DIRECTV got its start in 1990 and has since grown into a successful Fortune 100 company. The company offers over 190 full-time HD channels as well as high-speed internet and a streaming service. In a side-by-side comparison with other digital satellite providers, it holds up very well.
In June 2015, AT&T officially acquired DIRECTV, creating one of the largest television and communications companies in the world. The projections for this merger are positive for DIRECTV customers, giving them bundling opportunities on internet and phone service not available before.
DIRECTV is a digital satellite entertainment service provider that offers homeowners and businesses more than 250 channels throughout all 50 states.
Read what other DIRECTV customers are saying about their service (below).
Each DIRECTV package offers a variety of channels each designed to entertain clients of all ages. Customers can enjoy hit shows, movies, sports, and more.
DIRECTV is transparent about what each package includes (even mentioning notable channels), allowing customers to make an informed decision about which package will work best for them.
SELECT™
*Plus taxes for 12 mos. w/ 24-mo. agreement. Autopay & Paperless bill required. Pay $40/mo + taxes until discount starts. $78/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change).
ENTERTAINMENT
*Plus taxes for 12 mos. w/ 24-mo. agreement. Autopay & Paperless bill required. Pay $45/mo + taxes until discount starts. $90/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change).
CHOICE™
*Plus taxes for 12 mos. w/ 24-mo. agreement. Autopay & Paperless bill required. Pay $50/mo + taxes until discount starts. $105/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change). Regional Sports Fee up to $7.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
XTRA
*Plus taxes for 12 mos. w/ 24-mo. agreement. Autopay & Paperless bill required. Pay $60/mo + taxes until discount starts. $117/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change). Regional Sports Fee up to $7.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
ULTIMATE
*Plus taxes for 12 mos. w/ 24-mo. agreement. Autopay & Paperless bill required. Pay $65/mo + taxes until discount starts. $128/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change). Regional Sports Fee up to $7.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
PREMIER™
*Plus taxes for 12 mos. w/ 24-mo. agreement. Autopay & Paperless bill required. Pay $115/mo + taxes until discount starts. $181/mo. in months 13-24 (subject to change). Regional Sports Fee up to $7.49/mo. is extra & applies.*
In decades past, TV plans came with one remote for one television. Now any iPhone mobile device can act as a DIRECTV remote, and viewers can watch up to four different shows in four different rooms at any given time. Android devices can be used as well. but only if they are running on at least an IOS 6.0.
The Genie HD can be used to record shows. Better yet, those shows can be recorded in HD, meaning customers can fully enjoy them without viewing them live.
The ability to view different TV channels in multiple rooms has many customers asking, "How much extra equipment will I need?" With DIRECTV, all you'll need is a Genie Mini in each additional room. Also, if you have a Samsung or Sony Direct Ready TV, you don't need any external devices to run multiple TVs through the network.
With each of the plans listed above, customers will receive a set-top box in the mail that allows them to do their own installation. Instructions for setting up your DIRECTV set-top box are sent with the package and customer support is also available.
DIRECTV has plenty of channels to offer. The TV provider has over 200 live HD channels and a plethora of movie channels. Customers can enjoy HD and 4K programming with each of its channel packages; however, you'll need to purchase a higher tier plan or upgrade to gain access to a larger variety of HD channels. You'll also need a 4K TV to access the 4K channels.
DIRECTV's PREMIER package gives consumers access to premium channels. If you're obsessed with HBO's Game of Thrones or if you can't miss an episode of Showtime's Billions, then this DIRECTV package is perfect for you.
Sports fans love DIRECTV because it is the exclusive TV provider for the NFL Sunday Ticket. This sports package lets consumers watch live, HD, out-of-market games every Sunday. This plan particularly appeals to football fans, but if you're a fan of another major sport, no need to panic — DIRECTV still has you covered. You can select from any of these sports packs:
Every DIRECTV channel pack has plenty of options for even the pickiest entertainment buffs. There is plenty of original content, classic movies, and sports channels for everyone. Just be sure to pick a channel lineup that satisfies your entertainment needs.
The DIRECTV App lets subscribers stream live news, sports, along with their favorite shows and movies. The app gives customers flexibility as they can decide when and where they want to watch. Users can watch live, On Demand, or download their DVR recordings to their device, to view it anywhere. The DIRECTV app comes at no extra cost, can stream on up to 5 screens at once, and uses no data when customers have AT&T wireless.
