If you’re talking about satellite TV providers, chances are DIRECTV and DISH are going to be mentioned. As the two largest satellite TV providers in the game, both have a lot to offer.
But when you set DIRECTV vs. DISH side by side, which one comes out on top?
Let’s compare DIRECTV and DISH so you come to your own conclusion. Here’s the most important information you should know to choose the right live television service for your home.
DIRECTV vs. DISH Comparison
DIRECTV and DISH both offer satellite TV, which means providing live TV broadcast via communications satellites that relay TV programming straight to your home.
But DIRECTV is different. Not only does DIRECTV’s exclusive Signal Saver technology ensure you have exceptional signal reliability – no matter the weather outside – but DIRECTV also has more flexibility when it comes to signing up.
In addition to satellite programming, DIRECTV offers customers the ability to connect via internet. That means when you sign up for DIRECTV, you have a choice of whether you want to get service via satellite or via internet. Depending on your home’s location, access to quality internet and a variety of other factors, one option may be better than the other.
You have the option with DIRECTV to choose how you want to get our incredible channel lineup. Watch what you want, how you want, even in harsh weather.
In this article, we will focus on comparing DIRECTV’s satellite offering with DISH. But if you’re interested in learning more about DIRECTV via internet, check out these resources:
Package Options & Pricing
Another of the key factors to consider is the package options and pricing. See how DIRECTV and DISH compare below.
DIRECTV has four base packages to choose from (ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE™, ULTIMATE and PREMIER) with several different ways to customize your experience, plus four Spanish-language plans. DISH also has four base packages with four additional Spanish packages.
Here we will compare the two most popular DIRECTV packages against DISH.
|
Package |
ENTERTAINMENT (DIRECTV) |
CHOICE™ (DIRECTV) |
America’s Top 120 Plus (DISH) |
America’s Top 200 (DISH) |
| Price |
$74.99*/mo. for 24 months + taxes & fees*($89.99/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS Fee) w/24-mo. agmt. AutoPay & Paperless Bill req’d |
$79.99*/mo. for 24 months + taxes & fees*($112.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS Fee & RSN Fee pf up to $17.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. AutoPay & Paperless Bill req’d |
$91.99/mo. for 24 months |
$111.99/mo. for 24 months |
| Special Offer |
*Must select offers. Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+ and Cinemax are included for first 3 months and auto-renew monthly thereafter at then-prevailing rates (currently $15.99/mo. for Max, $11.99/mo. for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, $10.99/mo. each for STARZ and Cinemax, and $5.99/mo. for MGM+), unless cancelled. See DIRECTV Legal Policy Center for details. |
*Must select offers. Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+ and Cinemax are included for first 3 months and auto-renew monthly thereafter at then-prevailing rates (currently $15.99/mo. for Max, $11.99/mo. for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, $10.99/mo. each for STARZ and Cinemax, and $5.99/mo. for MGM+), unless cancelled. See DIRECTV Legal Policy Center for details. |
*New and qualifying former customers only. All offers require credit qualification, 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. |
*New and qualifying former customers only. All offers require credit qualification, 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. |
**Access Max only through Max app or max.com. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription includes access to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME streaming plan, available via the Paramount+ app or paramountplus.com/link. Online account registration may be required. Offer not available to DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers switching to DIRECTV via Internet. Cancel online or by phone. Offer subj. to change.
For more information about all four of DIRECTV’s packages, check this helpful page out!
Now, let’s compare DIRECTV and DISH when it comes to their offerings en Español. For this comparison, we will look at the two most popular Spanish-language plans for each provider.
|
Package |
DIRECTV MÁS LATINO™ |
DIRECTV ÓPTIMO MÁS™ |
DishLATINO Clasico |
DishLATINO Plus |
|
Price |
$59.99/mo. for 24 mos.+ taxes & fees ($74.99/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee) w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d |
$74.99/mo. for 24 mos. + taxes & fees ($89.99.99/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee) w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d |
$69.99/mo. for 24-months |
$71.99/mo. for 24-months |
|
Number of Channels |
120+ |
205+ |
180 |
190 |
|
Package Highlights |
|
|
|
|
Channel Availability
In the Packages & Pricing section we went over the number of channels available and the monthly costs for both DIRECTV and DISH. But it’s also important to look at the individual channels to ensure the live TV provider you choose has the channels you’re interested in.
