If you’re looking to cut the cord but don’t want to lose access to live sports and your favorite cable channels, the DIRECTV Stream 5-day free trial is the best way to test the service.
As of 2026, DIRECTV Stream offers a 5-day free trial for all new customers. This gives you full, unlimited access to the specific package you choose, including its entire channel lineup, on-demand library, and unlimited cloud DVR.
This guide provides a step-by-step plan to claim your trial, breaks down the package options, and explains how to cancel so you don’t get charged.
Does DIRECTV Stream Offer a 30-Day Free Trial?
No. This is the most common point of confusion. DIRECTV Stream does not offer a 30-day free trial.
Any articles or posts you see claiming a 30-day or 3-month trial are outdated or were never true to begin with. The one and only official offer for new customers in 2026 is the 5-day free trial.
How to Activate Your 5-Day DIRECTV Stream Free Trial
Claiming your trial is a simple, one-time process.
- Visit the official DIRECTV Stream website.
- Choose Your Package. You will see all four packages listed (Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, Premier). You can get a free trial for any of them, but most users start with “Choice” or “Ultimate.”
- Click the “Try it for free” button for the plan you want to test.
- Create Your Account. You will need to enter your personal details and create a password.
- Enter Your Payment Details. You must enter a valid credit card or PayPal account. You will not be charged if you cancel before the 5-day trial period ends.
- Complete Your Order. Review the terms, check the “I am not a Robot” box, and complete your order.
Your 5-day trial begins immediately, and you can start streaming on your TV, computer, or mobile device.
What’s Included in the 5-Day Free Trial?
During your 5-day trial, you get the full experience of a paying member. This includes:
- Full Channel Access: You get every single channel included in the package you selected (90-185+ channels).
- Live Sports: This is DIRECTV’s biggest strength. You get access to ESPN, FS1, and, if you choose the “Choice” package or higher, your local Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) for your local NBA, MLB, and NHL teams.
- Unlimited Cloud DVR: You can record as many shows and events as you want.
- On-Demand Library: Access to thousands of shows and movies.
- Multi-Device Streaming: You can stream on up to 20 devices at once inside your home and 3 devices on the go.
DIRECTV Stream Packages & Pricing (2026)
This is what you’ll be choosing from for your trial. The “Choice” plan is the most popular, as it’s the cheapest plan that includes Regional Sports Networks.
| Package | Channels | Standard Price | Key Features |
| Entertainment | 90+ | $74.99/mo | Core channels (ESPN, CNN, HGTV) |
| Choice | 125+ | $89.99/mo | Includes Regional Sports (RSNs), NBA TV |
| Ultimate | 160+ | $119.99/mo | More sports (NHL Network, CBS Sports) |
| Premier | 185+ | $164.99/mo | Includes HBO Max, Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax |
Note: Prices are subject to change. DIRECTV often runs promotions, like $10-$15 off your first few months, so your initial price may be lower.
The TVPLUSSTREAM Alternative: A Simpler, All-in-One Solution
Seeing those prices? A premium, sports-ready package like DIRECTV Stream “Ultimate” costs over $119 a month. You get a lot of channels, but you also get a high bill.
If you’re looking for a service that gives you more channels—including all the premium sports, movie networks, and international content—for a fraction of the price, TVPLUSSTREAM IS THE BEST choice.
TVPLUSSTREAM is designed to be the ultimate all-in-one IPTV solution. Instead of complicated tiers, you get one plan with thousands of channels.
Why choose TVPLUSSTREAM? For less than the price of DIRECTV’s basic plan, TVPLUSSTREAM gives you more channels than their “Premier” plan. You get all the sports, premium movies (HBO, Showtime), and 24/7 entertainment in one simple app.
How to Cancel Your DIRECTV Stream Free Trial
If you decide the service isn’t for you, you must cancel before the 5-day trial ends to avoid being charged.
- Log in to your DIRECTV Stream account on a web browser.
- Go to your “Account Settings” (usually by clicking your profile icon).
- Select “Manage Subscriptions” or “Manage My Plan.”
- Find and click the option to “Cancel Subscription.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your cancellation.
If you forget to cancel, you will be billed for your first month, and they typically do not offer refunds.
5-Day Trial vs. 14-Day Return: A Key Difference
You may see a “14-day” policy mentioned. This is not a 14-day trial.
- 5-Day Free Trial: This is for the streaming service itself. It’s how you test the channels.
- 14-Day Return Policy: This only applies if you buy hardware, like their “Gemini” streaming box. It’s a 14-day window to return the physical device for a refund.
You do not need their device to use the 5-day free trial.
Conclusion: Is the DIRECTV Stream Trial Worth It?
Yes. For anyone who wants a premium, cable-like experience (especially for live sports), the 5-day free trial is the perfect, no-risk way to see if it’s right for you. You get full access to the best sports lineup in streaming and their unlimited cloud DVR.
FAQ: DIRECTV Stream Free Trial 2026
Q: Is DIRECTV Stream free?
A: No, it’s a paid subscription service. However, they offer a 5-day free trial for new customers to test the platform before they commit to a paid plan.
Q: Does DIRECTV have a 7-day free trial?
A: No. As of 2026, the free trial period is 5 days.
Q: Can I get DIRECTV online only?
A: Yes. That is exactly what DIRECTV Stream is. It’s their streaming-only service that you access through an app on your smart TV, streaming device (like Roku or Firestick), or web browser. No satellite or cable box is required.
Q: Do I need a DIRECTV box for the free trial?
A: No. You can use the DIRECTV Stream app on any compatible device (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, smart TV, or phone) to start your loc: free trial.
