The Best Device To Stream Directv Now For 2025

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, 4K Ultra HD
Image credit: Amazon.com

If you live in the United States and purchased a DIRECTV package, you will notice that you can only watch your shows using an expensive cable subscription. As much as it sucks, that’s how cable television works. You are stuck with whatever company offers the best channels at theest price.

However, there is a way to get around this and stream your favorite shows using an affordable streaming device. The good news is your options just got better! In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about streaming DIRECTV NOW... read on for more information.

In the end, we concluded that Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, 4K Ultra HD was the most highly recommended. Other options presented here are certainly worthy of your attention, and in order to assist you in making an informed choice, we have compiled a helpful shopping guide.

Our Top Picks

  • Live and free TV - Watch live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others. Stream for free with Pluto TV, IMDb TV, YouTube and more.
  • Cinematic experience - Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR10+ and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
  • The most powerful Fire TV streaming media player - the ultra-powerful hexa-core processor delivers a fast, fluid 4K streaming experience.
  • Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
  • Designed to protect your privacy - Built with privacy protections and controls, including a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphones.
  • Control the TV with your voice - Control compatible soundbar and A/V receivers, and change live cable or satellite channels with your voice.
  • Hands-free entertainment - Put down the remote and dive right into your favorites with just your voice.
  • Alexa Voice Remote - Search and launch content with your voice. Get to favorite apps quickly with preset buttons. Control power and volume with one remote.
  • Just ask Alexa - With the built-in speaker, ask Alexa to check the weather, turn off the lights, and more – even when the TV is off.
  • Cinematic experience - Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+.
  • Simple and intuitive - Quickly access your favorite apps, live TV, and things you use most, all from the main menu.
  • Easy to set up, compact enough to stay hidden - Plug in behind your TV, turn on the TV, and connect to the internet to get set up.
  • Live and free TV - Watch live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to SLING TV, YouTube TV, and others. Stream for free with Pluto TV, IMDb TV, YouTube and more.
  • Alexa Voice Remote - Search and launch content with your voice. Get to favorite apps quickly with preset buttons. Control power and volume with one remote.
  • Home theater audio with Dolby Atmos - Feel scenes come to life with support for immersive Dolby Atmos audio on select titles with compatible home audio systems.
  • Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1 million movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply.
  • Control your smart home - Ask Alexa to check weather, dim the lights, view live camera feeds, stream music and more.
  • Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
  • Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
  • Breathtaking picture: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ with sharp resolution and vivid color
  • Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 200+ free Live TV channels on The Roku Channel
  • Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
  • Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
  • No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
  • Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
  • Convenient voice control: Use your voice to quickly search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch
  • Simple setup: It’s easy to get started with everything you need included in the box, including a Premium HDMI Cable—just plug it in and connect to the internet
  • No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your Roku device all with one remote
  • Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color optimized for your TV
  • Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
  • Upgrade to Roku streaming: All of your favorite channels, like HBO Max, Netflix, and Prime Video, are front and center on the customizable home screen, plus your device is always getting better with automatic updates
  • Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
  • Save money, stream big: Watch what you love, including a massive selection of free and live TV, including 275+ Live TV channels free on The Roku Channel—it’s great for streaming TV and cutting cable
  • Smooth wireless streaming: Now featuring dual-band wireless, enjoy a smooth streaming experience with faster wireless performance, even with multiple devices connected to your network
  • The new Siri Remote with touch-enabled clickpad
  • Use AirPlay to share photos, videos, and more from your iPhone, iPad, and Mac on your TV
  • More ways to enjoy your TV with Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, and Apple Music
  • Get a live view of your HomeKit-enabled cameras and control your smart home accessories
  • The latest hits from Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
  • Apple Original shows and movies from Apple TV+
  • A8 chip for great gameplay and app experiences
  • 1080p HD high-quality video
  • Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
  • Private listening with AirPods
  • Setup is a cinch: Plug it in, connect to the internet, and start streaming—it’s that simple
  • Brilliant picture quality: Experience your favorite shows with stunning detail and clarity—whether you’re streaming in HD, 4K, or HDR, you’ll enjoy picture quality that’s optimized for your TV with sharp resolution and vivid color