We curate our satellite TV selection at DIRECTV to offer popular channels (including local channels) you want to see at each tiered package level. In other words, you pay for the package with the channels you want, whether that’s a basic package (ENTERTAINMENT with 165+) or a premium package (PREMIER™ with 340+ channels).
And, if you want even more, you can add it to your plan with our optional add-ons. Easy peasy.
DISH’s base satellite package, America’s Top 120, includes 190 channels, including local channels and free On Demand titles. Their highest-tiered package, called America’s Top 250, has 290+ channels and includes free Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® and DISH Movie Pack.
With any DIRECTV package or DISH package, you can also choose additional sports, premium or international channel add-ons. Let’s compare channels below:
|
Package |
ENTERTAINMENT |
CHOICE™ |
America’s Top 120 Plus |
America’s Top 200 |
|
# of Channels |
165+ |
200+ |
190 |
240+ |
|
Popular Networks |
AMC, CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN & ESPN2, Nickelodeon & more |
Featured ENTERTAINMENT channels, plus specialty sports: ACC Network, Big Ten Network, MLB Network, NBA TV, SEC Network & more |
America’s Top 120 and more like CNN, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel |
America’s Top 200 and more like SEC Network, BBC America, Big Ten Network, BET, FS2, FYI |
|
Local Channels |
Yes, where available (including PBS) |
Yes, where available (including PBS) |
Yes, where available |
Yes, where available |
|
Local Regional Sports Networks |
No |
Yes* *Not all RSNs avail in all areas. Availability varies by zip code |
No |
No |
|
Out of Market Regional Sports Networks |
No |
Yes, 30+ channels w/ DIRECTV Sports Pack for $14.99/mo. + tax |
No |
No |
For a full list of DIRECTV channels, check out the Channel Lineup!
DIRECTV vs. DISH sports coverage
We know you love sports as much as we love sports. And that’s why DIRECTV offers most of the sports channels you could want or need, either as part of our packages or as optional add-ons. Easily access national, regional, college or league-specific networks to keep up with your favorite teams right from your living room with one of our plans.
Let’s compare DIRECTV and DISH when it comes to sports offerings.
| Package | DIRECTV Satellite | DISH |
| Sports Overview |
|
|
| Sports Add-ons | DIRECTV Sports Pack ($14.99/mo. + tax) includes: ACC Network; Big Ten Network; CBS Sports Network; ESPNEWS; ESPNU; FanDuel TV; FOX Sports 2; Golf Channel; MLB Network; MLB Strike Zone; NBA TV; Next Level Sports; NFL Network; NFL RedZone; NHL Network; Outdoor Channel; SEC Network; Sportsman Channel; Tennis Channel; TUDN; Willow HD; Willow Xtra &…
30+ Regional Sports Networks (also included in PREMIER package) |
Multi-Sport Pack ($13/mo.) includes: NFL Red Zone from NFL Network, NFL Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, MLB Network, MLB Strike Zone, Outside TV, ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, beIN Sports en Espanol, beIN Sport, beIN Sports Connect 8, beIN Sports Connect 4, FS2 |
| Seasonal Sports Add-ons | FOX Soccer Plus, MLB EXTRA INNINGS®, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice | FOX Soccer Plus, MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice |
Below are all the sports channels or sports add-ons available on either DIRECTV or DISH. Channels validated as of July 31, 2024.
| Sports channel | DIRECTV | DISH |
| Lo Mejor de Liga MX IPLL | — | ✔ |
| MLB Extra Innings | ✔ | ✔ |
| MLB Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| MLB Strike Zone | ✔ | ✔ |
| MOTOR TREND | ✔ | ✔ |
| NBA League Pass | ✔ | ✔ |
| NBA TV | ✔ | ✔ |
| NBC Universo | ✔ | ✔ |
| NFL Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| NHL Center Ice | ✔ | ✔ |
| NHL Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| Next Level Sports | ✔ | — |
| Outdoor Channel | ✔ | ✔ |
| Outside TV | — | ✔ |
| SEC Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sports Mix | ✔ | — |
| Sportsman Channel | ✔ | ✔ |
| TBS | ✔ | ✔ |
| Telemundo | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tennis Channel | ✔ | ✔ |
| TNT | ✔ | ✔ |
| TUDN | ✔ | ✔ |
| TVG | ✔ | — |
| TVG2 | — | ✔ |
| TyC Sports | ✔ | — |
| UniMás | ✔ | ✔ |
| UniMás West | ✔ | — |
| Univision East | ✔ | ✔ |
| Univision West | ✔ | ✔ |
| Univison Deportes | ✔ | — |
| WILLOW | ✔ | ✔ |
| WILLOW Xtra | ✔ | ✔ |
| World Fishing Network | — | ✔ |
| Zona Fútbol | — | ✔ |
DIRECTV vs. DISH Premium Channels & Add-Ons
Depending on your needs, there are countless premium channels for entertainment and sports you may be interested in. Let’s look at how premium channels compare between DIRECTV and DISH.
