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Compare DIRECTV vs. Xfinity

By Robin Layton Last updated: April 17, 2025

Compare DIRECTV and Xfinity head-to-head to find the best TV package for you.

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DIRECTV vs. XFINITY quick comparison

DIRECTV generally 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®, MGM+™ and STARZ — go with DIRECTV. Just know that you’ll have to commit to a two-year contract and pay almost 50% more after 24 months.

  • Available in all 50 states
  • TV packages start at $84.99/mo.*
  • Channels range from 90 – 185+
  • Record up to five shows at once
  • Bundles best with any provider
  • Two-year contract required for satellite
  • No contract for streaming
  • Available in 40 states
  • Cable TV service starts at $20.00/mo.**
  • Channels range from 10 – 185+
  • Record up to six shows at once
  • Bundles best with Xfinity internet
  • No contract required for cheapest plan

*ENTERTAINMENT: $84.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($94.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. 

** Varies by region.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV packages 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.

If you’re a sports fan, DIRECTV is probably the better option. It carries more regional sports networks, so it’s more likely you’ll be able to see your local MBL, NHL or NBA team’s games.

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

DIRECTV pricing

1. ENTERTAINMENT: $84.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($94.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee) Cancel anytime. 

2. CHOICE: $89.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($117.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime. 

3. ULTIMATE: $119.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($147.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee).  Cancel anytime. 

4. PREMIER: $164.99/mo.* for 24 months plus taxes and fees. ($192.98/mo. w/ req’d Regional Sports Fee of up to $17.99/mo. & Gemini $10/mo. lease). Cancel anytime. 

New approved residential customers only. Service renews monthly unless you cancel. Cancel anytime by calling 800-531-5000 or online. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Device subject to Equipment Lease agmt. Add’l fee(s) may apply if equip. not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply.  Updated 04/14/25.

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.
**No term contract. Northeast region price starts at $25.00/mo. As of 03/06/25.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity streaming

If you’d rather get your TV through streaming, both DIRECTV and Xfinity offer some good options. You can get DIRECTV with your existing internet service and it provides 75 – 150+ channels.

Xfinity doesn’t have a streaming-only option for live TV, but a streaming device is available for purchase.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity contracts and fees

In addition to the base price with Xfinity and DIRECTV, there are a number of other costs you should take into account before choosing a provider.

Price increases

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. After 24 months with DIRECTV, the price jump is higher than Xfinity.

Winner: Xfinity

DIRECTV requires a two-year contract for their satellite customers only. Streaming customers do not have a long-term contract. There is no price difference between packages regardless if you choose satellite or streaming. 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 $70.00/mo. without one, while the Digital Preferred plan goes from $69.99/mo. to $88.50/mo.

Winner: Xfinity

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 of around $10 depending on where you live, but Xfinity charges a $15 self-installation fee, $5/mo. for a TV box and up to $27.25/mo. for a Broadcast TV fee. DIRECTV charges $10/mo. for equipment. In addition, DIRECTV includes RSN fees of up to $17.99 (for Choice + packages).

Winner: DIRECTV

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV special offers

  • DIRECTV special features and offers

    • Premium channels included – Max, Paramount + with Showtime, STARZ®, Cinemax® and MGM+ are included for the first 3 months for three of their packages (Entertainment, Choice and Ultimate). And for their Premier package (which already includes those premium channels), MGM+ is included for the first three months.*

  • Xfinity special features and offers

    • 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.

*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 04/17/25.

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. 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.

  • DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT + AT&T 300 Internet

    • Starting price: $129.99/mo.
    • Channels: 90+
    • Internet speeds: Up to 300 Mbps
    • Data cap: unlimited with select bundles
    • Bundle savings: $0/mo.

  • Xfinity Popular TV + Gigabit Internet

    • Starting price: $100.00/mo.
    • Channels: 125+
    • Internet speeds: Up to 1,100 Mbps
    • Data cap: Varies by location
    • Bundle savings: $30/mo.

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 bills, customer service interactions and more. Here’s how DIRECTV and Xfinity scored over the past two years.

Source: ACSI

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity FAQs

Is DIRECTV better than cable?

DIRECTV can offer better availability, picture quality and channel options than most cable TV services. The SignalSaver feature ensures you won’t miss any of your favorite moments as long as you have a set-top box connected to the internet. 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 two years. The price increase depends on which DIRECTV package you have, but can add $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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Robin Layton

Written by:

Robin Layton

Senior Editor, Broadband Content

Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-complex world of internet service providers. With 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing, Robin empow… Read more

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