When choosing satellite TV services, DISH and DIRECTV are two corporations that any consumer should be aware of. These two companies both provide their consumers with hundreds of channels, different packages, as well as numerous fantastic features. However, one of the most common questions people have when deciding between the two is: what is the difference between the two, and which one costs less?
Upfront Costs
When it comes to the setup, or creating a new account, DIRECTV usually has a higher initial fee. Their base is priced at $64.99, which is ten dollars and thirteen cents higher than what DISH offers for their similar bundles. DIRECTV charges $19.95 as its handling fee and expects the customers to sign up for a 24-month contract while DISH offers its service based on contract-less and no handling fees. So if you are searching for a satellite provider with the lowest initial costs, DISH probably has more favorable terms.
Monthly Subscription Fees
Another disadvantage of using DIRECTV is that its packages are usually $5-15 more than DISH of similar packages and channels. For instance, DIRECTV’s Choice package costs $ 84.99 per month and DISH’s America’s Top 250 which provides similar channels is $ 69.99 per month, making the difference $ 15. As far as your monthly charges are concerned, DISH mostly turns out to be the deal with lower monthly charges.
Bundled Plans
The only thing that can be said about this is that it is advantageous to have DIRECTV bundled with AT&T internet plans. If you get DIRECTV with AT&T Internet or wireless phone services, then you may be able to knock off between $10-$20 per month off the price. DISH does not have these types of bundled savings included so if you possibly use AT&T for other services, then it may be cheaper overall to go with DIRECTV.
Premium Channels Add-Ons
If you consider watching premium movie channels such as HBO, Showtime, and Starz as essentials, the prices are way more or less the same with both services. Paying for the premium channels, in most cases, will cost $15-$20 per month irrespective of the service being used. However, the premiums are occasionally given at a discounted rate or free previews making them cheaper than DISH but for a limited time only.
DVR and Other Equipment Costs
DIRECTV and DISH both require an extra $10 per month for DVR service to record programs, with extra costs for the extra receivers and/or the ability to view the shows in other rooms. While comparing the fees between DIRECTV and DISH, the former has slightly cheaper prices - for instance, an additional receiver with DISH costs $7 per month while with DIRECTV the price is only $5 per month. Thus, DIRECTV will shave a few dollars off your bill if you need equipment for multiple televisions.
Contract Buyout Fees
Another cost factor that you may not know about when moving from another TV provider is our contract buyout fees. If you decide to end any of your services before the contract period to which you agreed is over, you are likely to incur an early termination fee. DIRECTV’s fee is between ten and twenty dollars for each month that is left in the contract while DISH charges its customers seventeen and a half dollars for each month left in the contract. So if you’re at 10 months of the agreement left, the total buyout cost would be less with DISH.
Introductory Discounts
It is well understood that both these companies use heavily discounted rates or other incentives for the first couple of months of service to entice new customers. Services can be offered at a cheaper price, special packages with extra channels included, or Visa gift cards. It should be noted that the availability of the best deals varies with some offers being offered for a limited period. However, as of the writing of this guide, DISH is currently providing even more promo codes for new customers where monthly subscriptions can cost as little as $30 your first year with discounts up to $540.
The Verdict
Although DIRECTV provides occasional bonuses such as package discounts or reduced station charges, DISH always provides a lower price for its basic packages. Also, as of 2023, DISH has better offer prices for those who have not subscribed to the service before. Therefore, if you are interested in paying the smallest installment every month then DISH is normally cheaper throughout your subscription period. Thus, it is advisable to calculate the offers on special and new bundled packages of the provider before determining who has the best offer.
The calculations can also differ if some of the channels are more significant for you or if you need to connect more TVs. But cumulatively, DISH offers more for the dollar in the direct comparison of DISH vs DIRECTV affordability which makes it the economical darling of the duo.
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