Picking a live TV service provider? It can be overwhelming with all the choices, adds-ons, intro offers and so on. Luckily, discovering the perfect entertainment choice for your family just got a whole lot easier! Check out our breakdown of DIRECTV vs. Xfinity below to pick the live TV provider that suits your needs.
Xfinity TV vs. DIRECTV Comparison
The most basic difference between DIRECTV and Xfinity is how TV gets to your home. Xfinity delivers TV via cable alone, but DIRECTV lets you choose between DIRECTV via satellite or DIRECTV via internet.
DIRECTV connected via internet is similar to streaming and gives you great content online with no satellite dish required. Depending on your home’s location, access to quality internet and a variety of other factors, one option may be better than the other.
Related Resource: How to Watch DIRECTV
This article will focus on DIRECTV packages and offers for customers connecting via internet. For more information on DIRECTV with a satellite, check out the related resource above.
When it comes to DIRECTV vs Xfinity, here’s a quick comparison of the main factors you should know. Feel free to read through, or jump to the section you’re interested in:
- Package Options & Pricing
- Spanish Language Plans & Add-Ons
- Channel Availability
- Premium Channels & Add-Ons
- Premium Sports Channels
- Entertainment Experience
Package Options & Pricing
Once you know how you want to connect, another of the key factors to consider is the package options and pricing. See how DIRECTV and Xfinity compare below.
DIRECTV has four base packages to choose from (ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE™, ULTIMATE and PREMIER) with several different ways to customize your experience, plus one Spanish-language plan.
Comcast Xfinity offers three cable TV plan options, with the top-tiered package featuring 185+ channels. If you want more, you can add additional channels for extra monthly costs, including premium, sports and international networks.
Here we will compare the two most popular DIRECTV packages against Xfinity’s top two plans.
| Package | DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT (via Internet) | DIRECTV CHOICE™ (via internet) | Xfinity Popular TV | Xfinity Ultimate TV |
| Price |
$74.99/mo.* for 24 months + taxes & fees ($89.99/mo. total w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee) w/24-mo. agreement |
$79.99/mo.* for 24 months + taxes & fees ($112.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $17.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agreement |
$60/month $25.65/mo broadcast TV fee and $19.20/mo regional sports fee extra; price subj to change. Taxes and equipment not included. |
$80/month $25.55/mo broadcast TV fee and $19.20/mo regional sports fee extra; price subj to change. Taxes and equipment not included. |
| Feature Highlights | 90+ channels
Local channels included, where available Unlimited Cloud DVR recording |
125+ channels
Local channels included, where available Regional & Specialty sports networks Unlimited cloud DVR |
125+ channels
Cloud DVR with 20 hours of storage Regional sports networks Premium sports add-on option |
185+ channels
Cloud DVR with 20 hours of storage Regional Sports Networks Premium sports add-on option |
| Special Offer | 3-months included*: Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, Cinemax**
*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. |
$10 off for 24 months
3-months included*: Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, Cinemax** *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. |
Streampix included | Streampix included |
*New approved residential customers, price incl. TV pkg & equip. fees for first TV. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Equipment lease req’d. Early agmt termination fee applies ($20/mo.) & add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply.
**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 into all four DIRECTV packages, check this out!
Spanish Language Plans & Add-Ons
DIRECTV via internet offers one Spanish-language TV package and two Spanish-language add-ons. Xfinity, however, only has one add on. Check out DIRECTV via internet Spanish plan below.
| Package | DIRECTV ÓPTIMO MÁS™ |
| Cost | $74.99/mo. for 24 months + taxes & fees ($89.99/mo. w/req’d $15/mo. ARS fee) w/ 24-mo. agmt. |
| Number of Channels | Up to 80+ Spanish channels; 125+ English channels |
| Package Highlights | Local channels included, where available
Sports Channels: FS1, FS2, ESPN, FOX Deportes, ESPN Deportes, etc. Entertainment Channels: A&E, Food Network, Discovery, E!, History en Espanol, etc. News Channels: CNN/CNN International, Telemundo, Univision, etc. |
Along with DIRECTV’s Spanish-language package, there are also two Spanish-language add-ons that can be purchased along with a base package. Those add-ons are laid out below:
- DIRECTV Deportes: An extra 5 Spanish-language channels for international sports like soccer, baseball and more for $4.99/mo. + tax
- DIRECTV En Español: 60+ Spanish-language channels (includes channels in Deportes) for $14.99/mo. + tax
Xfinity also has a Spanish add-on for English base channels.
