Have you seen the DIRECTV channel lineup?
DIRECTV, which is Dish Network's fiercest rival, is a direct broadcast satellite TV service provider that became a subsidiary of AT&T as of July 2015.Just like Dish Network, it offers affordable packages and flexibility for its DIRECTV customers. However, you might be wondering if the DIRECTV channel lineup and services compare with the best satellite TV providers.
Fortunately, DIRECTV does more than just compare.
Below, I have outlined every DIRECTV package available and what each one has to offer. Read on for more information on how the DIRECTV channel lineup stacks up to its competitors.
DIRECTV Channel Lineup
DIRECTV's general market channel guide is rather extravagant, even compared to the Dish Network Channel Lineup. DIRECTV offers over 315 channels, including local channels that are available in 99 percent of U.S. households.
Furthermore, you can add an HD channel extra pack for just $4.99 per month, but you need HD equipment. Keep in mind, however, it may cost extra to have the HD equipment installed.
As mentioned, DIRECTV's channel list is lengthy, but depending on the package you select, you may be limited in channel offerings. With that being said, all packages - save for the Premier package, as this feature is included free of charge for the duration of the contract - come with perks such as premium movie channels for three months. Please refer to our channel guide for all that DIRECTV has to offer.
DIRECTV Now
DIRECTV Now is similar to Dish Sling TV, and U-Verse TV. DIRECTV, Dish Sling TV, and U-Verse TV are all programs in which you can stream certain channels for various prices via your favorite streaming devices. DIRECTV Now, however, offers an extremely extensive channel lineup and competitive pricing.
Each streaming program offers slightly different channels and you don't have to worry about contracts and expiration dates because you can subscribe or cancel your subscription anytime you want.
This is perfect for those who have a solid high-speed Internet connection and want to save money on their cable TV bill. If you're looking for high-speed Internet, check out our guide to the fastest Internet in your area.
Channel Packages
DIRECTV channel packages vary greatly, but all of them include a myriad of perks, ranging from free premium channels to included DVR monthly services with HD channels. Furthermore, you can receive a two-year price guarantee with these plans.
If you're wondering what's the difference between DIRECTV and U-Verse, you can check out our AT&T U-Verse Channel Lineup.
To be eligible for this price lock, you must bundle the DIRECTV package with another eligible AT&T service and maintain all services for 24 months. There are six main packages to choose from, but I would first like to delve into the DIRECTV Select Channels package. Here is the DIRECTV guide to packages and channels.
Read More: You can complement your DIRECTV package with AT&T's high-speed internet services.
DIRECTV Select Channels
The DIRECTV Select package is the cheapest plan available with DIRECTV. You'll receive roughly 145 channels, which are considerably varied in terms of categories, so you're basic television needs will likely remain satisfied. However, this plan, while affordable, lacks the popular channels that are stuffed into the other plans, such as ESPN or TLC.
With that being said, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, TNT, and Fox News are included. Furthermore, you'll receive all the local channels.
DIRECTV Entertainment Channels
For just a few dollars more per month, you can adopt the Entertainment package, which provides you with five more channels compared to the Select offerings. Included in this package are the following channels: ESPN, ESPN2, FOX Sports 1, and more.
However, you won't have access to services such as NFL Sunday Ticket, so this may not be the best package for the hardcore football fans.
DIRECTV Choice Channels
DIRECTV Choice is more diverse than the Select and Entertainment packages. You'll receive most of the popular channels, such as Animal Planet, Discovery, Cartoon Network, ESPN, LMN HD, and The Weather Channel.
Furthermore, it's the first package that offers NFL Sunday Ticket at no extra charge.
DIRECTV XTRA Channels
XTRA is the next package on the totem pole, offering over 220 channels. If you need something a bit more than what Choice offers, perhaps XTRA may satiate your television channel quota. XTRA features a mixture of local, sports, and popular programming, all for a reasonable fee.
Included in this package are the channels WGN America HD, CBS Sports, SundanceTV, Nat Geo Wild, and more.
DIRECTV Ultimate Channels
DIRECTV's Ultimate package offers just 20 more channels compared to the XTRA package, all for a few dollars more. This package is perfect for those with varied flavors of television categories or families with different interests.
Channels included with this package are Encore, Boomerang, Chiller, Cloo, El Rey, The Movie Channel, and more.
DIRECTV Premier Channels
While Premier is considered to be the final main package, this plan is a lot pricier compared to Ultimate. However, this package does contain over 315 channels, so if you're a television buff who absolutely needs as many channels as possible, this would be the package for you.
