Genre Packs, Gemini, DTV App

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Our world has gone digital, with more ways to keep up with your favorite live shows and watch movies on demand than ever. Streaming options are more than plentiful (even overwhelming at times), and while some have already made the switch to DIRECTV, there are plenty of others who aren’t sure which package is right for them. The good news is DIRECTV has recently streamlined their services, so you can find the best way to watch whatever you want to watch.

With hundreds of shows, plus the ability to watch your favorite apps like Netflix, Max, or Prime Video¹ directly from your phone or TV, it might be time to switch to DIRECTV — here are some of your streaming options and why you might want to choose one over the other.

Streaming Through the DIRECTV App

Want to go completely satellite (and device)-free? By just signing up for DIRECTV, you can start streaming with no hardware or contract — basically letting you watch anywhere². There’s no long-term commitment required, so you can stream DIRECTV on any device with no annual contract (although there is a regional sports fee of up to $17.99, which is something to consider if you’re going to be following any local teams closely). (Avail. of RSNs varies by zip code and pkg).

Streaming Gemini Device

Want even more of an entertainment hub in your home? You stream with the Gemini device, which delivers an enhanced viewing experience that doesn’t require a satellite dish. Gemini’s voice remote lets you quickly find your shows and entertainment – just ask Google. Whether navigating to your favorite applications like Netflix or Max, or watching broadcasted channels like CNN or ESPN, with this device, your favorites can easily be located through the power of your voice. (Req’s internet-connected Gemini device and separate paid subscriptions for 3rd party apps).

You can search live TV, on demand, and top streaming apps in an easy, intuitive way from just one home screen (no hopping between multiple apps to find something to watch). You’ll get personalized recommendations from live TV and apps the moment you log in, and that’s not even extra. (Req’s internet-connected Gemini device and separate paid subscriptions for 3rd party apps).

Streaming DIRECTV with the device also offers a Sports UI and Sports Guide for fans to track the latest games, and Cloud DVR so you don’t miss those newly premiered shows. Above all, the Gemini Air offers improved search filters that allow you to jump right into your favorite shows and movies on your TV. Nothing is worse than searching for the game and missing that critical tackle or missing the best part of a movie. The only difference in pricing between Streaming App Only and Streaming with Device is the $10 device fee for each device needed in your home.

What Are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Why pay for more channels than what you’d actually watch? DIRECTV is now offering new standalone streaming content offerings, or Genre Packs, for subscribers to choose from: MyEntertainment (TV shows and movies), MySports, (sports channels) MyNews (U.S. and global news) and MiEspañol (Spanish language programming). When you subscribe to a Genre Pack, you can also add on a Mini-Pack of content such as MyCinema ($9.99/mo. plus tax, Requires qualifying base pack. Not available with MiEspañol base pack) or MySports Extra ($12.99/mo. plus tax, Requires MySports base pack. Local channels vary by market. Blackout restrictions apply).

Speaking of sports, DIRECTV also offers access to MLB games on Fox, FS1, TBS, ESPN, ABC, MLB Network — the most MLB games of any provider.* Instead of having to combine multiple streaming services to watch a full season, with DIRECTV, you can get access to your favorite channel above, so it’s easier to watch the MLB games you want³.

Basically, just choose your perfect channel pack, mix and match the genres you like (Disney+ and ESPN+ included, and some include access to select subscription video-on-demand services) and only vibe with your favorites. DIRECTV’s Genre Packs start at $34.99/mo.+tax, and you’ll be able to get the TV lineup you love at a price that’s fair. The best part? Genre Packs are available for DIRECTV streaming customers. Finally, more choices for the viewing experiences you want, and none of the stuff you don’t.

What Packages Does DIRECTV Offer?

Once you’ve chosen your preferred streaming option, DIRECTV offers a few packages, offering flexibility to fit your budget and needs. As a bonus, new approved residential customers can save $240 over two years when you sign up for the DIRECTV CHOICE™ package or higher (24-mo. agmt. req’d. Available in select sales channels). But this offer ends May 17, so if you want to get $10 off per month for the first 24 months, take advantage of these saving soon. Service continues at the then-prevailing rate after 24 months. (Available in select sales channels. See details below.)

These are the four packages available for each streaming option.

ENTERTAINMENT

The ENTERTAINMENT package is the most affordable way to get DIRECTV service. You’ll get both national and local channel options, including Fox, FS1, TBS, ESPN, and ABC. This package costs $84.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees.

($94.99/mo. w/optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime.

CHOICE

CHOICE is DIRECTV’s best offering for sports fans. It includes ENTERTAINMENT channels plus specialty sports networks like MLB Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, NBA TV, SEC Network, and more (you’ll also get access to regional sports channels). Normally $89.99/mo. for 24 months plus taxes and fees, the CHOICE package is currently just $79.99/mo. for the first 24 months (after $10/mo. bill credit for 24 mos).