DIRECTV offers a PREMIER™ package that includes premium channels like HBO™, Cinemax®, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® and STARZ®. In our lower package tiers, you’ll get these same channels included for three months on us. If you decide you’d like to keep them for longer, you always have the option to add premium channels to an existing or new package plan.
With DISH, you’ll have three free months of premium channels, but you can also upgrade with add-ons to get those channels all the time. If you want more premium options, you can choose from their various add-ons for specific channels you enjoy, such as HBO or Cinemax.
Entertainment Add-Ons
When it comes to specialty channels, there are some live TV providers that are better than others. Check out DIRECTV and DISH’s Entertainment Add-ons here:
These are networks that customers can add to their base TV package for an extra cost (prices as of 7/31/24).
|
Channel |
DIRECTV |
DISH |
|
Max |
3 months included, then regular price (curr. $15.99/mo. + tax) |
$17/mo. |
|
PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME |
3 months included, then regular price (curr. $11.99/mo. + tax) |
Free for 3-months then $10/mo. |
|
STARZ |
3 months included, then regular price (curr. $10.99/mo. + tax) |
Free for 3-months then $10/mo. |
|
MGM+ |
3 months included, then regular price (curr. $5.99/mo. + tax) |
$7/mo. |
|
Cinemax |
3 months included, then regular price (curr. $10.99/mo. + tax) |
$10/mo. |
|
AMC+ |
$8.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill |
Not available bundled |
|
discovery+ includes HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel |
$4.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill |
$8.99/mo. (Ad free) or $4.99/mo. (Ad Lite) |
|
ALLBLK |
$5.99/mo. + tax |
$5.99/mo. |
|
ACORN TV |
$7.99/mo. + tax |
$7.99/mo. |
|
BET+ |
|
$10.99/mo. |
|
FOX Nation |
$5.99/mo. + tax |
$5.99/mo. |
|
History Vault |
$4.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
DIRECTV Movies Extra Pack Includes: Crime+Investigation; Hallmark Drama; Hallmark Mystery; HDNet Movies; INSP HD; MTV Live; ShortsTV; Smithsonian Channel; Sony Movies |
$4.99/mo. +tax |
Not available |
|
DISH Movie Pack includes: HDNet Movies, Hallmark Mystery, Crime+Investigation, Starz Encore Suspense, STARZ Kids & Family, Movieplex, indieplex, retroplex, MGM+, MGM+ Hits, MGM+ Marquee, FOX Movie Channel, Sony Movies, PixL |
Not available |
Free for 3 months then $10/mo. |
|
Lifetime Movie Club* |
$4.99/mo. + tax |
Not available alone |
|
Peacock* |
$4.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
A&E Crime Central* |
$4.99/mo. + tax |
Not available |
|
Hallmark Movies Now* |
$5.99/mo. + tax |
$5.99/mo. |
|
UP Faith & Family* |
$5.99/mo. + tax |
Free for 1 month then $4.99/mo. |
*May only be accessed on internet-connected HD DVR/Gemini and the DIRECTV app. Subscription not valid for streaming using the provider app or website.
Entertainment Experience
You deserve a relaxing, uncomplicated entertainment experience, where you get the best content of the highest quality in a way that works best for you. Below are some considerations to think about before choosing a live TV service.
DIRECTV vs. DISH Network equipment and fees
DIRECTV via satellite brings TV into your home using a satellite and receiver. You can also watch TV wherever you go, including 65,000+ On Demand movies and shows or live sports, using the DIRECTV app. Plus, when you sign up for DIRECTV via satellite, you get professional installation at no extra cost.
