DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV

Two television giants battle for your living room

DIRECTV Streaming App + Device
Prices
$79.99-$164.99
Channel Count Range
75–185
Xfinity TV
Xfinity
Xfinity
3.7 out of 5 stars
3.7
Prices
$20-$68.5
Channel Count Range
10-185
Michael Archambault
Jul 11, 2025
Icon Time To Read6 min read

Choosing the best television service for your home can appear daunting with so many choices available, but don’t fret. We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for you and to do that, we’re taking a deep dive into streaming with DIRECTV and Xfinity TV.

Let’s find out which of these two television providers is the best match for your needs.

How do DIRECTV and Xfinity TV compare?

ProviderDIRECTV Streaming App + DeviceXfinity TV
Price$79.99-$164.99*$20-$68.5
Channels90-20510-185
Max DVR hoursUnlimited HD hrs.300 HD hrs.
ContractNone1yr
Details
Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change. Data verified as of the article's publication date.
* Plus taxes. Req's purchase of Device. New customers only.
Pricing for some packages are for the first 12 months. Some packages require a 1-year contract.
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Our favorite Xfinity deal
Deals
Save 40% on top streaming services

New and existing Xfinity TV or Internet customers can add StreamSaverTM for just $15 per month and get Peacock Premium with ads, Apple TV+, and Netflix Standard with ads.

That's three streaming services for the price of one! And the savings are no joke—without StreamSaver, all three services would cost $29.96 per month.

How much are DIRECTV and Xfinity TV packages?

Xfinity TV appears cheaper at first but includes more hidden fees

Compared to DIRECTV, Xfinity TV starts at a much lower price, and its most expensive package includes over one hundred channels at what appears to be a fraction of the cost.

With many cable packages, the price you first see isn’t the bottom line, so it’s essential that you dig a bit deeper under the surface to find the true price.

However, Xfinity TV isn’t as cheap as it seems upfront. Once we explore the service’s additional fees, you’ll see that cable Xfinity TV also comes out much higher than first expected, and some might be more interested in Xfinity's streaming packages.

The short answer is that both services are around the same prices once all fees are included, and DIRECTV's streaming packages offer almost the same amount of channels as Xfinity TV's cable packages.

How much are DIRECTV Streaming App + Device plans?
Plan
Price
Channel count
Details
ENTERTAINMENT$84.99/for 24 mos. + tax and fees90+
CHOICE™$89.99/for 24 mos. + tax^125+
ULTIMATE$119.99/for 24 mos. + tax°160+
PREMIER$164.99/for 24 mos. + tax**185+
for 24 months + taxes & fees ($89.99/mo. w/ req’d 15/mo. ARS fee) w/24-mo. agmt.
^ for 24 months + taxes & fees ($104.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.
° for 24 months + taxes & fees ($134.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.
** for 24 months + taxes & fees ($179.98/mo. w/ req’d $15/mo. ARS fee & Regional Sports Fee of $9.99/mo.) w/24-mo. agmt. Price reflects $10 off for 24 mos.

If you think that $164.99 a month is a huge pile of cash for 185+ channels, you aren’t wrong. DIRECTV has among the priciest packages currently available. Thankfully, it has added about 20 more channels per package.

Even on the less expensive end, DIRECTV charges a healthy amount of cash for only 90–185 channels, making it a poor choice for anyone looking to get the best bang for their buck. Especially when compared to Xfinity's $60 plan with 125+ channels.

How much are Xfinity TV's cable packages?
Plan
Price
TV channel count
Details
Choice TV$30/mo. no term contract††10+
Popular TV$50/mo.‡‡125+
Ultimate TV$68.5/mo.‡‡185+
†† No term contract. Broadcast TV fee extra; price subj to change. Taxes and equipment not included.
‡‡ No term contract. Broadcast TV fee and regional sports fee extra; price subj to change. Taxes and equipment not included.

Xfinity TV’s plans do appear much more affordable at first than DIRECTV's offerings, but additional fees surround them. Xfinity's streaming packages, however, offer popular streaming services for a discounted price, plus some live on-demand channels.

How much are Xfinity TV's streaming packages?

Package
Price
Channels
Details
StreamSaver
$15/mo
Netflix Standard with Ads, Apple TV+, and Peacock Premium with ads
NOW StreamSaver
$30/mo
Live channels and On Demand, Apple TV+, Netflix Standard with Ads, and Peacock Premium with ads
NOW TV
$60/mo
125+ channels of live TV, Apple TV+, Netflix Standard with ads, and Peacock Premium with ads

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV contracts

All of DIRECTV's streaming packages are contract-free. 

Xfinity TV’s Popular and Ultimate plans are priced as mentioned above only if you opt for the company’s yearly contract. Attempting to leave the contract early could result in pricey early termination fees of $10 per remaining month on your plan.

