DIRECTV vs. Xfinity TV

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 satellite packages offer a significantly higher channel count than Xfinity TV's cable packages.

Prefer streaming? Check out our DIRECTV streaming vs. Xfinity comparison to see how the two stack up without a dish.

If you think that $169.99 a month is a huge pile of cash, you aren't wrong. DIRECTV has among the priciest packages currently available.

That said, you do get what you pay for — even DIRECTV's entry-level satellite package starts at 175+ channels, and the lineup grows to 280+ with ULTIMATE. When you stack that up against Xfinity's $95 plan with 125+ channels, DIRECTV's higher price tag starts to make a lot more sense for those who want a robust channel selection.

Xfinity TV's plans do appear much more affordable at first than DIRECTV's satellite offerings, but additional fees surround them. If you're looking for something in between, DIRECTV's streaming packages offer a more fee-transparent experience with fewer hidden costs — though you'll be trading down on channel count.

DIRECTV's satellite packages require a 24-month agreement, and leaving early will cost you $20 for every remaining month on your contract — so it's worth making sure you're committed before signing up.

Xfinity's TV Plus and TV Premium 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.

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.

DIRECTV satellite plans do come with some additional fees to be aware of, including a one-time $49.95 activation fee, a TV Access/Lease fee of $7–$10/mo. per device, an Advanced Receiver Service fee of up to $25/mo., and a Regional Sports fee of up to $19.99/mo. for applicable packages. These fees are clearly disclosed upfront, so you won't run into any surprises on your bill.

With satellite plans, you'll get the Genie DVR included. Keep in mind that if a technician needs to come out to repair your service, a $99 dispatch fee applies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. With DIRECTV, every satellite plan comes with ESPN included. Upgrade to PREMIER and you'll also get HBO Max, Cinemax, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ permanently in your lineup for as long as you keep the plan.

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 $18 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.

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 Gemini receiver with satellite plans, giving you full DVR capability on every connected TV in your home. You can record up to 450 hours of HD content, pause in one room and pick up in another, and search live TV and On Demand in one place. A minimum internet speed of 25Mbps is recommended, and a $10/mo. TV Access fee applies per device.

Not all versus pieces we write have a strict winner. Sometimes, two services have a balance 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 affordable packages 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: DIRECTV satellite requires a 24-month agreement with a $20/mo. early termination fee, while Xfinity only asks for a one-year contract at $10/mo. to exit early. DIRECTV's fees are clearly disclosed upfront, though they do add up, so be sure to factor them in when comparing total monthly costs. Xfinity's contract does come with a sizable discount of $20–30 a month, which may offset its additional fees for some customers.
• Channels: When it comes to the most popular channels, both services are likely to have them. However, DIRECTV satellite comes out ahead on overall channel count, with up to 350+ channels on the PREMIER plan compared to Xfinity's 185+. Be sure to check both services for any niche channels you might be interested in.
• DVR: DIRECTV's Gemini receiver lets you record up to 450 hours of HD content across every TV in your home. Xfinity TV is more stingy.