DIRECTV vs. Spectrum: Packages, Pricing & More

We get it. Choosing a live television service provider is no easy task. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the best package for your needs.

To help you make the right entertainment decision for you and your family, we’ve laid out some key areas to consider. Find our comparison of DIRECTV vs. Spectrum below to determine which option is the best fit for you.

Spectrum TV vs. DIRECTV Comparison

The most basic difference between DIRECTV and Spectrum is how TV gets to your home. Spectrum delivers TV via cable alone, but DIRECTV lets you choose between DIRECTV satellite or DIRECTV Streaming App w/Device.

Wondering what this means? Basically, DIRECTV connected via satellite provides an amazing channel lineup and features available through satellite. DIRECTV connected via internet is similar to streaming and gives you great content online with no satellite dish required.

Depending on your home’s location, access to quality internet and a variety of other factors, one option may be better than the other.

Related Resource: How to Watch DIRECTV

This article will focus on DIRECTV packages and offers for customers connecting to our Streaming App with device. For more information on DIRECTV with a satellite, check out the related resource above.

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When it comes to DIRECTV vs Spectrum, here’s a quick comparison of the main factors you should know:

Package Options & Pricing

Once you know how you want to connect, another of the key factors to consider is the package options and pricing.

DIRECTV via internet has four base packages to choose from (ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE™, ULTIMATE and PREMIER) with several different ways to customize your experience, plus one Spanish-language plan. Spectrum, on the other hand, has three packages and one Spanish-language plan.

Here we will compare the two most popular DIRECTV packages against Spectrum’s top two plans.

Package	DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT Streaming App w/Device	DIRECTV CHOICE™ Streaming App w/Device	Spectrum TV Select Signature	Spectrum TV Select Plus
Price	$79.99/mo.* for 24 months + taxes & fees ($94.99/mo. w/$10/mo. Gemini lease fee.) Cancel anytime.	$89.99/mo.* for 24 months + taxes & fees ($107.98/mo.  & $10/mo. Gemini lease fee.) Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos. Cancel anytime.	$95.00/month for 12 months	$105.00/month for 12 months
Feature Highlights	90+ channels Local channels included, where available Unlimited Cloud DVR recording	125+ channels Local channels included, where available Regional & Specialty sports networks Unlimited cloud DVR	150+ channels DVR (with extra charge) Premium channels add-on option 4 sports networks Sports View channels add-on option	160+ channels Regional Sports Networks
Special Offer	3-months included*: Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, Cinemax** *Must select offers. Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+ and Cinemax are included for first 3 months and auto-renew monthly thereafter at then-prevailing rates (currently $15.99/mo. for Max, $11.99/mo. for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, $10.99/mo. each for STARZ and Cinemax, and $5.99/mo. for MGM+), unless cancelled. See DIRECTV Legal Policy Center for details.	$10 off for 24 months 3-months included*: Max, SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+, Cinemax** *Must select offers. Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, MGM+ and Cinemax are included for first 3 months and auto-renew monthly thereafter at then-prevailing rates (currently $15.99/mo. for Max, $11.99/mo. for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, $10.99/mo. each for STARZ and Cinemax, and $5.99/mo. for MGM+), unless cancelled. See DIRECTV Legal Policy Center for details.	Disney+ Basic, included availability varies by location	Disney+ Basic, included ESPN+, included

*New approved residential customers only. Service renews monthly unless you cancel. Cancel anytime by calling 844-600-1442 or online. Add’l fees may apply to non-qualified customers. Device subject to Equipment Lease agmt. Add’l fee(s) apply if equip. Not returned. Credit card req’d. Restr’s apply. 

**Access Max only through Max app or max.com. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription includes access to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME streaming plan, available via the Paramount+ app or paramountplus.com/link. Online account registration may be required. Offer not available to DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers switching to DIRECTV via Internet. Cancel online or by phone. Offer subj. to change.

For more information into all four DIRECTV packages, check this out!

Genre Packs

And now, DIRECTV has even more options for customers to personalize their entertainment experience with the all-new Genre Packs.

