DIRECTV vs. Xfinity

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

Provider	Starting price range*	Channels	Equipment fee*	DVR service fee*	Contract
DIRECTV	$64.99-$134.99/mo.	160-330+	First receiver free, starting at $7/mo. for each additional	None	Two years
Xfinity	$49.99-$89.99/mo.	140-220+	Starting at $5/mo. for each device	None	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.

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 (844) 451-2720

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.

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: $94.98/mo.*
  • Channels: 160+
  • 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.*

*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.

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 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	2020 score	2019 score	2018 score	Avg. past three years
	64/100	66/100	64	66
	63/100	57/100	57	57.3

Source: ACSI