The DIRECTV App can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
When bundling your DIRECTV Satellite TV services with other services (phone and internet service), you can save a decent amount of money. The AT&T internet plan costs $50 per month and the most basic DIRECTV package costs $35 per month. The DIRECTV and AT&T Internet bundle costs $75 per month, saving customers $10 a month. What customers get is over 155 channels, internet speeds up to 100 Mbps, over 99 percent reliability, and the professional installation fee waived — a $99 value. Customers can even sign up for a 3-month preview of HBO®, SHOWTIME®, STARZ®, and Cinemax® at no extra charge.
Before signing up with DIRECTV, it is essential to review the terms and conditions for each service to be sure of any additional fees or taxes. Too often, customers sign up and don't find out the terms until it's too late. Here are some possible fees a DIRECTV customer might run into:
Activation and Installation:
For each of the DIRECTV packages, there is a $19.95 activation fee.
While installing DIRECTV, the technician may need to make changes to a telephone line or provide extra equipment, etc. and a custom work fee may be applied. The technician should prepare a Custom Work Rate sheet to explain what was needed and the cost.
However, customers should also be aware that there is a non-activation fee. DIRECTV will charge $150 per receiver if it is not activated within 30 days of installation.
Equipment:
There is an Equipment Lease Fee. The fee for the first receiver is waived; after that, each additional receiver costs $5 per month.
At the end of their agreement, customers should return their equipment to avoid DIRECTV's Unreturned Equipment Fee, which can range from $55-$470 per receiver.
Cancellation and Deactivation:
Customers who don't fulfill their Programming Agreements may be charged a pro-rated fee of up to $480.
There is a disclaimer at the bottom of DIRECTV's site that states there is an "early termination fee" or cancellation fee of $20 per month, for each month remaining on the TV agreement.
If a customer deactivates their service or if DIRECTV deactivates the service, there may be a charge of $15. This charge is made apart from the termination fee.
Extra Fees:
DVR Service Fee: Choosing a DVR or HD DVR receiver will automatically enroll customers in a DVR service. The cost is $6 per month, no matter how many DVR or HD DVR receivers they've selected.
HD Access Fee: For an additional $10 per month customers can receive HD channels
Late Fees: If a customer misses their monthly bill and fails to pay within the grace period, DIRECTV will charge $5 or the maximum amount permitted by law.
DIRECTV is known for locking customers into great promotional packages for the first year of their contract; however, once the first year of the contract is complete, year two can bring a substantial increase in monthly programming prices. While this is stated in the contract, it comes as an unwelcome surprise to many customers. A number of DIRECTV reviews mention these price hikes as one of the top frustrations with this satellite tv service. If this is a deal breaker for you, there are other service providers that offer set pricing for the length of your contract.
DIRECTV is satellite-based and is subject to all the disadvantages that come with a satellite dish: reception is at the mercy of weather conditions. Heavy storms are likely to affect the satellite connection. Weather does not affect the quality and availability of cable tv or fiber optic programming to the same extent as satellite TV service. Be prepared to deal with spotty live tv connections as connections to local channels during considerably adverse weather.
There are plenty of reasons to consider signing up with DIRECTV.
DIRECTV offers an incredible assortment of specialty and local channels, and its initial promotional packages are hard to beat. However, be aware that after your one or two year contract is up, there will be a price hike; while this isn't unusual in the industry, this catches many customers off guard. Customer reviews did not take this lightly.
DIRECTV is the exclusive provider for the NFL Sunday Ticket. This is great for football fans who want to watch those out-of-market games, but if football isn't your game, then there are plenty of other sports packages to select from. You'll also have access to plenty of channels, so you can pick the perfect TV package. These perks make DIRECTV hard competition for a number of Satellite and Cable TV providers.
If you're looking for a TV provider that provides a plethora of HD channels, amazing sports packages, and gives you access to exclusive content, then it might be worth looking into DIRECTV.
Call our recommended rep over at DIRECTV below.
1-(866) 416-5157
Star Rating
1,239 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Ryan Deaton
Good company a little high on the price but they helped be competitive when I renewed
Brenda Harrison
It became to expensive and did not have good reception in our area. with a fixed income I had to get rid of it.