Can you avoid early termination fees?
Pin

Maybe. We’ve put together a quick guide on how to avoid all those pesky fees when you’re ready to swap TV providers.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV hidden fees

While Xfinity's cable TV service appears to be a bargain initially, the company includes some of the most expensive additional fees that we’ve seen. If you are considering Xfinity TV for your home, be sure to keep an eye out for any other fees that will increase your monthly cost by using the chart provided below.

On the other hand, DIRECTV is quite transparent with little to no hidden fees.

Additionally, you don’t need to purchase a TV box to stream with DIRECTV if you already have a media streaming box. DIRECTV can stream directly via Roku, Fire TV, Chromecast, Apple TV, Android, iOS, and select Samsung televisions.

All DIRECTV packages include your first DVR device; however, DIRECTV still charges a $10 monthly advanced receiver fee. (Which is just like a renter's fee.) You get the Genie DVR with satellite plans and the Gemini Air DVR with internet plans.

DIRECTV via Internet vs. Xfinity TV Fees
FeeXfinity TVDIRECTV
First TV box$9.50/mo.Included
Additional TV box$9.00/mo.$10.00/mo.
DVR fee$0.00-$20.00/mo.$10.00/mo.
Broadcast feeUp to $26.15/mo.N/A
Regional sports feeUp to $19.15/mo.Up to $15.99/mo.
Early termination fee$10.00 for every month left on your contract $20 per month of each month remaining in contract

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV bundles

TV and internet bundle deals

Bundling can help bring down the cost of your bill.

When you choose to bundle multiple services, DIRECTV and Xfinity offer deals that bring down your monthly cost. As you’ll likely want an internet connection for your home, bundling DIRECTV or Xfinity TV is a smart way to keep everything in one place.

DIRECTV and Xfinity both offer a plethora of bundles available, so we’ve highlighted some of the favorites that we think would be beneficial to you.

Comparison of DIRECTV bundles

Plan
Monthly price*
Channels
Download speeds
Details
DIRECTV® ENTERTAINMENT + CenturyLink Internet Up to 140 Mbps$129.99/mo.^^90+Up to 140 Mbps
DIRECTV® ENTERTAINMENT + CenturyLink Internet Up to 140 + Basic Home Phone$159.99/mo.^^90+Up to 140 Mbps
DIRECTV® CHOICE™ + CenturyLink Internet Up to 140 Mbps$139.99/mo.°°125+Up to 140 Mbps
DIRECTV® CHOICE™ + CenturyLink Fiber Internet Up to 940 Mbps$159.99/mo.***125+Up to 940 Mbps
DIRECTV® CHOICE™ + CenturyLink Internet Up to 140 Mbps + Basic Home Phone$169.99/mo.°°125+Up to 140 Mbps
DIRECTV® ULTIMATE + CenturyLink Internet Up to 140 Mbps$169.99/mo.°°160+Up to 140 Mbps
DIRECTV® ULTIMATE + CenturyLink Internet Up to 140 Mbps + Basic Home Phone$199.99/mo.°°160+Up to 140 Mbps
DIRECTV® PREMIER™ + CenturyLink Internet Up to 140 Mbps$214.99/mo.°°185+Up to 140 Mbps
DIRECTV® PREMIER™ + CenturyLink Internet Up to 140 Mbps + Basic Home Phone$244.99/mo.°°185+Up to 140 Mbps
^^ Internet: Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. TV: w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. is extra and applies.
°° Internet: Speed may not be available in your area. Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. TV: w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $13.99/mo. are extra & apply.
*** Internet: Speed may not be available in your area. Maximum download/upload speed of up to 940 Mbps via a wired connection. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. TV: w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $13.99/mo. are extra & apply.

DIRECTV bundles are more expensive when initially compared to Xfinity, but the company offers much faster internet speeds.

CenturyLink's internet speeds are perfect for homes that love streaming online content from services such as Netflix or HBO Max. It’s also an excellent choice for families with video gamers in the house.

Comparison of Xfinity bundles

Plan
Monthly price*
Channels
Download speeds
Details
Fast Internet + Popular TV$111/mo.†††125+Up to 400 Mbps
Superfast Internet + Ultimate TV$131/mo.†††185+Up to 800 Mbps
Gigabit Extra Internet + Ultimate TV$141/mo.†††185+Up to 1200 Mbps
††† Internet: For 24 months. No term contract. Taxes not included. Includes $10/mo automatic payments and paperless billing discount. Not available in all areas. TV: No term contract. Broadcast TV fee and regional sports fee extra; price subj to change. Taxes and equipment not included.

As with Xfinity’s TV bundles, it is essential to remember that prices may not be as low as you see once all hidden costs are added on top of the bundle prices.

Additionally, while Xfinity might make a good choice for some households, those requiring faster internet plans may want to look elsewhere. While Xfinity’s internet speeds are decent, CenturyLink with DIRECTV offers speedier selections perfect for homes with dozens of gadgets.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV channels

Both television services offer a healthy selection of channels

If you’re looking to binge-watch television, you won’t feel dissatisfied streaming with either DIRECTV or Xfinity. Both services provide the most popular channels available.

