The world is rapidly shifting towards streaming platforms, but TV services are still widely used in America. Several cable, fiber, and satellite TV providers are available in the country for people who enjoy traditional TV experiences. But who is the best TV provider among all of these choices? The solution depends on your budgetary and lifestyle requirements.
Spectrum and DIRECTV are two well-liked TV service companies in America. If we compare their most prominent qualities, Spectrum TV® is renowned for being reasonably priced, while DIRECTV is well-known for offering a vast selection of channels and bundles. If these providers are the only alternatives in your region, you should read our Spectrum vs DIRECTV comparison before choosing between them.
Spectrum TV®
Charter Communications is a leading player in the telecommunication market due to its Spectrum trademark. The company’s stellar services help to build a solid reputation. Spectrum also offers a cable television service called Spectrum TV®. This service reaches millions of homes across 41 states using a coaxial cable network that it shares with Spectrum internet. As a result, it is known as a leading cable TV provider.
DIRECTV
Based in California, DIRECTV is a top satellite TV provider in the country. Besides the satellite TV service, the company also offers IPTV and live TV streaming services. DIRECTV’s satellite technology counts for this provider’s nationwide availability, making it easier to access every location. This provider is an excellent choice for traditional TV lovers who want loads of channels.
Pros & Cons – Spectrum TV® vs DIRECTV
Spectrum and DIRECTV are two different TV providers in terms of technology, plans, and prices. Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of their service.
Pros:
| Pros – Spectrum vs DIRECTV | |
| Spectrum TV® | DIRECTV |
| Contract-free service | Nationwide availability |
| Customizable TV package | Wide array of channels |
| Reasonable price | Free DVR |
| All channels are in HD | – |
Cons:
| Cons – Spectrum vs DIRECTV | |
| Spectrum TV® | DIRECTV |
| Only 1 plan | Expensive plans |
| Low DVR storage | 2-year contract |
| – | High price hike after 12 months |
| – | Susceptible to bad weather |
TV Service Comparison – Spectrum vs DIRECTV
| Features | Spectrum TV® | DIRECTV |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Service | Cable TV | Satellite TV |
| Number of Plans | 1 | 4 |
| Price Range | $59.99/mo. for 12 mos* | $64.99/mo. – $139.99/mo. |
| TV Channels Range | 125+ | 165+ – 340+ |
| Streaming Services | Yes | Yes |
| Bundle Deals | Yes | Yes |
| Contracts | None | Yes |
| Wide Coverage Area | Yes | Yes |
| Contact Provider | Call Now | Call Now |
Spectrum and DIRECTV provide television services through different technologies. While the latter relies on a satellite to serve its consumers, the former does so via coaxial wires. Both suppliers have distinctive qualities and conditions. Spectrum TV is an outstanding choice for those who don’t want to pay a lot for their subscription. On the other hand, DIRECTV is excellent for people who prefer variety.
Let’s discover which TV provider delivers the best service by evaluating Spectrum and DIRECTV plans, prices, channels, and bundle options.
TV Plans – Spectrum vs DIRECTV
The decision between Spectrum vs DIRECTV ultimately comes down to your preference, whether you prefer having more channels or saving money. While DIRECTV offers several options with a larger channel count, Spectrum TV gives you two decent options. Let’s take a closer look at what their TV plans have to offer.
Spectrum
Spectrum no longer offers three TV plans. Instead, it delivers a single TV package at a lesser cost than DIRECTV, called Spectrum TV Select. This contract-free plan includes more than 125 popular channels, all in HD. TV Select plan has a basic monthly fee of $59.99, with add-ons and premium channels available for an additional cost. Furthermore, Spectrum TV offers a vast library of popular On-Demand titles and a Spectrum TV app to make things even better.
