Overview
Is DirecTV Safe and Reliable?
DirecTV has a rating of 1.1 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with 94% of users rating it as bad. Of those who rate the company highly, some were enthusiastic about the high levels of customer service. Those who were less satisfied mentioned difficulties in contacting a real person on customer service and issues with payment.
Although DirecTV has a rating of A- with the Better Business Bureau, it isn’t accredited by the body and has a score of 1.03 out of 5 based on customer reviews.
How DirecTV Works
Once you’ve signed up to DirecTV, you can create an account by entering information such as your account number, phone number, or the last 4 digits of your credit card. Once your account is up and running, you can pay bills, view your subscription, and upgrade your plan. This straightforward process aligns with what you'd expect from the Top 10 Best TV Streaming Services.
New customers can stream the service on an unlimited number of devices from home and watch up to 3 streams on the go via compatible devices. However, you may be limited to 3 streams if you subscribed to the service when it was DirecTV Now or AT&T Now.
You can also record up to 3 channels at same time, which could prove invaluable if you and other members of your household can’t agree on what to watch.
The company also provides unlimited cloud storage for DVR and, in another particularly nifty feature, it offers a voice-controlled remote with a virtual assistant.
Overall, we found the website extremely user friendly and did not encounter any difficulties when researching the various packages available.
DirecTV Customer Support
You can contact DirecTV via phone, online chat, or social media. Support hours for billing and accounts are 8am-12am, Monday to Sunday (ET), while you can receive 24/7 technical support.
When we contacted DirecTV via live chat, we received an immediate and very helpful response.
If your query is more general, you could consult the extensive selection of FAQs on the company’s website, which provided most of the information we needed.
DirecTV also has a blog that covers general entertainment topics such as TV, movies, and gaming.
Is There a DirecTV App?
You can download DirecTV’s app from the App Store or Google Play. It allows you to:
Watch movies and shows live or on demand
Stream or download home DVR recordings to your device
Record movies and shows from any location
Pause, play, and rewind your TV via your mobile device
Search for TV and movies using voice commands
Set parental controls
DirecTV Pricing
Although DirecTV fees are higher than some competitors, it offers several perks that could justify the price tag, such as the freedom to watch unlimited streams simultaneously.
How Much Does DirecTV Cost?
Includes 40+ channels like, FX, A&E, HGTV, Discovery, Bravo, Food Network & Disney+Hulu Bundle Basic & Max Basic with ads subscriptions
ENTERTAINMENT + SPORTS PACK:
After the initial three-month promotion period, you will pay a discounted rate of $84.98 per month plus tax, the ENTERTAINMENT + SPORTS PACK renews at a minimum of $79.99 per month, plus applicable taxes. The limited-time offer includes the ENTERTAINMENT package and DIRECTV Sports Pack. You can receive a $10 discount on the total package price for the first three months. Additionally, the DIRECTV Sports Pack is offered for free for one month. The $30 savings is spread over the first three months, and the offer terms are subject to change or discontinuation at any time.
CHOICE™ + SPORTS PACK:
For the CHOICE™ + SPORTS PACK, after the one-month promotional period at $98.99 plus tax, the plan renews at a minimum of $108.99 per month plus taxes. The promotional offer includes a $10 discount on the CHOICE package for the first three months, and the DIRECTV Sports Pack is provided free for the first month. The total savings of $30 over three months applies here as well, with the offer subject to modification or discontinuation without prior notice. The package also includes premium networks free for the first three months.
ULTIMATE + SPORTS PACK:
The ULTIMATE + SPORTS PACK renews after one month at a minimum of $119.99 per month plus taxes, following an initial promotional price of $109.99 plus tax. This package similarly includes a $10 monthly discount for the first three months and offers the DIRECTV Sports Pack free for the first month. This package also includes premium networks for the first three months at no additional cost, after which they auto-renew at prevailing rates unless canceled.
Each of these packages is designed to transition from a promotional rate to a standard rate, and all are contingent upon the account remaining in good standing. DirecTV encourages all to review the terms regularly and are free to cancel or modify their service at any time to avoid transitions into higher rates post-promotion. The offer details are crucial for budgeting and understanding the long-term costs associated with these subscription packages.
Additional Plan & Pricing Details:
DIRECTV STREAM: The service requires high-speed internet, with a minimum of 8Mbps per stream for optimal viewing.
Cancellation: You can modify or cancel the service online or by calling 1-800-531-5000.
5-Day Free Trial: Available for new subscribers. Cancel before the end of the 5-day trial to avoid charges.
Premium Networks Offer: First 3 months of Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ®, MGM+™, and Cinemax® included in ENTERTAINMENT through ULTIMATE packages. After the trial, these services auto-renew at prevailing rates until canceled.
Sports Pack Details: SPORTS PACK auto-renews monthly at $14.99 unless canceled.
Local and Regional Channels: Availability varies by package and billing region. Regional Sports Networks are included with CHOICE and higher packages.
What else should I know about DirecTV pricing?
Determining which plan provides the best value for your needs will, of course, depend on the amount of time you spend watching TV and which channels you prefer. You can find a full list of the channels available on each plan here.
If you’re a fan of premium channels, it could be worth investing in a Premier subscription, which includes HBO Max, Showtime, and Cinemax. In contrast, the Entertainment plan may not be ideal for sports fans as it doesn’t include regional sports channels.
If you’d like to purchase a DirecTV streaming device and you pass the company’s credit check, you’ll pay an additional $5 per month for this equipment. Otherwise, there is an up-front fee of $120. This device allows you to integrate your live, recorded, and on-demand TV into a single platform. Be aware that you can also watch DirecTV via other streaming equipment, such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, iPads, iPhones, and Chromecast, which means the purchase of DirecTV’s equipment is optional.
Overall, DirecTV’s fees are at the higher end of the market, although these plans do offer several attractive perks that may make the fee worthwhile in certain cases. While some customers may prefer a more budget-friendly solution, others may, for example, believe the fact that DirecTV has the highest number of regional sports plans of any provider justifies its cost.
Bottom Line
If you spend a lot of time watching TV and movies at home, DirecTV could be a worthwhile investment. Although it comes with relatively high fees, it offers an impressive choice of streaming plans and includes perks such as unlimited DVR recording and voice-controlled remote control. Perhaps the most significant downside we identified is the high number of negative customer reviews on Trustpilot.
Deciding whether the service is worth your time and money will depend on your budget and how much use you would get out of the service. While it may not be ideal for those looking for an affordable solution, high-usage viewers may appreciate the vast array and perks and high-tech features.