These curated packages provide customers with the channels they want, without having to pay for all the extra ones they don’t want. Currently, the following Genre Packs are available to purchase:

MySports: 20 sports-specific channels (plus ESPN+ as no additional cost) for just $69.99/mo. + tax

MyEntertainment: 40+ entertainment-specific channels (plus Disney+ & Hulu Bundle Basic for no additional cost) for just $34.99/mo. + tax

MyNews: 10+ news-specific channels (including locals where available) for just $39.99/mo. + tax

MiEspañol: 60+ Spanish-language channels (plus Vix+ for no additional cost) for just $34.99/mo. + tax

Wondering how Spectrum stacks up against DIRECTV’s new Genre Packs? It’s easy, it doesn’t! After all, Genre Packs give customers more of the channels they want, and less of the ones they don’t want, whereas Spectrum top two base packages start at 150+ channels (whether you want them or not) for $95/mo. for one year. Spectrum does have a smaller TV Stream package option with 85+ channels for $40/mo., but that offer is only available to Spectrum Internet customers.

MyFree DIRECTV

But that’s not all! DIRECTV also has a wide array of free ad-supported TV channels (FAST) available to anyone, anytime with MyFree DIRECTV!

All you need to do is sign up with your email (no credit card required) and get immediate access to 90+ channels and On Demand content. That’s true for anyone, whether you have an additional paid DIRECTV subscription or not. With Spectrum, the only way to access these types of channels is through its Xumo Stream Box, which is only provided to paying customers.

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Spanish Language Plans & Add-Ons

DIRECTV via internet and Spectrum both offer one Spanish-language TV package. Check out the similarities and differences below:

Package	DIRECTV ÓPTIMO MÁS™	SPECTRUM MI PLAN LATINO
Cost	$69.99/mo. for 24 months + taxes & fees ($79.99/mo. w/optional $10/mo. Gemini lease fee). Cancel anytime.	$70.00/mo. for 12 months
Number of Channels	Up to 80+ Spanish channels; 125+ English channels	75+ Spanish channels; 70+ English channels
Package Highlights	Local channels included, where available Sports Channels: FS1, FS2, ESPN, FOX Deportes, ESPN Deportes, etc. Entertainment Channels: A&E, Food Network, Discovery, E!, History en Espanol, etc. News Channels: CNN/CNN International, Telemundo, Univision, etc.	ViX Premium w/ Ads, included Includes Univision, Telemundo, ESPN Deportes, HITN

Along with DIRECTV’s Spanish-language package, there are also two Spanish-language add-ons that can be purchased along with a base package. Those add-ons are laid out below:

DIRECTV Deportes: An extra 5 Spanish-language channels for international sports like soccer, baseball and more for $4.99/mo. + tax

DIRECTV En Español: 60+ Spanish-language channels (includes channels in Deportes) for $14.99/mo. + tax

Spectrum, however, only has the full Spanish plan, and one Spanish add-on for English base channels.

Latino View: 70+ Hispanic channels for $15/mo.

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Channel Availability

In the Packages & Pricing section we went over the number of channels available and the monthly costs for both DIRECTV and Spectrum. But it’s also important to look at the individual channels to ensure the streaming service you choose has the channels you’re interested in.

Get an overview of both providers’ channel availability here.

Package	ENTERTAINMENT	CHOICE™	Spectrum TV Select Signature	Spectrum TV Select Plus
Number of Channels	90+	125+	150+	160+
Popular Channels	ESPN ESPN 2 FX Disney Channel CNN HGTV FOX News	Featured ENTERTAINMENT Channels + MLB NETWORK NBA TV NFL Network Cooking Channel FanDuel Sports Networks NBC Sports	A&E ACC Network AMC ESPN ESPN 2 SEC Network TNT USA	NFL Network NBA TV MLB Network HGTV FS1 ESPN
Local Channels	Yes, where available (including PBS)	Yes, where available (including PBS)	Yes, where available (including PBS)	Yes, where available (including PBS)
Local Regional Sports Networks	No	Yes* *Not all RSNs avail in all areas. Limited by zip code	No	Yes* *availability varies by location
Regional Sports Networks	Yes, 30+ channels w/ Sports Pack for $14.99/mo. + taxes & fees	Yes, 30+ channels w/ Sports Pack for $14.99/mo. + taxes & fees	?	?

Premium Channels & Add-Ons

Depending on your needs, there are countless premium channels for entertainment and sports you may be interested in. Let’s look at how premium channels compare between DIRECTV and Spectrum.

