DIRECTV Review

DIRECTV is a great TV option for those who want premium channels and a traditional TV feel in their living room.

This satellite TV service has all the channels you'll want—including premium channels like Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® and STARZ. And now, users can even choose to stream DIRECTV via the internet, which lets you avoid equipment fees and installation.

Although DIRECTV's plans have expensive packages, you're guaranteed a great channel variety for the family, movie buffs, and sports addicts.

You may have to budget wisely to have this great service in your home, but read on to see if this is the provider for you.

Quick guide to this article

• Packages and pricing
• Which DIRECTV package should you choose?
• DIRECTV channels and add-ons
• Equipment and features

How much does DIRECTV cost?

With each TV plan, DIRECTV includes a fair amount of channels for a price that won't break the bank—especially if you're saving up some money for a beach vacation during the winter.

DIRECTV's streaming packages are on the steep side. Less than 100 channels for $70 per month? Or 125 for $77? We don't love those numbers. But you do get more channels via streaming DIRECTV compared to via satellite.

But if you’re looking for all your favorite channels and a TV service widely available across the US, DIRECTV is the service for you. Users can even choose to connect their DIRECTV service through a satellite dish or internet connection.

But as we said, we recommend the satellite plans for more channels, especially since its internet package prices are the same.

* w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. is extra and applies.

† 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.

Does DIRECTV have a contract?

As we said in our price hike rant up above, yes, DIRECTV's satellite and internet packages have two-year contracts.

While it's nice to have a set price for two years, it will be a pain to get out of the contract early if you decide to switch. You’ll have to pay an early termination fee if you want out of the relationship. This means you’ll have to pay up to $20 per month that is left on your contract.

But if you want DIRECTV because of all of the premium channels they offer or because satellite TV is your only TV option in your area, then this pill won't be so hard to swallow.

Sign up for autopay and paperless bill discount

Make sure to sign up for autopay and paperless billing as soon as you sign up for DIRECTV. You’ll get a $5-per-month discount that starts in the first 1–4 billing cycles. This discount only applies for the first year (which is wack, if you ask us).

Does DIRECTV have fees?

Here’s a plus: DIRECTV gives you free installation and free DVR storage. No monthly payment!

But you do have to pay for a monthly regional sports fee and advanced receiver fee. Dang, DIRECTV. There you go hurting us again.

Like most other TV providers, you’ll have to pay a monthly DVR fee for additional TV receivers if your daughter and son want one in their room.