Is DIRECTV more expensive than Dish?

However when it comes to satellite TV services, two main companies that are likely to be deemed as options are DIRECTV and Dish Network. The channel packages and capabilities are almost equal between both companies; therefore, cost often determines the decision between the two. But which one is cheaper than the other? Let’s take a closer look.

Upfront Costs As with any type of service, you may need to invest some money when you subscribe with a satellite service provider. This includes the cost of equipment, costs of installation among others. DIRECTV normally costs around $199-$299 for equipment and basic installation. Their state-of-the art Genie HD DVR would typically go for $299 when purchased separately. Upfront equipment and installation fees that are mostly charged by Dish Network are normally between $49 and $99 for basic equipment and a receiver. Their Hopper HD DVR is available through a one-time fee of $199. Consequently, Dish is likely to have comparatively cheaper initial outlay for the equipment than that of DIRECTV.

Recurring Monthly Fees The largest component of your satellite bill will be the regular package charges that you have to pay on a monthly basis. DIRECTV offers its basic SELECT package for $59. 99 per month and advanced PREMIER package with all the premium channels for $134. 99 per month. DIRECTV’s flex pack is similar to Dish’s base price at $59. 99 like Dish’s flex pack but their America’s Everything Pack is $134. 99 at present which is equal to Dish’s current PREMIER. As for the costs, the simplest packages are quite similar, and the premiere offers correspond with each other as well.

Premium Channel Add-Ons If you wish for the higher tier of channels such as HBO, Showtime or Starz, these are usually $15-$18 extra per month in addition to the basic package. Well, you are correct that you can come down to premiums if they are bundled into a higher tier package at the beginning. This is usually the case if each premium channel is bought separately, in which Dish and DIRECTV offer similar rates.

DVR Service Fees In terms of pricing, both DIRECTV and Dish levy a monthly charge for their HD DVR gadgets- $10 for Genie DVR by DIRECTV and $15 monthly for Dish Hopper. The DIRECTV Genie Mini has no extra cost for the additional TV client in comparison to Dish where they charge $7 per month per Joey client receiver. So, it is often cheaper for DIRECTV customers to receive HD DVR services for multiple TVs.

Regional Sports Fees Moreover, besides their stated package prices, both DIRECTV and Dish charge a regional sports fee. This translates to an average of $9. 75 per month with DIRECTV across the United States while Dish can cost $5 or $12 based on the region. Thus, Dish might have an advantage here in that it has lower regional sports costs in some areas.

Long-Term Contracts There is one segment where Dish is usually better than DIRECTV – contract length and early termination fees. DIRECTV has two-year TV commitments with a $20 monthly termination fee pro-rated monthly if you terminate before the agreed time. Dish has no contracts so you have more options and freedom than to change or cancel service with penalties.

Bundled Savings Satellite TV packages are cheaper when taken together with internet or phone services from the same company. DIRECTV can package TV with Internet or phone service from AT&T while Dish Network can coordinate with several cable and phone companies on service packages. Bundling also makes it possible to save every month, usually $10 or more for each of the bundled services.

Promotions and Discounts As it is typical for most of the subscription-based services, satellite TV wants to gain new customers and hence offers special offers and lower prices during the first few months of subscription. Dish and DIRECTV both have frequent special offers that shave $10-$50 off your bill for a certain period of time if you sign up by a date. These offers normally have approximately the same value for both providers.

Referral Bonuses Loyal consumers can also be rewarded through the loyalty schemes whereby they are promoted to refer their friends to subscribe to the same satellite service provider. DIRECTV offers its current consumers an opportunity to introduce others to the services and products, and this is rewarded with up to $100 account credits. Dish earlier also had referral bonuses but at this moment they do not have an active friend referral program in place.

Is One Cheaper Overall? When comparing the continually recurring expenses and the initial costs of Dish Network with those of the DIRECTV, Dish normally has lower prices in most regions. The only area where DIRECTV has an edge is in the fact that it is cheaper when you add the Genie Mini boxes to more than one television set as opposed to Dish’s Joey clients which attract monthly charges.

In the long list of TOTAL costs; however, Dish Network is clearly ahead of DIRECTV for all the total equipment cost, installation charges, sports fees, premium channels cost, packages, offers and contracts. Although both are almost equal in the initial offers, Dish provides significantly lower prices when it comes to a comprehensive range of the premium packages. Another advantage that Dish has is the absence of contracts and early cancellation fees.

Thus, although the number of subscribers total is still higher in the case of DIRECTV, Dish actively maintains a price war. It has been observed that when the comparison is made across all aspects of cost, Dish Network offers more savings than DIRECTV for similar packages. Still, the confirmation of the most recent rates and specials can highlight which provider currently has the best rate in terms of the packages one requires.