Anna Ageyev
Great service for the price. A lot of choices for channels, lots of international channels. Customer Service is polite and reachable, not like some companies with robots person. Had no trouble, would recommend.
Ed S
I had Direct TV but decided to change due to price increase, failure to carry some desired channels and poor service and then they wanted me to climb onto my roof and return their antenna.
Brendon Haacke
DirecTV is not what it used to be. The value has diminished over the years and we opted to cut the cord for steaming services and an HD antenna for local channels. We get all of the same content for far less. Even paying for several streaming services, we pay about $30/mo. instead of $85/mo. with DirecTV. Same shows whenever we want for far less money. Cut the cord.
James
Excellent service since they are one of the few providers in my area. Call center isn't all that great for help.
Beverly Huffman
Over charged pay too much was not satisfied with it. What more. I didn’t like it the price went up and not what it would be.
GN
Before OTT/streaming providers, DIRECTV's offering was one of the best (as long as you were in a serviceable area), but you always had to watch out for dishonest installers, usually contractors not direct employees of DIRECTV that would try to make extra cash on the side for "necessary" installation work. Aside from installing a dish on your roof, the product offering was solid. However, there were too many options and the prices were high. Contracts were also bad.
Walt Crites
The company bundles it packages with programs that are useless to the average user, and you pay an exorbitant price for programs you will never watch.
Cynthia Griffin
when i lived out in country direct TV was the only way to get TV so it came in handy,
Kim
Rep promised me $50 off monthly for being a loyal customer. Got my bill. No $50 off. Called and was told the rep had lied to me. There were no promos going on. Was told several times that agent lied to me. Will be switching carriers. Liars! Liars! Liars!
JasonG
Directv had all the channels I needed and a great choice of children’s programming. Really good value and easy to work with
Tracey
service constantly cutting out with just a little bit of wind. the cost is too much when its always cutting out. i finally just switched to att tv.
Wendy Ericksen
DirecTV has a good selection of channels. They're transmission is reliable except during snowstorms. The bad is their prices. They'll snag you with a great deal for a 2-year contract then, even before a year is through, they jack the monthly rate extremely high.
M L
horrible customer service and outrageous prices. will never use again and they trick you with the football thing tried to charge me 400 dollars after 6 months when i told them at setup I don't want it for free we don't watch football
Penny Kenly
Directv was very expensive and I would call and email and noone would help and the price kept going up and I had the least priced package so I finally had to cancel.
Chris Baca
I do not recommend the DirecTC service due to app performance. It is horribly inconsistent, with live tv and Dvr, in my home or out, on wifi or cellular. Dvr Playback and downloading rarely works properly. I have been on the line with tech support for over 5 hours, three times in the last week and I still do not have answers. I was told by the tech support rep that she would love to help me but from her resources, her only answer is we do not have an answer and it must be your internet provider. She asked me if i could stream YouTube with out any issues to prove my internet was the issue, I explained i could, and she told me "well that's because YouTube streams at a lower resolution and DIRECTV requires more speed". I will be looking for other service asap.
25_year_customer
It is with a heavy heart I write this letter this holiday season but Directv has chosen to abandon us after being loyal customers for nearly 25 years but what they have done is unforgivable. After almost 36 years we decided to move and we called them in advance to install service at our new address and we chose our installation date. Unfortunately they did a no call no show. After waiting all day at our new house we called and found out that we were dropped from the schedule and not only were they not going to install it the following day like they should they decided that they were unable to install it for another 8 days. We pleaded with them for hours, talking with rep, after rep, manager escalation but nobody would come to our aid. What hurt the most is when the rep said that they cannot honor customer loyalty anymore like they did in years past. Moving is a very stressful time especially during the holidays and we were saddened after a quarter century of customer loyalty but they chose to abandon us in our time of need. Of course we went with Xfinity by Comcast and they set us up with TV and internet same day and in just a few hours. Furthermore we asked if we had to return this receiver and the customer service representative said that its too old and was discontinued years ago. Your previously loyal customer
Marcus Jones
This company provides the best television service out of all other companies I had service with. They are also prompt at resolving technical issues.
