How to Watch AT&T TV (DirecTV) Online in 2024
- Quick Guide: How to Watch AT&T TV (now DirecTV) Online in 3 Easy Steps
- The Best VPNs to Watch AT&T TV (now DirecTV) Online (Updated in 2024)
- Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching AT&T TV (DirecTV)
- Where Can I Watch DirecTV Online?
- FAQs on Watching AT&T TV (now DirecTV) Online
- Start Watching AT&T TV (now DirecTV) Online Now
DirecTV (formerly AT&T TV) is home to some of the best channels and shows. However, DirecTV is exclusive to the US, so you can only watch it if you have a US IP.
In theory, you could use a VPN to acquire a US IP address and stream DirecTV from anywhere. However, this action violates the streaming platform's terms and conditions and may be seen as copyright infringement. Still, a VPN is useful for streaming from the US since it protects your privacy without sacrificing speed.
I tested more than 40 different VPNs, I recommend using ExpressVPN for securely streaming DirecTV. It offers impressive speeds for an interruption-free streaming experience. You can also try ExpressVPN out risk-free. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get your money back if you’re not satisfied. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Note: AT&T TV (and AT&T TV Now) has now been rebranded as DirecTV Stream for all platforms
Quick Guide: How to Watch AT&T TV (now DirecTV) Online in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it offers lightning-fast speeds and allows you to securely watch DirecTV in the highest quality.
- Connect to a server in the US. While in the US, pick a server near you for the best speed.
- Start Streaming. Go to the DirecTV website or the DirecTV app and enjoy your favorite shows.
The Best VPNs to Watch AT&T TV (now DirecTV) Online (Updated in 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Blazing-Fast Speeds to Watch AT&T TV (DirecTV) in 4K Without Interruptions
Tested December 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
- Lightning-fast speeds for interruption-free streaming from the US
- 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including 24 server location in the US
- 8 simultaneous device connections to stream DirecTV on all your devices
- Works with: AT&T TV (DirecTV), Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
- Compatible with: Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers, and more
ExpressVPN provides you with a lightning-fast connection to stream your favorite shows safely from the US on AT&T TV in UHD without interruptions. Unlimited bandwidth also means you can watch as much as you want without hitting any caps. While testing ExpressVPN’s US servers near me in Boston, I recorded amazing speeds — an average of 73.8 Mbps. That’s only a 3% drop from my base connection speed, and much more than the 25 Mbps you need for 4K streaming shows interruption-free.
With 24 server locations across the US, you can easily and safely stream DirecTV from the US. While in my hometown of Boston, I watched Young Sheldon on the CBS channel using servers in New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Chicago.
MediaStreamer is a SmartDNS service that helps you watch DirecTV on devices that don’t usually support a VPN. This SmartDNS service lets you stream on Smart TVs and gaming consoles (like Xbox and PlayStation). The apps for other devices are all beginner-friendly and offer 24/7 live chat support with online guides — helping me set up the VPN on my Fire Stick within minutes.
Thanks to Perfect Forward Secrecy constantly changing your encryption key, hackers can’t intercept your private information. Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption scrambles your traffic, and the DNS/IP/WebRTC leak protection keeps your data safe from exposure. Network Lock (a kill switch) automatically disconnects your internet network if the VPN accidentally fails (though my connection remained stable during my tests).
TrustedServer tech (RAM-only servers) wipes your data with every reboot. The VPN is also based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (countries that exchange the internet data of their citizens.) The service follows a strict no-logs policy meaning your sensitive data isn’t stored anywhere. That means your personal information can’t be shared with any third party.
A slight drawback to the service is the expensive price tag, with plans starting at $4.99/month. However, ExpressVPN runs offers and discounts that can save you money. When I subscribed to the annual plan, I got 61% off and 3 months of free service. You can sign up with a throwaway email and pay using Bitcoin, which adds an extra layer of security too.
There’s also a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. The refund process is hassle-free, so you can get your money back easily if the service doesn’t suit you. I canceled my subscription plan using the live chat tool. After answering a few quick questions about my experience with the app, my refund was approved. The money was credited back to my credit card within 2 days.
