DIRECTV NOW & AT&T TV: How Many Streams?

DIRECTV NOW (now rebranded as AT&T TV) allows **2 simultaneous streams** on its standard plans, with the option to add a 3rd stream for an extra $5/month. This article explains the current streaming limits for AT&T TV, how they compare to the old DIRECTV NOW plans, and what to do if you hit the stream cap.

Formula

The calculator above uses the basic formulas for pace and speed:

• Pace (min/km) = Finish Time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish Time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where:

• t = finish time in minutes
• d = distance in kilometers

Worked Example

Using the default values (t = 50 minutes, d = 10 km):

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So the average pace is 5:00 per kilometer, and the average speed is 12 km/h.

Why Streaming Limits Matter

When you sign up for a live TV streaming service, the number of simultaneous streams determines how many family members can watch different shows at the same time. If you have a household with multiple TVs, tablets, or phones, hitting the limit means someone gets kicked off or sees an error message. AT&T TV (the current name for DIRECTV NOW) has specific limits that differ from traditional cable or satellite.

AT&T TV Streaming Limits (Current)

As of 2024, AT&T TV (now marketed as DIRECTV via Internet) offers the following stream counts:

• Entertainment Package: 2 streams
• Choice Package: 2 streams
• Ultimate Package: 2 streams
• Premier Package: 2 streams

You can add a 3rd stream for $4.99/month on any package. There is no option for more than 3 streams on a residential account.

How to Check Your Stream Count

To see how many streams you’re using:

1. Go to the AT&T TV or DIRECTV app on any device.
2. Sign in with your account credentials.
3. Look for the “Settings” or “Account” menu.
4. Find “Streaming Limits” or “Devices” – it will show active streams.

If you’re at the limit, you’ll get a message like “Too many streams. Stop one to continue.”

Common Problems and Fixes

Users often report these stream-related issues:

• Stream limit reached unexpectedly – Check if a background app is still running on a phone or tablet. Close it.
• Forgot to log out of an old device – Go to the account settings and “Sign out of all devices” to reset.
• Streams not resetting after a period – Some services require a 24-hour cycle. Wait and try again.
• Using a VPN or proxy – This can sometimes trigger extra stream detection. Disable it.

Comparison: DIRECTV NOW vs AT&T TV vs Competitors

Here’s how AT&T TV stacks up against other live TV streaming services (as of 2024):

• YouTube TV: 3 streams included (unlimited with 4K add-on)
• Hulu + Live TV: 2 streams (unlimited with $9.99 add-on)
• Sling TV: 1 stream (3 streams with $11 extra)
• fuboTV: 3 streams (unlimited with $5.99 add-on)

AT&T TV’s base 2 streams is on the lower end, but the $5 add-on for a third stream is cheaper than some competitors.

Costs and Add-Ons

The base packages start at $64.99/month for Entertainment. Adding the 3rd stream costs $4.99/month. There is also an unlimited stream option for $9.99/month that allows streaming on all devices in your home (but only 3 outside). This is useful for large households.

Safety and Account Sharing

Streaming services have terms of service that prohibit sharing accounts outside your household. AT&T TV uses geo-location and device limits to enforce this. If you share your password with friends, you risk account suspension. To keep your account safe:

• Use a strong, unique password.
• Enable two-factor authentication if available.
• Regularly check the list of connected devices.

Alternatives to AT&T TV

If 2 streams isn’t enough, consider these options:

• YouTube TV – 3 streams, similar channel lineup, $72.99/month
• Hulu + Live TV – 2 streams, but unlimited add-on available, $76.99/month
• fuboTV – 3 streams, great for sports, $74.99/month

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get more than 3 streams on AT&T TV?

No, the maximum is 3 streams (2 base + 1 add-on). There is no option for 4+ streams on a residential plan.

Does watching on a phone count as a stream?

Yes, any device that is actively playing content counts as a stream. Even if the app is open in the background, it may still count.

What happens if I exceed the stream limit?

You’ll see an error message and the new stream won’t start. You must stop playback on another device before continuing.

Can I watch on a TV and phone at the same time?

Yes, as long as you don’t exceed the total stream limit. For example, you can watch on one TV and one phone simultaneously.

Does AT&T TV count streams from the same Wi-Fi differently?

No, all streams count equally regardless of network. The limit is per account, not per network.

How do I know which devices are using streams?

Go to your account settings and look for “Devices” or “Streaming Activity.” It will list active sessions with device names and times.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2