Compare DISH vs. Xfinity TV service

DISH vs. Xfinity TV pricing: Which is cheaper?

With the exception of Xfinity’s Basic TV package, which gives you 10+ channels, DISH and Xfinity packages are similarly priced and stacked with channels.

Both providers also give you lots of add-on options for more premium channels, sports and international networks. If you’re hoping to add HBO® or Cinemax® to your package, Xfinity will be your best choice as the two networks are currently unavailable with DISH.

DISH TV packages

*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 11/11/20.

Xfinity TV packages

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of term agreement. 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 11/11/20.

Note that Xfinity TV packages, pricing and channel counts differ from one region to another. In the packages listed above, those with pricing ending in “.99” are likely to be available in one region while those ending in “.00” will be in another.

Why does Xfinity have more TV package options than DISH?

DISH offers the same TV packages throughout their service areas. On the other hand, your location may determine which Xfinity packages are available.

Some addresses will be eligible for the Xfinity Basic, Extra and Preferred packages, while the Xfinity Digital packages are available in other locations. Also, some TV packages, such as the Basic and Digital Premier, may only be available when you bundle with Xfinity internet.

Check out our DISH channel guide and Xfinity channel guide for a full rundown of what channels come with each provider’s packages.

DISH vs. Xfinity hidden fees

You can expect added equipment and service fees from DISH and Xfinity, but DISH is a bit more straightforward with their pricing.

• Installation: free
• Hopper 3 DVR: $10/mo. + $50 upfront fee 
• 4K Joey Receiver: $5/mo. + $50 upfront fee (each) 
• Broadcast TV fee: free 
• Regional sports fee: $10 to $15/mo. 

• Installation: $0 to $89.99 (self- or professional-installation)
• Self-installation: free
• X1 DVR: $9.95/mo. (per TV)
• Receiver: $0 to $15/mo. 
• HD technology fee: $0 or $10/mo. 
• Broadcast TV fee: up to $14.95/mo. 
• Regional sports fee: up to $8.75/mo.

DISH’s Hopper 3 DVR is the best DVR on the market. It supports up to seven TVs, records 16 shows at once and supports 4K viewing and streaming app access. However, you can opt for the less expensive DVR, the Hopper Duo Smart DVR for $5/mo. This DVR supports one to two TVs and allows you to record up to two shows at once. Each DVR and receiver you rent requires a $50 upfront fee. 

Xfinity’s X1 DVR allows you to record up to six shows at once and store up to 500 GB of content. However, you have the option to use your own compatible TV equipment. If you choose to rent the X1 DVR, then a TV receiver is included at no extra cost, otherwise, it’s $15/mo. Regardless of whether your first receiver is included or costs $15/mo., all additional receivers cost $5/mo. Lastly, Xfinity charges a $10/mo. HD technology fee. However, this fee can be waived if you rent the X1 DVR. In short, Xfinity offers compelling incentives to rent the X1 DVR because when you do, Xfinity provides you with a free receiver and waives the HD technology fee.

DISH vs. Xfinity availability

Satellite TV service is available virtually everywhere, an advantage DISH has over Xfinity. Xfinity is not lacking in availability, however, and is one of the largest cable providers, covering more than 35% of the U.S. population across 39 states, according to the FCC.

Primary service areas for Xfinity include the South, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest and Western U.S. It’s in these regions you’re most likely to find DISH and Xfinity services overlap.

DISH coverage map

Xfinity coverage map

Xfinity is not as widely available in the central U.S. states including Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Oklahoma, which will be better served by DISH or another TV provider, such as DIRECTV, Spectrum or Mediacom. Click below to check availability in your area.

DISH vs. Xfinity TV and internet bundles

Interested in a bundle package that includes DISH or Xfinity TV? Xfinity offers TV, internet and home phone services, making bundling multiple services with the same provider simple and convenient.

DISH does not offer internet or home phone service, so you’ll have to add service from another provider if you choose to bundle. Available providers will vary by location, so DISH TV and internet bundles will vary in price, internet speeds and more, depending on your address.

*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 11/11/20.