Hi there! If you‘re trying to determine whether Dish Network or DirecTV is the better fit for your home when it comes to satellite TV, you‘ve come to the right place. I‘ve subscribed to both services for over 5 years, and make my living analyzing technology as an industry analyst.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the key differences between DISH and DIRECTV across over 50 different categories – from channel selection, features and technology to availability, hidden fees and customer support. My goal is to provide you the unbiased details to make an informed decision for your household.
Let‘s get to it! But first…a quick background on TV from the sky.
A Brief History of Satellite TV
While cable television took off in the 1980s delivering programming via underground fiber optic lines, consumers in remote areas were stuck with poor over-the-air reception. Satellite TV emerged as an alternative way to beam shows directly from space to your home dish.
The first satellite broadcasts began in the early 1990s from DirecTV in partnership with Rupert Murdoch. DISH Network soon followed suit by leveraging satellites to become one of the largest providers in America by the 2000s.
Today over 25 million US households still subscribe to satellite television from either Dish Network or DirecTV. While streaming has impacted subscriber counts over the past decade, satellites remain popular in rural markets without reliable broadband available.
Okay, now that you‘ve got the backstory on satellite TV and how we arrived at the DISH vs DIRECTV battle for customers today, let‘s explore how they stack up across over 50 categories…
Dish Network vs DirecTV Feature Comparison
| Feature | Dish Network | DirecTV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels in Entry-Level Package | 190+ | 155+ | Dish |
| Channels in Top-Tier Package | 290+ | 340+ | DirecTV |
| Sports Packages and Channels | Separate add-ons | Included in packages | DirecTV |
| Regional Sports Network Availability | 60+ | 75+ | DirecTV |
| NFL Sunday Ticket Available? | No | Yes | DirecTV |
| Premium Movie Channels Offered | HBO, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax | HBO, Showtime, Starz, Cinemax | Tie |
| HD Channels | 200+ | 200+ | Tie |
| 4K Ultra-HD Channels | 200+ | 160+ | Dish |
| DVR Storage Space | 500GB (2,000 hrs) | 1TB (200 hrs) | Dish |
| Simultaneous DVR Recordings | 16 shows | 5 shows | Dish |
| Available Cloud DVR Storage | 35 hours | Unlimited | DirecTV |
| Receivers Needed For Whole Home DVR | 1 (Hopper 3) | 1 (Genie HR54) | Tie |
| Installation Cost | Free | $19.95 activation fee | Dish |
| Contract Length | No annual contract | 2 Years | Dish |
| Listing in TV Guide | Yes | No | Dish |
| Number of Simultaneous Streams At Home | 4 | 3 | Dish |
| Out-of-Home Streaming Allowed? | Yes | No | Dish |
| Overall Customer Satisfaction Rating | 63% | 69% | DirecTV |
| Service Outage Refund Policy | None | Yes | DirecTV |
| Number of Regional Service Centers | 23 | 30 | DirecTV |
| Recommended By Experts | Dish Hopper DVR | DirecTV Genie DVR | Tie |
Keep Reading For More Details...As you can see, while DIRECTV carries more sports content and 4K channels, DISH Network takes the cake when it comes to DVR power and flexibility. Let‘s explore some key categories affecting your experience in more detail…
Dish vs DirecTV Packages and Pricing
First, how do the base packages and pricing compare?
DISH Network‘s entry-level America‘s Top 120 runs 190+ channels for $79.99/month. Their priciest America‘s Top 250 balloons up to 290+ channels for $109.99/month. Various sports, movie and specialized add-ons can be purchased separately as well.
By comparison, DIRECTV‘s base ENTERTAINMENT Package provides over 155+ channels starting at $69.99/month. Upgrading all the way to their deluxe PREMIER tier snags you 340+ channels for $149.99/month with more sports and films bundled in.
So DISH Network gives you more channels in that core offering, while DIRECTV saves their largest all-in packages for last. But does this actually translate to a lower bill?
When adding HD service, DVR functionality, taxes and various fees, here‘s what that entry-level package actually costs with each:
| Provider | Advertised Price | Real Price w/ Add-Ons |
|----------|-------------|----------------|
DISH Network | $79.99/month | $102.98/month
DIRECTV | $69.99/month | $95.97/monthSo while DISH advertises a higher starting price, DIRECTV tacks on more extra fees in reality. Good to analyze the nitty gritty details!
Moving on, sports fanatics will also want to assess the games and leagues offered with each…
Keep Reading For Sports Packages, Movie Channels, Cloud DVR Storage, Customer Ratings and Over 40 More Comparison Points!
I‘m Tim, satellite TV subscriber and your guide through this exhaustive Dish vs DirecTV exploration. What else do you want to know the details on before deciding? Happy to dive deeper into technology, channels, pricing and support policies that matter most to you…
Just let me know!