Entertainment Add-Ons

When it comes to specialty channels, there are some live TV providers that are better than others.

These are networks that customers can add to their base TV package for an extra cost. Let’s compare DIRECTV and Spectrum and their add-ons below.

Channel	DIRECTV	Spectrum
AMC+ includes access to Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films Unlimited	$7.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill	$3.00/mo.
ALLBLK	$6.99/mo. + tax	Not available
ACORN TV	$7.99/mo. + tax	Not available
Apple TV+	$9.99/mo. + tax	Not Available
A&E Crime Central*	$4.99/mo. + tax	Not available
BET+	$10.99/mo. + tax	Not Available
Cinemax	3 months included then $10.99/mo.	$10/mo.
discovery+ includes HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel	$5.99/mo. + tax & $2 off monthly DIRECTV bill	Not available
FOX Nation	$7.99/mo. + tax	Not available
History Vault	$5.99/mo. + tax	Not available
Hallmark +*	$7.99/mo. + tax	Not available
Lifetime Movie Club*	$4.99/mo. + tax	Not available
Max	3 months included then $16.99/mo.	Streaming App Included in TV Select Signature Package
MGM+	3 months included then $6.99/mo.	$7/mo.
Movies Extra Pack Includes: Crime+Investigation; Hallmark Family; Hallmark Mystery; HDNet Movies; INSP HD; MTV Live; ShortsTV; Smithsonian Channel; Sony Movies	3 months included then $4.99/mo.	Not available
THE MOVIE CHANNEL	Not available	$5/mo.
PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME	3 months included then $12.99/mo.	$10/mo.
Peacock*	$4.99/mo. + tax	Streaming App Included in TV Select Signature Package
STARZ	3 months included $10.99/mo.	$11/mo.
UP Faith & Family**	$5.99/mo. + tax	Not available

*May only be accessed on internet-connected HD DVR/Gemini and the DIRECTV app. Subscription not valid for streaming using the provider app or website.

**Only available to satellite customers

While Spectrum has far fewer premium add-ons compared to DIRECTV, the platform does have an Entertainment View add-on that provides customers with 70+ additional channels, for an extra $15/mo., which includes the following channels:

ACC**	Crime & Investigation	GSN**	MTV2*	Smithsonian Channel
American Heroes	Destination America	Hallmark*	NBA TV**	Sundance*
AXS TV*	Discovery Family	HDNetMovies	NBC Universo	TCM**
BabyFirstTV*	Discovery Life	i24	Newsmax*	TeenNick*
BBC World News	Discovery Science	IFC*	NFL Network**	Tennis Channel**
BET Her	ESPN Deportes	Indieplex	Nick Jr**	The Africa Channel
BET Jams	ESPN News**	Jewish Life TV	Nick Music	The Cowboy Channel
BET Soul	ESPNU**	Justice Central*	Nicktoons**	The Impact Network
Boomerang*	Flix	Lifetime Movie Network	Olympic Channel	Tr3s
BYU TV	FM*	Lifetime Real Women	Ovation TV*	TUDN
Cars.TV	Fox Deportes	Logo	OWN**	Universal Kids
CBS Sports Network	Fox Sports2	Military History Channel	Pets.TV	Up**
Cheddar**	Fuse**	MLB Network**	Recipe.TV**	Viceland
CNBC World**	FYI	Movieplex	Reelz*
Comedy.TV**	GAC	MTV Classic	Retroplex
Cooking Channel**	Golf**	MTV Live	RFD TV

*Channels available in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT package or above
**Channels available in DIRECTV CHOICE™ package or above

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Premium Sports Channels

For sports fans, it’s important to have access to most networks so you can watch the most games. But these days, with broadcast rights for sports spanning networks and streaming services, it can be difficult.

Let’s look at the different sports packages available to customers for DIRECTV and Spectrum.

