Best Satellite TV Provider Comparison: DISH vs. DIRECTV
What’s better, DISH or DIRECTV?
Better is in the eye of the beholder—but if we may say so, DISH provides better value over time and better equipment.
DISH Network vs. DIRECTV Satellite TV Packages and Pricing
Is DISH Network really cheaper than DIRECTV?
For almost all packages, DISH offers a lower out-of-pocket cost and higher value than DIRECTV, even when DIRECTV advertises similar or lower starting prices.
Compare DISH and DIRECTV packages, and you’ll see the best value advertised for both brands. But when it comes to DIRECTV vs. DISH channels available for that price, DISH gives you at least 30 more. DISH also waives many upfront fees, including HD service and installation in multiple rooms.
The starkest DISH vs. DIRECTV price difference, though, comes in year two. DIRECTV prices skyrocket after that point—and you can’t avoid paying them unless you cancel your contract and pay $20 for each month remaining. On the other hand, DISH prices stay the same for the entire length of your contract.
| DISH Network | DIRECTV | |
|---|---|---|
| Package name | DISH America’s Top 120 | Entertainment |
| Channel count | 190 | 165+ |
| Year 1 price | $79.99/mo. | $74.99/mo. |
| Year 2 price | $79.99/mo. | $107.00/mo. |
| Price protection | 3-year TV price guarantee | 24-month pricing |
| Contract | 2 years | 2 years |
| HD service fee | FREE | Extra |
| Local channels | Included | Limited |
| Premium channels | FREE 3 months* | FREE 3 months–1 year |
| On Demand library | 80K titles | 65K titles |
| HD DVR receiver | Included or $5/mo. upgrade | Included |
| Secondary receivers | Start at $5/mo. | Start at $7/mo. |
| Installation | FREE in up to 6 rooms | Free for first room, $99+ for additional rooms |
| Activation fee | FREE | $19.95 |
3-year price guarantee requires credit qualification and 2-year commitment and covers core programming, local networks, and equipment. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers. Hopper, Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification.
*After 3 mos. you will be billed $30/mo unless you call to cancel.
DISH vs. DIRECTV Satellite TV Equipment Comparison
Compare the DISH Hopper vs. DIRECTV Genie.
DISH's most powerful receiver on the market, the Hopper 3 DVR beats the Genie for recording capability, storage space, and extra features—like the smart Voice Remote you can’t lose. Plus, when you compare DISH Network vs. DIRECTV for how smoothly you can extend your system to other rooms, DISH offers more types of secondary receivers, at better pricing, with free installation.
| DISH Hopper 3 Whole-Home DVR | DISH Hopper 2 Smart HD DVR | DIRECTV Genie HD DVR | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First receiver price | $5/mo. upgrade | $0/mo. | $0/mo. |
| Simultaneous recordings | 16 | 2 | 5 |
| HD storage hours | 500 | 125 | 200 |
| Supported TVs per DVR | 7 | 2 | 4 active, 8 total |
| Secondary receiver price | $5+/mo. each | $5+/mo. each | $7+/mo. each |
| Smart home integration | ✔ | ✔ | Amazon only |
| Wireless receiver options | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 4K Ultra HD | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| View multiple channels at once | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Room-to-room playback | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Integrated Netflix app | ✔ | ✔ | x |
| AutoHop commercial skips | ✔ | ✔ | x |
| Easy primetime recording | ✔ | ✔ | x |
| Bluetooth | ✔ | ✔ | x |
| Remote finder | ✔ | ✔ | x |
| Voice Remote | ✔ | ✔ | Only via mobile app |
| Mobile streaming | 100% of live, DVR, and On Demand content | 100% of live, DVR, and On Demand content | Select live TV, DVR, and On Demand content |
| App users supported | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Watching 4K requires a 4K TV
DISH TV vs. DIRECTV Satellite TV Service Comparison
As satellite providers, DIRECTV and DISH Network stack up about the same for overall service quality: they both provide popular programming and HD channels with high reliability to cities large and small. In terms of customer interaction, however, DISH takes a slight edge with a more reliable, transparent, and affordable installation process to start off your new satellite TV service.
| DISH Network | DIRECTV | |
|---|---|---|
| Signal reliability+ | 99.9% | 99.9% |
| TV and internet availability outside densely populated areas | ✔ | ✔ |
| Installation appointments as soon as tomorrow | ✔ | ✔ |
| FREE standard professional installation in 1–6 rooms | ✔ | x |
| 75-minute service window and track-your-technician | ✔ | x |
+99% signal reliability based on data from set-top boxes. Not a guarantee of signal in all weather conditions.
Streaming with Satellite TV Provider Mobile Apps
Compare DISH Network and DIRECTV mobile streaming apps.
Like the DISH Anywhere app, the DIRECTV App lets you take your TV subscription on the go. The key difference between DIRECTV and DISH: the DISH app acts as a true extension of your home DVR, letting you stream 100% of your live channels, recorded shows, and On Demand library anywhere you have internet access. With DIRECTV, you have fewer On Demand options for mobile viewing.
**Watching live and recorded TV anywhere requires an internet-connected Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 and compatible mobile device.
Compare DISH and DIRECTV Satellite Internet Service
Neither DISH nor DIRECTV runs an internet service. However, both partner with certain internet providers to make switching your telecom services easier. And with satellite internet partners, both providers can get you internet packages in places where cable isn’t available.
DISH Satellite TV Customer Service
DISH dedicates itself to tuning in to you, from the channels, equipment, and service it offers to the excellent customer support. If you run into a problem with DISH service, you can turn to the extensive tech support website and reach out for DISH customer phone support if you can’t find the answer.
