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 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.
Entertainment Package
- Over 160 channels
- Get more sports action- includes ESPN and ESPN2
- Genie HD DVR included
- Watch live TV from anywhere with the DIRECTV app
- Free HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME, and Cinemax for the first 3 months
Choice Package
- Over 185 channels
- Genie HD DVR included
- Includes NFL Sunday Ticket at no extra cost
- Watch live TV from anywhere with the DIRECTV app
- Free HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME, and Cinemax for the first 3 months
XTRA Package
- Over 235 channels
- Genie HD DVR included
- Includes NFL Sunday Ticket at no extra cost
- Watch live TV from anywhere with the DIRECTV app
- Free HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME, and Cinemax for the first 3 months
Ultimate Package
- Over 250 channels
- Genie HD DVR included
- Includes NFL Sunday Ticket at no extra cost
- Watch live TV from anywhere with the DIRECTV app
- Free HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME, and Cinemax for the first 3 months
Premier Package
- Over 330 channels
- Genie HD DVR included
- Includes NFL Sunday Ticket at no extra cost
- Watch live TV from anywhere with the DIRECTV app
- Free HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME, and Cinemax for the first 3 months
- Premium channels are included, as well as One World Sports, Outdoor Channel, beIN Sports, Flix, and more.
DIRECTV Channels
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 a few dollars more 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.
Sports Channels
DIRECTV offers a wide variety of sports packages:
- DIRECTV Sports Pack: provides you with access to 30 regional sports networks, MLB Network Strike Zone, specialty sports, and international soccer.
- ONE World Sports: includes BeIN SPORTS, ESPN Bases Loaded, FS North, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, New England Sports Network, ROOT Sports Network, and more.
- NFL Sunday Ticket: exclusive to DIRECTV, this pack includes 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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. If you're still not convinced by DIRECTV, you can compare TV and Internet bundles by ZIP 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.