Originally called AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream has a simple, familiar, and cable-like user experience with excellent sports coverage (including regional) that many competitors are not offering. You can use it like any other streaming service, but for a one-time payment of $120, you can also opt to get a custom DirecTV Stream remote control that's akin to other streaming sticks from Amazon and Roku.
However, while the streaming service was initially created for cord-cutters, many users think DirecTV Stream hews more to a traditional cable service given its overwhelming channel lineup and hefty pricing. Slower loading and longer lag times are also a problem, on top of broadcast delays in some networks. There are plenty of live TV services out there that offer more of the same but in leaner and cheaper ways, so if you're looking for other options, we've rounded up the best DirecTV Stream alternatives below for you.