	DIRECTV Sports Pack	Spectrum Sports View
Cost	$14.99/mo. + tax	$10/mo.
Number of Channels	22 additional channels for ENTERTAINMENT customers); 12 additional channels for CHOICE™ customers	18 total channels
Channel List	ACC Network Big Ten Network CBS Sports Network ESPNEWS ESPNU FanDuel TV FOX Sports 2 Golf Channel MLB Network MLB Strike Zone NBA TV Next Level Sports NFL Network NFL RedZone NHL Network Outdoor Channel SEC Network Sportsman Channel Tennis Channel TUDN Willow HD Willow Xtra &…30+ Regional Sports Networks (also included in PREMIER package)	BeIN en Español BeIN Sports ESPN News Fox Sports 2 Golf Mav TV MLB Network MLB Strike Zone NBA TV NFL Network NFL Redzone NHL Network Olympic Channel Outdoor Tennis Channel The Cowboy Channel TVG Willow

All in all, the choice between DIRECTV and Spectrum largely depends on your viewing preferences, especially when it comes to sports. Keep in mind, depending on the base package you choose some of these networks may be included already, so make sure to check out the full channel lineup of the package you want!

DIRECTV also allows customers to purchase premium sports add-ons like MLS Season Pass & NBA League Pass. Plus, DIRECTV is one of the few providers with access to Willow TV, the exclusive cricket broadcast network in the US.

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Entertainment Experience

You deserve a relaxing, uncomplicated entertainment experience, where you get the best content of the highest quality in a way that works best for you. Below are some considerations to think about before choosing a live TV service.

With our DIRECTV App, you can easily view all your DIRECTV package content, including live sports or On Demand content, wherever you are. As long as you have a high-speed internet connection, you’re good to go.

Content Aggregation

DIRECTV wants you to watch your favorite movies, sports and shows in the way that works best for you. And with so many disparate entertainment apps and networks these days, it can be difficult to stay organized. DIRECTV gives customers the opportunity to house all their video streaming services on the DIRECTV interface, so you never have to switch inputs again.

*Req’s separate paid subscriptions for 3rd party apps. Internet-connected Gemini device required.

That’s right, with a Gemini box, DIRECTV Streaming App w/Device customers can enjoy an enhanced viewing experience. You’ll be able to view all content included in your package, plus access the Google Play Store to add additional streaming apps to your device. And self-installation is fast and easy, so you can connect right away.

For Spectrum, you need a TV and a receiver. Spectrum offers cable TV, which means you won’t need a satellite dish, but you’ll still need a cable connection to view content through your TV system without their app. The Spectrum TV App comes free with a Spectrum TV package, so you can also use a supported device to stream live and On Demand content.

DVR

You want to be able to record your favorite shows and movies when you’re not around to watch them – and you shouldn’t be punished for that! With DIRECTV Streaming App w/Device customers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage for no extra cost when ordered online. Spectrum, however, requires purchasing the DVR add-on, starting at $13.99/mo.

Picture Quality & 4K Content

DIRECTV provides exclusively 4K Ultra HD channels to internet or stream customers for watching TV series, movies, live sports and more for no additional cost to customers*. The following three channels are always playing great content in the best quality.

105 (LIVE4K) – occasional live sporting events

106 (LIVE4K2) – occasional live sporting events

Spectrum offers an Apple TV 4K add-on, which allows customers to stream content with Apple TV and the Spectrum TV App for an additional $9.99/mo. This is another example of how DIRECTV’s entertainment experience is unrivaled by Spectrum!

*4K TV required

Simultaneous Streams

Within the home, DIRECTV allows for unlimited devices to stream at the same time. Out of the home, three devices are permitted for use at the same time**.

Spectrum also allows for unlimited streams when connected to your home internet. While outside the home, only two simultaneous streams are permitted.

DIRECTV comes out on top here, as customers can have one more stream outside of the home.

**Minimum internet speed of 8Mbps per stream recommended for optimal viewing. All DIRECTV streams must be on the same home network and a compatible router is required. Certain channels are excluded. Limit 3 concurrent out-of-home DIRECTV streams. Restrictions apply. See directv.com/unlimitedstreams for details.

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Compare DIRECTV vs. the Competition

With all the information above comparing DIRECTV and Spectrum, you should be able to make a smart choice about the live TV provider that’s right for you. If you’re also looking to compare DIRECTV to other competitors, we’ve got you covered there, too!

Check out our DIRECTV vs. the Competition hub to find out what other competitors DIRECTV beats out.

Or, if you’re ready to start watching, sign up today!

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