- Xfinity Latino TV: 60+ Spanish channels for $10/mo.
Comcast Xfinity recently launched a new, internet connected Spanish add-on called NOW TV Latino, which allows existing Comcast internet customers to watch 25+ Spanish channels and get Peacock Premium for $10/mo. It’s important to note this is for internet customers, not cable TV customers.
Channel Availability
In the Packages & Pricing section we went over the number of channels available and the monthly costs for both DIRECTV and Xfinity. But it’s also important to look at the individual channels to ensure the streaming service you choose has the channels you’re interested in.
Get an overview of both providers’ channel availability here.
| Package | ENTERTAINMENT | CHOICE™ | Xfinity Popular TV | Xfinity Ultimate TV |
| Number of Channels | 90+ | 125+ | 125+ | 185+ |
| Popular Channels | ESPN
ESPN 2 FX Disney Channel CNN HGTV FOX News |
Featured ENTERTAINMENT Channels +
MLB NETWORK NBA TV NFL Network Cooking Channel FanDuel Sports Networks NBC Sports |
A&E
ACC Network Discovery ESPN ESPN 2 FS1 |
AXS TV
CBS Sports Network Cooking Channel ESPN U ESPN News FS2 |
| Local Channels | Yes, where available (including PBS) | Yes, where available (including PBS) | Yes, where available | Yes, where available (including PBS) |
| Local Regional Sports Networks | No | Yes Not all RSNs avail in all areas. Limited by zip code |
Yes availability varies by location |
Yes availability varies by location |
| Regional Sports Networks | Yes, 30+ channels w/ Sports Pack for $14.99/mo. + taxes & fees | Yes, 30+ channels w/ Sports Pack for $14.99/mo. + taxes & fees | Limited, availability varies by location | Limited, availability varies by location |
For a full list of DIRECTV channels, check out the Channel Lineup!
Regional Sports Networks Comparison
At DIRECTV, we live and breathe sports. We know you’re not just “watching the game” – you’re experiencing the thrill and excitement of watching your favorite teams in real time. That’s why we offer a comprehensive lineup of sports channels. You’ll never miss a moment of the action.
To start, let’s look at the regional sports networks available from either provider.
DIRECTV’s Sports Pack or PREMIER package come with 20+ RSNs, in addition to your local sports channel (with the CHOICE™ package or above). Comcast Xfinity also offers regional sports in their cable packages, including 11 channels in their Popular TV package. And you can include additional sports on any of their plans with added fees.
Let’s compared DIRECTV and Xfinity in terms of their RSN availability.
| DIRECTV RSNs
*Available with PREMIER package and DIRECTV Sports Pack Add-on |
Xfinity RSNS | |
| Altitude Sports | ✔ | |
| FanDuel Sports Cincinnati | ✔ | |
| FanDuel Sports Detroit | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports Florida | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports Great Lakes | ✔ | |
| FanDuel Sports Indiana | ✔ | |
| FanDuel Sports Midwest | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports North | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports Ohio | ✔ | |
| FanDuel Sports Oklahoma | ✔ | |
| FanDuel Sports SoCal | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports Southeast | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports South | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports Southwest | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports Sun | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports Sports West | ✔ | ✔ |
| FanDuel Sports Wisconsin | ✔ | ✔ |
| Madison Square Garden | ✔ | |
| Marquee Sports Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mid Atlantic Sports Net | ✔ | ✔ |
| Monumental Sports Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| MSG Sportsnet | ✔ | |
| NBC Sports Bay Area Plus | ✔ | ✔ |
| NBC Sports Boston | ✔ | ✔ |
| NBC Sports California | ✔ | ✔ |
| NBC Sports Chicago | ✔ | ✔ |
| NESN | ✔ | ✔ |
| ROOT Sports Northwest | ✔ | ✔* |
| Space City Home Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spectrum SportsNet LA | ✔ | |
| SNY | ✔ | ✔ |
| SportsNet Pittsburgh | ✔ | ✔* |
| YES Network | ✔ | ✔ |
*requires Xfinity Ultimate package
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 Xfinity.
