Best satellite TV providers in 2025

Best satellite TV providers

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Compare DIRECTV and Dish satellite TV

When it comes to satellite TV companies, DIRECTV and DISH cover nearly 100% of the country, making them your main two options. Either DIRECTV or DISH could be the best satellite TV provider for you depending on what you’re looking for.

*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. Updated as of 04/30/25.
**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.

Which satellite TV provider is best for you?

The best provider for you will depend on what you’re looking for. If you want the best channel selection, including sports coverage, DIRECTV is the better option. But if you’re looking to save money and have access to a more advanced DVR, we’d go with DISH, which locks in your price for two years, whereas DIRECTV raises it significantly in year two. 

Both satellite providers lock you into a two-year contract. DISH and DIRECTV also have early contract termination fees.

Which satellite provider offers better premium channels?

If you’re looking to include premium networks like HBO, Paramount+ with Showtime and STARZ in your channel lineup, DIRECTV generally offers cheaper prices than DISH. The Choice, Ultimate and Premier packages all include one year of Max, and the Premier package ($164.99/mo.) also throws in Cinemax and STARZ.

DISH, on the other hand, doesn’t offer most premium channels. The only ones that are available to add to your package are EPIX and STARZ ENCORE. If you want HBO, Paramount+ with Showtime or STARZ, you’ll have to subscribe to their streaming services separately.

DIRECTV breakdown

• DIRECTV packages come with 90 – 185+ channels, plus add-on package options and thousands of on-demand titles available
• If you love movies and original content, all DIRECTV plans include premium channels like HBO Max™, Paramount+ with Showtime, STARZ®, Cinemax® & EPIX® included for three months*
• Fees: DIRECTV requires customers to sign a two-year contract and your monthly fee will be higher in year two. To leave, you will pay a deactivation fee and a prorated charge of up to $480. There is also a fee of $7.00/mo. for each receiver and/or Genie Mini/DIRECTV Ready TV/device on your account

*First 3 mos. of Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, STARZ®, MGM+™ and Cinemax® are included with ENTERTAINMENT through ULTIMATE packages. Customers selecting PREMIER package only receive MGM+™ for first 3 mos. All selected channels auto-renew at then prevailing rates (currently $15.99/mo. for Max, $11.99/mo. for SHOWTIME®, $11/mo. each for STARZ® and Cinemax®, and $6/mo. for MGM+™), until you change or cancel by logging into your account at directv.com/signin or calling 800-531-5000. Offer subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Updated as of 04/30/25.

DISH breakdown

• DISH offers packages with 190 – 290+ channels and their Hopper 3 device can record up to 16 shows at once
• There are four English channel packages and five Spanish packages. You can add premium and specialty channels like STARZ and SHOWTIME to any plan, but DISH does not offer the popular HBO
• DISH offers the Multi-Sport Pack, which provides access to college and pro games, but it is not as robust as DIRECTV’s sports offerings
• Fees: DISH also requires a two-year contract and there is an early termination fee of $20.00 for each month remaining on your contract. There is a regional sports fee of about $3.00, as well as a $12.00 fee for local channels. There are also monthly fees for the DVR equipment, ranging from $5.00 to $10.00/mo.

How does satellite TV work?

For satellite TV service, you’ll need a dish, receiver, coaxial cable and an HDMI cable to connect the receiver to the TV. These will be provided by your ISP and a tech will handle the installation. Your modem will most likely have a rental fee attached. Don’t forget to check with your town or homeowners’ association before installation in case there are rules about satellite dish placement.

Bundle satellite TV and internet

You can get high-speed internet with satellite TV service. DISH and DIRECTV both work with internet providers in your area to bring you satellite TV and internet bundles. Depending on which providers are available in your area, you may be able to snag discounts by bundling multiple home services. AT&T internet and DIRECTV bundles, for example.

Can satellite TV provide internet?

While neither satellite TV provider offers internet directly, you can combine their TV packages with an internet plan. Call today to build your satellite TV and internet bundle with providers such as:

Availability, pricing and internet speeds will vary by location and provider. Call to check satellite TV and internet bundle availability and pricing for your address.

Is cable or satellite TV better?

Satellite TV companies will likely give you more channel options and lower introductory pricing, but cable is less likely to be affected by inclement weather. Both satellite and cable TV will give you similar channel packages and picture quality. Take a look at some other differences between the two to find the right TV service for you.

What makes satellite TV services different from cable TV?

• Satellite TV uses a dish to get the TV signal to a customer’s home instead of cable lines
• Satellite TV packages deliver all the typical cable TV channels to areas where cable does not reach
• Satellite TV providers are known for carrying a variety of international and sports programming

Satellite TV FAQs