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Posted on: 25 Mar 2026
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If you're shopping for live TV streaming in the USA and wondering “How much is DIRECTV Stream?”, you're not alone. As of March 2026, DIRECTV Stream (now under the main DIRECTV brand) offers four Signature Packages—Entertainment, Choice™, Ultimate, and Premier™—with promotional pricing that makes the first month significantly cheaper. All plans are contract-free, include unlimited Cloud DVR, and work on the Gemini streaming device (with a $10/mo lease fee). Prices are for new residential customers, exclude taxes & fees, and require high-speed internet.
Current Signature Package Pricing
- Entertainment (90+ channels): $84.99/mo. for the 1st month + taxes & fees (up to $94.99/mo. with required fees). Includes $5 off for 24 months. Base ongoing rate around $89.99–$99.99/mo. + $10 Gemini lease.
- Choice™ (125+ channels): $59.99/mo. for the 1st month (up to $85.98/mo with fees; then $10 off for months 2–24). Ongoing base ~$89.98–$110.98/mo. + Regional Sports Fee (up to $19.99/mo.) + $10 Gemini.
- Ultimate (160+ channels): $84.99/mo. for the 1st month (up to $110.98/mo with fees; $15 off for months 2–24). Ongoing base ~$114.98–$135.98/mo. + RSN fee + $10 Gemini.
- Premier™ (185+ channels): $124.99/mo. for the 1st month (up to $150.98/mo with fees; $20 off for months 2–24). Ongoing base ~$154.98–$175.98/mo. + RSN fee + $10 Gemini.
- Regional Sports Fee (RSN): Up to $19.99/mo. extra for Choice, Ultimate, and Premier (depends on your ZIP code and local team networks). Not charged on Entertainment.
- Gemini device lease: $10/mo. required for all Signature plans (no purchase option mentioned for streaming-only).
- Taxes & fees: Added at checkout; vary by location.
- Promotions for new customers: Hefty first-month savings + multi-month discounts (e.g., $35–$45 off month 1 on higher plans). First 3 months of premium networks (HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax, MGM+) often free ($175+ value). 4 months of Spotify Premium free.
- No annual contract: Cancel anytime. Service renews monthly at the then-current rate after promos end.
DIRECTV also offers Genre Packs (modular, cheaper alternatives starting at $19.99/mo.) for MyKids, MyEntertainment, MySports, MyNews, or MiEspañol—ideal if you only want specific genres instead of 90–185+ channels. These can be mixed and matched with mini-packs.
Why DIRECTV Stream Pricing Delivers Real Value?
DIRECTV Stream isn't the cheapest live TV streamer (YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV may undercut on base price), but its value shines in what you actually get:
- Unlimited Cloud DVR on every plan—no extra fee or storage limits.
- Unlimited simultaneous streams at home (limited to 3 out-of-home).
- Local channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) were included where available—rare for some competitors.
- Built-in bundles: Entertainment already includes Disney+, Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+. Higher plans add more sports depth and premium movie channels.
- 130+ free MyFree DIRECTV channels across all plans.
- No hidden equipment fees beyond the $10 Gemini lease (and you keep streaming apps like Netflix via the device).
- Sports-focused value: Choice and above deliver ACC, Big Ten, MLB, NBA, SEC, NHL, CBS Sports Network, and local RSNs—perfect for cord-cutters who want traditional cable sports without satellite.
When you factor in the 3 free premium months, unlimited DVR, and no contract, the effective monthly cost often beats cable equivalents. For example, Choice at ~$100–$110/mo. post-promo (with RSN) gives 125+ channels + sports that would cost far more à la carte elsewhere.
Which DIRECTV Stream Plan Works Best for You?
Entertainment – Best for budget-conscious households wanting core entertainment, news, and basic sports (FS1, ESPN via bundle). Ideal if you don’t need heavy regional sports. Lowest long-term commitment.
Choice™ – Most popular “sweet spot” for families and sports fans. Adds MLB Network, NBA TV, SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and RSNs. Great balance of cost vs. channels.
Ultimate – Best for serious sports + movie lovers. Layers in CBS Sports Network, NHL Network, FX Movie Channel, STARZ Encore, and more family/movie content.
Premier™ – Best for premium everything. Includes HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax full access (after free months), plus every channel in lower tiers. Worth it if you want the complete cable-like experience.
Pro tip: Use DIRECTV’s ZIP code checker on their site for exact RSN fees and local availability. If your household only watches one genre (sports, news, kids), a Genre Pack at $19.99–$69.99/mo. can save hundreds annually.
Getting Started
Ready to cut the cord without losing live TV? New customers can start with a 5-day free trial (no commitment) and lock in first-month savings today. Visit directv.com/packages or call 1-800-DIRECTV to check your exact pricing by ZIP code.
Don’t overpay for channels you’ll never watch—choose the plan that matches your viewing habits and enjoy unlimited DVR + premium perks at a justified cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIRECTV Stream Cost
1. Is there a contract or cancellation fee?
No annual contract. Cancel anytime online or by phone—service simply stops at the end of your billing cycle.2. How much is the Regional Sports Fee, and will I pay it?
Up to $19.99/mo. on Choice, Ultimate, and Premier—only if your ZIP code has RSNs. Entertainment has zero RSN fee. Check your address on the official site.3. What’s the total cost, including the Gemini device?
Add $10/mo. lease to any Signature plan price. No purchase required; it’s the streaming box/app hub.4. Are local channels included?
Yes, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and more in most markets on all Signature plans.5. Does the price go up after the promo period?
Yes—promotional discounts (first-month savings + 24-month offers) end, and you move to the standard rate + any RSN fee. Always confirm the current rate before signing up.6. Is DIRECTV Stream worth the cost compared to YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV?
Many reviewers call it the “best cable replacement” for its traditional channel lineup, unlimited DVR, and sports depth. The value depends on whether you want RSNs, locals, and premium bundles that competitors may charge extra for.7. Can I add premium channels or international content?
Yes—add-ons for HBO Max, Cinemax, international packs, or sports extras are available. Genre Packs let you build custom lineups affordably.8. Do I need special equipment?
The Gemini device ($10/mo lease) is required for the full Signature experience, but you can also use the app on compatible smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, etc.Ready to lock in your DIRECTV Stream plan?
Head to the official plans page, enter your ZIP code, and see your exact first-month deal plus ongoing pricing. Cut the cord smarter—get more channels, unlimited DVR, and real savings starting today.