DIRECTV Streaming vs U-verse: What U-verse TV Customers Should Know in 2026
If you still have U-verse TV, you have probably noticed two things. Nobody is selling it anymore, and your bill went up this summer. Meanwhile, DIRECTV's streaming service, formerly called DIRECTV STREAM and now marketed as DIRECTV via internet, keeps coming up as the natural next step.
Here is how the two compare, what is really happening with U-verse, and how to switch without surprises.
The quick answer
U-verse TV still works for existing customers, but it is a legacy service that is closed to new sign-ups. DIRECTV streaming is the option the same company is actively building: no dish, no annual contract, unlimited cloud DVR, and it works with nearly any home internet provider. For most U-verse households, the question is not whether to move, but when.
What's happening with U-verse TV?
- 2020: AT&T stopped selling U-verse TV to new customers.
- 2021: AT&T and investment firm TPG spun DIRECTV, U-verse TV and AT&T's streaming TV service into a new, separate company called DIRECTV.
- July 2025: TPG completed its purchase of AT&T's remaining stake, so DIRECTV, including U-verse TV, is no longer part of AT&T.
- June 2026: U-verse TV package prices went up on or after June 25, from $3 a month for UBasic to $23 a month for U400 and U450 packages, and the Broadcast TV Fee rose another $1 a month.
As of this update, there is no announced shutdown date and no required move for U-verse TV customers. Accounts are still managed through myAT&T with the same login as your AT&T internet. But the service is not adding customers, and because it isn't sold to new subscribers, you generally can't get it back once you cancel.
DIRECTV streaming vs U-verse TV at a glance
| Feature | DIRECTV streaming | U-verse TV |
|---|---|---|
| Open to new customers | Yes | No, existing customers only |
| How it's delivered | Over nearly any home internet connection | Over AT&T's network at your address |
| Equipment | Your smart TV or streaming player, or a DIRECTV Gemini device | U-verse receivers and DVR box |
| Contract | No annual contract | Check your bill for any term commitment |
| DVR | Unlimited cloud DVR, recordings kept up to 9 months | DVR box in your home |
| Screens | Unlimited streams at home, up to 3 away | Built around the receivers in your home |
| Price | From $89.99/mo. (advertised new-customer price) | Varies by package; up $3 to $23/mo. in June 2026 |
DIRECTV streaming packages and prices
DIRECTV's four main streaming packages, called Signature packages, are the closest match to a full U-verse lineup. Here are the advertised new-customer prices that took effect June 25, 2026:
| Package | Channels | Advertised price |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | 90+ | $89.99/mo. |
| Choice | 125+ | $94.99/mo. |
| Ultimate | 160+ | $124.99/mo. |
| Premier | 185+ | $169.99/mo. |
Prices are plus taxes and fees. Choice and higher add a regional sports fee that depends on your ZIP code, and leasing a DIRECTV Gemini device adds $10 a month. For the full breakdown, see our DIRECTV pricing updates.
On a smaller U-verse package and only watch a few types of channels? DIRECTV's Genre Packs, such as MyKids, MyNews and MyEntertainment, start at $20.99 a month and can be a lower-cost way to cover the basics.
What DIRECTV streaming does better
- Works with nearly any internet provider. Keep your AT&T internet or switch providers. Your TV service is no longer tied to one company's lines.
- No dish and no technician visit. Use the DIRECTV app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung or LG smart TVs, or lease a DIRECTV Gemini device with a voice remote.
- Unlimited cloud DVR. There is no box to fill up. Recordings are kept for up to nine months and can be watched in the app.
- More screens. Stream on unlimited devices at home and up to three away from home.
- Extras on Gemini. Signature customers on a Gemini device get the Disney+, Hulu bundle (with ads) and ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost.
- Well-rated service. DIRECTV streaming scored 72 out of 100 in the American Customer Satisfaction Index's 2026 study, matching the subscription TV industry's record-high average.
Why some people stay on U-verse (for now)
To be fair, U-verse TV still does the job for plenty of households. It is familiar, with the same boxes, remote and channel numbers you already know. Some customers also have U-verse bundled with AT&T internet at a rate they like. And DIRECTV streaming does need a reliable internet connection, since a slow or crowded connection can affect picture quality.
Not sure how your U-verse channels line up with a DIRECTV package? Call American TV at 1-855-690-9884.
How to switch from U-verse TV to DIRECTV streaming
- Check your bill first. Look for any term commitment, since dropping TV early could mean a fee. Also ask whether a bundle discount or data perk on your internet is tied to your TV service.
- Try before you commit. DIRECTV offers a free trial of its streaming service for eligible new customers.
- Watch or save what's on your DVR. U-verse recordings won't transfer to DIRECTV's cloud DVR.
- Start DIRECTV before you cancel. That way there's no gap in service.
- Return your U-verse TV boxes promptly. Keep your internet gateway if you are keeping AT&T internet, and hold on to your return receipt to avoid non-return fees.
Should you switch now?
If your bill jumped in June, you want to watch on more TVs or on a phone or tablet, or you are thinking about changing internet providers, now is a good time to make the move on your own schedule. If you are happy with U-verse and locked into a good rate, there is no need to rush. Just keep in mind that it is a legacy service, and plan ahead.
Ready to compare packages at your address? See DIRECTV options near you or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
Is U-verse TV being discontinued?
No shutdown date has been announced as of September 30, 2026. U-verse TV is closed to new customers and is operated by DIRECTV for existing subscribers.
Is U-verse the same as DIRECTV?
They have been part of the same company since 2021, but they are different services. U-verse TV runs over AT&T's network with U-verse boxes. DIRECTV streaming works over nearly any internet connection, and DIRECTV satellite uses a dish.
Can I keep AT&T internet if I switch to DIRECTV streaming?
Yes. DIRECTV streaming works with AT&T internet and most other home internet providers.
How much does DIRECTV streaming cost?
Signature packages start at an advertised $89.99 a month for Entertainment, plus taxes and fees. Genre Packs start at $20.99 a month.
Questions about moving from U-verse? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed September 30, 2026. DIRECTV and U-verse TV pricing, packages, fees, channel counts and features are set by the providers and may change; offers may be limited to eligible new customers. Availability varies by address. DIRECTV, U-verse, AT&T and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.