DIRECTV Stream Channel Lineup (2025)

In the ever-expanding universe of live TV streaming, the sheer number of channels can feel overwhelming. You're not just choosing a service; you're choosing your entertainment hub, your news source, your sports bar, and your family's movie night. The core of that decision lies in one critical question: "What channels do I get?"

This is where DIRECTV Stream confidently stands out. It has built a reputation for offering one of the most robust, comprehensive, and familiar DIRECTV Stream channel lineups in the industry. It seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional satellite's extensive offerings and the modern flexibility of streaming.

This definitive 2025 guide will dissect the entire DIRECTV Stream channels catalog. We'll break down each package tier-by-tier, dive deep into sports and premium options, compare it to key competitors, and provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect package for your home. Let's tune in.

DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package Channel Lineup

The DIRECTV Stream Entertainment package is the foundation—the entry point into their streaming ecosystem. Designed for budget-conscious viewers who still want a solid variety of content, it’s a strong alternative to basic cable.

• Price: Starts at $79.99/month (prices subject to change)

• Channel Count: 75+ channels

• Best For: Casual viewers, news enthusiasts, and families looking for a mix of entertainment without a premium price tag.

This package focuses on breadth, offering a well-rounded selection across key categories:

• News & Information: Stay informed with major networks like CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC, and Bloomberg Television. It also includes national news channels like Newsmax and The Weather Channel.

• Family & General Entertainment: Enjoy popular cable staples such as TBS, TNT, TruTV, USA Network, Bravo, FX, FXX, and FXM. For reality TV and lifestyle content, you get A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, and HGTV.

• Kids & Family: Keep the younger audience entertained with channels like Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Discovery Family, and Universal Kids.

While the Entertainment package lacks the deep sports and premium movie offerings of higher tiers, it includes a taste of sports with channels like ESPN, ESPN2, and TBS (which carries MLB playoffs and NCAA March Madness). It also provides full access to your DIRECTV Stream local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC in most markets.

Popular Channels Included:

• ESPN, ESPN2

• TNT, TBS, USA Network

• CNN, Fox News, MSNBC

• FX, FXX, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC (local affiliates)

• Discovery, HGTV, Food Network

• Cartoon Network, Boomerang

DIRECTV Stream Choice Package Channel Lineup

The DIRECTV Stream Choice package is arguably the sweet spot for many households. It builds significantly on the Entertainment base, adding critical elements that appeal to sports fans and entertainment aficionados alike.

• Price: Starts at $108.99/month

• Channel Count: 105+ channels

• Best For: Sports fans who need regional coverage, and viewers wanting more entertainment options without the full premium cost.

The key differentiator for the Choice package is the inclusion of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). This is a massive deal for fans who want to watch their local MLB, NBA, and NHL teams without jumping through hoops.

• Expanded Sports Lineup: Beyond RSNs (e.g., Bally Sports, NBC Sports Regional Networks, YES Network, depending on your location), you also gain access to NFL Network, NHL Network, NBA TV, and SEC Network.

• Lifestyle & Entertainment Additions: Your entertainment options expand with channels like AMC, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Paramount Network, TV Land, and VH1.

• Music & More: You also get music video channels like CMT and MTV Live.

The DIRECTV Stream Choice package channels list is designed to eliminate the feeling of "missing out." It delivers a nearly complete cable-like experience with the streaming flexibility modern users demand.

DIRECTV Stream Ultimate Package Channel Lineup

For the true content connoisseur who wants it all—minus the premium movie channels—the DIRECTV Stream Ultimate package is the answer. It takes the stellar foundation of the Choice package and layers on a wealth of premium-adjacent and lifestyle content.

• Price: Starts at $119.99/month

• Channel Count: 140+ channels

• Best For: Movie lovers who don't want standalone premium subscriptions, families with diverse tastes, and anyone who values maximum channel variety.

The Ultimate package is all about depth. Where Choice gives you a taste, Ultimate gives you the whole meal.

• Premium Movie Channels (Non-Premium): This is where you get channels that feel premium without the extra cost. It includes EPIX Drive-In, MGM+, and additional feeds from SHOWTIME and STARZ (like SHOWTIME EXTREME and STARZ ENCORE).

• Lifestyle & Special Interest Expansion: Dive deeper into hobbies and interests with new channels like FYI, Cooking Channel, Discovery Life, Science Channel, and World Fishing Network.

• Kids & Educational: Enhance your children's viewing with BabyFirst TV and more educational content from CuriosityStream.

When you compare the DIRECTV Stream Ultimate package channels to the lower tiers, the value becomes clear for the right user. You're paying for convenience and volume, ensuring there's always something for everyone to watch.

