DIRECTV vs. Charter Spectrum TV service

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. 

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DIRECTV vs. Spectrum quick comparison

*New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). Price incl. TV Pkg & equip. fees for first TV. Charges may apply for each add’l connected TV. *Add’l Terms for Satellite customers: $19.95 activation. Early agmt termination fee applies ($20/mo.) & add’l fee applies if not returned. Restr’s apply.

**Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV® Select promotion price is $59.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $21.00/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability.  ©2022 Charter Communications.

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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

¹ ENTERTAINMENT: $69.99/mo. for 24 months plus taxes and fees. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. is extra and applies. Via Satellite requires 24-mo. agmt., AutoPay, and Paperless Bill.

² CHOICE: $84.99/mo. for 24 months plus taxes and fees Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $15.99/mo. are extra & apply. Via Satellite requires 24-mo. agmt., AutoPay, and Paperless Bill.

³ ULTIMATE: $114.99/mo for 24 months plus taxes and fees. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $15.99/mo. are extra & apply. Via Satellite requires 24-mo. agmt., AutoPay, and Paperless Bill.

⁴ PREMIER: $159.99/mo. for 24 months plus taxes and fees. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $15.99/mo. are extra & apply. Via Satellite requires 24-mo. agmt., AutoPay, and Paperless Bill.

*New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). Price incl. TV Pkg & equip. fees for first TV. Charges may apply for each add’l connected TV. *Add’l Terms for Satellite customers: $19.95 activation. Early agmt termination fee applies ($20/mo.) & add’l fee applies if not returned. Restr’s apply.

Spectrum packages

*Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV® Select promotion price is $59.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $21.00/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability.  ©2022 Charter Communications.

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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 Max, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME®, MGM+™ and STARZ® available to add on. DIRECTV includes these premium channels for three months at no extra cost for the Entertainment, Choice and Ultimate packages.*

Sports packages

DIRECTV offers more sports channels and packages than 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.

*First 3 mos. of Max, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, MGM+™ and Cinemax® are included with ENTERTAINMENT through ULTIMATE packages. Customers selecting PREMIER package only receive MGM+™ for first 3 mos. All selected channels auto-renew at then prevailing rates (currently $15.99/mo. for Max, $11.99/mo. for SHOWTIME®, $11/mo. each for STARZ® and Cinemax®, and $6/mo. for MGM+™), until you change or cancel by logging into your account at directv.com/signin or calling 800-531-5000. Offer subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. 11/14/23

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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, but you’ll also be able to record more shows at once, connect receivers wirelessly and manage your DVR schedule via the DIRECTV App.

DIRECTV has two devices to use as an HD DVR: Gemini for internet and Genie (and Genie 2) for Satellite. Gemini can also pair with a Genie for enhanced satellite capabilities.

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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.

Spectrum offers four internet, TV and home phone bundles. Each plan lists up to 300 Mbps of Spectrum internet (wireless speeds may vary); however, there are bundle packages that offer faster speeds in select areas.

DIRECTV and internet bundles depend 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, Ultimate or Premier. 

The internet and TV bundle deals listed below are the cheapest bundle deals. 

• DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT + AT&T 300 Internet

  • Starting price: $124.99mo.*
  • Channels: 165+
  • Internet speeds: Up to 300 Mbps
  • Data cap: Unlimited with select bundles
  • Bundle savings: $0/mo.

• Spectrum Internet + TV Select

  • Starting price: $109.98/mo.**
  • Channels: 125+
  • Internet speeds: Up to 300 Mbps**
  • Data cap: Unlimited
  • Bundle savings: $10/mo.

**Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum TV® Select promotion price is $59.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Spectrum Internet® promotion price is $49.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges (broadcast surcharge up to $21.00/mo) extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. TV: TV equipment required; charges may apply. Channel and HD programming availability based on level of service. Account credentials may be required to stream some TV content online. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability.  ©2022 Charter Communications.

Available DIRECTV or Spectrum bundles will vary based on your address. Shop bundle offers from DIRECTV, Spectrum and other providers in your area.

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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:

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DIRECTV vs. Spectrum FAQs

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