
DIRECTV vs. Charter Spectrum TV service
By David Anders Last updated: February 28, 2022
Compare DIRECTV and Spectrum services to find the best TV package for you.
How do DIRECTV and Spectrum TV services compare?
If DIRECTV and Spectrum are TV options in your area, then you should know how they compare before committing to either provider. While Spectrum TV has cheaper starting prices, DIRECTV offers considerably more channels.
Although slightly more money each month, DIRECTV packages are the better value as they offer more channels, better recording deals and higher customer satisfaction ratings. If you just want the lowest prices, however, your best bet is Spectrum TV.
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum quick comparison
DIRECTV STREAM
- Available in all 50 states
- TV packages start at $74.99/mo.*
- Channels range from 160-330+
- Record up to five shows at once
- Bundles best with AT&T Internet
- Two-year contract required

- Available in 46 states
- TV packages start at $44.99/mo.*
- Channels range from 125-200+
- Record up to two shows at once
- Bundles best with Spectrum Internet
- No contract required
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 1/24/22.
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum TV packages and pricing
DIRECTV offers five base TV packages while Spectrum has three. Your local channels are included with all DIRECTV and Spectrum base packages.
DIRECTV packages
Package | Starting monthly price | TV channel count | Top channels | Premium channels |
---|---|---|---|---|
ENTERTAINMENT | $74.991 | 160+ | AMC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX Sports 1, TBS, TLC, TNT, USA | SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, EPIX® & Cinemax® included for first three months |
CHOICE™ | $79.992 | 185+ | MLB Network, OWN, Travel Channel, Weather Channel | HBO Max™, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, Cinemax® & EPIX® included for first three months |
ULTIMATE | $99.993 | 250+ | DTV4K, Movie Channel, NFL Sunday Ticket | HBO Max™, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, Cinemax® & EPIX® included for first three months |
PREMIER™ | $149.994 | 330+ | Movie Channel Extra, Next Level Sports, Outdoor Channel | HBO Max™, SHOWTIME®, STARZ® and Cinemax® included. EPIX included for first three months. |
1 for 12 mos. plus taxes w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $69.99/mo plus taxes until discounts start. Prices higher in 2nd year.*
2 for 12 mos. plus taxes and RSN Fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $74.99/mo plus taxes until discounts start. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $9.99/mo. is extra & applies.*
3 for 12 mos. plus taxes and RSN Fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $89.99/mo plus taxes until discounts start. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $9.99/mo. is extra & applies.*
4 for 12 mos. plus taxes and RSN Fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $139.99/mo plus taxes until discounts start. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $9.99/mo. is extra & applies.*
*$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20/MO. FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price after $5/mo. autopay & paperless bill discount for 12 mos. Discount starts w/in 3 bills. New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). Restr’s apply.
Spectrum packages
Feature | TV Select | TV Silver | TV Gold |
---|---|---|---|
Year one price* | $49.99/mo. | $79.99/mo. | $99.99/mo. |
Year two price* | $76.99/mo. | $106.99/mo. | $126.99/mo. |
Channel count | 125+ channels | 175+ channels | 200+ channels |
Included premium channels | None | HBO Max® and SHOWTIME® | HBO Max®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ® and STARZ ENCORE® |
Equipment fee | $8.99/mo. | $8.99/mo. | $8.99/mo. |
Contract | None | None | None |
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum add-ons and special offers
When it comes to add-on packages and promotions, DIRECTV has a slight advantage over Spectrum.
Premium channels
Both DIRECTV and Spectrum make HBO®, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME® and STARZ/ENCORE® available to add on. DIRECTV includes these premium channels for three months at no extra cost.
Sports packages
DIRECTV offers more sports channels and packages than Spectrum. NFL SUNDAY TICKET, a DIRECTV-exclusive sports package with “every live, out-of-market game, every Sunday,” is not available with Spectrum.
International channels
Spanish base packages are available with DIRECTV and Spectrum. DIRECTV offers a wider variety of Spanish base packages and other international networks from around the world.
