If you're searching for "how much is DirecTV a month," you're likely weighing your options for premium TV entertainment without breaking the bank. In 2026, DirecTV remains a top choice for satellite and streaming TV services across the USA, offering a wide range of channels, on-demand content, and flexible packages. But costs can vary based on promotions, fees, and your chosen plan. On average, entry-level packages start around $85 per month after discounts, while premium options can climb to $170 or more. We'll break it all down here, including hidden fees, current deals, and how this ties into a common follow-up question: Does DirecTV provide internet service?
As a leading TV provider, DirecTV has evolved from pure satellite to include streaming options that require internet. This guide is designed to funnel you through the key details—like pricing, plan comparisons, and internet compatibility—so you can make an informed decision. Whether you're a sports fanatic in Texas, a movie buff in California, or a family in the Midwest looking for reliable entertainment, we've got you covered. Let's dive in with the latest 2026 pricing and explore if DirecTV can handle your internet needs, too.
DirecTV's pricing structure is straightforward but includes promotional discounts that apply for the first 24 months, after which rates revert to standard. All prices are for the USA market and exclude taxes, which vary by state (expect 5-10% extra). You'll also encounter equipment fees, like the $10/month Gemini device lease for streaming, and regional sports fees (up to $19.99/month for Choice packages and higher) if you're in a market with local teams.
Here's a breakdown of the main Signature Packages, based on DirecTV's official offerings as of January 2026:
Note: Prices are rising in February 2026 for some legacy plans—expect $9-10 increases on Choice and similar tiers. New customers can save $120-480 over 24 months, depending on the package, and there's no annual contract for streaming options. Add-ons like premium channels (e.g., HBO Max at $18.49/month starting January 25, 2026) or sports packs ($14.99/month) can bump costs up.
DirecTV also introduced Genre Packs in 2026 for budget-conscious viewers. These curated lineups start at $19.99/month and focus on specific themes:
| Genre Pack | Channels | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MyKids | 20+ kids channels (Disney, Nickelodeon) | $19.99/mo | Families with young children |
| MyEntertainment | 30+ entertainment (HGTV, TNT) | $34.99/mo | General viewing without sports |
| MiEspañol | Spanish-language channels | $29.99/mo | Hispanic households |
| MyNews | News networks (CNN, Fox News) | $24.99/mo | Current events junkies |
| MySports | 20+ sports (ESPN, FS1, NFL Network) | $69.99/mo | Die-hard fans |
You can add mini-packs like MyCinema ($9.99/month) for more movies. These are streaming-only and require high-speed internet, making them a flexible alternative to full packages.
Hidden costs to watch: Installation is often free for new customers, but expect $19.95 activation and potential early termination fees ($20/month remaining on a 24-month satellite contract). Streaming avoids satellite dishes but needs at least 8Mbps per stream (25Mbps recommended for HD).
In total, your monthly bill could range from $20 for a basic Genre Pack to $200+ for Premier with add-ons. Compared to competitors like Dish ($79.99 starting) or Hulu + Live TV ($76.99), DirecTV shines in channel variety but may cost more long-term.
Now, let's address a key query that often follows pricing questions: Does DirecTV provide internet? The short answer is no—DirecTV does not offer its own internet service. As a satellite TV giant, their core focus is on delivering high-quality TV content via satellite or streaming. They separated from AT&T in 2021, and while they once bundled closely, DirecTV now acts as a TV-only provider.
That said, DirecTV is fully compatible with any high-speed internet provider in the USA. For streaming (their "via Internet" option), you'll need a reliable connection to access live TV, on-demand libraries, and apps like the DirecTV app (which supports up to 3 concurrent streams). Satellite customers can use the internet for extras like On Demand during signal outages via SignalSaver, but it's not required for basic viewing.
Why no internet from DirecTV? Satellite internet (like Starlink) is a different beast, focusing on broadband in rural areas. DirecTV prioritizes TV excellence, partnering with ISPs instead. This means no DirecTV-branded modems or Wi-Fi plans—you'll handle internet separately.
Even though DirecTV doesn't provide internet, they make bundling easy through partnerships. You can pair any DirecTV package with providers like AT&T Fiber, CenturyLink, Xfinity, or Astound for a seamless experience. Bundles aren't true "one-bill" deals anymore (separate billing since the AT&T split), but you often get discounts—like $10 off DirecTV for 24 months when bundling with partners.
Here's how popular bundles stack up in 2026:
For rural USA users, pair with satellite internet like Viasat ($50-150/month for 25-150Mbps) or fixed wireless from T-Mobile Home Internet ($50/month unlimited).
Benefits of bundling:
Drawbacks: Separate bills mean tracking two payments, and internet speeds must hit 8Mbps minimum (25Mbps ideal) to avoid buffering. If your area lacks fast internet, stick to satellite TV.
DirecTV stands out for its massive channel lineup (up to 325+ in bundles), exclusive sports like NFL Sunday Ticket (add-on $349/season), and reliability in bad weather (with SignalSaver). Pros include no-contract streaming, free premium channels for 3 months, and perks like Disney+ bundles. Cons: Higher costs post-promo and equipment fees.
Alternatives:
If the internet is a must, consider full bundles from Spectrum or Verizon Fios, which include TV and broadband from $100-200/month.
In summary, DirecTV's monthly costs in 2026 start at $85 for basic plans, scaling to $170 for premium, with Genre Packs as low as $20 for targeted viewing. They don't provide internet themselves, but partnering with top ISPs ensures you can stream or enhance your satellite setup effortlessly. For the best value, check your zip code for availability and bundle with a fast provider like AT&T.
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