DIRECTV vs. Charter Spectrum 2019
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, take a moment to evaluate how the two services compare. Consider available channels, pricing, DVR equipment, contract requirements and more to determine the better TV service for your home.
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum quick comparison
- Available throughout all 50 states
- TV packages start at $35/mo.*
- Channels range from 155-330+
- 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 07/01/19.
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum TV availability
Satellite TV from DIRECTV is available throughout all 50 states, but may not be available to every home. To be eligible for DIRECTV service, you need a clear view of the southern sky and a place to mount a satellite dish. Dense tree coverage or surrounding buildings may prevent serviceability if they obstruct the satellite signal.
Spectrum is the second-largest cable TV provider in the U.S., serving over a third of the population across 46 states, according to the FCC. Primary service areas include the South, Northeast, parts of the Midwest and the West Coast.
Click below to instantly check availability of DIRECTV, Spectrum and other TV providers in your area.
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum TV packages and pricing
DIRECTV offers six base packages while Spectrum has three. Your local channels are included with all DIRECTV and Spectrum base packages. Check out our DIRECTV channel guide and Spectrum channel guide for a full list of packages and channels available from each provider.
Directv vs. Spectrum pricing
*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 07/01/19.
When comparing DIRECTV vs. Spectrum packages and pricing, keep in mind that DIRECTV requires a two-year contract, which includes a price increase after the first year.
Spectrum also increases the monthly rate on select packages after one year, but the increase likely won’t be as steep as DIRECTV’s, plus you aren’t locked into a contract.
Call to speak with our TV experts about available packages and total monthly costs with DIRECTV and Spectrum. We’ll help you find the right package for your home and explain the costs of each service.
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 and 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.
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.
*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 07/01/19.
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 | 2019 score | 2018 score | 2017 score | Avg. past three years |
| 66/100 | 64 | 68 | 66 |
| 59/100 | 58 | 63 | 60 |
Source: ACSI
DIRECTV vs. Spectrum frequently asked questions
Is Spectrum better than DIRECTV?
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?
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?
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.
Can I use Spectrum internet with DIRECTV NOW?
Can I use Spectrum internet with DIRECTV NOW?
AT&T recommends speeds of 12 Mbps or higher for DIRECTV NOW. Spectrum internet offers speeds ranging from 60 to 1,000 Mbps in select areas, so you can use Spectrum internet to support streaming on DIRECTV NOW.
Last updated 07/02/19.
The name CenturyLink and the pathways logo are trademarks of CenturyLink
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