Entertainment Add-Ons
When it comes to specialty channels, there are some live TV providers that are better than others.
These are networks that customers can add to their base TV package for an extra cost. Let’s compare DIRECTV and Xfinity below.
| Channel | DIRECTV | Xfinity |
| Max | 3 months included then $15.99/mo. | $16.99/mo. |
| PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME | 3 months included then $11.99/mo. | $12/mo. |
| STARZ | 3 months included $10.99/mo. | $10.99/mo. |
| MGM+ | 3 months included then $5.99/mo. | $5.99/mo. |
| Cinemax | 3 months included then $10.99/mo. | $12/mo. |
| Movies Extra Pack | includes: Crime+Investigation; Hallmark Drama; Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; HDNet Movies; INSP HD; MTV Live; ShortsTV; Smithsonian Channel; Sony Movies | 3 months included then $4.99/mo. | Not available |
| THE MOVIE CHANNEL | Not available | $12/mo. |
| AMC+ |includes access to Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited | $8.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill | $8.99/mo. |
| discovery+ | includes HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel | $4.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill | Not available |
| Xfinity Streampix | Not available | $4.99/mo. |
| Disney Story Central | Not available | $4.99/mo. |
| ALLBLK | $5.99/mo. + tax | $5.99/mo. |
| ACORN TV | $7.99/mo. + tax | $7.99/mo. |
| FOX Nation | $5.99/mo. + tax | $5.99/mo. |
| History Vault | $4.99/mo. + tax | $4.99/mo. |
| Lifetime Movie Club* | $4.99/mo. + tax | $4.99/mo. |
| Peacock* | $4.99/mo. + tax | Not available |
| A&E Crime Central* | $4.99/mo. + tax | Not available |
| Hallmark Movies Now* | $5.99/mo. + tax | Not available |
| UP Faith & Family* | $5.99/mo. + tax | $5.99/mo. |
| Xfinity StreamSaver™ | includes Netflix w/ ads, AppleTV+ and Peacock Premium | Not available | $15/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.
While Xfinity and DIRECTV have a similar number of premium add-ons it’s important to ensure the provider you choose has the specific add-ons you want, at the right price.
Premium Sports Channels
For sports fans, it’s important to have access to most networks so you can watch the most games. But these days, with broadcast rights for sports spanning networks and streaming services, it can be difficult.
Let’s look at the different sports add-ons available to customers of DIRECTV and Xfinity.
| DIRECTV Sports Pack | Xfinity More Sports & Entertainment | |
| Cost | $14.99/mo. + tax | $9.95/mo. |
| Number of Channels | 22 additional channels for ENTERTAINMENT customers); 12 additional channels for CHOICE™ customers | 40+ additional channels |
| Channel List | 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) |
ESPNU NFL RedZone from NFL Network NBA TV NHL Network MLB TV CBS Sports Network Golf Channel Big Ten Network FanDuel TV ESPN News MLB Network CMT TCM FM Additional channels not listed; availability varies by location |
All in all, the choice between DIRECTV and Xfinity largely depends on your viewing preferences, especially when it comes to sports. Keep in mind, depending on the base package you choose, some of these networks may be included already, so make sure to check out the full channel lineup of the package you want!
