I can stream my content on all the most popular devices through DIRECTV STREAM, though I’m limited when it comes to using less common streaming devices such as gaming consoles.
If you are interested in exotic devices, you are best to go elsewhere, but most will be well served by DIRECTV STREAM.
New customers get a 5-day free trial with DIRECTV STREAM.
Table Of Contents
Supported DIRECTV STREAM Devices
DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) supports all the most popular devices. And that’s about all it supports. But the most popular devices are enough for the vast majority of people. So while it’s cool that some services support oddities like the Oculus VR system, there are a lot more people that have Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV devices.
Here’s a complete list of devices that run the DIRECTV STREAM app:
TV and TV Attachments
- DIRECTV STREAM Device
- Amazon Fire TV (2nd generation or higher)
- Amazon Fire TV Stick (2nd generation or higher)
- Amazon Fire TV Edition Smart TV (2nd generation and higher)
- Amazon Fire TV Cube
- Apple TV (4th generation)
- Chromecast Built-in TV (select models)
- Chromecast (2nd generation and higher)
- Roku Streaming Stick® (3500X, 3600X, 3800X) and Streaming Stick+ (3810X, 3811X)
- Roku Express (3700X, 3900X, 3930X) and Express+ (3710X, 3910X, 3931X)
- Roku Premiere (3920X, 4620X) and Premiere+ (3921X, 4630X)
- Roku Ultra (4640X, 4660X, 4661X, 4670X) and Roku LT (2700X)
- Roku 1 SE (2710X)
- Roku 2 (2720X, 4210X)
- Roku 3 (4200X, 4230X)
- Roku 4 (4400X)
- Non-4K Roku TV (5000X, 8000X)
- 4K Roku TV (6000X, 7000X, A000X, C000X, C000GB)
- Roku Smart Soundbar (9100X)
- Samsung 2017- TVs.
Mobile Devices and Browsers
- Android phones and tablets running version 7.1+ (OS 8+ recommended)
- iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touch running version iOS 11+ (iOS 12+ recommended)
- Safari browser (version 13+ is recommended)
- Chrome browser (version 68 or higher)
- Microsoft Edge browser (latest version)
About the only major device missing is Android TV. But this is a bit of a problem because Sony and some other major smart TV brands run on it. This also makes some Hisense, Skyworth, Philips, and TCL TVs incompatible with DIRECTV STREAM.
It also doesn’t support any game systems (Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox) or smart home displays (like Facebook Portal, Amazon Echo Show, or Google Nest Hub).
The DIRECTV STREAM Device
Most people use a compatible device, but you don’t have to. You have the option of using DIRECTV STREAM’s proprietary device. Admittedly, it has a few neat benefits:
- Voice-Responsive Remote: You can ask your remote to tell you the weather report (or launch Netflix or switch to channel 246)
- Universal Remote: You can program the remote to work with your soundbar and other TV accessories so you don’t need multiple remotes.
- One-Click DVR and On-Demand: The remote is set up to easily access the most-used areas, such as your DVRs, the on-demand section, and the live channel guide.
The DIRECTV STREAM device is designed to be easy to set up yourself. Just plug the HDMI cable into the DIRECTV STREAM and your TV, wire it to your modem or router with an ethernet cable (skip that step if you don’t want a wired connection), and hook up the power cord.
Then you follow the on-screen instructions to pair the remote, set up wi-fi (if you didn’t set up a wired connection), wait for the software to update, sign in, set your in-home network, and log into Google, if you want (the remote uses Google Assistant).
Possibly the single biggest reason to get this device (beyond the voice-response gimmick) is that you know it’s compatible. You don’t have to scrutinize model numbers or rely on the Geek Squad. You also know exactly where to turn for customer support and service.
However, bear in mind that DIRECTV STREAM is selling you this thing for $120, which makes it one of the most expensive streaming device on the market. If you qualify, you can pay $5/mo over two years, but don’t be fooled; this is just a contract in disguise.
