DIRECTV vs. Comcast Xfinity: Which provider is better?

Compare DIRECTV and Comcast services to find the best TV package for you.

Is DIRECTV or Xfinity the better TV provider for you?

DIRECTV and Xfinity by Comcast are two popular choices for TV, but which one is best for your home? Take a look at how the two services compare by availability, pricing, bundle options, customer satisfaction and more.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity quick comparison

Satellite TV
Available throughout all 50 states
TV packages start at $59.99/mo.*
Channels range from 155-330+
Record up to five shows at once
Bundles best with AT&T Internet
Two-year contract required

Cable TV
Available in 39 states
TV packages start at $20/mo.*
Channels range from 10-260+
Record up to six shows at once
Bundles best with Xfinity Internet
One-year and no-contract options available

*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. Xfinity availability

Satellite TV service from DIRECTV is available throughout all 50 states, making it a great option for rural residents or anyone looking for an alternative to cable TV. As long as you have an unobstructed view of the southern sky and no neighborhood or property restrictions on installing satellite dishes, DIRECTV is likely available for your home.

While unable to provide the same coverage as DIRECTV, Xfinity is the most widely-available cable TV service in the U.S. with coverage spanning 36% of households, according to the FCC. Popular service areas include much of the South, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and eastern Midwest. Xfinity is also available in select cities in California, Colorado, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Serviceability for DIRECTV and Xfinity TV varies by location. Click to check DIRECTV and Xfinity availability in your ZIP code.

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DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV package options and pricing

DIRECTV gives you more base package options with six total compared to Xfinity’s three. You’ll get a better channel selection with DIRECTV, but if you’re looking for a base TV package with just your local channels, Xfinity’s Basic TV plan may be the better option.

For a look at the available channels with DIRECTV and Xfinity packages, look to our DIRECTV channel guide and Xfinity channel guide.

DIRECTV vs Comcast Xfinity pricing

Provider	Starting price range*	Channels	Equipment fee*	DVR service fee*	Contract
DIRECTV	$59.99-$134.99/mo.	155-330+	First receiver free, starting at $7/mo. for each additional	Up to $25/mo.	Two years
Xfinity	$20-$80/mo.	10-260+	Starting at $5/mo. for each device	Starting at $10/mo.	Two-year, one-year and no-contract options available

Xfinity offers slightly lower introductory pricing than DIRECTV on comparable packages. You can expect price increases from both providers after one year, but Xfinity doesn’t lock you into a second year of service like DIRECTV.

Call and speak with our TV experts about available DIRECTV and Xfinity TV packages. We’ll explain the details of each service and help you find the plan with the best balance of entertainment and value for your home.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV special features and offers

What sets DIRECTV and Xfinity apart from each other and all the other TV providers out there? Along with package options and pricing, there are a few things you’ll only find with either DIRECTV or Xfinity.

DIRECTV special features and offers
- NFL SUNDAY TICKET – DIRECTV is the only TV provider that offers NFL SUNDAY TICKET, the sports package promising “every live, out-of-market game, every Sunday.” For new DIRECTV customers, one season of NFL SUNDAY TICKET is included when you order the CHOICE™ package or above.
- Premium channels included for three months – Cinemax®, HBO®, Showtime® and STARZ/ENCORE® are included with select DIRECTV packages for three months at no extra charge.
Xfinity special features and offers
- X1 DVR device and service – The X1 lets you record up to six shows at once, access streaming services like Amazon Video, Netflix and Pandora and use a Voice Remote to search for your favorite shows. What’s the catch? The X1 DVR device is only available with select Xfinity TV and internet bundles.
- On-Demand and add-on packages – Xfinity boasts an impressive catalog of On-Demand, international and specialty add-on packages. Choose a base TV plan and add on packages dedicated to history, fitness, kids programming, karaoke and languages from around the world.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV and internet bundles

Xfinity offers TV and internet bundles wherever Xfinity services are available. Bundling Xfinity TV and internet can qualify you for monthly discounts or equipment upgrades.

DIRECTV does not offer internet service directly but rather partners with leading internet providers to bring you TV and internet bundles. As part of the AT&T family, DIRECTV bundles favor AT&T internet service. Bundles featuring CenturyLink, Frontier, HughesNet or Verizon may be available in AT&T non-serviceable areas.

DIRECTV SELECT + AT&T Internet
- Starting price: $89.99/mo.*
- Channels: 155+
- Internet speeds: up to 100 Mbps
- Data cap: unlimited with select bundles
- Bundle savings: $10/mo.*
Xfinity TV Extra + Performance Internet
- Starting price: $75/mo.*
- Channels: 125+
- Internet speeds: up to 60 Mbps
- Data cap: varies by location
- Bundle savings: $20/mo.*

Available DIRECTV or Xfinity bundles will vary by location. Depending on where you live, you could add internet service with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps or higher. Shop available bundles in your area to find the one with the channels and internet speeds that are best for your household.

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DIRECTV vs. Comcast Xfinity customer satisfaction

The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) evaluates top TV providers based on feedback from actual customers. The scores are a reflection of service quality, ease of understanding bill, customer service interactions and more. Here’s how DIRECTV and Xfinity scored over the past three years.

Provider	2019 score	2018 score	2017 score	Avg. past three years
	66/100	64	68	66
	57/100	57	58	57.3

Source: ACSI

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity frequently asked questions

Is DIRECTV better than cable?

DIRECTV can offer better availability, picture quality and channel options than most cable TV services. However, as a satellite TV service, DIRECTV is susceptible to signal interference during inclement weather. Additionally, DIRECTV service comes with a two-year contract, which is a longer agreement than most cable providers require.

Can I get DIRECTV with Comcast internet?

Where available, you can get Comcast internet and DIRECTV service for your home. If you choose to get DIRECTV and Comcast internet, you may not be eligible for special savings or equipment upgrades that you would get with Comcast TV and internet or DIRECTV and AT&T internet bundles.

How much does DIRECTV cost after 12 months?

DIRECTV requires a two-year contract and raises the package price after one year. The price increase depends on which DIRECTV package you have, but can add as much as $50 or more to your monthly bill.

Does DIRECTV have On Demand like Comcast?

DIRECTV does offer On-Demand service, but not the same On-Demand packages as Comcast. DIRECTV’s available On-Demand library is based on the channels in your package, whereas Comcast allows you to add On-Demand packages with programming that may not be included with your TV package.

Last updated 07/02/19.

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DIRECTV vs. Comcast Xfinity: Which provider is better?

Is DIRECTV or Xfinity the better TV provider for you?

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity quick comparison

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity availability