2. CyberGhost — Robust Security Features to Keep You Safe While Watching AT&T TV (DirecTV)
- Great security features (Ad-blocker and AES 256-bit encryption) keep you safe
- Streaming-optimized US servers to watch DirecTV channels easily and smoothly from the US
- 7 simultaneous device connections for safely accessing AT&T TV anywhere
- Works with: AT&T TV (DirecTV), Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
- Compatible with: Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers, and more
CyberGhost encrypts your traffic using AES 256-bit encryption, perfect for safely streaming your favorite shows from the US. Automatic WiFi protection automatically launches the VPN when connecting to unknown networks. So you can even watch DirecTV from your location in the US on public hotspots without worrying about exposing your information online. While at home in Boston, I ran tests on CyberGhost’s IP/DNS leak protection, and my real location was never leaked.
The VPN is located in Romania, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (data-sharing countries). Your data is further safeguarded with a strict no-logs policy, meaning user information isn’t stored or shared. There’s a kill switch that cuts off your internet if the VPN network drops. You can also use the ad-blocker and malware scanner to protect yourself from annoying ads and viruses on malicious websites.
The 11 US server locations helped me quickly connect to a nearby server and watch DirecTV. While in Boston, I watched The Bachelor on the ABC channel with no problems. There are also specially optimized servers designed to help you securely stream other US platforms like Netflix and Disney+. I tested the Netflix US server from my location in Boston and had no problems watching The Good Place.
While in Boston, I got an average download speed of 70.2 Mbps on the US servers, great for buffer-free streaming. The VPN supports the super-fast WireGuard protocol, so I also used this to get an additional speed boost. Plus, with unlimited bandwidth, you can stream and binge-watch your favorite DirecTV shows as much as you want.
Just like ExpressVPN, setting up CyberGhost on my devices was a hassle-free process. The apps are easy to use and available on all major platforms (including Linux). I talked to customer support via 24/7 live chat, and they quickly assisted me in setting up the VPN on my router. This helped me to watch AT&T TV on my devices that don’t support VPNs, like my Smart TV and gaming consoles.
It’s disappointing that CyberGhost’s monthly plans are expensive and have a short money-back guarantee. However, the long-term subscription plans start at only $2.19/month. They also offer extended refund periods, so I recommend getting a 3-year plan as it’s the most budget-friendly.
With the extended 45-day money-back guarantee, you can also try CyberGhost for free. I asked for a refund using the online web form — it was quick and effortless. My money was refunded to my PayPal wallet within 4 days.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Lots of US Servers to Safely Watch AT&T TV (DirecTV) From the US
- 53 US server locations to easily stream DirecTV content from the US
- Good speeds for seamlessly streaming shows on DirecTV (formerly AT&T TV)
- AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy to protect your online activity
- Works with: AT&T TV (DirecTV), Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
- Compatible with: Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, routers, and more
Private Internet Access’ 53 server locations in the US allowed me to stream DirecTV without issues from the US. While testing from Boston, the US servers near me gave me an average speed of 68.9 Mbps, fast enough for uninterrupted streaming.
I even downloaded large files quickly, thanks to PIA’s unlimited bandwidth and no data caps. Plus, the WireGuard protocol boosts your speeds without sacrificing security. You can even select to use the faster AES 128-bit encryption for better speeds.
I installed the VPN on my device in a couple of minutes and it was easy to use. There are apps available for all major operating systems. The service also offers online guides, 24/7 live chat support, and FAQ sections to help you out while installing the app on your device.
Like CyberGhost, there’s also a built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE) to guard against pop-ups and malicious websites. That means you get added protection when connecting to public WiFi networks to stream DirecTV while in the US. Reliable IP/DNS leak protection, high-end 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch further secure your network traffic.
My slight concern with the VPN is that it’s headquartered in the US (the origin of the 5 Eyes data-sharing Alliance). However, the service has a strict no-logs policy which means it can’t store or share any user data. So, you don’t have to worry about having your information shared with any third parties, including the US authorities.
With the current discount, you can get PIA just for $2.19/month. I recommend getting the 3-year plan as it offers the best value for your money.
It’s easy to get a refund within 30 days using PIA’s reliable money-back guarantee. I accessed the control panel to cancel the auto-renew function and ask for a refund by contacting customer support. The money was credited back to my bank account in just 5 days.
4. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Watch AT&T TV (DirecTV) on All Your Devices
- Connect an unlimited number of devices on a single account to stream on all devices
- Easy-to-use apps to quickly connect to servers and safely watch DirecTV from the US
- 2,400 servers in 135 countries, including 20 server locations in the US
- Works with: AT&T TV (DirecTV), Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
- Compatible with: Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, Linux, routers, and more
Stream DirecTV from the US on as many devices as you like with IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections. The VPN is compatible with all major operating systems and devices like Fire TV and Kodi, so you can watch DirecTV however you choose. I used IPVanish on multiple devices at the same time during my tests from Boston and didn’t see any slowdown. During my tests from Boston, my internet speeds remained fast while streaming The Masked Singer on FOX and gaming on consoles simultaneously.
Your online activity and real location are kept hidden by AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. There’s also a zero logs policy that means the VPN can’t record anything you do online or sell your data to third parties.
IPVanish's applications cater to both novices and experienced users. Additionally, the 24/7 live chat support assists you in case you encounter any difficulties during the installation process. The VPN features an auto-connect function that instantly connects you to a server when utilizing an unfamiliar WiFi network.
A small concern with IPVanish is that it doesn't work with every US streaming service. (I wasn't able to get Amazon Prime Video working). However, I had no issues streaming DirecTV thanks to the 20 US server centers.
Subscriptions start at only $2.19/month. I recommend getting the annual plan as it offers the best value compared to the monthly one. You can also use all major credit cards and PayPal to pay for a subscription.
You can test IPVanish risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. I claimed a refund by accessing my subscription settings on the website and simply canceling. It was a hassle-free, speedy process, and the money was back on my credit card within 7 days.
5. PrivateVPN — Beginner-Friendly Apps to Easily Watch AT&T TV (DirecTV) Content
- User-friendly apps across all major OS for securely streaming DirecTV from the US
- 10 simultaneous connections to watch AT&T TV shows from any device
- Application guard and leak protection to safeguard your online streaming activity
- Works with: AT&T TV (DirecTV), Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, and more
- Compatible with: Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, Linux, routers, and more
PrivateVPN has a unique simple app mode for beginners that helps you stream DirecTV effortlessly from within the US. The simple mode starts with zero configuration required, so all you have to do is click to connect. While testing PrivateVPN from my location in Boston, I connected to a US server with just one tap. I was also impressed by the customer support. It consists of actual developers that answer questions about the VPN through the 22/7 live chat tool.
On the other hand, the advanced mode provides you with the option to modify a variety of beneficial security settings. With Perfect Forward Secrecy and AES 256-bit encryption, your data is safeguarded against cyber threats. Furthermore, I didn't find any IP/DNS leaks. The VPN adheres to a no-logs policy and includes a kill switch to ensure your data isn't disseminated or stored. For added privacy, it also allows you to use Bitcoin for payments.
One issue with PrivateVPN is that its server network is pretty small — just in 200 servers. However, it worked great with DirecTV during my test from the US. So, this wasn't an issue for me.
Using its latest offer, you can get PrivateVPN for only $2/month. I find the 3-year plan the best option, as it has the same features as short-term plans but at a lower price tag.
A 30-day money-back guarantee covers the VPN too. Getting your money back is hassle-free if you’re not satisfied with the service. I contacted customer support through the live chat tool. After answering a few questions about my experience with the VPN and why I wanted a refund, my PayPal wallet was reimbursed within 9 days.
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching AT&T TV (DirecTV)
All of my recommended services give you US servers and fast speeds for easily streaming DirecTV from the US. However, if you want to run your own VPN tests, here are the top features to look out for:
- US servers. You need a US IP address to securely watch DirecTV from within the US. Choose a VPN with a large server network in the US so you always find a reliable US server near you.
- Fast speeds. 4K streaming requires at least 25 Mbps, so go for a VPN that doesn’t drop your speeds any lower than this. The best VPNs don’t slow you down by more than 50%.
- Strong security and privacy measures. Look for features like 256-bit encryption (the highest level), a kill switch, and leak protection to ensure your online activity and identity remain private. A no-logs policy is also a must, to prevent the VPN from recording and selling your data.
- Device compatibility. Your chosen VPN should be compatible with the device you use to stream DirecTV. Support for multiple connections also allows you to use the service on many devices at once. Look for responsive customer support too, so you can always get help when you need it.
