DirecTV Stream and DirecTV via Internet are very similar services but they are not identical. Taking a moment to better understand the finer differences can help to make choosing between them a little easier.
DirecTV Stream has been around for some time now. Previously known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TV Now, and AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream is a streaming-only live TV subscription service that requires access to an internet connection.
DirecTV via Internet is a new extension of the existing DirecTV service. However, unlike DirecTV, which delivers live TV content via satellite, DirecTV via Internet is just that – DirecTV delivered to homes via an internet connection.
With both of these live TV services relying on an Internet connection, and providing a choice between the same four live TV plans, you will largely get the same product and experience regardless of which service you opt for.
That said, some homes may find one service suits their needs better than the other.
| DirecTV Stream | DirecTV via Internet | |
|---|---|---|
| Price p/m | $74.99+ | $64.99+ |
| Plans | Entertainment Choice Ultimate Premier | Entertainment Choice Ultimate Premier |
| Price guarantee | X | 2 Years |
| DVR | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Gemini device | X | ✔ |
| Sign Up | Sign Up |
DirecTV via Internet is for DirecTV customers
DirecTV via Internet is primarily designed for DirecTV customers. This not only means those that are already signed up to the satellite service and considering switching to streaming, but also those that prefer the idea of a traditional live TV package and provider over streaming alternatives.
One of the ways that DirecTV via Internet provides more of a traditional live TV experience is by prioritizing the use of its own set-top box. In fact, you now get the same Gemini player regardless of whether you sign up to DirecTV via Satellite or DirecTV via Internet. At least one Gemini Device is required to sign up to DirecTV via Internet, and customers have the choice of renting additional boxes for other rooms.
DirecTV via Internet is basically DirecTV via Satellite but without the need for a satellite dish. This focus on a traditional TV experience highlights another major difference between DirecTV Stream and DirecTV via Internet – how long you are expected to commit for.
DirecTV Stream is a better short-term service
One really good way to figure out which service is right for you is to try and determine how long you expect to remain a DirecTV customer. While this might seem somewhat difficult to do in advance, DirecTV Stream is better as a short-term solution while DirecTV via Internet might better suit long-term customers.
For example, the streaming device that DirecTV via Internet customers are encouraged to get with their live TV package works in a similar way to devices used with traditional live TV services. In other words, subscribers pay a monthly device fee and are expected to return the device if they end their subscription.
For reference, the device doesn’t have to be returned if it was previously purchased outright, but it won’t prove to be quite as useful if attempting to use it with other live TV streaming services.
In addition to additional equipment and fees, DirecTV via Internet customers are also able to lock in a guaranteed price for two years when signing up, avoiding any unexpected price increases down the road. In contrast, DirecTV Stream subscribers have no similar protections.
Even though DirecTV Stream subscribers don’t have to rent DirecTV equipment or pay additional fees each month, if the price of DirecTV Stream increases next month, subscribers will end up paying the higher price next month.
DirecTV Stream vs Internet – how to choose summary
If you’re still unsure of which DirecTV service is right for you then it all boils down to what you want from a live TV provider. If you want a traditional TV type of service and experience where you use a set-top box and are expected to stay with the same company for a year or two, then DirecTV via Internet will probably suit your needs more.
If, however, you are looking for a more modern approach to live TV, you want to use your own streaming player, and expect that you might want to cancel at some point (either on a temporary basis or to switch services), then DirecTV Stream is likely to be the better option for you.
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