After 14 days, if you decide to cancel your DIRECTV STREAM, you’ll be stuck with the device, which only works with DIRECTV STREAM. And if you bought it on the installment plan, you’ll be charged the full balance immediately.
Frankly, other streaming devices support all the apps DIRECTV STREAM does, and then some (and are way cheaper). We think the only reason to get the DIRECTV STREAM device is if you want to have all your streaming-related support issues taken care of by a single vendor. And that’s valid. But you are paying for it.
DIRECTV STREAM Overview
While some streaming services deliberately avoided a similar structure to traditional cable (Sling TV is the best example), DIRECTV STREAM is the service that goes out of its way to give you the most comfortingly familiar viewing experience it can.
For a complete introduction to it, see our DIRECTV STREAM review. We’ll give you a brief rundown here.
Plans
DIRECTV STREAM offers four base plans:
- Entertainment Package: Offers roughly 80 live TV channels for $79.99/month. It provides all your essentials: sports (ESPN, like ESPN and Fox Sports), kids and family (Disney and Nickelodeon), news (Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC), lifestyle (HGTV, Discovery, and Food Network), and entertainment (USA, AMC, FX, Paramount Network, TNT).
- Choice Package: Bumps up the channel lineup to over 100 for $108.99/month. It adds college (ACCN, Big Ten Network, ESPNU, SECN) and professional (MLB Network, NBA TV, Tennis Channel, TVG) sports, exclusive regional sports networks, and more entertainment and lifestyle (Travel Channel, Comedy.TV, Cooking Channel, and Game Show Network).
- Ultimate Package: Great for movie lovers because it includes the Starz Encore premium channels, plus additional entertainment channels from all genres. It also includes extra sports channels like CBS Sports Network and NHL Network. It costs $119.99/month.
- Premier Package: Includes everything that went before along with HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, and Starz for $164.99/month. MGM+ is not included but is available as an add-on.
All DIRECTV STREAM plans also come with the standard local channels. These include the Big 4 networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC) along with (where available) The CW, Univision, and Telemundo. And also includes independent channels here and there.
The plans also all come with two major features:
- Cloud DVR: If you sign-up online, you get unlimited cloud DVR storage. All your saved shows and movies last for up to 9 months.
- Simultaneous Streams: Watch on an unlimited number of devices at the same time at your home location and up to 3 devices when away from home. This is especially great for large households.
For more info on plans and channels, see our article on DIRECTV STREAM packages.
Alternatives
If DIRECTV STREAM doesn’t support your favorite device, one of these services may do the trick:
- FuboTV: The sports-friendly streaming service also supports Hisense, LG, VIZIO, and Androd TV-based smart TVs. It also support the Xbox One gaming system. (FuboTV devices)
- Hulu + Live TV: Offers probably the best device support of any streaming service. It supports the Echo Show, Amazon Fire tablets, and Xfinity Flex boxes. It supports smart TVs from LG, VIZIO, and Android TV. And it supports Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox gaming systems. (Hulu + Live TV devices)
- Sling TV: Supports some very cool devices. In particular, you can use the AirTV with an antenna to integrate OTA channels with its streaming channels. Also supports Cox, Evoca, Google Nest, Portal, TiVo Stream, and Xfinity devices. It supports LG, VIZIO, and Android TV smart TVs. And it supports Xbox and Oculus units. (Sling TV devices)
- YouTube TV: Supports smart TVs from Android TV, LG, and VIZIO, Google Nest, and the gaming consoles PlayStation and Xbox.
Wrapping Up
DIRECTV STREAM offers the streaming devices most people have. If you want to stream on a more exotic device, you should look elsewhere.
For a full discussion of all aspects of this service, see our DIRECTV STREAM review.
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Her expertise stems from being an early adopter of various entertainment technologies, from mail-order Netflix to modern streaming platforms. Alanna's in-depth knowledge of Sling TV's modular service and her ability to cover diverse streaming content make her a key expert in navigating the complex landscape of modern streaming options, especially in sports and entertainment.
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