You don’t need a satellite dish to watch DirecTV anymore, but before you sign up for a DirecTV streaming plan, make sure you pick the right one. DirecTV offers two streaming services today, one called DirecTV Stream and the other called DirecTV via Internet. They have nearly identical branding and many of the same channel packages, but they’re different in several important ways. The short version: If you want to avoid sneaky fees and long-term contracts, sign up for DirecTV Stream. But if you’re after a more traditional pay TV service with lower up-front costs, DirecTV via Internet might be worth a look. Let’s break down those differences in more detail: Channel lineups are the same, but prices vary If you’re looking for a big bundle of pay TV channels, DirecTV via Internet and DirecTV Stream offer the exact same channel lineups: Entertainment includes local stations, cable news, national sports channels, and entertainment channels. The total, non-promotional price is $87 per month with DirecTV Stream and $90 per month for two years with DirecTV via Internet. Choice adds more sports channels and regional sports networks. The total, non-promotional price is $115 per month with DirecTV Stream and up to $123 per month for two years with DirecTV via Internet (with a $10-per-month discount for new subscribers). Ultimate adds more sports and movie channels. The total, non-promotional price is $130 per month with DirecTV Stream and starts at $153 per month for two years with DirecTV via Internet (with a $10-per-month discount for new subscribers). Premier adds premium networks such as Max and Starz. The total, non-promotional price is $170 per month with DirecTV Stream and starts at $198 per month with DirecTV via Internet (with a $10-per-month discount for new subscribers). For an in-depth comparison of the two services’ channel lineups, consult these PDFs for DirecTV Stream and DirecTV via Internet. DirecTV via Internet has long-term contracts with early termination fees Beware the fine print.Jared Newman / Foundry If you take only one thing away from this article, it’s that DirecTV via Internet has contracts, while DirecTV Stream does not. Read the fine print on DirecTV’s plan selection page, and you’ll see that the advertised price requires a 24-month commitment. Cancelling early invokes an early termination fee of $20 for each month left on your contract, up to $480 in total. By contrast, DirecTV Stream allows you to cancel anytime without penalty, the flip side being that prices aren’t locked in, so they can increase at any time. DirecTV via Internet has extra fees DirecTV via Internet has a couple of notable fees: Advanced Receiver Service: This mandatory $15-per-month fee covers the cost of a DirecTV set-top box for a single TV. Each additional box costs $7 per month, although you can use DirecTV’s streaming apps on third-party set-top boxes like Roku at no extra charge. Regional sports fees: These vary by market but can cost up to $18 per month. With DirecTV Stream, the advertised price is what you get, with no additional fees for equipment or regional sports channels–albeit with no guarantee that prices won’t go up in the next two years. Only DirecTV Stream has cheaper “Genre Packs” DirecTV DirecTV Stream now offers a handful of cheaper TV bundles that are focused on specific genres: MyEntertainment ($35 per month) includes a broad mix of entertainment channels and cable news, but no local or sports channels. Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) are also included, and Max will be added soon at no extra charge. Notable channels include HGTV, History, Discovery, and Bravo. MyNews ($40 per month) has the big three major cable news networks along with local NBC and Fox stations, plus CNBC, CNBC World, Fox Business, CNN International, i24, and Newsmax. MySports ($70 per month) has local ABC, Fox, and NBC channels, plus ESPN channels, Fox Sports channels, Turner channels (TNT, TBS, TruTV), all four league-specific channels, and USA, along with cable news. ESPN+ is included as well. MiEspañol ($35 per month) includes Univision, Telemundo, and dozens of other Spanish-language channels. DirecTV Stream’s bundle picker page has a full channel list for each genre pack, along with some optional add-ons. As of now, these cheaper genre packs aren’t available with DirecTV via Internet. DirecTV via Internet includes a streaming dongle, DirecTV Stream is bring-your-own DirecTV’s Gemini Air dongle and remote provides a more traditional TV experience.DirecTV So far, DirecTV via Internet doesn’t seem to have much going for it. Compared to DirecTV Stream, the service is more expensive, it locks you into a long-term contract, and you can’t take advantage of DirecTV’s more flexible genre packs. The one advantage DirecTV via Internet has is its Gemini Air streaming dongle that you’ll plug into your TV’s HDMI port. It closely mimics the cable TV experience, jumping right into live TV when you turn it on, and its remote is loaded with shortcuts for things like recording, channel-flipping, and the grid guide. It even includes number keys for jumping to your favorite channels. The dongle provides access to streaming apps such as Netflix and Hulu as well. With DirecTV Stream, you supply the hardware. DirecTV offers apps for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV/Google TV, Samsung TVs, iOS, and Android (there is currently no DirecTV Stream app for LG’s WebOS). It also works on the web and supports casting via Google Cast. On these