Inside this package, you'll find that all of the premium channels are included, as well as One World Sports, Outdoor Channel, beIN Sports, Flix, and more.
Music Channels
DIRECTV offers a vast array of music channels, which play music for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While Dish relies on SiriusXM as its music provider, DIRECTV relies on SonicTap, which is 100 percent commercial-free.
DIRECTV's music channels vastly differ in the genre. There are six channels for Pop, six channels for Rock, five channels for Hip-Hop and R&B, six channels for Dance, seven channels for Country, 10 channels for Jazz and Standards, five channels for Classical, and 10 channels for Latin. Furthermore, DIRECTV also offers Italian, Brazilian, and Contemporary channels.
Sports Channels
There are a vast array of sports channels to view with DIRECTV. You can always purchase the DIRECTV Sports Pack, which provides you with access to 30 regional sports networks, MLB Network Strike Zone, specialty sports, and international soccer.
Furthermore, what is added to the package is ONE World Sports. Some channels included in this pack is BeIN SPORTS, ESPN Bases Loaded, FS North, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, New England Sports Network, ROOT Sports Network, and more.
Other sports packages that you can purchase are NFL Sunday Ticket, which is exclusive to DIRECTV, MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, MLS Direct Kick, FOX Soccer Plus, and International Soccer.
Movie Channels
Fortunately, you will receive three months of 46 premium movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Starz, and Cinemax free of charge with most packages you subscribe to.
However, after your three months are up, you'll have the option to purchase these packages at a monthly fee. You can also purchase these movie packages in an a la carte fashion.
Local Channels
As mentioned previously, DIRECTV packages include local channels that are available in more than 99 percent of the nation's TV households.
Channels such as ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, FOX, CW & MyTV are included in DIRECTV's packages.
Related: Compare Cable TV Providers in Your Area
DIRECTV On Demand
With DIRECTV On Demand, you'll receive instant access to the latest in TV entertainment. Furthermore, DIRECTV lets you restart shows from the beginning in case you are a little late to the show or movie.
Finally, if you forget to set your HD DVR, you can still watch shows that have aired within the past 72 hours. You will need high-speed internet and a compatible DIRECTV receiver to access this service, and you do not need to subscribe to any specific package to be eligible for this service.
Examples of movies that you can access are Mad Max: Fury Road, the latest Cinderella iteration, and Furious 7.
4K Channels
Yes, you are able to watch movies, shows, and sports games in 4K Ultra HD. DIRECTV is the first satellite TV service provider to bring you this type of service, which is always available. To be able to enjoy the beauty of 4K, you'll need the HR54 model of the Genie HD DVR, a 4K Ultra HD TV, and a subscription to the Select TV package or higher.
With DIRECTV, you'll be able to watch live NBA games and Premier League soccer too. Additionally, you can access the 4K On Demand library with the Genie HD DVR, which is filled with films, documentaries, and classics. Call the customer service number for more information.
Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket, which is exclusive to DIRECTV, allows you to enjoy live out-of-market games every Sunday. You can watch these games via your TV, laptop, tablet, phone, or gaming console. You'll also be able to track your NFL.com fantasy league and favorite players, receive highlight alerts, and even play your league.
You'll also have access to the Red Zone Channel with NFL Sunday Ticket Max.
Other additional features include your own broadcast booth, which lets you watch four or eight live games on a single channel in HD, Player Tracker, real-time scores and stats, and Short Cuts so you can watch replays of entire games in less than 30 minutes from Monday to Wednesday.
Related: Buyer's Guide to Satellite TV Providers
Recap
DIRECTV is known for flexibility and affordability, but it isn't as cheap as Dish. Nevertheless, it offers plenty of packages at a great value, including sports and movie packages.
What's also exclusive to the service is the NFL Sunday Ticket, which is an absolute miracle for any NFL fan. Furthermore, DIRECTV customer service is rather excellent and aims to prioritize the consumer over its service.
Overall, you cannot go wrong with DIRECTV, especially if you're a sports fan. I hope this DIRECTV guide to channels and packages has helped you make a decision. If you're still not convinced by DIRECTV, you can compare TV and Internet bundles by ZIIP code. Just type in your zip code to find the best deals near you.
Care to compare TV cable providers? Then be sure to read our buyer's guide to cable providers. If you want to see whether Dish or DIRECTV is better, check out our comparison guide.