- A trustworthy money-back guarantee. If a VPN doesn’t suit you, you should be able to get your money back quickly and easily. Not every service honors its refund policy, so go for one that’s been tested.
Where Can I Watch DirecTV Online?
Due to broadcasting rights and agreements, the platform is only available to people in the US.
FAQs on Watching AT&T TV (now DirecTV) Online
Why am I getting an error message on AT&T TV (DirecTV)?
You could have a connection issue. If you see “Error 10: No Connection”, you may need to restart your VPN and reconnect to a different US server. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your router instead to fix the problem.
If you see error 40, 1401, 1402, or 1403, try restarting the VPN or connecting to a different server. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your device and make sure you’re using the most up-to-date version of the DirecTV app.
Note: If your VPN isn't working with DirecTV, try clearing your cookies and cache. If you face any issues, then switching servers can help you out. Your VPN’s customer support team can usually recommend a working server.
Can I watch the NFL on AT&T TV (DirecTV) Now?
Yes, you can stream the NFL on DirectTV Now using sports channels like ESPN. From your location in the US, simply connect to a US VPN server, locate ESPN on DirecTV and watch all the NFL games you like.
What devices can I watch AT&T TV (now DirecTV) on?
You can watch DirecTV on all major devices and platforms. If you need a VPN to safely stream DirecTV from within the US, just remember to pick a service that's compatible with your chosen device.
Here's a full list of devices that work with the platform:
- Desktops (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Smartphones (iOS, Android)
- Consoles (PlayStation 3, 4, or 5, Xbox)
- Routers
- Smart TVs (Roku, Kodi, Amazon Fire Stick or Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Xfinity TV, Chromecast, Samsung Smart TV)
- Browsers (Chrome, Firefox)
What can I watch on AT&T TV (DirecTV)?
You can stream to 160+ channels and a range of shows and movies on AT&T TV (DirecTV). While in the US, choose a VPN with US servers to safely watch your favorite shows on DirecTV.
Here are some of the most popular channels that come with DirecTV:
- AMC
- Cartoon Network
- CNBC
- CNN
- Comedy Central
- Discovery
- Disney Channel
- ESPN
- Fox Sports Go
- FX
- HBO
- MTV
- National Geographic
- NBC Sports
- Nickelodeon
- Paramount Plus
- Syfy
- The CW
- VH1
Popular DirecTV shows include The Daily Show, Rick & Morty, Dexter, Kingdom, Hightown, Enemy, Axios, Brooklyn 99, Short Caller, and Killing Eve.
How can I watch AT&T TV (DirecTV) on my computer?
You can watch DirecTV on your computer using a VPN from within the US. All you need to do is download a VPN app on your computer, connect to a US server, near you, then open DirecTV site or app. The platform’s entire library is now available for you to securely watch from wherever you are in the US.
Is it legal to use DirecTV with a VPN?
Yes, it’s legal to watch DirecTV using a VPN as long as you are located in the US. However, you should always check any streaming service’s terms and conditions.
Can I watch AT&T TV (DirecTV) for free?
No, you can’t watch DirecTV for free. DirecTV offers 4 different subscription plans that you can choose from. To get started while in the US, Simply connect to a US server then sign up for your account.
DirecTV Stream packages start from around $50 a month at the time of writing.
Can I use a free VPN to watch AT&T TV (DirecTV) from the US?
Free VPNs are not recommended — they’re too slow for streaming and can be dangerous. However, if you’re located in the US, you can use a premium, low-cost VPN with a money-back guarantee to safely stream DirecTV. That way you can connect to a reliable US server, with speeds fast enough to safely watch your favorite shows in the highest quality.
In contrast, free services often deliberately restrict your speeds, bandwidth, and server access to persuade you to upgrade to a subscription. At worst, free VPNs can log and sell your data, or infect your device with malware.
Start Watching AT&T TV (now DirecTV) Online Now
You can safely watch your favorite shows on DirecTV from the US with a VPN. All you need is a reliable service with servers in the US and fast speeds. This helps you watch content in 4K without buffering.
ExpressVPN is my top choice. It offers many servers in the US, lightning-fast speeds, and robust security features to safely watch your favorite shows on DirecTV from the US. You can try ExpressVPN without risk, as it's backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is easy if the VPN doesn’t suit you.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for watching AT&T TV online
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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