Spectrum TV Select
- 125+ HD TV Channels
- Thousands of On-Demand Choices
- Unlimited Streaming with Spectrum TV App
The company also offers a Spanish TV plan, Mi Latino. This plan caters to Latino customers as it delivers a large selection of more than 75 Spanish channels, along with 70 popular English networks. This plan offers the best Latin American content from Mexico, Spain, and North America and is designed for pure entertainment.
| Plan | Starting Price | TV Channels | Contact Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum TV Select | $59.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 125+ | Call Now |
| Mi Plan Latino | $39.99/mo. for 12 mos* | 145+ | Call Now |
Similarly to its internet service, Spectrum also offers this TV service at an introductory rate for 12 months and applies regular rates after that.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV gives you more choices but at a higher cost. This TV provider gives you four options with various channel counts and a top-notch DVR. While DIRECTV requires a 2-year commitment with these plans, it also provides a price guarantee for that time frame. Hence, you don’t have to worry about second-year price hikes.
Furthermore, unlike Spectrum TV, DIRECTV does not offer all the networks in its channel lineup in HD. Hence, every DIRECTV plan has a different number of HD channels.
| DIRECT TV Plans | |||
| Plan | Starting Price | TV Channels | Contact Providers |
| ENTERTAINMENT All Included | $64.99/month | 165+ | Call Now |
| CHOICE All Included | $69.99/month | 200+ | Call Now |
| ULTIMATE All Included | $84.99/month | 270+ | Call Now |
| PREMIER All Included | $139.99/month | 340+ | Call Now |
TV Channels – Spectrum vs DIRECTV
Do the number of channels matter? Well, a plan with a higher channel count may seem tempting at first, but eventually, it forces you to pay for the channels you’ll never watch. Most providers structure their plans in such a way that they include your favorite networks in their most expensive packages, compelling you to choose them.
However, Spectrum takes a reasonably straightforward approach because its TV plan contains all the most popular channels. Let’s examine the channel lineups of Spectrum and DIRECTV.
Popular TV Channels
American networks have a significant impact all over the world. Their channels’ content is watched globally even nowadays when streaming services are gradually replacing traditional TV. The largest American networks are still producing millions of viewers every day. The most watched TV channels in America include CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox, Fox News, ESPN, MSNBC, Ion, HGTV, and Univision.
Here is how Spectrum and DIRECTV compare in terms of popular TV channels.
| Famous TV Channels | Spectrum TV® | DIRECTV |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Channel | ✔ | ✔ |
| ESPN | ✔ | ✔ |
| Food Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fox News | Only available on Select | ✔ |
| HGTV | ✔ | ✔ |
| Investigation Discovery | ✔ | ✔ |
| Lifetime | Only available on Select | ✔ |
| MSNBC | Only available on Select | ✔ |
| NFL Network | ╳ | Only on ULTIMATE & PREMIER Plans |
| Nickelodeon | ✔ | ✔ |
| Univision | Only available on Mi Latino | ✔ |
| USA Network | ✔ | ✔ |
| Learn More | Call Now | Call Now |
Premium Channels & Add-Ons
Cable and satellite TV providers are slowly giving up their dominance over their viewers by offering customizable plans. Spectrum and DIRECTV offer various premium channels as add-ons for an additional monthly cost. These premium channels allow their consumers to enjoy commercial-free content with access to the On-Demand library.
Here is a breakdown of the most premium channels’ prices by Spectrum and DIRECTV.
| Premium Channels | Spectrum TV | DIRECTV |
|---|---|---|
| HBO MAX | $15.00/month | $14.99/month |
| CINEMAX® | $10.00/month | $13.99/month |
| SHOWTIME® | $10.00/month | $13.99/month |
| STARZ® | $9.00/month | $13.99/month |
| STARZ ENCORE | $9.00/month | N/A |
| EPIX® | $5.99/month | $7.00/month |
| Contact Provider | Call Now | Call Now |
Sports Channels
Americans are crazy about their sports, which is why both providers offer something special to sports enthusiasts. If we compare both providers, DIRECTV has a greater channel lineup for sports than Spectrum. It is also the only provider that offers NFL Sunday Ticket, allowing you to watch every regular-season NFL out-of-market game.