DIRECTV also allows customers to purchase premium sports add-ons like NBA League Pass. Plus, DIRECTV is one of the few providers with access to Willow TV, the exclusive cricket broadcast network in the US.
Xfinity customers can also purchase NBA League Pass, as well as NHL Center Ice.
Entertainment Experience
Are you tired of being limited to one way of watching your favorite movies, sports and shows? DIRECTV is here to save the day.
With our DIRECTV App, you can easily view all your DIRECTV package content, including live sports or On Demand content, wherever you are. As long as you have a high-speed internet connection, you’re good to go.
Content Aggregation & Streaming Capabilities
DIRECTV wants you to watch your favorite movies, sports and shows in the way that works best for you. And 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.
*Req’s separate paid subscriptions for 3rd party apps. Internet-connected Gemini device required.
That’s right, with a Gemini box, DIRECTV via internet customers gain access to the Google Play Store, which has 7,000+ apps so you can personalize your TV time whenever you sit down to watch. With all your preferred streaming apps in one place, you won’t be scrambling for different remotes to watch your favorite shows.
Within the home, DIRECTV allows for unlimited devices to stream at the same time. Out of the home, three devices are permitted for use at the same time**.
For Xfinity, you need a TV and a receiver (X1TV). Xfinity offers cable TV, which means you won’t need a satellite dish, but you’ll still need a cable connection to view content through your TV system. Xfinity also has a Stream app to use on the go.
A newer offer from Xfinity to consider is the Xumo Stream Box, an internet connected box that allows customers to view their Xfinity app alongside around 200 other streaming apps.
Xfinity allows for up to five devices when connected to your home internet. While outside the home, three simultaneous streams are permitted.
**Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. All DIRECTV streams must be on the same home network and a compatible router is required. Certain channels are excluded. Limit 3 concurrent out-of-home DIRECTV streams. Restrictions apply. See directv.com/unlimitedstreams for details.
DVR
You want to be able to record your favorite shows and movies when you’re not around to watch them – and you shouldn’t be punished for that! With DIRECTV connected via internet, customers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage for no extra cost.
Xfinity also provides DVR hours, but not as many. Included in your package is 20 hours of DVR storage. If you’re looking for more, you can upgrade to 150 hours for $10 or 300 hours for $20.
Picture Quality & 4K Content
DIRECTV provides exclusively 4K Ultra HD channels to internet or stream customers for watching TV series, movies, live sports and more for no additional cost to customers*. The following three 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
Xfinity does not have specific channels for 4K, but 4K programming is available to customers in varying instances.**
*4K TV required
**4K UHD and 4K UHD/HDR viewing is currently available to Xfinity X1 and Xfinity Flex customers and requires a compatible Xfinity TV Box, an HDCP 2.2 compatible 4K TV, and a 4K-capable HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI cord.
Compare DIRECTV vs. the Competition
With all the above information, you should be ready to make your decision when it comes to DIRECTV vs. Xfinity. But if you’re still looking for more information on how DIRECTV stacks up against other live TV providers, check out the link below!
Or, if you’re ready to start watching, sign up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DIRECTV and Comcast?
When comparing DIRECTV vs. Comcast, the initial difference is that DIRECTV offers TV via satellite or internet, while Comcast offers cable TV. Other differences include pricing, channel selection, add-on channel options and equipment required.
Which is better: Comcast, DISH or DIRECTV?
DIRECTV gives you two ways to connect: satellite or internet. Comcast lets you connect through cable, while DISH offers satellite TV. Additionally, DIRECTV offers more channels to give you all the TV you want — whether it be movies, shows or sports. No matter the type of TV you like or how you prefer to connect, DIRECTV has everything you need.
Is it worth getting DIRECTV?
In our opinion, it’s worth it to get DIRECTV if you love TV and movies. DIRECTV has more sports, package selections and ways to connect to TV than other providers. Plus, with our extensive features and add-ons, you can customize how you watch to make your home viewing experience everything you want it to be.
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.