devices, DirecTV Stream will behave like any other streaming app that you’d launch from the home screen. The DirecTV app is available for most streaming devices and works with either DirecTV via Internet or DirecTV Stream.DirecTV Can you buy a Gemini Air box to use with DirecTV Stream? Officially, no. But it is available from SolidSignal for $220, and many eBay sellers offer it for less. Once installed, it will work the same way with DirecTV Stream as it does with DirecTV via Internet, and you can still use it with other streaming apps if you cancel service. Still, the set-top box does represent an additional up-front expense with DirecTV Stream, whereas with DirecTV via Internet it’s rolled into your monthly bill. Depending on your choice of channel package and your level of commitment to DirecTV, you might come out ahead choosing DirecTV via Internet instead of DirecTV Stream. What about satellite? DirecTV still offers satellite service for new subscribers. The costs are mostly the same as DirecTV via Internet, and new subscribers get a Gemini box that’s similar to the Gemini Air model for internet customers. The only notable difference—aside from the delivery mechanism and the need to install a satellite dish—is that DirecTV via Satellite allows you to opt out of local channels for a $12-per-month discount. Which DirecTV should you choose? Most folks who are considering DirecTV should opt for DirecTV Stream. It’s cheaper in most cases, offers more flexible channel packages, and it doesn’t lock you into a long-term commitment. DirecTV via Internet is only worth considering if you don’t plan to change your TV habits for the next couple of years and want to use DirecTV’s own streaming dongle to access the service. Even then, you may still come out ahead choosing DirecTV Stream and buying a Gemini dongle on your own. Of course, there are lots of other ways to get TV these days. Check out our guide to the best live TV streaming services, or consider going bundle-free to maximize your savings. Sign up for Jared’s Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter for more streaming TV advice. Read...

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As winter drags on and Spring Training gets underway, I’m itching to start thinking about baseball again. Too bad watching the games can still be an ordeal. In 2025, Major League Baseball has yet to rally its teams behind a cohesive strategy for streaming local ballgames. While some teams are partnering with the league on distribution, others are going their own way, working with regional sports networks, or clinging to expensive pay TV bundles. Factor in all the nationally-televised games scattered across cable networks and streaming services, and there’s a lot for baseball fans to think about. As I’ve done with the NBA and NHL, I’ll survey the scene of local baseball streaming options so you know what to expect when the weather warms up. In-market MLB streaming options at a glance Here’s where things stand for in-market baseball streaming options as of February 20, 2025: TeamSports NetworkSupported streaming bundlesStandalone optionsArizona DiamondbacksDiamondbacks TVDTV Stream, FuboDBacks.tv ($100/yr) *AthleticsNBC Sports CaliforniaDTV Stream, Fubo, YTTV, Hulu Live TVPeacock sub required, plus $18/moAtlanta BravesFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Baltimore OriolesMASNDTV Stream, Fubo–Boston Red SoxNESNDTV Stream, FuboNESN 360 ($30/mo or $330/yr)Chicago CubsMarquee Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboMarquee Sports Network ($20/mo)Chicago White SoxCHSNDTV Stream, FuboCHSN ($20/mo)Free over-the-airCincinnati RedsFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Cleveland GuardiansGuardians TVTBDCleGuardians.TV ($100/yr) *Colorado RockiesRockies TV–Rockies.TV ($100/yr) *Detroit TigersFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Houston AstrosSpace City Home NetworkDTV Stream, Fubo–Kansas City RoyalsFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Los Angeles AngelsFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Los Angeles DodgersDTV StreamSNLA+ ($30/mo or $200/yr)Free with Spectrum internet + mobileMiami MarlinsFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Milwaukee BrewersFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Minnesota TwinsTwins TVTBDTwins.TV ($100/yr) *New York MetsPrimary: SportsNet NYSecondary: WPIXSNY: DTV Stream, HuluWPIX: DTV, Fubo, Hulu, YTTVSNY ($25/mo or $125/yr) *WPIX games OTA onlyNew York YankeesPrimary: YES NetworkSecondary: Prime VideoDTV Stream, Fubo (YES only)Gotham Sports ($20/mo or $200/yr)Prime Video: $140/yrPhiladelphia PhilliesNBC Sports PhiladelphiaFubo, YTTV, Hulu Live TVPeacock sub required, plus $25/moPittsburgh PiratesSportsNet PittsburghDTV Stream, FuboSNP 360 ($18/mo)San Diego PadresPadres TVDTV Stream, FuboPadres.TV ($100/yr) *San Francisco GiantsNBC Sports Bay AreaDTV Stream, Fubo, YTTV, Hulu Live TVPeacock sub required, plus $18/moSeattle MarinersRoot SportsDTV Stream, Fubo–St. Louis CardinalsFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Tampa Bay RaysFanDuel Sports NetworkDTV Stream, FuboFanDuel Sports Network ($20/mo)Texas RangersRangers Sports NetworkDTV StreamVictory+ ($100/yr)Free OTA on FridaysToronto Blue JaysSportsnet–SportsNet+ ($20/mo or $180/yr)Washington NationalsMASNDTV Stream, Fubo–* Can be bundled with MLB.TV for $100 more ($95 extra for SNY) Looking at the league as a whole, in-market coverage falls into a handful of buckets: In-market MLB.TV: Currently, five MLB teams (Diamondbacks, Guardians, Rockies, Twins, Padres) are partnering directly with the league to distribute local games at $100 for the season. Fans of these teams are the biggest winners, as MLB offers a polished app with features like live-game DVR, alternate audio feeds, and whiparound league coverage from MLB Big Inning. Out-of-market MLB.TV games aren’t included, but you can add them for $100 extra, which is $50 off the regular price. MLB hybrids: In-market Dodgers and Mets games will also stream through the MLB app this year, but with Spectrum SportsNet and SNY handling the distribution, respectively. Pricing is higher than MLB.TV’s other in-market options, and there’s no mention of the usual MLB app perks such as Big Inning and live radio feeds. FanDuel Sports Network: Formerly known as Bally Sports (and, before that, as Fox Sports Networks), these are the channels operated by Main Street Sports Group (formerly Diamond Sports Group). This year, the network will offer standalone, in-market streaming options for all its teams, either through the FanDuel Sports Network app or as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video. The price is $20 per month in both cases. The lone rangers: Instead of working with MLB or Main Street Sports Group, a bunch of teams have either spun up their own distribution plans or formed bespoke partnerships. Those include the Boston Red Sox (on NESN 360), Chicago Cubs (on Marquee Sports Network), Chicago White Sox (on CHSN), the New York Yankees (on Gotham Sports), Pittsburgh Pirates (on SNP 360), and Texas Rangers (on Victory+). OTA oddities: Compared to the NBA and NHL, baseball is making fewer forays into over-the-air distribution. The only team offering all local games for free with an antenna is the White Sox, whose games will air on CHSN. Mets fans will get some games on WPIX, and the Rangers Sports Network will offer free over-the-air broadcasts on Fridays, but that’s it. Peacock bundlers: Peacock is offering in-market access to its regional NBC Sports in Boston, Philadelphia, and northern California at an additional charge. The heads-in-the-sand: As of now, four MLB teams are pretending that cord-cutting isn’t real, and they will require a bloated pay TV package to watch their games in-market. The hall of shame includes the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals (both on MASN); Houston Astros (on Space City Home Network); and the Seattle Mariners (Root Sports); Commissioner Rob Manfred told The Athletic that it’s “made clear to the clubs that blackouts were a problem and that reach should be a priority,” but apparently these teams missed the memo. A lot could still change by opening day. The Cincinnati Reds, for instance, originally planned to drop FanDuel Sports Network for MLB.TV, only to reverse course last month, so other teams could potentially follow. Rumors of Peacock distributing NBC’s regional sports networks will hopefully pan out, but haven’t yet. Meanwhile, the Twins and Guardians haven’t announced which traditional pay TV providers will carry their newly established channels yet. It’s a fluid situation and I’ll update this story as things happen. National baseball streaming As in years past, the in-market streaming options above won’t spare you from the occasional blackout for nationally-televised games, nor will they entitle you to playoff coverage should your team survive into October. Still, whether you’ll need a big pay TV package to watch these games is a question of timing. Here’s where we stand: Max already offers live sports from TBS, currently at no extra charge beyond its standard plans, which start at $10 per month (with ads). This should cover the channel’s Tuesday night games and postseason coverage. ESPN and Fox both plan to offer standalone streaming services later this year, but timing and pricing is unknown. Apple TV+ continues to stream select games on Friday nights as part of its $11-per-month subscription. The Roku Channel will offer Sunday morning games for free. Will anyone bundle it all up? There’s definitely an opportunity for skinnier TV packages focused on broadcast, national, and regional sports coverage, but none have materialized yet. DirecTV’s MySports package, for instance, is cheaper than its standard plans at $70 per month, but it excludes regional sports for now. Comcast has its own “Sports and News” package for $70 per month, but it doesn’t include regional sports either. Fubo, meanwhile, says it’s working on a “Sports & Broadcasting” package as part of its impending takeover by Disney, but it hasn’t announced any specifics. That leaves the usual live TV streaming options, most of which don’t carry regional sports themselves, and continue to get more expensive. I don’t want to be too sour about all this. Standalone MLB streaming options are more plentiful in 2025—here in Cincinnati, for instance, Reds fans can finally watch without an expensive pay TV package—and unbundled options from Fox and ESPN will help, especially if they’re here in time for the playoffs. But for a league that’s now preaching the value of reach, it’s hard to look at the cohesion with other sports—consistent NFL broadcast coverage on Sundays, Apple’s blackout-free MLS offering—and not see a missed opportunity. Further reading: These are the best live TV streaming services. Sign up for Jared’s Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter for more streaming TV advice. Read...

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