DIRECTV Sports Channels
The lineup includes the following channels.
| Big Ten Network | CSB Sports Network |
| ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 | ESPN Classic |
| ESPNU | Fox Deportes |
| Golf Channel | MLB Network |
| NBA TV | NBC Sports Network |
| NFL Network | NHL Network |
| Tennis Channel | Sportsman Channel |
| Universal Sports |
In contrast, Spectrum TV does not include many sports channels. However, it does offer a Sports View add-on that gives you access to 20+ sports channels like MLB Strike Zone, NFL RedZone, and more.
Spectrum TV® Sports Channels
Spectrum TV offers the following sports channels in its Select and Mi Latino plans
| ESPN | Fox Sports 1 |
| ESPN2 | Fox Deportes |
| ESPN Deportes | SEC Network |
| BeIN Sports | AyM Sports |
| Tennis Channel |
With its Sports View add-on, you can get some of these channels.
| Big Ten Network | Fox Soccer 2 |
| CBS Sports Network | MLB Network |
| ESPNU | MLB Strike Zone |
| ESPNEWS | NFL Network |
| Fox Soccer Plus | NHL Network |
Streaming Services – Spectrum vs DIRECTV
More people are cutting the cord due to the growing number of streaming services. These platforms are quickly becoming more popular due to their affordability. As a result, many traditional TV companies now provide streaming services to remain in business. Some such companies include Spectrum and DIRECTV, but which one offers the best streaming content? Let’s investigate.
DIRECTV Stream
This service allows its consumers to enjoy numerous channels over the internet at a competitive price. This service is compatible with multiple devices, and you can use it on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung TV, Android, and iOS.
Unlike its traditional TV service, DIRECTV Stream does not tie you into a contract. This streaming service offers four plans. The basic package of this service starts at $74.99 and includes more than 75 channels, which include ABC, NBC, and CBS.
| DIRECTV Streaming Plans | |||
| Plans | Price | Channels | Contact Provider |
| DIRECTV Stream Entertainment | $70.00/month | 65+ | Call Now |
| DIRECTV Stream Choice | $90.00/month | 90+ | Call Now |
| DIRECTV Stream Ultimate | $105.00/month | 130+ | Call Now |
| DIRECTV Stream Premier | $150.00/month | 140+ | Call Now |
Spectrum TV Choice
Spectrum Internet customers can access a live streaming service called Spectrum TV Choice. This service is cheaper than DIRECTV Stream as it only costs $44.99 a month, but it is only available in certain areas. Spectrum TV Choice gives you 25 channels and a personalized experience by allowing you to choose at least 15 channels in the lineup.
| Streaming Service | Price | Channel Count |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum TV Choice | $44.99/month | 25 |
This live streaming service is contract free and includes popular channels like:
| A&E | HGTV |
| ABC | HISTORY |
| Animal Planet | Lifetime Movie Network (LMN) |
| Bravo | Oxygen |
| CBS | Paramount Pictures |
| Comedy Central | STARZ ENCORE |
| Discovery | TBS |
| Food Network | TNT |
| FOX | USA |
| Hallmark Movies & Mysteries |
Coverage Area
There are multiple types of TV internet providers, but cable and satellite TV suppliers dominate the market due to wider availability. DIRECTV and Spectrum are the leading TV providers in America due to this reason. Since Spectrum uses the same cable network to deliver cable and internet services, you can easily find this provider in 41 states, excluding Rhode Island, Alaska, Iowa, Arkansas, Delaware, Oklahoma, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Utah.
In contrast, DIRECTV utilizes a satellite to transfer data, making it accessible across the country. As a result, you can watch high-quality content from these TV providers practically anywhere in the country.
