DIRECTV Internet Packages Review

DIRECTV charges the same for its satellite and internet plans. The packages aren't necessarily cheap, but DIRECTV does offer a healthy selection of content to binge.

Subscribers can start with the basic ENTERTAINMENT package or upgrade to CHOICE, ULTIMATE, or PREMIER for more channels and content, which is great if you’re a sports fan or want to watch the latest Blockbusters.

For those interested in Max (formerly HBO Max), Cinemax, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®, or STARZ, all of these services are included in the PREMIER plan, and you get them free for three months with the CHOICE and ULTIMATE plans. And lucky for sports fans, you also get DIRECTV Sports Pack (including NFL RedZone) included with the PREMIER package.

If you’re looking for a more affordable yet still well-rounded TV streaming service, we recommend that you also look at one of our favorite options—fuboTV.

Selecting the right DIRECTV package is essential, as you neither want to be underwhelmed by the content or overpaying for channels that you’ll never watch.

While the ENTERTAINMENT package includes over 90+ channels, users can step up to the CHOICE, ULTIMATE, or PREMIER packages to obtain more channels.

Be sure to check DIRECTV's official website for a complete channel lineup, but here is a snapshot of channels from each package:

DIRECTV offers a selection of some of the most popular premium entertainment channels, including Max™, CINEMAX, Paramoun+ with SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and MGM+. You get all of these channels free for three months with packages ENTERTAINMENT through ULTIMATE, and if you get PREMIER, you get all of these channels (besides MGM+) included in your package.

After three months, or if you choose to buy a la carte, each premium channel will cost you an additional monthly fee, as shown below.

Currently, there are two sports add-ons available: NBA LEAGUE PASS Premium for $159.99 a season and DIRECTV Sports Pack (including NFL RedZone) for $14.99 a month. A PREMIUM plan gets you DIRECTV Sports Pack for free, while CHOICE and ULTIMATE include this package free for three months.

Sports fans will need to consider stepping up to one of DIRECTV's more expensive monthly streaming packages to obtain everything they want to watch, as ENTERTAINMENT doesn't include any free add-ons.

ENTERTAINMENT Package

• ESPN HD
• ESPN2 HD
• FOX Sports (FS1)
• MotorTrend HD

CHOICE Package

• ACC Network HD
• Big Ten Network HD
• ESPNews HD
• ESPNU HD
• FanDuel TV
• Golf Channel
• MLB Network HD
• NBA TV

ULTIMATE Package

• CBS Sports Network
• FOX Sports (FS2)
• NHL Network
• SEC Network

Last but certainly not least, DIRECTV's packages offer consumers several different international channel add-ons. The international channel add-on options currently include Brazilian, Korean, and Vietnamese. DIRECTV streaming also provides a package that broadcasts in both English and Spanish called Óptimo Más.

As with other add-ons, costs for international channels are monthly, in addition to your base package.

Since we're talking about DIRECTV's internet TV service, you won’t be provided a traditional cable box to place under your television like you would for its satellite service. Subscribers get their first receiver, the Gemini Air, included in their package. 

But if you already have a streaming device you love, DIRECTV's internet TV service is currently compatible with Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Roku, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, or Chromecast. All you’ll need to do to get started is download the DIRECTV app from your device’s App Store and sign in.

For those on the go, DIRECTV's internet service and TV app can also be accessed via an Android device, iPhone, iPad, or either the Safari or Chrome desktop web browser.

DIRECTV's satellite packages come with the Genie DVR. The two DVRs differ slightly. You get 200 HD hours and unlimited storage with the Genie while the Gemini Air gets you unlimited hours with up to 9 months of storage.

The first thing with DIRECTV's Gemini Air device that stands out is unlimited DVR storage. Plus, your recordings will last 9 months.

The Gemini Air remote mimics a more traditional television remote, but it also offers voice control built-in to quickly launch your apps, such as Disney+, or tune to your favorite channels. You'll also be able to watch anything aired from the past three days.

The Gemini Air also supports 4K content and Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound, so you can enjoy your favorite content as though you were in the cinema.

While DIRECTV's Gemini Air device is quite impressive, we have a hard time recommending it over one of the more popular options from the likes of Amazon, Apple, or Roku. Both Amazon and Roku offer less expensive devices and provide a superior app catalog with a larger selection of streaming services and video games. But your first Gemini Air will be included with your package, so it's worth a try.

When it comes to DIRECTV, we can’t help but talk about the price.

Overall, DIRECTV offers compelling content to watch whether you’re a serial TV fan, a sports fanatic, or a Blockbuster aficionado—quality is not the issue. But, with newer companies breaking ground in the TV space, better-priced options are available.

For example, DIRECTV's PREMIER package will cost you $150 and get you 185+ channels and unlimited hours of Cloud DVR recording time, and your recordings will be deleted after nine months.

However, on the opposite side of the fence, a service such as fuboTV will cost you $89.99 for their Elite package with 250 channels, as well as 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR recording time, and your recordings will never expire.

Is DIRECTV worth the big dollars? It’s a compelling service, but overall, we think you could spend your money smarter elsewhere due to the high price. Other streaming TV services offer a comparable experience for much less of your hard-earned dollars.

Be sure to check out our guide featuring the best live TV streaming providers for more great options.