When looking for a satellite TV service, you should compare Dish vs. DirecTV because the two are the largest satellite TV providers in the US.
Although most people are into cable TV and streaming services, satellite TV remains a viable option for mobile homes, people living in rural areas, and sports lovers.
We have looked at the two services below to help you simplify your search, so read on to find out which is better.
Table of Contents
- The Dish Network
- DirecTV
- Dish vs. DirecTV: Packages and Prices
- Dish vs. DirecTV: 4K Content
- The Dish vs. DirecTV: Terms and Hidden Costs
- Dish vs. DirecTV Wrap-Up: Which Is Better
The Dish Network
The Dish Network (Digital Sky Highway) is an American satellite TV company that began operations as an EchoStar service in 1996 for distributing C-band satellite TV systems.
But after several acquisition and expansion plans, the company now competes with DirecTV as one of the top two satellite TV providers in the US.
DirecTV
Launched in 1994, DirecTV is a multichannel video programming distributor based in California.
Although primarily a digital TV satellite service, DirecTV provides traditional linear TV via IP using its U-Verse brand and virtual MVPD via its DirecTV Stream brand.
AT&T acquired the company in 2015 and later spun the services (DirecTV, U-Verse, and DirecTV Stream) into separate entities.
A satellite dish with three LNBs
Dish vs. DirecTV: Packages and Prices
Dish Network
The Dish Network has three satellite TV packages. All come with a 3-year price guarantee for the monthly subscription costs, free installation, and live TV & streaming in one place. They include:
America’s Top 120 ($79.99 Monthly)
Dish’s basic package offers 190 channels that include all-time favorite channels like ESPN, E!, Disney Channel, CMT, and Newsmax.
Additionally, you get local programming and over 28,000 on-demand titles.
America’s Top 200 ($99.99 Monthly)
With over 240 channels, this sports package includes all of America’s top 120 channels plus the NFL network, golf channel, NBA network, and NHL network.
If you are a sports fan, this package would be ideal. And it doesn’t stop there. You get local channels, over 35,000 on-demand movies/TV shows, and additional channels like Sundance, Disney Channel, A&E, etc.
A set-top box/receiver for a satellite TV antenna
America’s Top 250 ($109.99 Monthly)
This top-tier Dish package unlocks 290 programs, including movie, cartoon, local, and sports channels. Also, you get 36,000+ on-demand content.
DirecTV
This platform offers two unbeatable options to pick from, which are satellite and online streaming services.
The satellite TV service comes with a 2-year price guarantee, but the streaming service does not.
So you can get package price hikes even a month after subscribing. But the streaming service doesn’t lock you to a contract, meaning you can exit if the rates become too costly.
The packages in each option are the same and include the following.
Entertainment ($64.99 or $74.99 Monthly)
Under the satellite option, this package costs $64.99 monthly. It includes over 165 channels and the Genie HD DVR with up to 200 HD storage hours and the ability to record up to five channels concurrently.
You also get a special offer for premium networks.
A DVR
However, the streaming service is costlier ($74.99 monthly plus taxes) and has fewer channels (75+).
But you can stream on unlimited devices in the same home network or three concurrent out-of-home streams.
Also, the package comes with unlimited cloud DVR storage.
But it is vital to note the cloud storage option is only available to new customers, and recordings expire after nine months. Plus, you can only store 30 episodes max in a series.
Choice ($84.99 or $99.99 Monthly)
Like the Entertainment package, this is cheaper for satellite users ($84.99 monthly) and unlocks more channels (over 200).
It includes the Entertainment package features plus regional sports networks to help you watch local team matches.
With streaming, this package costs $99.99 monthly (plus taxes) and unlocks 105+ channels plus regional sports.
Also, it gives you the same streaming and cloud storage terms in the Entertainment package.
Ultimate ($109.99 Monthly)
Prices become even in the Ultimate package, although the streaming option has extra tax charges.
Satellite users get over 270 channels, while streaming users only get 140+. The other features match those in the Choice package.