Before purchasing your selected package, make sure that any specific channels you love are included. Not every package with either provider offers the same content.

Here are a few popular channels and their availability on each service.

DIRECTV and Xfinity TV channels

Channel
DIRECTV via Internet
Xfinity TV

FOX

Yes

Yes

ESPN

Yes

Yes

Univision

Yes

Yes

USA

Yes

Yes

MSNBC

Yes

Yes

The CW

Yes

Yes

*Data effective 1/17/2024. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV premium channels

If you’re a movie addict, you’ll feel at home on either service, as both DIRECTV and Xfinity TV offer a host of premium channels. 

Both DIRECTV and Xfinity TV offer premium channels at similar prices. 

Xfinity TV offers premium channels available not only a la carte but also via its StreamSaver or NOW TV streaming packages. Add StreamSaver to your Xfinity Internet package and get Apple TV+, Netflix, and Peacock for just $15 per month. Order NOW StreamSaver for $30 per month and get the same bundled premium channels, plus access to NOW TV live channels on demand.

DIRECTV and Xfinity TV premium channels
Channel
DIRECTV prices
Xfinity TV prices

HBO Max

$16.99/mo.

$16.99/mo.

Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®

$12.99/mo.

$12.00/mo.

CINEMAX

$11.00/mo.

$12.00/mo.

STARZ

$10.99/mo.

$8.99/mo.

MGM+

$6.99/mo.

$5.99/mo.

*Data effective 2/04/2025. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

Xfinity TV premium streaming packages
Package
Price
Channels
Details
StreamSaver
$15/mo
Netflix Standard with Ads, Apple TV+, and Peacock Premium with ads
NOW StreamSaver
$30/mo
Lve channels and On Demand, Apple TV+, Netflix Standard with Ads, and Peacock Premium with ads
NOW TV
$60/mo
125+ channels of live TV, Apple TV+, Netflix Standard with ads, and Peacock Premium with ads

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV DVR

A DVR allows you to record your favorite programs so that you can watch them later at a more convenient time. It is perfect for individuals with busy days or those who work at night and can’t catch the shows or events they want to watch.

There is no doubt that out of the two providers, DIRECTV offers the best DVR solution.

With Xfinity TV, record about 150 hours of HD with each X1 DVR TV Box. Xfinity TV recordings can be saved for one year. However,  DIRECTV gives you access to a cloud DVR with unlimited recording time or device storage without expiration.

DIRECTV offers the Genie DVR with satellite plans and the Gemini Air with internet plans. The Genie offers 200 HD hours of storage, and your recordings never expire. The Gemini Air offers cloud-based storage, unlimited hours, and your recordings last up to 9 months. 

DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV DVR

DVR details
DIRECTV
Xfinity TV

DVR storage space

Genie: 200 HD hours


Gemini Air: Unlimited

Xfinity DVR: 300-600 hours

Set-top box price

Included

Up to $5.00/mo

Additional set-top box price

$10.00/mo

$9.95/mo.

DVR fee

$10.00/mo.

$0.00-$20.00/mo.

Recap: Two respectable TV options

One has got the channels, and the other has the deals

Not all versus pieces we write have a strict winner. Sometimes two services have their balances of pros and cons where the best option will depend on precisely what you need.

Xfinity TV is likely the best option for those seeking a more traditional television service, even after its hidden fees. When placed head to head, Xfinity TV simply offers more channels than DIRECTV.

However, you’ll want to be careful with Xfinity TV. As you add on more packages and features, the service can quickly become more expensive than its competition.

We also love that DIRECTV can operate on the streaming devices you already have at home, eliminating the need for a dedicated cable box.

  • Pricing and contracts: Streaming with DIRECTV is contract-free, and its pricing is more transparent than Xfinity, without hidden fees. However, many customers will still benefit from Xfinity’s pricing structure, as it typically includes more channels in the end. We also don’t mind Xfinity’s contract too much as it only lasts a single year and does give you a sizable discount of $20-30 a month.
  • Channels: When it comes to the most popular channels, both services are likely to have them. However, Xfinity TV does offer more channels, in the end, so be sure to check both services for any more niche channels you might be interested in.
  • DVR: DIRECTV's Streaming App + Device plans provide unlimited recording hours out of the gate. Xfinity TV is more stingy.
Michael Archambault
Written by
Michael was born a geek, always interested in technology and how it affects the world around us. He has spent the last eight years writing about consumer and business tech for some of the world’s top brands and publications, including Samsung, Skyword, Digital Trends, Lifewire, and DPReview. Michael graduated from the New York Institute of Technology, earning a BFA in Communications and Media Production. When he’s not writing on Reviews.org, you’ll find Michael spinning a vinyl record, reading a good mystery novel, or hanging out with one of his cats (which has yet to turn him completely into an eccentric cat-man).

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