Home
Main Menu
Related
 

Compare DirecTV vs Dish Network

You may want satellite TV, but it's not always an easy decision between DirecTV and Dish Network.

For that reason, we've assembled and listed the major features most customers request and compared the benefits and drawbacks of each. Based on your needs and the options each company offers, there's a plan sure to fit your wishes and budget...

Note: Pricing and terms below do not include current promos and specials.


Satellite TV Comparison Table

Comparison DirecTV DirecTV Dish Network Dish Network
Pricing for Regular Programming
Advantage:
Advantage - Dish Network Dish Network
Standard Programming Rates (monthly)
  • DirecTV Entertainment: $54.99
  • DirecTV Choice: $63.99
  • DirecTV Choice XTRA: $68.99
  • DirecTV Choice ULTIMATE: $74.99
  • DirecTV Premier: $119.99
[view full pricing]

Local channels are included; rates exclude
current DirecTV specials.

Standard Programming Rates (monthly)
  • DishFamily: $24.99
  • America's Top 120: $44.99
  • America's Top 200: $59.99
  • America's Top 250: $69.99
  • America's Everything Pak: $104.99
[view full pricing]

Local channels are included; rates exclude current DISH specials.
Pricing for HDTV Programming
Advantage: Draw
HDTV Add-on Rates (monthly)
  • Add to Family pack: $9.99
  • Add to Choice pack: $9.99
  • Add to Choice XTRA pack: $9.99
  • Add to Premier pack: $9.99

HD local channels are included; excludes
current specials.

[learn more]
HDTV Add-on Rates (monthly)
  • TURBOHD Bronze: $10.00
  • TURBOHD Silver: $10.00
  • TURBOHD Gold: $10.00
  • TURBOHD Platinum: $10.00

HD local channels are $5/mo currently free; excludes current specials.
[learn more]
DVR
Advantage: Draw
DirecTV Standard DVR Features:
  • Digital Recording
  • Dual Recording (view one program while recording another)
  • 1-Touch Recording
  • Pause, Rewind & Fast Forward
  • Records up to 100 hours
  • Find programs by title, actor, theme, etc.

DirecTV HD DVR Features:
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
  • Records 200 hrs in non-HD
  • Records 50 hrs in HD

The DVR subscription fee is $4.99/month. [learn more]
Dish Network Standard DVR Features:
  • Digital Recording
  • Dual Recording (view one program while recording another)
  • 1-Touch Recording
  • Pause, Rewind & Fast Forward
  • Records up to 350 hours
  • PIP (picture-in-picture)
  • Find programs by title, actor, theme, etc.

Dish Network HD DVR Features:
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
  • Records 350 hrs in non-HD
  • Records 55 hrs in HD

The DVR subscription fee is $5.98/month. [learn more]
Programming
Advantage: Draw
Over 285 channels available in DirecTV Premier package. [learn more]
Over 280 channels available in America's Everything Pak package. [learn more]
Local Channels
Advantage: Draw
Excellent coverage of US (included)
Note: Alaska/Hawaii residents may require a slightly larger dish
Excellent coverage of US (included)
Note: Alaska/Hawaii residents may require a slightly larger dish
Sports Package
Advantage:
Advantage - DirecTV DirecTV
With the exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket and a few other niche sports DirecTV gets the nod. [learn more]
Dish Network has made huge strides to close the sporting package gap over the last few years that should please all but the die-hard NFL fan. [learn more]
Additional TVs
Advantage: Draw
$4.99/month fee on a second & each additional TV
$5.00/month fee on a third & each additional TV
Bottom Line
The base package ($29.99/month) is a bit higher than Dish Network, but DirecTV offers access to exclusive features such as NFL Sunday Ticket (& NFL Network) and the Season Pass by TiVo. Sports fans and TiVo enthusiasts can't miss with DirecTV. [learn more]
The base package ($19.99/month) is the lowest satellite TV price on the market today and the Dish Network standard DVR records up to 350 hours (compared to 100 with DirecTV). Those looking for superior savings while not sacrificing quality or content may opt for Dish Network. [learn more]
Current Promotion
Advantage: Draw
DIRECTV's Best Offer Ever
  • No Equipment to Buy
  • FREE HBO, Showtime, Cinemax & STARZ for 3 months!
  • LOCK IN lowest rate available for 2 years (limited time)
  • FREE Installation (up to 4 rooms)
  • FREE HD DVR Receiver Upgrade
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

» Order Now

» View promo details

120+ Digital Channels for $29.99
  • No Equipment to Buy
  • Includes over 120 Digital Channels
  • FREE 21 Premium Movie Channels (HBO, Cinemax & STARZ) for for 3 Months!
  • FREE HD for LIFE
  • FREE DVR or HD DVR Receiver Upgrade
  • FREE Installation (up to 4 rooms) & Activation
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

» Order Now

» View promo details


DirecTV DirecTV Dish Network Dish Network

I live in
interested in
Local Chan.
DVR/HDTV
Top-ranked Satellite TV Deals (as of 5/18/2012)
DIRECTV's Best Offer Ever
» LOCK IN $29.99/mo for 2 years!
» FREE HBO, Showtime & STARZ for 3 Mths
» FREE NFL Sunday Ticket (limited time)
» 4,000 Premium Shows & Movies FREE
» FREE HD DVR & HD Receiver ($298 value)
» New customers, save over $824!
Notes: Best offer in DirecTV's history.
Entertainment Package
120+ Digital for 12 Months
» FREE HBO, Cinemax & STARZ for 3 Mths!
» Includes over 120 Digital Channels
» FREE HD for LIFE! (limited time)
» FREE DVR or HD DVR Receiver Upgrade
» FREE Installation (up to 4 rooms)
» ONLY $29.99/month, save over $710!
Notes: Best Dish Network offer since 8/08
America's Top 120 Package




Bookmark
Customer Reviews
Before you buy, check out reviews from current and former satellite TV subscribers.
Promo Alerts
Keep in touch with the latest Satellite TV offers and promos.
Your privacy is always guaranteed.

Email address:


Choose newsletter Type:


Tools
Related
© 2004-2011,2012 | directtv-vs-dishnetwork.com | Contact | About | Site Map | Privacy | Blog | Customer Comments
Please note we are not affiliated with or represent DirecTV or Dish Network. We're an independent
consumer guide committed to helping you research the leading retailers and deals currently available.