($117.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee)

ULTIMATE

The ULTIMATE package includes everything in CHOICE, plus sports and movie channels like CBS Sports Network, Discovery Family, FX Movie Channel, NHL Network, STARZ Encore, and more. ULTIMATE is available right now for 119.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees.

($147.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee).

PREMIER

The PREMIER package includes everything in ULTIMATE, as well as premium networks like Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Right now, it’s available for $164.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees.

($192.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee).

DIRECTV STREAMING SIGNATURE PACKAGES:

New approved residential customers only. Service renews monthly unless you cancel. Cancel anytime by calling 800-531-5000 or online. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Device subject to Equipment Lease agmt. Add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply. 

BILL CREDIT OFFER: Limited Time Offer. Receive $10/mo. credit for 24 mos. with CHOICE pkg. or higher. 24-mo. agmt. req’d. Customer must activate service and account must remain in good standing to receive all discounts. You will lose this offer and/or any portion of this offer if you cancel your service. LIMIT ONE OFFER PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. May not be combined with certain offers. Offer may be changed or discontinued at any time.

Service subject to DIRECTV terms and conditions (see Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling units. DIRECTV App: Req’s compatible device and data connection or high-speed internet; data/internet charges may apply.

Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing.  Pricing: ENTERTAINMENT $94.99/mo., CHOICE $117.98/mo., ULTIMATE $147.98/mo., PREMIER $192.98/mo. for 2 years. After 2 years, continues month to month at then-current prevailing prices unless canceled. Prices reflect base package prices plus one req’d. $10/mo. Gemini lease fee and, for CHOICE Pkg. or higher, a Regional Sports Fee (RSF) of up to $17.99/mo. varies by location. May be lower in some areas. $10/mo. for each additional device added to your account. Additional Fees & Taxes: State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information.

DIRECTV Svc Terms: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. Taxes, surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DIRECTV TECH PROTECT(www.directv.com/techprotect) Lease Agreement and transactional fees, are not included in two-year price guarantee. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details.

Equipment Non-Return-Fees If service is cancelled you must return all leased devices to avoid a non-return fee of $120 per device.  

Regional Sports & Local Channels: Regional sports available with CHOICE Pkg. and above. Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view.  Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions 

All programming, terms & restrictions subject to change at any time without notice. See directv.com for details. 

GENRE PACKS

Requires high speed internet. Minimum internet speed of 25Mbps recommended for optimal viewing. Compatible device req’d. 5-DAY FREE TRIAL: New subscribers only. Cancel before end of 5-day trial or service renews monthly at then-prevailing rate (currently minimum $34.99/mo.), billed to your payment method on file. Not combinable with certain other offers. Returning customers who disconnected service within previous 12 months are not eligible for free trial. Additional Fees & Taxes: Certain other add’l fees & charges may apply.  State and local taxes or other governmental fees and charges may apply including any such taxes, fees or charges assessed against discounted fees or service credits. See directv.com/directv-fees/ for additional information. Mini Packs: Requires selecting & maintaining in good standing a compatible base pack: MySports Extra & MyHome Team requires MySport base pack. My Cinema available with MySports, MyEntertainment and MyNews. Local channels, local teams and Regional Sports Network availability varies by market and zip code.

Local Channels, Teams and Regional Sports Networks: Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view.  Limits: Programming subject to blackout restrictions.

MySports: ESPN+ Eligible customers only. Must be 18 years of age or older to redeem offer. For existing ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu subscribers, this is an offer for an additional subscription. This will not replace any existing subscription you may already have. All other accounts must be managed separately. You must remain on an eligible DIRECTV plan to retain your offer. If you cancel your eligible plan or switch to a non-eligible plan, your access to ESPN+ Disney+ and Hulu will end at the end of your eligible plan. One offer per account. Use of the services is subject to the Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu Subscriber Agreement. © 2025 Disney and its related entities

My Entertainment: Disney+ and Hulu Eligible customers only. Must be 18 years of age or older to redeem offer. For existing ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu subscribers, this is an offer for an additional subscription. This will not replace any existing subscription you may already have. All other accounts must be managed separately. You must remain on an eligible DIRECTV plan to retain your offer. If you cancel your eligible plan or switch to a non-eligible plan, your access to ESPN+ Disney+ and Hulu will end at the end of your eligible plan. One offer per account. Use of the services is subject to the Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu Subscriber Agreement. © 2025 Disney and its related entities.

Access Max through Max app or max.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Visit directv.com to verify/create your account. Use of Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see max.com/terms-of-use for details.

Google, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC, Google login required.

 ©2025 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.