DIRECTV Stream Premier Package Channel Lineup

The DIRECTV Stream Premier package is the pinnacle of home entertainment bundles. It’s designed for those who want an all-in-one solution with zero compromises, combining the massive live channel lineup of the Ultimate package with every major premium movie channel included at no extra charge.

• Price: Starts at $164.99/month

• Channel Count: 140+ channels plus full premium suites.

• Best For: Die-hard movie fans, families who want everything in one bill, and those seeking the ultimate convenience.

The Premier package includes everything in the Ultimate tier, plus:

• HBO Max™: Full access to the HBO Max streaming library, including all HBO original series, blockbuster movies, and Max Originals.

• SHOWTIME®: Enjoy SHOWTIME's original series, hit movies, sports, and comedy specials.

• STARZ®: Get thousands of movies and original series, including powerful dramas and exclusive premieres.

• Cinemax®: Access even more movies and original action series.

This bundle represents significant savings compared to subscribing to all these premium services individually. The DIRECTV Stream Premier package channels list is the most comprehensive you can get from any major streaming provider, making it a true "set it and forget it" solution for premium entertainment.

DIRECTV Stream Sports Channels

For many cord-cutters, comprehensive sports coverage is the holy grail. DIRECTV Stream delivers arguably the best DIRECTV Stream sports channels lineup available on any streaming service, a direct legacy of its satellite roots.

National Sports Networks

Every major package includes a strong core of national sports channels:

• ESPN Suite: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, Longhorn Network (in higher tiers).

• FOX Sports: FS1, FS2, Fox Deportes, Big Ten Network (BTN).

• NBC Sports: NBC Golf Channel, Olympic Channel, NBCSN (on-demand content in some cases).

• CBS Sports: CBS Sports Network.

• Leagues: NFL Network, NBA TV, MLB Network, NHL Network, beIN SPORTS.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

This is DIRECTV Stream's killer feature. Availability is strictly based on your location.

• Examples: Bally Sports Regional networks, NBC Sports Regional Networks (e.g., NBC Sports Chicago, NBC Sports Bay Area), AT&T SportsNet, YES Network, NESN, and MASN.

• Importance: RSNs are your home for watching local MLB, NBA, and NHL games live.

Specialty Sports & Add-Ons

• Specialty: Channels like NFL RedZone, Motor Trend, and Tennis Channel are available in higher-tier packages or as add-ons.

• Add-Ons: DIRECTV Stream often offers out-of-market sports packages like NBA League Pass and NFL Sunday Ticket, making it a one-stop shop for the avid sports fanatic.

DIRECTV Stream Local Channels

Access to local broadcast networks is non-negotiable for most viewers, whether for news, prime-time programming, or live sports like NFL games. Fortunately, DIRECTV Stream excels here.

• Major Networks: In the vast majority of markets, DIRECTV Stream includes live feeds of your local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates. This is a significant advantage over some competitors who may have disputes or lack certain affiliates in specific areas.

• PBS & The CW: Availability of PBS and The CW varies by location. Some markets receive a live local CW affiliate, while others may have on-demand content from The CW. PBS is less commonly offered as a live local channel, but is often accessible through its own free streaming app using your DIRECTV Stream credentials.

• Market Variations: The specific channel numbers and availability are determined by your physical location and ZIP code. You can always use the DIRECTV Stream website's channel lookup tool to see your exact DIRECTV Stream local channels before subscribing.

DIRECTV Stream Premium Channels

If you love blockbuster movies and award-winning original series, you'll want to explore DIRECTV Stream's premium options.

• Standalone Add-Ons: You can add any premium channel to any base package for an additional monthly fee.

  • HBO Max: $15.99/month

  • SHOWTIME: $12.99/month

  • STARZ: $12.99/month

  • Cinemax: $11.99/month

• Packages: They often offer discounted bundles, like HBO + STARZ or SHOWTIME + STARZ.

• Included in Premier: As detailed above, the Premier package includes all four major premium suites, offering the best value if you want them all.

The DIRECTV Stream premium channels integrate seamlessly into the main guide and include full on-demand libraries and access to their respective standalone streaming apps.

DIRECTV Stream Spanish & International Channels

DIRECTV Stream offers dedicated packages for Spanish-speaking households and a wide array of international content.

• Spanish Language Add-Ons: The base packages include some channels like Univision, UniMás, Telemundo, and ESPN Deportes. For more comprehensive coverage, you can add the Deportes or Más Español packs.

• Óptimo Más Package: This is a standalone Spanish-language package that includes over 65 channels, featuring news, sports, entertainment, and movies from Latin America and Spain, often at a lower price point than the English packages.