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum TV equipment
TV equipment is one category where DIRECTV holds a significant advantage over Spectrum TV. Not only are equipment costs less with DIRECTV, you’ll also be able to record more shows at once, connect receivers wirelessly and manage your DVR schedule via the DIRECTV App.
Device | Monthly rental fee | Recordings | Whole-home DVR | Wireless available | Supports 4K | Manage DVR via app |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DIRECTV Genie | First device free, $7 for each additional | Up to five shows at once | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Spectrum HD Box with DVR | $7.99 for each device | Up to two shows at once | Yes | No | No | No |
Compare DIRECTV and Spectrum TV internet bundles
Spectrum internet services are likely to be available wherever Spectrum TV is offered, so building a Spectrum internet and TV bundle is fairly simple.
When you bundle Spectrum TV and internet, you save $10/mo. Spectrum bundles come in three tiers: Double Play Select, Double Play Silver and Double Play Gold. All three deals include Spectrum’s lowest internet plan, which is priced at $49.99/mo. The only difference between each plan is the number of channels offered. These channel packages are no different than if you bought Spectrum TV separately. The only difference is you receive $10 off your Spectrum TV bill each month.
DIRECTV and internet bundles, however, are more dependent on which internet providers are in your area. DIRECTV is part of the AT&T family, so the most common DIRECTV bundles will include AT&T Internet. In areas where AT&T is unavailable, DIRECTV bundles may combine internet service with CenturyLink, Frontier, HughesNet, Verizon or others.
There is no discount when you bundle DIRECTV and AT&T internet. The packages are the same as when you buy them separately, including the channel lineup. The AT&T internet provided in these bundle deals is the lowest internet plan, which is priced at $35/mo. The price of the bundle deal increases depending on the DIRECTV package you select – Entertainment, Choice, Xtra, Ultimate or Premier.
The internet and TV bundle deals listed below are the cheapest bundle deals.
DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT + AT&T Internet
- Starting price: $99.99mo.*
- Channels: 160+
- Internet speeds: up to 940 Mbps
- Data cap: unlimited with select bundles
- Bundle savings: $0/mo.
Spectrum Double Play Select
- Starting price: $89.98/mo.*
- Channels: 125+
- Internet speeds: up to 200 Mbps*
- Data cap: unlimited
- Bundle savings: $10/mo.*
*Wireless speeds may vary. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 1/24/22.
Available DIRECTV or Spectrum bundles will vary based on your address. Shop bundle offers from DIRECTV, Spectrum and other providers in your area.
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum customer satisfaction
Each year, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores top internet and TV providers based on a number of factors, including quality of service, cost and customer service experiences. Here’s how DIRECTV and Spectrum compare:
Provider | 2021 score | 2020 score | 2019 score | Avg. past three years |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 66/100 | 64/100 | 66/100 | 65.3/100 |
![]() | 64/100 | 61/100 | 59/100 | 61.3/100 |
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum FAQs
Is Spectrum better than DIRECTV?
Spectrum does not offer the same level of programming and DVR technology as DIRECTV. However, Spectrum does not require a contract, whereas DIRECTV comes with a two-year agreement. Additionally, Spectrum TV price increases after one year are likely to be lower than DIRECTV’s.
Can I have DIRECTV and Spectrum at the same time?
Many people choose to get TV service with DIRECTV and internet and home phone from Spectrum where AT&T Internet is not available. There are no savings or other special incentives to bundle DIRECTV and Spectrum services, however.
Does DIRECTV offer internet in my area?
DIRECTV does not offer internet services. Instead, DIRECTV partners with top internet providers. As part of the AT&T family, DIRECTV often offers DIRECTV and AT&T Internet bundles. You may also find DIRECTV bundles featuring CenturyLink Frontier, HughesNet, Verizon or other providers.
What is DIRECTV STREAM?
DIRECTV STREAM is a new streaming service from DIRECTV. You can get it anywhere with an internet connection, and its packages are similar to DIRECTV’s.
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Written by:
David AndersSenior Writer, Broadband Content
David joined the Allconnect team in 2017, specializing in broadband and TV content. His work has been referenced by a variety of sources, including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. As a Senior Writer, David is motivate… Read more
Edited by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
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