What Channel Is the History Channel on DIRECTV?
The HISTORY Channel is on DIRECTV channel 269. It's included starting with the CHOICE package. ENTERTAINMENT, DIRECTV's entry-level package, doesn't include it, which surprises a lot of people who think of HISTORY as a basic channel. Here's which packages carry it, where to find its sister networks and the free History-themed channels every DIRECTV customer can stream.
Quick answer
- HISTORY on DIRECTV: channel 269
- Cheapest Signature package with HISTORY: CHOICE (also in ULTIMATE and PREMIER)
- Not included in: ENTERTAINMENT
- Sister networks: A&E 265 and Lifetime 252 (CHOICE and up), fyi 266 (ULTIMATE and up)
- Free extras: Torque by History, History & Warfare and Modern Marvels channels in MyFree DIRECTV (streaming)
HISTORY and related channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Lowest package that includes it |
|---|---|---|
| The HISTORY Channel | 269 | CHOICE |
| A&E | 265 | CHOICE |
| Lifetime | 252 | CHOICE |
| fyi | 266 | ULTIMATE |
| History en Español | 443 | Spanish-language packages |
| Torque by History | 4193 | Free in MyFree DIRECTV (streaming) |
| History & Warfare | 4486 | Free in MyFree DIRECTV (streaming) |
| Modern Marvels | 4480 | Free in MyFree DIRECTV (streaming) |
HISTORY is known for long-running series such as The Curse of Oak Island, Pawn Stars, Forged in Fire and Ancient Aliens, along with documentaries and multi-part specials on American and world history.
Which DIRECTV packages include HISTORY?
| Signature package | HISTORY (269) | A&E (265) | Lifetime (252) | fyi (266) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | No | No | No | No |
| CHOICE | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| ULTIMATE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PREMIER | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line: if HISTORY is a must-have, start at CHOICE. That one step up from ENTERTAINMENT also adds A&E and Lifetime, so the whole A+E family except fyi comes along.
Cheapest way to get HISTORY on DIRECTV
- Signature packages: CHOICE is the lowest package with channel 269.
- Entertainment-only streaming: DIRECTV lists The HISTORY Channel, A&E and Lifetime in its MyEntertainment Genre Pack, a streaming lineup focused on shows and movies instead of sports.
- Free, no package needed: the History-branded channels in MyFree DIRECTV are free to stream. They're separate channels with their own programming, not a live feed of channel 269.
See how the packages stack up in our DIRECTV package channel comparison, or call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll price CHOICE at your address.
How to find HISTORY on your DIRECTV guide
- Enter the number: press 2-6-9 on your remote.
- Search by show: say or type a series name, like "Oak Island," to find new episodes and replays.
- Set a series recording: record a show so new episodes save automatically to your DVR.
- Make it a favorite: add 265, 269 and the free 4000-series History channels to one list.
- On the go: sign in to the DIRECTV app and search "HISTORY."
Seeing an error on 269? Check that your package is CHOICE or higher, then restart your receiver or app.
Other ways to watch HISTORY
- DIRECTV app: live channel 269 and on-demand episodes with your DIRECTV login, if your package includes it.
- HISTORY Vault: A+E's separate on-demand subscription for documentaries, sold outside your TV package.
- Free streaming channels: Torque by History (4193), History & Warfare (4486) and Modern Marvels (4480) are free in MyFree DIRECTV.
Related DIRECTV entertainment channels
- What channel is TLC on DIRECTV?
- What channel is Investigation Discovery on DIRECTV?
- What channel is Animal Planet on DIRECTV?
- Full DIRECTV channel lineup guide
Want HISTORY, A&E and Lifetime on one plan? See DIRECTV options near you or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is the History Channel on DIRECTV?
The HISTORY Channel is channel 269 on DIRECTV. The number is the same on DIRECTV satellite and DIRECTV streaming.
Which DIRECTV package has the History Channel?
HISTORY is included in CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER. CHOICE is the lowest-priced Signature package that has it.
Is the History Channel included in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT?
No. ENTERTAINMENT does not include HISTORY, A&E or Lifetime. You need CHOICE or higher.
What channel is A&E on DIRECTV?
A&E is channel 265. Like HISTORY, it starts with the CHOICE package.
Are there free History channels on DIRECTV?
Yes. Torque by History (4193), History & Warfare (4486) and Modern Marvels (4480) are free streaming channels in MyFree DIRECTV. They are separate channels, not a live feed of HISTORY 269.
Is HISTORY in a DIRECTV Genre Pack?
DIRECTV lists The HISTORY Channel in its MyEntertainment Genre Pack, along with A&E and Lifetime.
Questions about HISTORY on your plan? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 2, 2026. Channel numbers and package contents reflect DIRECTV's current lineup and may change. HISTORY, A&E, Lifetime, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.