DIRECTV vs. Spectrum TV® service

Is DIRECTV or Spectrum TV the best TV provider?

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.

*ENTERTAINMENT: $74.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($89.99/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee) w/24-mo. agmt., autopay and paperless bill. One-time $19.95 activation fee may apply. As of 12/11/24.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. SPECTRUM TV STREAM/SPECTRUM TV STREAM LATINO: Price subject to change. Spectrum Internet required. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. Additional equipment may be required to access PEG channels. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

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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: $74.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($89.99/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee) w/24-mo. agmt., autopay and paperless bill. One-time $19.95 activation fee may apply.
2. CHOICE: $89.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($122.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo. agmt., autopay and paperless bill. One-time $19.95 activation fee applies.
3. ULTIMATE: $119.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($152.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d.
4. PREMIER: $164.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees ($197.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo.) w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay and paperless bill req’d. As of 12/11/24.

Spectrum packages

*$20/mo. off reg. rate of $115/mo. Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. SPECTRUM TV SELECT: Standard rates apply after promo period. TV equipment may be required, charges apply. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. As of 12/11/24.
**$20/mo. off reg. rate of $125/mo.
***$20/mo. off reg. rate of $90/mo. Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. MI PLAN LATINO: Standard rates apply after promo period. TV equipment may be required, charges apply. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
****Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. SPECTRUM TV STREAM/SPECTRUM TV STREAM LATINO: Price subject to change. Spectrum Internet required. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. Additional equipment may be required to access PEG channels. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

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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, and Disney+ Basic and Max with Ads** are included with Spectrum TV® Select plans. 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.

*w/ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE or ULTIMATE package. 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 unless canceled.(currently $16.99/mo. for Max, $12.99/mo. for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, $10.99/mo. each for STARZ and Cinemax, and $6.99/mo. for MGM+). Offer subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Max and related elements are property of Home Box Office, Inc. Access Max only through Max app or max.com. Offer not available to DIRECTV via Satellite and U-verse TV customers switching to DIRECTV via Internet. As of 12/11/24.
**Offer applicable to Disney+ Basic (With Ads). Must be 18 years of age or older to redeem offer. For existing Disney+ subscribers, this is an offer for an additional Disney+ subscription. This will not replace any existing Disney+ subscription you may already have. Accounts must be managed separately. You must remain on an eligible plan to retain your Disney+ Basic offer. If you cancel your eligible plan or switch to a non-eligible plan, your access to Disney+ Basic will end at the end of your eligible plan. One offer per eligible Spectrum account. Use of Disney+ Basic is subject to the Disney+ Subscriber Agreement. ©2024 Disney and its related entities. Max with Ads: Max offer only available to select video customers and only applies to the Max with Ads plan. This will not replace any existing Max subscription you may already have. Managing subscriptions may be required to avoid multiple subscriptions and corresponding charges. You must remain on an eligible plan to retain your Max offer. If you cancel your eligible plan or switch to a non-eligible plan, your access to Maxwill end at the end of your eligible plan. One offer per eligible Spectrum account. Subject to Max Terms of Use. Max is used under license.

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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 offers four internet, TV and home phone bundles. Each plan lists up to 500 Mbps of Spectrum internet (wireless speeds may vary); however, some bundle packages 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.

There is no discount when you bundle DIRECTV and AT&T internet.

• DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT + AT&T 300 Internet

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

• Spectrum Internet® Premier + TV Select Signature

  • Starting price: $125.00/mo.**
  • Channels: 150+
  • Internet speeds: Up to 500 Mbps
  • Data cap: Unlimited
  • Bundle savings: $20/mo.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract per line. 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. Speeds may vary. As of 12/11/24.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. Mobile devices excluded from offer. Standard rates apply after promo period or if qualifying services not maintained. Offer subject to qualifying services being ordered on the same day. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. SPECTRUM TV: TV equipment may be required, charges apply. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. XUMO STREAM BOX: Spectrum Internet required. Separate subscriptions are required to view content through various paid applications. Xumo Stream Box and all other Xumo product names, logos, slogans and marks are the trademarks of Xumo or its licensors. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. © 2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.

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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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