.99/month)
• MLS Season Pass ($14.99/month)
• DIRECTV Sport Pack ($14.99/month)

DIRECTV vs streaming competitors

 FAQs

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Why should I get a DIRECTV to stream?

DIRECTV Stream is good for those in residential locations with high-speed internet connections, but the high-speed internet required for DIRECTV streaming makes it a no-go for those in rural areas.

Which subscription is best for sports?

DIRECTV's Choice package offers the best value for money. You're investing in a variety of sports, leagues, and events, as many extra channels are available to you compared to the number of competitors offered in a similar price range. 

Does DIRECTV offer a free trial?

No, they don't currently offer free trials per se. However, several packages offer discounts on the first three months of subscription. You can, however, get a five-day free trial to DIRECTV Stream to see what the service is like.

What devices are compatible with DIRECTV?

DirectTV's streaming service is compatible with Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, or Chromecast. 

What live sports are available through DIRECTV?

There's something for everyone. Professional golf, NHL hockey, NFL football, Major League baseball, soccer, professional wrestling, college sports, professional tennis, and NBA basketball are just a few.

RELATED:How to watch live sports on DIRECTV

Are there any hidden costs with DIRECTV?

Sadly, yes. We don't like taxes and fees bumping up costs, but they exist with most cable TV. Some of them are exclusive to Satellite customers; however, it's worth factoring these additional fees into consideration:

• Advanced Receiver Service Fee [$15/mo] for home-wide, HD, and DVR equipment
• Regional Sports Fee [$9.99/mo]
• Late Bill Payment Fees
• Vacation Holds [$7.00/month] that pause subscription for two to six months at a time
• Returned Payment Fee [Up to $30.00] for declined subscription payments
• Phone assistance fees [Up to $5]
• Technician dispatch fees[$99.00] for repairs