Cristina
Good television service, great customer service. At directv, they make sure youre happy with what you get
Donna Shouldis
High prices, Channels deleted always Better service than other companies, Paying for local channels and not receiving them due to negotiations
Regina Chastain
Poor customer service. Frequently increased prices. More concerned with obtaining rather than retaining customers.
Rhonda Earhart
I have been a DirectTV customer for over 10 years. They have always had reliable service at a great price.
Monie Wierzbicki
They have good customer service but the rates seem a bit high . I wish they would offer existing customers better deals to stay on board.
PiperLT
My mother uses DIRECTV and loves the Shows that come with such a product. I don't particularly like DIRECTV. This type of product is great for the older generations.
Lady Mac
DTV was great when I signed up with a promotion but did nothing to retain me as a customer after 3 years. During my contract I had to fight to get a refund due auto debit payment that was incorrect. Would never use them again even if it was free.
Celestine Moore
I love this company. Once you have recorded a showing on one T.V. , you have recorded it on all T.V's in your home . The tech support department is so polite and patient to you no matter what time of the night that you have called. The customer service department unselfishly introduces you to the latest promotions of the company and handles your account efficiently .
Monica Bazile-Turknett
I have had Direct TV for the last 12 years. Whenever I have had an issue, someone is always available to help. Customer service is pretty good. The only issue I have is that they are still one of the most expensive. After all these years, I will probably change service due to cost
Tyrone mcbryde
After a year the price for service to high customer service is ok and the programs offered was ok
April Taylor
Consumer beware! STAY AWAY and make sure you do your due diligence!! You will spend a fortune in monthly fees for internet and DIRECT TV service. THEN when you research the internet bandwidth in your neighborhood you’ll determine that if you want faster internet service you have to retain another provider. When we canceled our service we were sent a bill for 2x’s our monthly fees. My husband called customer service and was on the phone for over an hour in an attempt to resolve the absorbent disconnect invoice, to which is still unresolved. He was told another agent would call and we’re still waiting!
Beth Butler
I have had very little trouble with DIRECTV. Occasional outage in bad weather. Very unhappy that a major network is not on because they are in "negotiation" with the owner. WTH! Why would a major network not be available. Don't get that at all. Luckily for me I don't watch much on that network. If I could afford it I would have Sunday Ticket but it costs way too much. Unfortunately there isn't anywhere you can watch NFL without paying if it isn't on one of the major networks.
Kenneth Howard
Dealing with Direct Tv was straightforward and professional. When AT&T took over the company I knew I was in for problems, because their billing has always been messed up. And, it was. From the start it was one price, and the next month a different price. Constantly changing and you couldn't get a straight answer from them. That's when I left them completely. You cannot operate on a budget using them.
Marilyn Smith
Every time I deal with a DIRECTTV rep who wants to sign me up for service, they are at minimum misleading, but usually outright deceitful. They lie or bait and switch. Four years ago, they called and asked why I had cancelled my service. I explained the price had gone up too much and they were not willing to give me any loyalty promotions. She apologized and said they should have never lost my account. She offered me a good price and said that it would go up after one year, but it would never increase again. I confirmed that with the account manager at the end of the call. Well, guess what? The price kept increasing every year and I kept calling them to remind them of their promise. (I had recorded the call so they could not deny what had been promised.) Every year the price goes up. It's a time-consuming pain to contact someone who cares. This year they had no promotions for loyal customers. I had finally had enough and cancelled my service. Sure enough, once I cancelled, they called and offered me a promotional discount. She said we would receive the same channels we had before at the discounted price. Today, channels were missing. When I finally got someone, they said I'd have to pay $24/month more to add those channels. It was a bait and switch. Just the usual dishonesty. They say anything to get you to sign up, then deny what they offered. They had the loyalty department call me and he was rude and unhelpful. I cancelled again. Two times in one week. Save your time and money. Do not order DIRECTTV. They will con you!
JamesGarrett12
DIRECTV has its up and downs. I have been using DIRECTV for quite some time now, and everytime we had a problem they would always help.
maria farias
They have good service and I like their products they help you when ever you need help
Barry Taylor
Directv is the most dysfunctional company to do business with! Instead of improving they get worse month by month, especially their "Phone Technical Support" and their Customer Service.