Customer Service
Customer service can make or break a brand. Therefore, providing excellent customer service is essential for converting potential clients into devoted ones, particularly in this day and age when technological innovation has hastened the cord-cutting trend. Every year, several well-known customer reviewers publish their annual assessments of the best TV providers based on several criteria, including HD image quality, mobile app, and more.
So, Spectrum vs DIRECTV? Which provider is known for its customer service? This year’s ACSI report on subscription TV services reveals that while DIRECTV managed to keep up with the industry average, Spectrum TV is 3 points behind it. This leaves Spectrum with a lot of room for improvement.
| ACSI Ranking | Spectrum TV | DIRECTV |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 63 | 66 |
| 2021 | 64 | 66 |
Bundle Options – Spectrum vs DIRECTV
Looking for market-competitive bundles? We all know that bundling provides a hassle-free way to enjoy all your services. Spectrum and DIRECTV both offer some of the best bundles deals for TV, internet and phone with tempting perks.
Spectrum TV
If you are a Spectrum customer, you can combine your Spectrum TV, Spectrum Internet, and Spectrum Voice services to pay one price for these connectivity and entertainment services. Spectrum bundles come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and introductory rates for 1 year. The company applies the standard charges after 12 months.
Spectrum bundles allow you to enjoy a high-speed internet of your choice, top-quality TV service, and a home phone with more than 28 features at market-competitive rates.
| Bundle | Price | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Home Phone | Contact Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV Select + Internet | $109.98/mo. for 12 mos* | 300 Mbps | 125+ | – | Call Now |
| TV Select + Internet + Voice | $129.97/mo. for 12 mos* | 300 Mbps | 125+ | Unlimited Calling | Call Now |
| TV Select + Internet Ultra | $129.98/mo. for 12 mos* | 500 Mbps | 125+ | – | Call Now |
DIRECTV
DIRECTV, in contrast, works with internet service providers like AT&T and CenturyLink and lets you combine its services with their internet packages. However, its packages are pricier and come with a 2-year contract. DIRECTV bundles are still a top option for many individuals thanks to their extensive channel lineup, excellent DVR, and high-quality AT&T internet service.
| AT&T Bundle Deals | ||||
| Bundle | Starting Price | Internet Speed | TV Channels | Contact AT&T |
| DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT All Included + AT&T Fiber Internet 300 | $119.99/month | 300 Mbps | 165+ | Call Now |
| DIRECTV CHOICE All Included + AT&T Fiber Internet 300 | $124.99/month | 300 Mbps | 200+ | Call Now |
| DIRECTV ULTIMATE All Included + AT&T Fiber INTERNET 300 | $144.99/month | 300 Mbps | 270+ | Call Now |
| DIRECTV PREMIER All Included + CenturyLink Internet | $189.99/month | 100 Mbps | 340+ | Call Now |
| DIRECTV ULTIMATE All Included + CenturyLink Internet | $139.99/month | 100 Mbps | 270+ | Call Now |
Additional Charges
Before signing up with either DIRECTV or Spectrum, you should be aware of the extra fees imposed by both providers with their TV packages. Therefore, we have compiled a list to help you understand what else will be included in your monthly TV bill in addition to your TV plan.
| Additional Fee | Spectrum TV | DIRECTV |
| Activation Fee | $24.99 | $19.95 |
| ETF | None | Up to $480 |
| Additional Receiver Fee | $9.99/month | $15.00/month |
| Broadcast TV Fee | $22.20/month | N/A |
| DVR Service Fee | 1 DVR Receiver: $12.99 | Included |
| 2 to 4 DVR Receiver: $19.99 | ||
| Regional Sports Fee | N/A | $13.99/month |
Final Verdict
Despite the rapid shift towards streaming platforms, many Americans still prefer to sit with their families and enjoy television the traditional way. This is why numerous cable, fiber, and satellite TV providers still offer their services in the country. And while Fiber TV is a top service, its limited availability leads many people to trust the widely available cable and satellite TV providers. We have produced this Spectrum vs DIRECTV guide specifically for people who enjoy a classic TV experience.