• Other International: DIRECTV Stream also offers packages and a la carte options for various other languages, including South Asian, Filipino, Korean, and Chinese programming.

DIRECTV Stream On-Demand & DVR Content

A modern service is more than just live TV. DIRECTV Stream provides a robust on-demand library and a powerful cloud DVR.

• On-Demand Library: Tens of thousands of shows and movies are available on demand from the channels in your package. The library is constantly updated with new episodes shortly after they air live.

• Cloud DVR: Every package includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage. Your recordings are stored for up to nine months. This is a fantastic feature that allows you to record as much as you want without ever worrying about deleting shows to save space.

• Simultaneous Streams: Depending on your package, you can stream on unlimited devices at home and up to three streams outside your home network, making it ideal for families.

DIRECTV Stream Channel Lineup Comparison Table

This table provides a clear, at-a-glance comparison of the four main DIRECTV Stream packages.

DIRECTV Stream Channel Lineup vs Competitors

How does the DIRECTV Stream channel lineup stack up against the competition?

• vs. YouTube TV ($72.99/mo): YouTube TV is a strong competitor with a solid core package. However, DIRECTV Stream generally offers more channels overall, including a wider variety of RSNs and more premium add-on options. YouTube TV's interface is often praised, but DIRECTV Stream wins on pure channel volume and sports depth.

• vs. Hulu + Live TV ($76.99/mo): Hulu's advantage is its bundled Disney+ and ESPN+. Its channel lineup is robust but slightly smaller than DIRECTV Stream's mid-tier packages. DIRECTV Stream again has a clear edge with more reliable and widespread RSN availability.

• vs. Sling TV ($40-$55/mo): Sling is a budget leader but uses an Orange/Blue system that can be confusing and fragments sports channels. Its RSN coverage is minimal. DIRECTV Stream is more expensive but offers a far more unified, comprehensive, and reliable channel guide with local channels included everywhere.

• vs. FuboTV ($79.99/mo): FuboTV started as a sports-first service and remains a top contender. It has an excellent sports lineup and RSN coverage rivaling DIRECTV Stream. However, Fubo traditionally lacks the Warner Bros. Discovery networks (TNT, TBS, CNN), which are crucial for NBA playoffs and NCAA March Madness. DIRECTV Stream offers a more complete overall portfolio.

Benefits of DIRECTV Stream Channel Lineup

Choosing DIRECTV Stream comes with several distinct advantages:

1. Unmatched Sports Coverage: The inclusion of RSNs in the Choice package and above is its biggest selling point for sports fans.

2. True Cable Replacement: It most closely mimics the traditional cable/satellite channel experience, making it easy for users to transition.

3. Premium Integration: Managing all your premium subscriptions in one place with one bill is a huge convenience.

4. Robust DVR: Unlimited storage is a feature that competitors often charge extra for.

5. Simultaneous Streams: Generous streaming policies cater to modern, multi-user households.

Customer Reviews on DIRECTV Stream Channels

Overall, customer sentiment regarding the DIRECTV Stream channels is positive, though with some noted criticisms.

• Positive Feedback: Users consistently praise the vast channel selection, excellent picture quality, reliable streaming experience, and the comprehensive sports coverage, especially for local teams.

• Negative Feedback: The primary complaint is the cost, especially as prices have risen. It is one of the more expensive streaming options. Some users in specific markets have reported disputes leading to temporary blackouts of certain local or RSN channels, though these are typically resolved.

Tips for Choosing the Right DIRECTV Stream Package

• For Sports Fans: The Choice package is the mandatory starting point due to its RSN inclusion. Don't even consider Entertainment if you follow local teams.

• For Families: The Ultimate package offers the best variety to satisfy different ages and tastes without the premium cost.

• For Premium Movie Lovers: If you want 2+ premium channels, the Premier package will likely save you money compared to adding them individually to a lower tier.

• Best Budget-Friendly Option: The Entertainment package still offers a strong lineup for the price, though it requires sacrificing sports and premium content.

Conclusion

The DIRECTV Stream channel lineup is a powerhouse in the live TV streaming world. Its structured package tiers allow you to pay for exactly the level of content you desire, from a solid basic offering to an all-inclusive entertainment behemoth. Its unparalleled strength in sports broadcasting, thanks to widespread RSN availability, makes it the top choice for fans of local teams. Coupled with unlimited DVR, excellent integration of premium channels, and a reliable user experience, DIRECTV Stream makes a compelling case for being the best overall live TV streaming service on the market.

Explore the DIRECTV Stream channel lineup today and choose the package that’s right for you.