Brenda Bigler
I started out happy with channels, price and everything but then the price more than doubled even when I was told I was suppose to get a promo price, I canceled and never got a refund as promised
Leonard Madia
As with most satellite TV suppliers, the content and product are very similar. However, Direct did a good job with customer service. Most is my contacts with them went well.
Kassie Garland
The service is decent with Direct TV and the new customer deals are great, too bad they don’t treat existing customers as well as new ones.
David
Requested service for a new satellite box and was given helpful and complete information regarding my scheduled appointment. Great job!
caven553
Heads up if you have DirecTV or are thinking about getting DirecTV. We cancelled our DirecTV over a year ago and returned the equipment as we were told to do. DirecTV claimed we had not and sent us to a collection agency. UPS provided us with the proof that the equipment had been returned and even the time and person at AT&T who signed for the equipment. This was in August of 2019. We are still fighting with DirecTV and AT&T. They tell us that our account has been cleared, but they refuse to actually clear our account with the collection agency so it is still showing up on our credit report as a default. They have told us multiple times that they would send us and the collection agency the information that the account is cleared - it never arrives. They seem to not be capable of sending an email with the information. DO NOT do business with DirecTV if you can help it, they will screw you over if you try to leave. This dispute is going to end up costing us thousands of dollars due to higher interest rates on a new loan we are taking out (on a side note - looking for recommendations on how to deal with a lawsuit against them to recover the money we are about to lose due to their negligence).
SHEILA DAVIS
I changed to DirecTV because I received a bundle deal through AT&T when we had Wifi with them. My parents passed away & I inherited their home (which was deep in the country) so we were told that moving our DirecTV would be at no cost 2 us. Little did I know that moving my DirecTV would lock me in2 another year contract. AT&T did not have Wifi available in the country so my DirecTV went up automatically. I had 2 keep it another year (even tho I couldn't get WiFi, which is why I switched 2 begin with) because they had renewed my contract due 2 the move. Then in fact it went up several times after that because I would be given short term discounts every time I complained. I was even told by 1 rep that I should call in 4 discounts every other month. I dont have time 4 that. I kept it until my (slipped in) contract ended, then I had them disconnect it the day after that. I turned in all of my equipment & jumped thru every hoop asked of me. My final bill came & I was charged 4 an additional pro-rated month for being over the billing date (which was 1 day after the contract 2 avoid an early termination fee). That $106 was the last money I will EVER pay them!
Dana Campbell
The service is ok, other than in heavy rain or snow. They keep raising their charges for monthly fees over time. I cancelled my service after 23 years of service when the price for service reached $115.00 per month. They still owe me $255.01 in over payments. I've contacted customer service for the last five months & they always say the refund payment is on the way. However, it hasn't showed yet. They always give me a phone number to check on the status of my refund. Every time I've contacted those phone numbers the representative doesn't have any information at all on my refund & tells me I need to contact Direct TV customer service for assistance. Then the process repeats it's self. I'm told the refund is on the way, but it never shows up. At this point I'll never reconnect my service with Direct TV. They're terrible!
Angel
If I could give 0 stars I would. The service is crap. Customers service is even worse. They lie and say and do whatever they can to get me off the phone. I was offered a 155.43 credit on my account which miraculously disappeared 2 days later with no record of said credit. Their solution was to offer me a $76 credit after 3 hours dealing with them on the phone, I cancelled . Especially since it was their equipment that was crapping out for the month. If you are looking for service....run as far and as fast as you can from this shady company!
Laura Garza
Affordable and great service. I have been a customer for 5 plus years. I definitely would recommend!
aoelberg
Directv is a fine company. They offer decent services at an OK price. I do wish the price was better. It seems like the price goes up and the channel selection goes down every year. Also if you can afford to let me pay a lower amount for a year you can afford to let me keep paying that for the rest of the time. They also need to let their current customers take advantage of new deals that come out. Only offering them to new customers does not instill loyalty in your customers.
Carolyn Cannady
Cost of service keeps increasing every year but products for the cost keeps declining. Product is reliable but they should provide some discounts to customers that are loyal. I've been a customer for 15 years.
Anthony Brunson
Direct TV is outstanding, the price and quality of service is excellent. My service rarely goes out and the prices are the best compared to other companies.
Armando Prado
Decent when the weather is good. Plenty of channels that nobody watches but all providers do that.
nichele thau
Great customer service and they helped every step of the way with all of my questions