DirecTV Stream Explained: How to Activate Free Trial - IGN (2024)

DirecTV Stream is the best of both worlds: If you're looking to cut the cable cord for good, odds are you'll have a handful of channels that you still want to be able to watch. Thankfully, there are many live TV streaming services that allow you to keep up on your favorite shows and movies without being locked into a long-term contract. DirecTV Stream allows you to watch everything from network channels to live sports and everything in between. You can even add on premium channels that interest you, as well. Check out our full rundown of DirecTV Stream, as well as an offer that allows you to try it free for five days below.

Does DirecTV Stream Have a Free Trial?

Yes, as a matter of fact, it does. When you visit the programming page and pick out your package, you're instantly enrolled in a five-day free trial. If you don't like the service, you can quit, or you can do nothing and the paid subscription will kick off after the trial period. Full details are at the DirecTV support page.

What Is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream is the current iteration of AT&T Now (formerly DirecTV Now) that originally launched in 2016 and offers live TV streaming without requring a clunky satellite attached to your roof. It features a variety of packages that include different channels depending on what you like to watch including entertainment, sports, news, and more, as well as additional premium channels that can be added on such as HBO, Showtime, and Starz, just to name a few.

With your subscription, you'll have access to unlimited DVR storage with simultaneous recording, streaming on an unlimited number of devices in your home, and the ability to watch your favorite shows up to 72 hours after they aired — even if you forgot to record them!

What Channels Does DirecTV Stream Include?

DirecTV Stream allows you to choose a base package with a number of channels depending on what you primarily like to watch. The Entertainment pack includes over 75 channels such as AMC, Comedy Central, Disney Channel, ESPN, FX, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount, and more.

If you're looking for even more, you can opt for the Choice pack which gets you everthing in the Entertainment pack plus an additional 30 channels that include A&E, Lifetime, The History Channel, and more, as well as many additional sporting channels such as the BIG10 Network, ESPNEWS, ESPN U, NBC Golf, MLB Network, NBA TV, and NFL Network, just to name a few.

For fans of everything, you can opt for the Ultimate pack which nets you over 140 channels including everything in the Entertainment and Choice packs, as well as BBC News, CBS Sports Network, FX Movies, Lifetime Movie Network, MTV Classic, and NHL Network.

Can You Watch Live Sports on DirecTV Stream?

Depending on which bundle you choose, you'll have access to a number of live sporting events such as NFL, NBA, and MLB games, as well as NHL, MLS, MMA, boxing, college sports, NASCAR, and more. Additionally, you'll be able to catch every major golf tournament, tennis major, and Triple Crown races. Plus, you'll be able to stream popular sporting events such as the MLB World Series, NBA Finals, NHL Stanley Cup, and the Olympics.

How Much Does DirecTV Stream Cost?

DirecTV Stream allows you to easily choose a channel package containing a select number of channels depending on what you like to watch. It's broken up into three tiers, with each successive tier adding additional channels. You can try any of the bundles below completely free for five days.

The base Entertainment pack includes over 75 channels and will run you $79.99 per month. The Choice pack offers over 105 channels, including everything in the Entertainment pack, for $108.99 per month. The Ultimate pack contains over 135 channels, including everything int he Entertainment and Choice packs, for $119.99 per month. While these are the standard prices for each pack, there are typically sign-up promotions that bundle in additional channels and reduce the rate for a limited time.

You can also add on a la carte channel packages such as the DirecTV Sports Package for $14.99 per month that includes additional channels such as NFL Network, NFL Red Zone, ESPNEWS, collegiate sports networks, and more.

Additionally, you can bundle in premium services such as Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Cinemax, Starz, and MGM+ for an added monthly fee. You can even try any (or all) of them free for the first three months!

How to Watch DirecTV Stream - Available Platforms

DirecTV Stream is available to watch through your computer's browser, or on Apple devices as iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch running iOS 14 or later, as well as Android phones and tablets running OS 7.1 or later. Additionally, you can also utilize many popular streaming devices such as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google Chromecast, as well as most Samsung smart TVs manufactured after 2017.

For more streaming platform guides, check out 2024 Hulu Subscriptions, Netflix Plans, ESPN+ Plans, and Disney+ Plans.

Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on the website formerly known as Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.