How much does the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package cost per month?

The standard monthly DIRECTV Entertainment package price is $84.99. This includes local channels and 20 hours of Cloud DVR storage. Promotional pricing for new subscribers is often available.

Does the Entertainment Package come with local channels?

Yes, the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package includes local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and The CW in most markets across the United States.

Can I record shows with the Entertainment Package?

Absolutely. The package includes 20 hours of Cloud DVR storage for recording live TV. You can upgrade to unlimited DVR storage for an additional monthly fee.

How many devices can stream simultaneously on the Entertainment Package?

You can stream on an unlimited number of devices at the same time while connected to your home internet network. When away from home, you can stream on up to three devices concurrently.

Is there a free trial for DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package?

DIRECTV Stream frequently offers a free trial for new subscribers, typically lasting between 5-7 days. Availability and terms can change, so check their official website for the most current offer.

Can I watch sports on the Entertainment Package?

Yes, the package includes ESPN, ESPN2, and ACC Network. For more comprehensive sports coverage, including regional sports networks (RSNs) and channels like NFL Network, you would need to upgrade to the Choice package or add a Sports Pack.

What add-ons can I get with the Entertainment Package?

You can enhance your package with several add-ons, including premium channels (HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax), the Sports Pack for extra games, unlimited Cloud DVR, and international channel packs.

How is DIRECTV Stream different from DIRECTV Satellite TV?

The main difference is the delivery method. DIRECTV Stream uses your internet connection, requires no dish or installation, and has no long-term contract. DIRECTV Satellite requires a professional-installed satellite dish, a 2-year contract, and is susceptible to weather-related outages.

Is the Entertainment Package worth it for families?

Yes, it is an excellent choice for families. The combination of family-friendly channels (Nickelodeon, Disney), unlimited simultaneous streams at home, and parental controls makes it a versatile and valuable option for households with multiple viewers.

DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package – Channels, Price & Features

The DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package is the foundational tier of DIRECTV's internet-based live TV streaming service. Unlike its satellite counterpart, DIRECTV Stream delivers your favorite channels over your home internet connection, making it available on a wide array of devices, from smart TVs to smartphones. It serves as the modern, contract-free evolution of the traditional pay-TV model.

This package is meticulously curated to include a wide spectrum of channels, covering local broadcasts, national news networks, popular entertainment channels, and family-friendly options. It’s often hailed as the "sweet spot" in the DIRECTV stream packages lineup, offering a significant channel count without the premium price tag of the higher-end tiers. For countless households, it represents the ideal blend of content and cost, providing a genuine cable-like experience with the added benefits of streaming.

DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package Channel Lineup

A Deep Dive into the Entertainment Package Channel List

The heart of any TV service is its channel selection. The DIRECTV Entertainment Package lineup is impressively vast, featuring over 75+ live channels, including local affiliates. This ensures you get both national and local content seamlessly.

Entertainment and News Channels
This package is strong on general entertainment and keeping you informed. You get access to a full suite of popular channels:

Entertainment: ESPN, TNT, TBS, USA Network, Bravo, FX, FXX, FXM, AMC, Comedy Central, BET, MTV, VH1, and HGTV.
News: CNN, CNN International, MSNBC, FOX News, CNBC, BBC World News, Newsy, and Weather Channel.
Local Channels: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and The CW (available in most markets), ensuring you never miss local news or primetime broadcasts.

Family and Lifestyle Channels
For family viewing and lifestyle content, the package is well-appointed:

Family: Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Cartoon Network, and Boomerang.
Lifestyle: Food Network, Cooking Channel, TLC, Discovery Channel, OWN, and A&E.

Sports Channels
While the full sports powerhouse requires higher tiers or add-ons, the Entertainment package still includes major players like ESPN, ESPN2, and ACC Network, providing a solid foundation for sports fans.

