DISH vs DIRECTV Comparison

Interested in satellite TV and looking for a bit more info? You're in the right place. Before you settle on a satellite TV provider, it's always a good idea to critically compare DISH and DIRECTV. Based on our experience and the customer feedback we've received over two decades, here are the most important factors to consider:

DISH and DIRECTV cost about the same

For a while, DISH's major advantage over DIRECTV was their base price. Nowadays, things are a bit more even. DISH's current plans start at $89.99/mo for America's Top 120 (190 channels) with a monthly DVR fee of $5/TV. DIRECTV checks in at $89.99/mo for the Entertainment plan (175 channels). Your DIRECTV Genie DVR is free for the first TV, $7/mo for each additional TV.

So, both providers cost roughly the same - with each of their entry plans above, the cost per channel comes in at similar levels (DISH's Top 120 has 15 more channels). Rates for add-on channels and premium movies are generally in the same ballpark as well.

ProviderCheck: This one's a tie

DIRECTV is still a leader in sports

This is where DIRECTV sharpens its teeth. Even after losing the NFL Sunday Ticket, DIRECTV has the most regional sports networks (RSNs) of any TV provider, satellite or cable. Recently, DISH ditched all the RSNs to save on cost and prevent big price increases. Each provider carries the NBA League Pass, MLB Extra Innings, NHL Center Ice and the English Premier League. So, if you're a sports fan and like to watch ANY local teams, it's an easy call....

ProviderCheck: DIRECTV wins big

DISH has more missing channels

If you compare the two lineups (across all plans), you'll find DISH is missing a lot more channels available on DIRECTV than vice versa. Most of those are regional sports networks (RSNs) and premium movies. The rest are somewhat less popular channels so it may not be a big deal for ya. Check out all the missing channels for each provider below.

ProviderCheck:  DIRECTV wins (especially if you like sports)

DISH technically has more HD channels

If you count up all the HD channels available, DISH has over 200 while DIRECTV has over 190. However, about 50 of DISH's HD channels aren't full-time (i.e., part of the day, they broadcast in standard definition). Both providers offer local channels in full HD. Quality-wise, they both transmit in 1080p and 4K HD, providing the most clarity and color definition available. If you're a sports nut, DIRECTV carries more (and exclusive) sports channels in high def.

ProviderCheck:  Overall, slight edge to DISH

Local channels can be added or removed with both

In the early days, there were plenty of cities (even major ones) that couldn't get their local TV channels: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS and more. Today, every major city is covered, with only a tiny percentage of smaller cities still being upgraded. Comparison-wise, for a while now, DISH has let you add or remove locals at will. Removing them will save you $12/mo off your bill. DIRECTV recently jumped on this bandwagon, spinning off the cost of locals and letting customers decide (also saving you $12/mo).

ProviderCheck:  An even draw

DIRECTV now has a contract-free option

One of the recent differences between the two is that DIRECTV now has a streaming-only option (no satellite dish needed, just internet). Called DIRECTV Streaming, it doesn't require a contract and is a pretty popular option if you want more flexibility or might be moving soon. You pay by the month and can cancel anytime - no fees, penalties or equipment. Compare DIRECTV satellite and streaming or take a closer look at DIRECTV's streaming plans.

ProviderCheck:  DIRECTV wins (if you detest contracts)

DISH or DIRECTV - so what's the bottom line?

Both DIRECTV and DISH offer a high quality service. All things considered, if you're looking for a top-notch DVR, go with DISH TV and their Hopper receiver. If you need your sports fix (especially with local teams), DIRECTV wins out. If you're still stuck somewhere in between, compare the current deals via the banners below...

Channel distribution - see how much extra you get by upgrading plans

First off, the maximum number of channels available on each provider is, not surprisingly, very similar: DISH (330) and DIRECTV (350). Overall, DISH's plans tend to include a larger percentage of the total channels available. For example, DISH's entry plan, America's Top 120, has 190 of 330 channels possible (58%). DIRECTV's entry plan, Entertainment, has 175 of 350 channels (50%). Of course, the price/channel of each plan is a big part of its inherent value. In the table further below, we analyze just that.

Overall, both providers do a solid job of giving you a good/excellent assortment of channels for each upgrade in plan. In other words, assuming you can afford to upgrade, you'll get plenty of associated value after the move.

Channel value - get the most out of your plan

We calculate channel value in a simple formula of: (Plan cost) / (# channels). Everything else being equal, it's a good gauge of how much entertainment value you're getting out of your TV budget.

In general, both providers do a good job of giving your sufficient value for each upgrade. With DIRECTV, you'll get the most value from the Choice plan ($0.44). With DISH, America's Top 200 ($0.46) and 250 ($0.41) give you the most value there. Of course, channel value doesn't matter much unless you can afford the plan to begin with. So, our recommendation is to narrow it down to the 3 plans right around your budget and maybe use channel value as a tiebreaker.