Alright folks cord-cutters streamers TV lovers listen up! Trying to figure out the whole DirecTV streaming thing? Yeah it can get confusing fast. They have got DirecTV Stream AND DirecTV via Internet and honestly they sound super similar right? But hold on because there are some key differences you need to know before you jump in especially if you are trying to catch all the March Madness action or just want your regular TV fix without cable headaches.
DirecTV Stream vs DirecTV via Internet: Cracking the Code on These Confusingly Similar TV Services
So what's the deal? DirecTV actually offers TWO main streaming services these days. There is DirecTV Stream and DirecTV via Internet. They have basically the same name similar channel packages and logos that look almost identical. Sneaky right? But do not get fooled! Under the hood they are pretty different.
The big picture? If you are all about dodging sneaky fees and want to avoid being locked into a contract go with DirecTV Stream. But if you are used to a more traditional cable TV vibe and maybe want lower costs to get started DirecTV via Internet might be worth a peek. Let's break down the details and figure out which one is actually the best value for your money especially as we head into prime sports season and shows you just can't miss.
Channel Packages and Lineups: Are DirecTV Stream and DirecTV via Internet Actually Twins?
Good news for channel surfers! Both DirecTV via Internet and DirecTV Stream offer basically the same channel lineups. Yup you can get your favorite news sports and entertainment channels on either one. They have got those big bundles of channels that can feel like a classic cable package just delivered over the internet instead of a satellite dish or cable box.
Want to dive deep into the channel lists? You can actually check out PDF guides for DirecTV Stream and DirecTV via Internet to compare them side-by-side. But for most folks just know that you are getting a very similar selection no matter which DirecTV streaming service you pick channel-wise. The real differences come down to other stuff like contracts fees and how you actually watch it on your TV.
Contracts and Hidden Fees: The Not-So-Fun Part of DirecTV via Internet (Versus Stream's Freedom!)
Okay this is where things get seriously different and where you really need to pay attention. DirecTV via Internet? It comes with contracts. Yep old-school cable style contracts. Read the fine print on their plan page and you will see that advertised price? It usually needs a 24-month commitment to get that deal. If you try to bail early you are going to get hit with an early termination fee. We are talking like $20 for every month left on your contract which could add up to a whopping $480! Yikes.
DirecTV Stream on the other hand? Freedom! You can cancel anytime you want. No penalties no hidden fees just peace out whenever you are ready. The flip side is that those prices are not locked in stone with DirecTV Stream. They can raise prices whenever they want. But at least you are not trapped in a long-term deal.
With DirecTV Stream what you see is pretty much what you get. The price they show usually includes everything no extra equipment fees or those annoying regional sports fees that cable companies love to tack on. Of course there is no guarantee prices will not go up in the future but at least upfront it is more transparent and flexible than DirecTV via Internet with its contracts and potential early termination costs.
Equipment and Tech: Gemini Air Dongle vs Streaming Apps - How Do You Actually Watch?
Here's another key difference how you actually watch DirecTV via Internet and DirecTV Stream on your TV.
DirecTV via Internet has a bit of an advantage for some folks here. They give you their Gemini Air streaming dongle. You plug this little guy into your TV's HDMI port and it basically turns your TV into a cable box-like experience but streaming over the internet. It jumps right into live TV when you power it on and the remote is designed to feel familiar with shortcuts for recording changing channels and a TV guide grid. It even has number buttons to punch in channel numbers old-school style! Plus you can still use it for streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu.
DirecTV Stream is more BYOH - Bring Your Own Hardware. You use your own streaming devices. They have apps for Roku Fire TV Apple TV Android TV/Google TV Samsung TVs and even phones and tablets. Basically if you have a smart TV or a common streaming device you are probably good to go. You just download the DirecTV Stream app and it works like any other streaming app you are used to using like Netflix or Hulu. No Gemini Air box included unless you buy it separately.
Can you use a Gemini Air box with DirecTV Stream? Officially DirecTV does not sell them separately for DirecTV Stream. However you can find them online from places like SolidSignal or eBay sometimes for less than the official price. If you buy one and set it up it will work pretty much the same way with DirecTV Stream as it does with DirecTV via Internet giving you that cable-like box experience even with the contract-free service.
DirecTV Stream: Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- No Contracts! Cancel anytime no penalties.
- Transparent Pricing: Advertised price is mostly all-inclusive (but prices can change).
- Flexible Channel Packages: Genre-based packs for more customization.
- Wide Device Support: Apps for most popular streaming devices and smart TVs.
Cons:
- No Price Lock: Prices can increase over time.
- BYO Equipment: You need your own streaming device (or buy a Gemini Air separately).
- No LG TV App: Currently no app for LG WebOS smart TVs.
DirecTV via Internet: Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- "Cable-Like" Experience: Gemini Air dongle and remote offer a traditional TV feel.
- Equipment Included: Gemini Air dongle is included in the monthly cost.
Cons:
- Contracts! 24-month commitment required for advertised pricing.
- Early Termination Fees: Pricey penalties for canceling early.
- Less Flexible Packages: Fewer channel customization options.
- Potentially Higher Overall Cost: Contracts and fees can make it pricier long-term.
The Verdict: DirecTV Stream Usually Wins for Most Cord Cutters - But Consider Your Needs
For most people ditching cable and looking at DirecTV streaming options DirecTV Stream is probably the way to go. It is generally cheaper especially if you value flexibility and hate contracts. The more customizable channel packs are also a nice bonus. You get more control and avoid getting locked in.
DirecTV via Internet really only makes sense if you are super set on that traditional cable TV box experience and remote and you are absolutely positive you will not change your TV habits for two whole years. Even then you might still be better off going with DirecTV Stream and just buying a Gemini Air box separately if you really want that specific hardware. Do the math and think about your viewing habits before committing.
Beyond DirecTV: Exploring Other Live TV Streaming and Catching March Madness
Of course DirecTV is not the only game in town for live TV streaming . There are tons of other services out there like YouTube TV Hulu + Live TV Sling TV and FuboTV. It's worth checking out our guide to the best live TV streaming services to see all your options and compare features and prices.
And if you are specifically trying to catch March Madness NCAA basketball tournament all these services will likely carry the channels you need like CBS ESPN TBS and TruTV. Make sure to confirm channel lineups for your area and compare free trials to find the best way to stream all the hoops action this season!