DISH provides a satellite and set-top box for your home with the option to upgrade for an extra charge to access additional features. Some of the extra features you’d get with an upgrade include additional storage, access to thousands of Google Play apps and easier connections to your smart devices. The DISH Anywhere app access is free if you want to watch away from home, and customers can log into the app to access their TV package.
Content Aggregation
With so many disparate entertainment apps and networks these days, it can be difficult to stay organized. DIRECTV gives customers the opportunity to house all their video streaming services on the DIRECTV interface, so you never have to switch inputs again.*
DISH has a similar feature for stress-free entertainment.
*Req’s separate paid subscriptions for 3rd party apps. Internet-connected Gemini device required.
Picture Quality & 4K Content
DIRECTV provides exclusive 4K Ultra HD channels to satellite customers for watching TV series, movies, live sports and more for no additional cost to customers.
The following five channels are always playing great content in the best quality.
- 104 (DTV4K) – 24/7 channel featuring shows, original series and documentaries
- 105 (LIVE4K) – occasional live sporting events
- 106 (LIVE4K2) – occasional live sporting events
- 107 & 108 – Pay Per View movies
Limited 4K content available for satellite service 4K TV req’d. Video quality defined by resolution
DISH, on the other hand, offers one channel and some on demand content for 4K viewing.
Simultaneous Streams & Streaming Capabilities
Whether you connect to DIRECTV via satellite or internet, you can stream content wherever you go. At your house. On vacation. Even at your local coffee shop. If you’re connected to the internet, you can watch TV — simple as that. Plus, with the DIRECTV Gemini receiver, you can access all your favorite apps and channels to stream shows, sports and movies (all the good stuff) at home.
Through DISH, you can use the Dish Anywhere app to stream live, On Demand and recorded content. Additionally, DISH Anywhere lets you download and watch recorded content offline with compatible devices.
Compare DIRECTV with DISH
With all the information above, you should be able to make a smart choice about the live TV provider that’s right for you. If you’re also looking to compare DIRECTV to other competitors, we’ve got you covered there, too!
Check out our DIRECTV vs. the Competition to find out what other competitors DIRECTV beats out.
Or, if you’re ready to start watching, sign up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: DISH or DIRECTV?
DISH has a lot of great features, but we believe DIRECTV takes the gold in a direct comparison. DIRECTV offers a greater channel selection and is the industry leader in sports. Get the shows and movies you want without all the fuss. And unlike DISH, DIRECTV is more than a satellite provider — you have the option to skip the satellite dish and connect to your TV via internet.
What are the three biggest advantages DIRECTV has over DISH?
The three biggest advantages DIRECTV has over DISH include more access to sports, more channel selections and greater signal reliability. Our exclusive SignalSaver™ technology enables you to automatically keep watching via your internet connection when bad weather or something else interrupts your satellite connection. And with up to 340+ channels, you can personalize your DIRECTV plan to make sure you’re getting content you know your household will enjoy. As a leader in sports, DIRECTV also has a leg up over DISH with better sports packages and sports channel access across the board, so you can catch the sports you love anytime.
Does DIRECTV have On Demand programming?
Absolutely! DIRECTV has over 95,000+ On demand movies and TV shows available to watch at home or on the go. You can watch 100% of your TV programming anywhere you have an internet connection and where you can download the DIRECTV App. You can even rent or buy the newest blockbuster movies to watch right from your TV screen.
Is DIRECTV more reliable than DISH TV service?
DIRECTV delivers 99% reliability. * And DIRECTV has something Dish doesn't. Satellite customers covered during signal loss due to weather or other events. If signal degradation or signal loss occurs, DIRECTV SignalSaver™ takes over. SignalSaver allows you to switch your programming on 160+ most watched channels and connect your TV through an existing home internet connection. Continue watching your TV programs until the satellite signal is restored.
Can I access my favorite TV streaming apps like Hulu, Netflix, Prime or Apple TV if I am a DIRECTV Satellite customer?
YES! As a DIRECTV Satellite customer, you will have access to apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV and MaxTM all within your TV channel menu.
DIRECTV Insider brings you our views on what’s happening in streaming, t.v., movies and sports. Companies and persons mentioned are not necessarily associated with and do not necessarily endorse DIRECTV. We will disclose sponsored content on our site when we show it to you, and some of the links on the site may be ads or affiliate links which means DIRECTV may earn compensation from your purchases.
