We get it. Choosing a live television service provider is no easy task. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best package for your needs.
To help you make the right entertainment decision for you and your family, we’ve laid out some key areas to consider. Find our comparison of DIRECTV vs. Spectrum below to determine which option is the best fit for you.
Spectrum TV vs. DIRECTV Comparison
The most basic difference between DIRECTV and Spectrum is how TV gets to your home. Spectrum delivers TV via cable alone, but DIRECTV lets you choose between DIRECTV via satellite or DIRECTV via internet.
Wondering what this means? Basically, DIRECTV connected via satellite provides an amazing channel lineup and features available through satellite. 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 Spectrum, here’s a quick comparison of the main factors you should know:
Package Options & Pricing
Once you know how you want to connect, another of the key factors to consider is the package options and pricing.
DIRECTV via internet 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. Spectrum, on the other hand, has three packages and one Spanish-language plan.
Here we will compare the two most popular DIRECTV packages against Spectrum’s top two plans.
| Package | DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT (via Internet) | DIRECTV CHOICE™ (via internet) | Spectrum TV Select Signature | Spectrum TV Select Plus |
| 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 | $95.00/month for 12 months | $105.00/month for 12 months |
| 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 |
150+ channels
DVR (with extra charge) Premium channels add-on option 4 sports networks Sports View channels add-on option |
160+ channels
Regional Sports Networks |
| 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. |
Disney+ Basic, included
availability varies by location |
Disney+ Basic, included
ESPN+, 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 and Spectrum both offer one Spanish-language TV package. Check out the similarities and differences below:
| Package | DIRECTV ÓPTIMO MÁS™ | SPECTRUM MI PLAN LATINO |
| Cost | $74.99/mo. for 24 months + taxes & fees ($89.99/mo. w/req’d $15/mo. ARS fee) w/ 24-mo. agmt. |
$39.99/mo. for 12 months*
*Limited time offer, subject to change |
| Number of Channels | Up to 80+ Spanish channels; 125+ English channels | 75+ Spanish channels; 70+ 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. |
ViX Premium w/ Ads, included
Includes Univision, Telemundo, ESPN Deportes, HITN |
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
Spectrum, however, only has the full Spanish plan, and one Spanish add-on for English base channels.
- Latino View: 70+ Hispanic channels for $15/mo.
Channel Availability
In the Packages & Pricing section we went over the number of channels available and the monthly costs for both DIRECTV and Spectrum. 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™ | Spectrum TV Select Signature | Spectrum TV Select Plus |
| Number of Channels | 90+ | 125+ | 150+ | 160+ |
| 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 AMC ESPN ESPN 2 SEC Network TNT USA |
NFL Network
NBA TV MLB Network HGTV FS1 ESPN |
| Local Channels | Yes, where available (including PBS) | Yes, where available (including PBS) | Yes, where available (including PBS) | Yes, where available (including PBS) |
| Local Regional Sports Networks | No | Yes*
*Not all RSNs avail in all areas. Limited by zip code |
No | 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 | ? | ? |
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 Spectrum.
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 Spectrum and their add-ons below.
