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

*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 08/05/22.

**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 $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: 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 for 12 mos. plus taxes w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $74.99/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 $79.99/mo plus taxes until discounts start. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $11.99/mo. is extra & applies.*
³ for 12 mos. plus taxes and RSN Fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $99.99/mo plus taxes until discounts start. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $11.99/mo. is extra & applies.*
⁴ for 12 mos. plus taxes and RSN Fee w/ 24-mo. agmt. Autopay & Paperless bill req’d. Pay $149.99/mo plus taxes until discounts start. Prices higher in 2nd year. Regional Sports Fee up to $11.99/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

*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 $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: 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 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.

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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.

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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, 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: 165+
  • Internet speeds: Up to 940 Mbps
  • Data cap: Unlimited with select bundles
  • Bundle savings: $0/mo.

• Spectrum Internet + TV Select

  • Starting price: $99.98/mo.**
  • Channels: 125+
  • Internet speeds: Up to 300 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 08/05/22.

**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 $49.99/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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