DIRECTV vs. Spectrum TV Review

DIRECTV is for those who prefer quality over quantity when it comes to channels, and with that comes more expensive pricing than what you’d see with Spectrum.

We go into more detail below, but you’ll have to sign a 2-year contract with DIRECTV's Satellite + Device packages. 

We like the channel lineups in DIRECTV’s plans. And we especially like its Streaming App + Device option, since it is contract-free and doesn't require any equipment fees.

Spectrum TV doesn’t require a contract, but it’s unclear how much your pricing goes up after your first year of service.

The advertised pricing is what you’ll be paying monthly for year one, and we especially like Spectrum TV® Select Signature’s pricing. While Spectrum TV® Stream is the cheapest package, keep in mind that it only really offers popular news and entertainment channels. You won't find much in terms of movies or sports. 

That's why the TV® Select Signature plan is one of our favorite cheap cable TV packages (that’s a mouthful). For $95 per month, you’ll get a full channel lineup with over 150 channels, including most of the popular channels like Disney Channel and ESPN. Not to mention that TV® Select Signature gets you a free basic Disney+ subscription.

For those interested in getting the most value from Spectrum TV®, we recommend the TV® Select Plus plan. For just $10 more per month than TV® Select Signature, this plan nets you over 10 more channels, including a free subscription to ESPN's streaming service and Disney+.

Spectrum is one of the largest cable TV and internet providers in the country. If you're considering Spectrum TV in your area, then Spectrum Internet is probably an option for you too. Check out Spectrum's Internet plans to see if it makes sense to bundle your services. 

DIRECTV likes to sweeten you up with HBO Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, MGM+, STARZ, and Cinemax included with all of its packages for three months. Not to mention a 200-hour or unlimited-hour DVR.

It's worth mentioning that DIRECTV recently slashed its channel counts for each package by almost more than half, without reducing prices. 

Spectrum has its own type of game.

No, you don’t have to pay $100 more for 150 channels, but you could end up paying more than you'd expect. Spectrum just isn’t transparent as to how much your monthly bill increase.

At least DIRECTV gives you an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.

But on the upside, since you don’t have to sign an annual contract with Spectrum, you can always cancel your service if you don’t find it worth the inflated price.

DIRECTV wins in the fees department.

DIRECTV satellite packages require you to rent its Gemini receiver for $10 per month. If you're looking to avoid equipment fees and use hardware you already own, consider DIRECTV's streaming packages instead. These plans let you use your existing streaming devices—like Apple TV, Roku, or Fire TV—meaning you pay no monthly rental fees for a receiver.

For Spectrum, you’d have to pay $27 per month for three set-top boxes, along with $10 for the DVR service fee.

And lastly, DIRECTV’s regional sports fee is lower than Spectrum’s broadcast fee. You can’t get away from these fees if you want to watch sports or the news.

Both DIRECTV and Spectrum have most of your favorite sports, news, lifestyle, kids, entertainment, and movie channels.

Before you commit, check the full channel lineups of DIRECTV and Spectrum to see if this could be your longtime service.

DIRECTV and Spectrum throw in some great freebies, and we’re more than OK with that. DIRECTV especially adds significant value to its plans with included streaming services.

ESPN Unlimited is included with all DIRECTV packages (satellite and streaming). The Disney Bundle (Disney+ and Hulu) and HBO Max are included with all DIRECTV streaming packages when you rent the Gemini device for $10 per month.

The first thing we should mention here is that DIRECTV used to be the only TV service with NFL SUNDAY TICKET, making it one of our top picks for sports fans. As of 2023, NFL SUNDAY TICKET has moved exclusively to YouTube TV.

DIRECTV includes three sports channels (ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3) in its entry-level package, while Spectrum includes eight (including NBC Sports Network and Big Ten Network).

However, DIRECTV gains a massive edge because its entry-level package includes ESPN Unlimited. This feature grants access to the full suite of ESPN linear channels (like ESPNU and ESPN Deportes), along with the ESPN+ streaming service for thousands of live events and exclusive content.

Ultimately, we think DIRECTV is the stronger pick for the all-around sports fan, provided you value the extensive content and live games available through the ESPN Unlimited suite. Spectrum is a good alternative if your viewing is focused purely on local regional sports networks (like Big Ten Network) that aren't available through ESPN's platform.

Both have their ups and downs, and you can check out our reviews on DIRECTV and Spectrum to get an idea of which package is best for you.

DIRECTV has the following sports channels:

Spectrum TV has the following sports channels:

To find the best DVR, we compare storage hours, the number of simultaneous recordings, and price.

DIRECTV’s Genie DVR has more than 4x the storage space, more than double the simultaneous recordings. (Enough said, right?) 

According to Spectrum, there is a DVR with 150 storage hours available. We couldn’t find this option at checkout online, so if you choose Charter Spectrum TV as your next provider, we’d suggest calling to order the enhanced DVR.

• Pricing and Contracts: Spectrum TV has better pricing overall. Spectrum’s pricing ranges from $40–$105 for 85–170+ channels, while DIRECTV ranges from $85–$170 for 90–185 channels. We do suggest getting DIRECTV if you’d like premium channels, but you’ll be paying way more per channel than you would with Spectrum TV. Spectrum TV doesn’t require you to sign any type of contract, so you can cancel at any time; however, it does have a mystery price hike in year two.
• Fees: DIRECTV’s fees cost less per month than those of Spectrum’s. DIRECTV Satellite + Device plans include the first set-top box into your plan, and then each additional box is $10 plus a $15 monthly DVR fee. Spectrum charges $9 for each of its TV boxes. You’ll also have to pay a $10 DVR service fee each month.
• Channels: You’ll get lots of popular channels with Spectrum for a price we like. DIRECTV offers fewer channels in each package, though you have more options for premium channels. You'll just have to consider if it’s worth the price. Check out DIRECTV’s and Spectrum’s channel lineups to get a better idea of which one could be your next TV provider.
• Sports Channels: While Spectrum may offer a few more raw sports channels, DIRECTV is the better, well-rounded pick for the all-around sports fan. This is because every DIRECTV package includes ESPN Unlimited, which includes the vast library of the ESPN streaming service.
• DVR: DIRECTV’s Genie and Gemini Air DVRs blows Spectrum TV’s DVR out of the water. DIRECTV's devices have more than 4x the storage space, more than double the simultaneous recordings, and cost less per month. If you’re leaning toward cable TV, we just recommend calling Spectrum to get the enhanced DVR with 150 hours of storage space.

If you’re still unsure of either of these providers, check out our more in-depth reviews on DIRECTV and Spectrum TV.