| Channel | DIRECTV | Spectrum |
| Max | 3 months included then $15.99/mo. | $16/mo. |
| PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME | 3 months included then $11.99/mo. | $10/mo. |
| STARZ | 3 months included $10.99/mo. | $9/mo. |
| MGM+ | 3 months included then $5.99/mo. | $7/mo. |
| Cinemax | 3 months included then $10.99/mo. | $10/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 | $5/mo. |
| AMC+
includes access to Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited |
$8.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill | Not available |
| discovery+
includes HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel |
$4.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill | Not available |
| ALLBLK | $5.99/mo. + tax | Not available |
| ACORN TV | $7.99/mo. + tax | Not available |
| FOX Nation | $5.99/mo. + tax | Not available |
| History Vault | $4.99/mo. + tax | Not available |
| Lifetime Movie Club* | $4.99/mo. + tax | Not available |
| 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 | Not available |
*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 Spectrum has far fewer premium add-ons compared to DIRECTV, the platform does have an Entertainment View add-on that provides customers with 70+ additional channels, for an extra $15/mo., which includes the following channels:
| ACC** | Crime & Investigation | GSN** | MTV2* | Smithsonian Channel |
| American Heroes | Destination America | Hallmark* | NBA TV** | Sundance* |
| AXS TV* | Discovery Family | HDNetMovies | NBC Universo | TCM** |
| BabyFirstTV* | Discovery Life | i24 | Newsmax* | TeenNick* |
| BBC World News | Discovery Science | IFC* | NFL Network** | Tennis Channel** |
| BET Her | ESPN Deportes | Indieplex | Nick Jr** | The Africa Channel |
| BET Jams | ESPN News** | Jewish Life TV | Nick Music | The Cowboy Channel |
| BET Soul | ESPNU** | Justice Central* | Nicktoons** | The Impact Network |
| Boomerang* | Flix | Lifetime Movie Network | Olympic Channel | Tr3s |
| BYU TV | FM* | Lifetime Real Women | Ovation TV* | TUDN |
| Cars.TV | Fox Deportes | Logo | OWN** | Universal Kids |
| CBS Sports Network | Fox Sports2 | Military History Channel | Pets.TV | Up** |
| Cheddar** | Fuse** | MLB Network** | Recipe.TV** | Viceland |
| CNBC World** | FYI | Movieplex | Reelz* | |
| Comedy.TV** | GAC | MTV Classic | Retroplex | |
| Cooking Channel** | Golf** | MTV Live | RFD TV |
*Channels available in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT package or above
**Channels available in DIRECTV CHOICE™ package or above
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 packages available to customers for DIRECTV and Spectrum.
| DIRECTV Sports Pack | Spectrum Sports View | |
| Cost | $14.99/mo. + tax | $10/mo. |
| Number of Channels | 22 additional channels for ENTERTAINMENT customers); 12 additional channels for CHOICE™ customers | 20 total 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) |
ACC |
All in all, the choice between DIRECTV and Spectrum 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.
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.
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
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 can enjoy an enhanced viewing experience. You’ll be able to view all content included in your package, plus access the Google Play Store to add additional streaming apps to your device. And self-installation is fast and easy, so you can connect right away.
For Spectrum, you need a TV and a receiver. Spectrum 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 without their app. The Spectrum TV App comes free with a Spectrum TV package, so you can also use a supported device to stream live and On Demand content.
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. Spectrum, however, requires purchasing the DVR add-on, starting at $13.99/mo.
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
Spectrum offers an Apple TV 4K add-on, which allows customers to stream content with Apple TV and the Spectrum TV App for an additional $9.99/mo. This is another example of how DIRECTV’s entertainment experience is unrivaled by Spectrum!
*4K TV required
Simultaneous Streams
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**.
Spectrum also allows for unlimited streams when connected to your home internet. While outside the home, only two simultaneous streams are permitted.
DIRECTV comes out on top here, as customers can have one more stream outside of the home.
**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.
Compare DIRECTV vs. the Competition
With all the information above comparing DIRECTV and Spectrum, 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 hub to find out what other competitors DIRECTV beats out.
Or, if you’re ready to start watching, sign up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have Spectrum internet and DIRECTV?
This question is essentially asking, “Can I have DIRECTV and Spectrum at the same time?” Yes, you can pair DIRECTV with whatever internet service you like best. As long as you have high-speed internet access, you can use the DIRECTV Gemini receiver to watch all your favorite channels. And, if you’d rather not worry about internet, our DIRECTV SATELLITE packages will work on your TV without any internet connection required.
How much is DIRECTV monthly?
The price of DIRECTV each month depends on the plan you choose. We have four plan options via satellite or internet: ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE™, ULTIMATE and PREMIER™. Depending on which you choose, you’ll pay between $64.99 and $154.99 per month (not including add-on channel fees).
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.
