DirecTV Streaming Service Review (2025)

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.

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 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.