A content streaming service with multiple titles
Premier ($154.99 Monthly)
The Premier package prices are equal for both options, as well. But you’ll pay slightly more to cover taxes when streaming.
Satellite users will get 340+ channels, but you’ll have to make do with 150+ channels when streaming.
The other features are similar to the Ultimate package offerings but with the addition of Cinemax, HBO Max, Starz, and Showtime.
Dish vs. DirecTV: 4K Content
Dish
Dish showcases major sporting events in 4K and 4K HDR on channel 540. So the channel might not have content if there isn’t any live sports coverage in 4K.
The other option is to switch to channel 300 to access the on-demand library with thousands of titles.
You can also watch 4K pay-per-view content on the network.
4K content streaming on a TV
The last option involves accessing ultra-HD content on other platforms using an internet-connected Wally or Hopper.
With the Dish Hopper Plus add-on, you can convert your Dish Hopper 3 DVR into a smart TV box that can run applications like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
DirecTV
Considering the satellite option only, DirecTV offers more ultra HD (4k) channels. They include:
- Documentaries, originals, and shows: Channel 104
- Live sports content: Channels 105 and 106
- Pay-per-view movies: Channels 107 and 108
- On-demand library: Channel 1104
But when streaming, you get the same content as Dish TV because the DirecTV streaming device comes preloaded with applications like Netflix, HBO Max, Pandora, etc.
The Dish vs. DirecTV: Terms and Hidden Costs
Dish
The Dish offers require credit qualification, eAutoPay, and a 2-year commitment with an early termination fee of $20 for each month remaining in the contract period.
And the Dish plans include the Hopper Duo for customers who pass the credit qualification.
But the Hopper, Hopper 3, or Hopper with Sling cost an extra $5 monthly. You might get other upfront fees based on your credit qualification.
If you have additional TVs, you will pay extra costs based on the DVR or non-DVR receiver. These are $7 for the Joey, $10 for the Super Joey, and $15 for the Hopper.
Two satellite TV antennas mounted on a wall
But here’s where you need to pay attention. You will get a bill of $20 monthly for the Dish movie pack and Showtime if you don’t call or go online to cancel these services.
Also, you might get an additional $10.99 monthly bill for Dish Protect Silver after six months if you don’t call to cancel.
And all these extra charges might change without notice because they are not under a price guarantee.
As for the packages, the subscription only gives a 3-year price guarantee. So the regular prices will apply when this period ends.
If you want to stream Netflix titles, the content is available on the Hopper DVR services (Hopper Duo, Hopper 3, & Hopper with Sling), Joeys, and Wally.
You can also get AMC+ free for the first three months for any qualifying package, but you’ll have to pay for the service afterward to continue receiving the premium movie channels.
DirecTV
With DirecTV, you can stream or use satellite TV. The former option is more transparent because it has no contract, meaning you can change packages or stop paying without incurring early termination fees.
Additionally, you get a free 5-day trial period.
But the satellite option has no trial period and comes with a 24-month contract, the same as Dish’s 2-year contract.
All the package prices include a $10 discount for Autopay and Paperless billing, which might take 1-3 billing cycles to start.
So you might have to pay $10 more until the discount kicks in.
Other costs include:
- Activation fee: $19.95
- Advanced receiver service fee: $15 monthly
- $7 monthly for each additional TV
- Regional sports fee: $13.99 monthly for the Choice, Ultimate, and Premier packages
- Wireless upgrade with HD DVR: $99
Dish vs. DirecTV Wrap-Up: Which Is Better
Both providers are at level terms considering streaming options because you can access more content using other streaming apps. But the dish has an edge because it is cheaper.
So it primarily boils down to the cost vs. the available channels on the satellite TV option. Both have hidden fees, so you have to take time to understand the contracts.
Overall, the dish is cheaper and has a 3-year price guarantee, which is better than DirecTV’s 2-year price lock.
However, DirecTV offers more ultra HD and HD channels (especially for sports programming).
So we recommend the Dish network because it is cheaper and has one of the best DVRs (Hopper 3).
But get yourself a DirecTV subscription if you are a die-hard sports fan.
