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DIRECTV vs. Xfinity

Is DIRECTV or Xfinity the better TV provider for you? Compare packages, pricing, customer satisfaction and availability between DIRECTV and Xfinity TV services so you can make an informed choice on the best TV package for your viewing preferences.

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What’s the difference between DIRECTV and Xfinity?

  • Satellite TV
  • Available throughout all 50 states
  • TV packages start at $64.99/mo.* in first year
  • Channels range from 160-330+
  • 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 $50/mo.*
  • Channels range from 140-220+
  • 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 03/17/21.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV package options and pricing

DIRECTV gives you more base package options with four total compared to Xfinity’s two. You’ll get a better channel selection with DIRECTV, but if you’re looking for a base TV package without a lot of premium channels, Xfinity’s basic TV plan is cheaper.

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

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV 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 03/17/21.

If you intend to stick with either provider for longer than the initial contract term of one year, you will incur a price increase as promotional pricing expires. For example, the Xfinity EXTRA plan will cost $49.99/mo.* for the first year then it will increase to the standard price of $59.99/mo.* (Both prices include a $10/mo. auto-pay discount.)

After loss of eligibility for promotional pricing with DIRECTV, the price jump is a bit higher. The ENTERTAINMENT all included plan would jump from $64.99/mo.* to $102/mo.* CHOICE All Included increases from $69.99/mo.* to $122/mo.* 

Consider these price increases when considering which provider will ultimately be most affordable for you. 

Do DIRECTV and Xfinity require contracts?

DIRECTV requires a two-year contract with all of its plans, while Xfinity has both month-to-month and one-year contract options. If you choose to go no-contract with Xfinity, your monthly price will be significantly higher. The Extra plan jumps from $49.99/mo. with a one-year contract to $70/mo. without one, while the Preferred+ plan goes from $59.99/mo. to $88.50/mo.

Do DIRECTV and Xfinity have hidden fees?

You can expect to pay some extra fees with both providers, but Xfinity is the worse offender by far. Both charge a regional sports fee around $10 depending on where you live, but Xfinity charges a $15 self-installation fee, $5/mo. for a TV box and up to $19.45/mo. for a Broadcast TV fee. DIRECTV, on the other hand, includes all equipment, but does charge $7/mo. for each additional receiver you use.

Things to consider when choosing between DIRECTV and Xfinity

  • Xfinity offers lower introductory pricing than DIRECTV on comparable packages. 
  • Expect price increases from both providers after one year.
  • Xfinity doesn’t lock you into a second year of service like DIRECTV, and even offers no-contract options

Call and speak with our TV experts about available DIRECTV and Xfinity TV packages.

Call now: (844) 451-2720

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  – Cinemax®, SHOWTIME® and STARZ/ENCORE® are included with all DIRECTV packages for first three months at no extra charge. You’ll also get HBO Max for one year with the CHOICE and ULTIMATE packages, and for the length of your contract with the PREMIER package.

  • Xfinity special features and offers

    • X1 4K streaming device and DVR – The X1 lets you record up to six shows at once, access streaming services like Amazon Video, Netflix and Disney Plus in 4K HDR and use a Voice Remote to search for your favorite shows.
    • 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.
    • Peacock Premium – All Xfinity Flex customers and Xfinity X1 and video customers get a free subscription to Peacock Premium, a $4.99/mo. value. This streaming service has every season of TV shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation and Modern Family.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV and internet bundles

Bundling is one area where Xfinity and DIRECTV can differ quite a bit. What’s the difference when bundling with each provider?

  • Xfinity offers traditional TV and internet bundles wherever Xfinity services are available. Bundling Xfinity internet and TV on one bill can qualify you for significant 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 and often feature additional rewards or discounts when bundling with AT&T internet. However, you can also choose another internet service provider, such as CenturyLink, Frontier, HughesNet or Verizon, in AT&T non-serviceable areas.

How to put together a DIRECTV or Xfinity bundle

To create a DIRECTV bundle that is perfect for your household, select the DIRECTV channel package you prefer, plus the AT&T internet speed you need. Internet speeds vary depending on area.

  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • CHOICE
  • XTRA
  • ULTIMATE
  • PREMIER

➕

  • Internet 25
  • Internet 50
  • Internet 75
  • Fiber 300
  • Fiber 500
  • Fiber 1000

To put together an Xfinity bundle that fits your needs, select from internet speeds ranging from 25 to 1,000 Mbps (where available), then add on one of Xfinity’s six TV packages, with channel counts ranging from 10 to 260+. With Xfinity, you also have the option to add home phone, home security and mobile phone plans.


Examples of popular bundle offers

  • DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT + AT&T Internet

    • Starting price: $99.99/mo.*
    • Channels: 160+
    • Internet speeds: up to 300 Mbps
    • Data cap: unlimited with select bundles
    • Bundle savings: $0/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.*

*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 04/18/21.

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.

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. However, if you are in an area that offers Xfinity, you may prefer the faster internet speeds that are available with many Xfinity bundles.   

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. DIRECTV, on the other hand, is available virtually anywhere that has an unobstructed view of the southern sky (and no neighborhood or property restrictions on installing satellite dishes).

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

DIRECTV vs. 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.

Source: ACSI

Is DIRECTV or XFINITY the better TV provider for you?

In general, DIRECTV offers much better channel lineups at a much higher price. If you care about having the most TV options at your fingertips — including premium channels like HBO®, Cinemax®, SHOWTIME® and STARZ/ENCORE® — go with DIRECTV. Just know that you’ll have to commit to a two-year contract and pay almost 50% more in the second year.

Xfinity’s TV plans are a lot more modest when it comes to price and channel lineups. You’ll get almost all of the popular channels you’re used to with cable TV, but not the premium ones. (If you want those, you’ll have to subscribe to their streaming services.) But that’s not to say Xfinity TV doesn’t have its perks. Many packages include Xfinity’s 4K streaming device, and you’ll get a free subscription to Peacock Plus, a $4.99/mo, value on its own.

Take a look at how the two services compare by availability, pricing, bundle options, customer satisfaction and more. 

DIRECTV vs. XFINITY quick comparison

  • DIRECTV has the best availability and offers satellite TV service in all 50 states. 
  • DIRECTV has the best channel selection and offers four base packages to choose from.
  • Xfinity offers the lowest introductory pricing with a starting price of $50/mo.*
  • DIRECTV includes NFL SUNDAY TICKET in most packages.
  • Xfinity is the best provider for bundle discounts and monthly savings. 
  •  DIRECTV has the best customer satisfaction scores of 2020 with a 64/100 score from the ACSI.

*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 03/17/21.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity FAQs

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.

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

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.

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

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Lisa Iscrupe

Written by:

Lisa Iscrupe

Writer, Broadband & Data Content

Lisa uses years of experience in sales and customer service for internet-TV providers to inform her writing on broadband. Her work has been referenced by CNN and other national sources. In Lisa’s Words: Ever… Read more

Robin Layton

Edited by:

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

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