The best satellite TV providers of 2019
Find the top satellite TV providers in your area.
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What is satellite TV?
Satellite TV is a type of wireless TV service that uses antennas on earth to send TV programming to satellites above the earth. Those satellites then beam TV signals back down to your home’s satellite dish. When your dish receives the radio signals, the TV programming gets routed to your TV and you can enjoy your favorite shows.
Satellite TV is a great option whether you’re looking for a basic TV package or a plan stacked with premium channels, sports networks and more. In addition to channel package variety, satellite TV also delivers high-quality picture and sound, advanced DVR technology and exceptional availability.
Two of the best satellite TV providers, DISH and DIRECTV, offer TV service throughout all 50 states, so you can likely get satellite TV service no matter where you live. Call Allconnect® TV experts today at to shop satellite TV packages available in your area.
What are the best satellite TV providers?
- DIRECTV – Satellite TV plans starting at $35/mo*
- DISH – Satellite TV plans starting at $59.99/mo*
When it comes to satellite TV providers, DIRECTV and DISH have are 100% of the market share making them your only two options. Depending on where you live, though, there may be other TV providers available, such as cable TV from Cox, Mediacom, Optimum, Spectrum or XFINITY, or fiber TV from AT&T, Frontier or Verizon.
DISH and DIRECTV offer similar satellite TV services, but pricing, available channels and DVR equipment vary by provider. Check out DISH and DIRECTV packages so you can order the best satellite TV provider for your home with Allconnect.
*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. As of 04/23/2019.
Who is the best satellite TV provider?
Either DIRECTV or DISH could be the best satellite TV provider for your depending on what you’re looking for. DIRECTV has better sports offerings and channel options while DISH offers the best recording technology on the market.
DIRECTV offers more channel package options and lower introductory pricing on select packages than DISH. Plus, DIRECTV is the only TV provider to offer NFL SUNDAY TICKET. DIRECTV may be better if you’re a football fanatic or already have services from AT&T, which owns DIRECTV.
On the other hand, DISH has the unrivaled Hopper3 DVR, which can record up to 16 shows at once and automatically skip commercials. Plus, you can store up to 500 hours of HD content with DISH. DISH may be better if you love to record and store lots of shows or want to secure your monthly TV cost for two years.
Compare DIRECTV vs. DISH to determine which satellite TV provider is right for you. Call Allconnect at to order either satellite TV service for your home.
Bundle satellite TV and internet
Bundling internet with your DISH or DIRECTV satellite TV package is easy. DISH and DIRECTV both work with internet service providers to bring you internet and TV bundles. Get fast internet and affordable TV service when you pair an internet plan with satellite TV.
Can satellite TV provide internet?
While neither satellite TV provider offers internet directly, you can combine their TV packages with an internet plan from leading providers in your area. Call Allconnect to build your satellite TV and internet bundle with providers such as:
Availability, pricing and internet speeds will vary by location and provider. Discover available satellite TV and internet bundles in your area with Allconnect. Call to check availablity and pricing for your address.
Satellite TV vs. cable - Is satellite better?
Satellite and cable are two popular choices for TV service. While both satellite and cable will give you similar channel packages and picture quality, there are some differences between the two. For example, satellite TV will likely give you more channel options and lower introductory pricing, but cable is far less likely to be affected by bad weather such as heavy rain.
Cable vs. satellite service
Satellite TV will likely give you more channel options and lower introductory pricing than cable. Satellite service can be a better option for you if you live in a rural area with fewer TV options, want to spend less on TV service or prioritize customer service ratings. However, satellite TV service can be affected by weather, so there might be times where you can’t view any programming.
Cable is less likely to be affected by bad weather such as heavy rain, but can cost more initially. Cable can be a better option if you don’t want a TV contract or if a cable provider has an amazing bundle promotion in your area.
Here are some factors to consider when comparing satellite TV and cable:
- Packages – Satellite TV offers more channel package options than most cable companies. Plus, you’ll likely have more add-on channel options with satellite TV, so you can get more sports, premium and international channels. If you’re looking for a basic package with little more than local channels, however, cable may be your better option.
- Pricing – Monthly costs for satellite TV can run lower than cable, especially during the first year or two of service. After that, price increases can bring your satellite TV up to or higher than what you’d pay for a similar cable package. Pricing varies by provider and location, so it’s best to shop multiple providers and plans in your area.
- DVR equipment – Satellite TV boasts some of the most advanced DVR equipment available. You can record up to 16 shows at once with DISH and up to 5 shows at once with DIRECTV. Cable providers typically vary from recording 2-6 shows at once.
- Contract – Satellite TV often comes with a contract of 1 or 2 years. Cable service may require a contract, but some providers, such as Spectrum, do not require a contract.
- Customer service – According to American Customer Satisfaction Index 2018 ratings, DIRECTV and DISH both received higher ratings than many cable companies. The average subscription TV service rating was 62/100, but DISH received a 67/100 rating and DIRECTV received a 64/100.
Get details about satellite and cable TV services in your area with Allconnect. Call to shop available TV providers, plans and special offers for your home.
Frequently asked questions about satellite TV
Bad weather such as heavy rain, snow and severe cloud cover may cause temporary loss of your satellite TV signal. Keep in mind that such instances are typically rare, and both DISH and DIRECTV have 99% signal reliability.
No, a satellite dish is required for traditional DISH and DIRECTV satellite TV service. However, if you do not want a satellite dish or are restricted from installing one, DIRECTV NOW offers live TV streaming without needing a satellite dish.
Satellite TV providers such as DISH and DIRECTV often include select equipment such as the satellite dish, mounting hardware, cables, etc. at no extra cost. Standard installation services are also commonly included for free.
DIRECTV and DISH are the two largest satellite TV providers in the U.S. by far. Pricing and package options are fairly similar between the two. DISH stands out with their Hopper3 DVR which can record up to 16 shows at once. DIRECTV is known for their sports programming, including the exclusive NFL SUNDAY TICKET.
Currently, in the United States, there are two satellite TV companies to choose from — DIRECTV or DISH. Both offer a variety of packages with dozens to hundreds of channels to choose from, as well as additional options such as On Demand movies, premium channels, sports packages and more.
The difference between cable TV and satellite TV is the method through which you are connected to receive the channel signal. Cable TV uses a wired connection and receiver box to bring the TV signal into your house. Satellite TV uses a satellite TV to receive the signal and display the channels on your TV.
Yes, just as you can use a TV antenna to pick up free over-the-air TV broadcasts, there are “Free to air” (FTA) satellite TV channels that are broadcast via satellite. These FTA channels are typically local news or sports channels, or government-sponsored public TV stations such as PBS. To pick up these channels, you’ll have to invest in an FTA receiver box in addition to your satellite dish.
While there are niche satellite companies, such as Christian satellite network Glorystar, the two many satellite TV companies are DIRECTV and DISH. If cable or fiber TV is also available where you live, you may also be able to choose from providers such as Cox, Mediacom, Optimum, Spectrum, Verizon or XFINITY.
Last updated 04/23/19.