Is DirecTV Stream included with DirecTV? It helps to know if you can have the two services together without paying extra.
DirecTV and DirecTV stream are two DirecTV-branded TV services. There are many differences between the two.
We’ll help you get to the bottom of this so you’ll know if you can get DirecTV Stream for free.
Can you have the DirecTV stream with your DirecTV subscription? Let’s find out!
DirecTV and DirecTV Stream are two different TV services. DirecTV Stream is not included with a DirecTV account. They both have different rates, so you’ll have to pay to subscribe to each separately.
Before we discuss the truth about whether DirecTV Stream is included in DirecTV, we’ll explain the main differences between the two services.
Is DirecTV Stream Included with DirecTV Satellite
No. DirecTV and DirecTV Stream are two separate services. You can get both, but you’ll have to pay for each of them.
You can’t get DirecTV Stream as part of the DirecTV subscription.
What Are the Main Differences Between the Two Services
Although they are both DirecTV-branded TV services, DirecTV and DirecTV Stream are two different services. Check out their features to help you decide which one to get.
1. Channel Availability
DirecTV has 165-340+ channels, while DirecTV Stream has 75-150+. If you want to have more channels to choose from, we recommend you go with the satellite service.
2. Pricing and Packages
DirecTV and DirecTV Stream have quite the same price range. The former is available at $64.99-139.99 per month, depending on the number of channels and DVR storage.
On the other hand, you can get Internet TV service for $69.99-149.99 per month.
3. Equipment to Set Up
DirecTV Stream is simple. You can install its internet-based streaming box yourself. Meanwhile, DirecTV Satellite requires professional installation.
4. Contract Periods
DirecTV has contracts, with a whopping 30-38% rate hike in the second year. Like other streaming services, DirecTV Stream has no contract, making it more flexible.
Now that you know the main differences between DirecTV and DirecTV Stream let us discuss them in detail below.
Do DirecTV Customers Get DirecTV Stream – Explained
DirecTV and DirecTV Stream have excellent features, but they are both expensive to have.
This gets DirecTV customers asking if their service also includes DirecTV Stream. However, unfortunately, the answer is NO.
DirecTV and DirecTV stream are separate TV services. You can get them individually, but you’ll have to pay for each.
If you are forced to choose one over the other, we recommend you get DirecTV Stream for the following reasons:
- Flexibility – This means no contract. You can just easily get out of the service anytime you want.
- Simple – You can self-install the streaming box in minutes, meaning you don’t need to pay for professional installation.
- Less expensive – DirecTV Stream may seem more expensive than DirecTV, but it doesn’t have a 30-38% price hike in its second year.
If you want to know more about DirecTV and DirecTV Stream, here is an in-depth review of the two TV services.
What’s the Difference Between DirecTV and DirecTV Stream
Even though their names are the same, DirecTV and DirecTV Stream are completely different services.
One is a satellite-only service, while DirecTV Stream is closer to a streaming service like YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV.
DirecTV can operate without an internet connection, but you’ll need special equipment like a dish and box to get the signal.
However, DirecTV Stream relies on an internet connection, so you can watch from its content library.
This primary difference makes it impossible for your to get DirecTV Stream on your DirecTV subscription.
- DirecTV is a satellite TV service.
- DirecTV Stream is a Live TV streaming service.
- You need a satellite dish to access DirecTV channels.
- You need the internet to access DirecTV Stream content.
Note: You can watch DirecTV even if you don’t have an internet connection, as the signal is beamed directly from a satellite to your dish.
Differences in Packages and Pricing
Since there are fundamental differences between the two services, making it impossible for you to get one with the other, there are also differences in packages and pricing.
The channels that each service carries can differ from one to the other.
Notably, there are many more channels on DirecTV than on DirecTV Stream.
It might seem possible to have DirecTV Stream included with DirecTV, but the limitations with the channel lineup and difference in pricing are not balanced enough.
Here are some of the pricing and channel difference between DirecTV and DirecTV Stream:
- DirecTV subscriptions start at $64.99 per month.
- DirectTV channel count is between 165 to 340+.
- Expect a price bump entering into your 2nd year of subscription.
- DirecTV Stream subscriptions start at $69.99 per month.
- DirecTV Stream channel count is between 75 to 150+.
Note: When it comes to popular channels, you do essentially get the same for each subscription tier. However, DirecTV plans are more affordable.
Why You Can’t Get DirecTV Stream with a DirecTV Subscription
DirecTV and DirecTV Stream are completely different services.
They’re not linked to each other in terms of subscribers and content, as they are independent of each other.
This is the main reason why you don’t have DirecTV Stream with your DirecTV plans.
However, streaming is possible with a DirecTV subscription as you get access to their app.
It allows you to save DVR content and stream it whenever you want using a mobile device with an internet connection.
Here’s what you need to remember with DirecTV and DirecTV Stream:
- Owned by the same company.
- Services are independent of each other.
- Accounts are not shared between the two services.
What You Do Get with a DirecTV Subscription
Now, as a DirecTV subscriber, it does come with a streaming app that you can use to watch content.
It’s called the DirecTV app, and it allows you to watch your favorite channels anytime on your mobile device.
There are also a lot of on-demand titles that you can watch on the app, so you don’t have to remember show times.
As a DirecTV subscriber, you don’t really need to worry about getting a different streaming service to watch your favorite shows and movies.
Here’s what you need to do to use the DirecTV app on your device:
- Search for DirecTV on your device’s app store.
- Download and install the DirecTV app.
- Log in using your DirecTV credentials.
- Select your content or channel of choice and start streaming.
Tip: You can also download the DirecTV app on devices like Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Android, and iOS devices.
Can I Use My DirecTV Login on the DirecTV Stream App
If you’re a DirecTV subscriber, you are going to get login credentials for your account.
This information can come in handy if you want to use it to access your DirecTV account. It’s also the logins you need to watch on the DirecTV app.
However, it’s not going to work with the DirecTV Stream app. Even though these two seem similar and are from the same company, their accounts are not linked together.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use your logins for the DirecTV Stream app, but you can still enjoy on-demand and live TV content via the internet with the DirecTV app.
- Your DirecTV logins will only work on your DirecTV account.
- You can use it to log in to the DirecTV app.
- You cannot use it for the DirecTV Stream app.
Note: Once you have your DirecTV logins, don’t forget it since you will use it to pay bills and change your subscription.
That’s everything you need to know about DirecTV and DirecTV Stream. By now, you’ll have realized that even though they’re closely related, they’re not the same service.
There are a lot of differences between the two platforms. If you have any questions, you can contact their customer service to compare the two better.
Bottom Line
Is DirecTV Stream included with DirecTV? Now that you know the full picture, you can decide which service fits your lifestyle and entertainment needs.
These two fill vastly different niches, so you shouldn’t have to worry about which one to get.
You won’t have DirecTV Stream with your DirecTV subscription, but you do have access to something similar.
DirecTV is for someone who really needs a satellite TV service, and the companion streaming app is a bonus.
Read Next: What Happens If I Don’t Pay My DirecTV Bill?
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.