Comparison with Higher-Tier Packages (Entertainment vs. Choice)
A common comparison is DIRECTV Stream Entertainment vs Choice. The Choice package, the next tier up, adds more sports channels like NFL Network, NBA TV, and NHL Network, along with additional news and entertainment options like MLB Network, ESPN U, and SEC Network. For a serious sports fan, the upgrade to Choice is often worthwhile. However, for the casual viewer, the Entertainment package provides more than enough content.

Premium Channel Add-Ons Availability
You are not limited to the base channels. The DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package allows you to customize your experience with premium add-ons like HBO Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax, and EPIX, available for an additional monthly fee.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package Cost and Value

Understanding the pricing structure is key to evaluating the package's value.

Monthly Cost
The standard monthly price for the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package is $84.99. This price includes 20 hours of Cloud DVR storage at no extra cost. It's important to note that, unlike some competitors, this is a straightforward price that includes local channels—there are no separate "Broadcast TV" or "Regional Sports" fees.

Promotional Offers and Discounts
DIRECTV Stream frequently runs promotional offers, especially for new subscribers. These can include discounted pricing for the first few months or gift card incentives. Always check the official website for the latest deals before signing up.

Comparison with Other DIRECTV Stream Packages
To contextualize the value:

Entertainment: $84.99/mo | 75+ channels
Choice: $99.99/mo | 105+ channels (adds regional sports networks and more)
Ultimate: $114.99/mo | 140+ channels (adds specialty sports and entertainment)
Premier: $159.99/mo | 140+ channels + all premium networks

For many, the DIRECTV Entertainment Package cost represents the best value, offering a strong core lineup without paying for niche channels they may not watch.

Features of the Entertainment Package

Beyond Channels: Powerful Streaming Features

The DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package is more than just a list of channels; it's a feature-rich streaming platform.

Unlimited Cloud DVR & Simultaneous Streams

Cloud DVR: All plans include unlimited Cloud DVR storage, a massive advantage over the base 20 hours. Recorded shows are stored for up to nine months.
Simultaneous Streams: You can stream on an unlimited number of devices at home on your home network. Outside your home, you can stream on up to three devices concurrently. This is perfect for families with multiple viewers.

Streaming Quality and 4K Availability
DIRECTV Stream offers high-quality streaming, with much of its content available in HD (720p/1080p). They also have a growing library of on-demand and live content in 4K, though a 4K-capable device and sufficient internet speed are required.

Device Compatibility
One of DIRECTV Stream's greatest strengths is its wide device support. You can watch on:

Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV (4th Gen+), Chromecast with Google TV
Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, VIZIO SmartCast TVs
Game Consoles: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Mobile Devices & Tablets: iOS and Android phones and tablets via the DIRECTV Stream app
Web Browsers: Chrome, Safari, and others at stream.directv.com

DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package vs Competitors

How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?

The live TV streaming market is competitive. Here’s how the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package compares.

vs. Hulu + Live TV

DIRECTV Stream: Stronger on traditional cable-style channels and unlimited simultaneous streams at home. Includes more channels from the Warner Bros. Discovery family.
Hulu + Live TV: Includes the extensive Hulu on-demand library and Disney+ and ESPN+ in its base price, but its interface can be more cluttered.

vs. YouTube TV

DIRECTV Stream: Offers channels from the Warner Bros. Discovery family (which YouTube TV did not have at the time of writing) and a more traditional channel guide.
YouTube TV: Often praised for its intuitive interface, unlimited DVR with no storage time limit, and slightly lower price point, but lacks some popular cable channels.

vs. Sling TV

DIRECTV Stream: A more comprehensive, unified package that includes local channels and major sports networks in one plan.
Sling TV: Uses an Orange & Blue system that forces you to choose between certain channels or pay for both; locals are not available in all markets. It's cheaper but more fragmented.

Pros and Cons for Different Households

Pros: Extensive channel lineup including locals, unlimited in-home streams, user-friendly interface, and no hidden fees.
Cons: Pricier than some entry-level competitors, the premium DVR requires an upgrade.

Who Should Choose the Entertainment Package?

Is the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package Right For You?