  • Wireless that goes the distance: Basement rec room Backyard movie night Bring ‘em on. The long-range wireless receiver gives you extended range and a stronger signal for smooth streaming even in rooms farther from your router
  • Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
  • Private listening on mobile: Use the free Roku mobile app to pump up the volume on your shows without disturbing the house
  • No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, mute, and control your streaming all with one remote—use your voice to quickly search across channels, turn captions on, and more in a touch
  • Endless entertainment: Stream what you love, including free TV, live news, sports, and more. It’s easy to stream what you love and cut back on cable bills with access to 500,000+ movies and TV episodes across thousands of free and paid channels
  • Tons of power, tons of fun: Snappy and responsive, you’ll stream your favorites with ease—from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Netflix, to cable alternatives like Sling, enjoy the most talked-about TV across thousands of channels
  • Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
  • Automatic software updates: Get the most up to date software including all the latest features and available channels without even thinking about it
  • Private listening: Plug your headphones into the Roku remote with headphone jack or use a wireless pair with the Roku mobile app to listen without disturbing a quiet house
  • Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
  • Rechargeable voice remote: Keep your Roku Voice Remote Pro powered for months on a single charge so you can say goodbye to batteries
  • Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 275+ Live TV channels for free on The Roku Channel
  • Hands-free voice controls: Say “Hey Roku” to find your lost remote, play entertainment, control your streaming, and power up your TV from across the couch
  • Breathtaking picture: Stream in 4K, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ with sharp resolution and vivid color
  • Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection that’s great for streaming in the best picture quality
  • Find your lost remote: Simply say “Hey Roku, where’s my remote?” and your Roku remote will play a sound
  • Super-fast startup: Plug it into your TV for a simple setup and start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
  • Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Download the most recent firmware prior to use
  • Stream Live On Multiple Platforms: Simultaneously go live to Facebook, YouTube, Twitch and more. (optional Sharelink subscription required)
  • Network Bonding: Vidiu X provides 3 ways to keep live streams flowing smoothly. Ethernet, cellular, and WiFi 6. Best of all, with Sharelink, you can bond together bandwidth from all of these interfaces
  • Professional Live Streaming Video: Go live anywhere in 1080p and in a matter of seconds. With HDMI video connectivity, Vidiu X integrates seamlessly with cameras and switchers to deliver crisp live video to your viewers
  • Broadcast In HD From Any HDMI Video Source: Vidiu X plugs in to professional cameras, switchers, and media players. Simply set it on your desk, and let it shine as a dedicated encoder for your live production needs
  • Our best Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room in the house with our best Wi-Fi or choose to wire up over Ethernet
  • No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming device with one Roku voice remote
  • Outrageously powerful: Enjoy a lightning-fast interface and channels like Sling, Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video that launch in a snap on the fastest, most powerful Roku player ever
  • Find your lost remote: Simply press the button on your streaming device and your Roku remote will play a sound
  • Cinematic streaming: Roku Ultra is the centerpiece of your home theater with spectacular 4K and Dolby Vision picture plus immersive Dolby Atmos sound
  • Private listening: Plug headphones into the Roku remote with headphone jack or use a wireless pair with the Roku mobile app to listen without disturbing a quiet house
  • Share it with Apple AirPlay: Effortlessly share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple devices to your TV
  • Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the Roku voice remote
  • Works with popular voice assistants: Enjoy easy voice control with Siri, Alexa, or Hey Google
  • Watch what you love: Upgrade your streaming with a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV, including Roku Originals and 200+ free Live TV channels on The Roku Channel
  • Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote - Press and ask to find favorite apps, movies, and shows, plus check the weather, sports scores, and more.
  • Scenes that leap off the screen - 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, and HLG deliver a clearer and more vibrant picture with brighter colors compared to 1080p Full HD.
  • Watch what you want - Stream over 1 million movies and TV episodes. Watch favorites with subscriptions to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more.
  • Smart and always getting smarter - Fire TV adds new Alexa skills, features, smart home capabilities, and voice functionality all the time.
  • All your entertainment in one place - Watch live and free TV, play video games, and stream music.
  • Connect all your devices - Use the 3 HDMI inputs to connect to cable or satellite and video game consoles. The HDMI eARC lets you add audio equipment for enhanced sound.
  • Brilliant 4K entertainment - Bring movies and shows to life with support for vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best device to stream directv now?

Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best device to stream directv now, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best device to stream directv now. You are expected to count on our expertise in best device to stream directv now to make the right choice. 

So now we move on to the significant factors related to best device to stream directv now you must keep in mind:

Streaming Stick Vs Box

Although the difference is not significant, a stick refers to what you would imagine. It is a stick-like device which plugs into your television. Some designs have evolved over the years so dongles are now called dongles.
Streaming boxes such as the Apple TV sit under your TV, and are connected via HDMI cables.
If you don't have any wall-mounted TVs and are unable to place a box, there is no benefit to them. If this is the case, you can get a stick to hide it behind your TV.

Content Discovery Features

The media-streaming device is evolving beyond static apps. Roku Feed, the Apple TV's TV app (TV), and Amazon recommendations are available directly from the Fire TV Home screen. These approaches can be compared to help you decide which is most attractive.

Performance

Set-top boxes load faster than streaming sticks and your spending will affect the speed and smoothness of the process.

Private Listening Options

Bluetooth headphones are supported by many devices. This is useful for those times when you don’t want to wake your children or spouse. Roku devices also allow wired headphones via the Roku mobile application and the remote control of its set-top boxes.

Captive Portal Support

You might encounter Wi-Fi networks which require you to log in using a web browser if your streaming device is being taken on the road. It is also known as "captive portal" and it does not support all streaming devices.

Remote Control Features

While some remotes have buttons that allow you to fast-forward, rewind and perform other functions, others are simpler. Remotes that can turn on your TV's volume and have microphones to allow you to speak commands. There is no perfect remote, but you can look through the included ones to determine what is most important.

Resolution

If you have a 4K television, and a fast internet connection, then a television streaming device that supports 4K is the perfect way to watch ultra-high-definition content. You can future-proof your set by purchasing a streaming device that supports 4K resolution if you do not have a 4K TV.

Connectivity

Are you planning to connect a USB storage device or ethernet cable or a sound system using an optical or analog audio cable? You should ensure that your streaming box supports the correct connections. If you are concerned about your home network's bandwidth, you will also need a device that supports 802.11ax Wi Fi (or WiFi 6),

Ecosystem Tie-ins

Apple TV is the only way to access pple services and apps (like Apple Arcade or Fitness+), although Apple TV has an Apple TV app that allows you to view Apple TV+ content and rent videos from iTunes. Fire TV is the best way to access Amazon Prime Video. Google's music and video services can be accessed through Chromecast and Android TV. Roku offers apps for Amazon and Google Play Movies & TV. However, it is not as sophisticated and has fewer smart home controls than other platforms.

App Selection

This has always been the main factor when choosing a streaming device. However, app selections have become more similar, at least for major streaming services, and it is now easy to choose an app. The app list will show you which service is available.

FAQs

Do Streaming Devices Have Monthly Fees?

No. No. Monthly fees are not charged for streaming devices. You will need to pay monthly fees to watch certain channels, such as Netflix and HBO Max.

What Kind Of Internet Connection Do You Need For Your Streaming Device To Be Effective?

A minimum 5Mbps internet connection is required to stream the majority of streaming content at 1080p. You will be able to stream 4K video without any interruptions if you have more bandwidth.

What Is The Point Of A Streaming Stick If You Have A Smart TV?

Although many smart TVs today come pre-installed to run a variety of apps, it is true that external streaming devices almost always enhance the interface for a particular app.
Amazon's Fire Stick gives you more control over your TV than standard Amazon TV apps. Other products from Amazon come with Alexa, giving you additional options to use your voice to control your TV.
A smart TV may not come with every available streaming service. Apple TV Plus is a rare app that comes preinstalled on smart TVs. This is why you need Apple's 4K HDR streaming device, which Panasonic TVs do not support.

How Much Data Does TV Streaming Use?

This depends on the resolution and platform you are streaming from. Based on data collected from major streaming platforms, bandwidth usage can drop to hundreds of megabytes an hour for low definition (480p) videos. However, streaming services that stream standard HD/1080p video report between 2 and 3 gigabytes an hour. You can expect to see 4K video at 7 to 8GB an hour, depending on the video.

What Is A Streaming Device And How Does It Work?

A streaming device, or streaming stick, allows you to stream (i.e. You can stream (or streaming stick) entertainment content, such as movies, TV series, music or photos. It is usually connected to an HDMI port.
The apps that you will have access to depend on which streamer you are using. It's worth noting, however, that a subscription does not automatically come with a service. If you wish to view Netflix for example, you'll need to purchase it separately. However, there are some deals available for certain streaming services.

Do You Need A Streaming Device With A Smart TV?

Not necessarily. Smart TVs often come equipped with their own streaming platforms that allow users to download top apps such as Netflix or Hulu. Samsung smart TVs have a lot of options. TVs are now compatible with major streaming services like Roku, Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV.

Will A Streaming Device Work In Your Country?

Yes. Yes. You can use a VPN to bypass restrictions on certain services or shows.

Can I Get All The Channels I Want On Any Device?

Each streaming device can access major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and HBO Max. However, all streaming services may not have the same access. The Spectrum TV app is a good example. Although it is accessible on all platforms, the app is not available for Amazon Fire TV devices. Before you make a purchase, it is a smart idea to check that the device supports all of your apps. You might find yourself in a difficult situation if your phone doesn't support one of your favourite services.

The list of best device to stream directv now is frequently updated whenever new data becomes available. Please take more time to visit our website to stay up-to-date with changes in the product.

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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.