This package is an ideal fit for several types of viewers:

Families: With unlimited streams at home and channels like Nickelodeon and Disney, it caters perfectly to households with diverse viewing habits.
Casual TV Viewers: If you want a robust selection of news, entertainment, and lifestyle channels without a deep dive into niche sports or international content, this package has you covered.
Budget-Conscious Cord-Cutters: While not the absolute cheapest, it offers tremendous value for its channel count, especially when compared to the cost of traditional cable.
News Followers & Entertainment Lovers: With a full suite of major cable news networks and top entertainment channels, it’s a powerhouse for these genres.

How to Sign Up for the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package

Getting Started is Easy

Signing up for the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package is a simple, hassle-free process.

Visit the Website: Go to the official DIRECTV Stream website.
Choose Your Package: Select the "Entertainment" package.
Review Add-Ons: Consider if you want any premium channel add-ons or the unlimited DVR upgrade.
Create an Account: Enter your email, password, and payment information.
Download the App: Download the DIRECTV Stream app on your preferred devices.
Start Streaming: Log in with your new credentials and begin watching immediately.

Free Trial Availability
DIRECTV Stream often offers a free trial for new subscribers, allowing you to test the service, typically for 5-7 days, before your paid subscription begins. Check the website for current trial offers.

Add-Ons and Upgrades

Customizing Your Entertainment Experience

The base DIRECTV Entertainment Package is highly customizable.

Sports Pack: For an extra fee, add even more sports channels.
Premium Channels: Subscribe to HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax individually or in bundles.
Unlimited DVR Upgrade: Boost your DVR to unlimited hours for a monthly fee.
International Packages: Add packages for Spanish-language or other international channels.

DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package vs DIRECTV Satellite TV

Streaming Flexibility vs. Satellite Reliability

Feature	DIRECTV Stream (Entertainment Package)	DIRECTV Satellite
Contract	No long-term contract	Usually, a 2-year contract
Installation	None; self-setup	Professional installation required
Equipment	Use your own devices; no fees	Leased receiver/DVR fees apply
Mobility	Watch anywhere with internet	Only at home with a satellite dish
Weather	Unaffected by the weather	Signal lost in heavy storms
Internet	Requires high-speed internet	Requires no internet

For most modern users, the flexibility and lack of fees make the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package a superior choice.

Customer Reviews and User Experiences

What Are Users Saying?

Overall, the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package receives positive marks from users.

What customers like: The extensive channel lineup, high-quality stream reliability, intuitive interface, and the inclusion of regional sports networks in higher tiers. The ability to use your own hardware is a huge plus.
Common complaints: The price is higher than some competitors', and the base 20-hour DVR can feel limiting (though the unlimited upgrade is available). Some users desire a more customizable channel lineup.
Overall Satisfaction: It consistently ranks as one of the top live TV streaming services for its channel selection and user experience, often earning 4+ out of 5 stars in aggregated reviews.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of DIRECTV Stream

Maximize Your Viewing Experience

Internet Speed: Ensure you have a stable internet connection of at least 8-10 Mbps for HD streaming; more for multiple simultaneous streams.
Master the DVR: Use the "Series Record" option to never miss an episode of your favorite show. Manage your recordings regularly to avoid filling the base storage.
Use Profiles: Set up individual profiles for family members to keep watchlists and DVR recordings separate and organized.
Explore the App: The mobile app is powerful. Use it as a remote, to set recordings on the go, or even to watch live TV outside your home.

Conclusion: Is the DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package Worth It?

Final Verdict

The DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package successfully carves out a space as a premium, yet value-oriented, live TV streaming solution. It delivers a winning combination of a comprehensive channel lineup—including all major locals and key cable networks—powerful features like unlimited in-home streams, and the flexibility of a contract-free service.

While its monthly cost is higher than some competitors, you get what you pay for: a reliable, high-quality service that truly feels like a modern cable replacement. For families, news watchers, and general entertainment seekers, it represents one of the best values in the streaming market today.

DIRECTV Stream Entertainment Package