- DIRECTV
DIRECTV
check_circle VerifiedDIRECTV 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).
The Good
- DIRECTV Packages and Pricing Information
- Genie® HD DVR and Direct Remote
- Channel Lineup and Selection
- DIRECTV App
- Save Money By Bundling
DIRECTV Packages and Pricing Information
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™
- Price: $49.99 per month*
- Channels: 155+
- Notable Channels: USA, TBS, Nick, and Disney
- Genie® HD DVR Included
*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
- Price: $54.99 per month*
- Channels: 160+
- Notable Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1
*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™
- Price: $59.99 per month*
- Channels: 185+
- Notable Channels: Travel, OWN, E!
- NFL Sunday Ticket 2019 Season Included
- 1 Year of HBO Included (at no extra charge)
- Genie® HD DVR Included
*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
- Price: $69.99 per month
- Channels: 235+
- Notable Channels: FX, Golf, NHL, NBC
- NFL Sunday Ticket 2019 Season Included
*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
- Price: $74.99 per month*
- Channels: 250+
- Notable Channels: IFC, Chiller, Esquire, FXM
- NFL Sunday Ticket 2019 Season Included
- 1 Year of HBO Included (at no extra charge)
- Genie® HD DVR Included
*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™
- Price: $124.99 per month*
- Channels: 330+
- Notable Channels: HBO®, STARZ®, SHOWTIME®, CINEMAX®
- NFL Sunday Ticket 2019 Season Included
*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.*
Genie® HD DVR and Direct Remote
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.
Channel Lineup and Selection
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:
- DIRECTV SPORTS PACK: CBS Sports, ESPN Classic, Outdoor Channel, etc.
- MLB EXTRA INNINGS®: MLB Network, MLB Network Strike Zone
- MLS DIRECT KICK
- NBA LEAGUE PASS
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.
DIRECTV App
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.
Save Money By Bundling
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.
The Bad
- Possible Monthly Fees
- Price Increases
- Signal Relies on the Weather
Possible Monthly Fees
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.
Price Increases
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.
Signal Relies on the Weather
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.
The Bottom Line
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
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User Reviews
Star Rating
1,111 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Cedric Spriggs
DirecTV was good until AT&T took over. I have since cancelled my service after being with them for over 20 years.
Gwen Scott-Roddey
It use to be a very good company until ATT got hold of it, now it isn't worth the money that you pay for it
Marlon
I love having directv. I love the awesome customer service and they are very friendly and knowledgeable.
Sandra Williams
No service in the rain. Plans to expensive for normal channels. The satellite look so terrible on your roof. Hopefully, my roof don't get damaged once I cancel my service and they come to remove it.
Bryce Woosley
They are pretty good service expect when you have to deal with billing. Seems like I can never get the bill exactly right.
Darrell C
Had this company for over 20 years. Then got to a point when I needed repairs. Lied about someone calling me back then didn't care when I called back. Went to Comcast after that.
Jeferson Paris
God value for the money and the reliability is good. Customer service needs to improve.
Dean Gorgen
I would allot less that 1 star if possible. I cancelled services with these clowns in January and they kept billing me for months. I called almost a dozen times to try and resolve this and was told each time they would take care of the incorrect billing. Nope - they then charged my credit card ... I contacted fraud and had the charge reversed and they sent me another bill. Real true incompetents - BAD COMPANY. Avoid at all cost. JUNK SERVICE and terrible customer support.
Trevene
I have not had any negative interactions with company. They currently my service provider since January 2020. The quality of the service is not great but doable. You must internet to watch previous shows which utilizes more of your internet. They also do not have a vast selection of movies on demand.
Bob Gaudreau
Customer service is the absolute worst in the industry. Sales promises everything and delivers little. The system would fail regularly and if there were weather issues as in cloudy or snow, you were left on your own with no service yet they still wanted full payment.
Yolanda Ramirez
I have them for 15 years and like them but to expensive. I feel like the longer you are with them he more you pay.
Telitha Merritt
The people that work in customer service don't what they are talking about. Some you can't understand. The prices are ridiculous.
Jenny Martinez
DirectTV was not expensive. Their channel packages were very good. Everyone in the home has something to watch
Terri Wright
The price always starts out low and grows to a minimum of $150 a month. Too much.
Regennia Shephard
Bill changes every few months. They do not offer many choices to change your package. Now that the have merged with AT&T they should offer a better bundle service if you have internet and cell phone services as well. Thinking about changing back to Comcast.
Judy Butterfield
Expensive compared to others. Switched. OK customer service, but prices continued to increase. Lost pic often.
Barbara Fry
I have been with Direct TV for over 20 years and when AT&T took over prices jumped and programming declined. I am on SS and disabled and have the least expensive package which is mainly infomercials and the same repeated reruns . In the last 2mos. they have removed 5 of the few channels I watch without any notice. They no longer provide a decent programming line and charge outrageously for the packages they offer. I will be changing providers as soon as possible.
Lynne DeVault
Good service so far. Have not had any trouble with them. I like having the satelite when the weather is bad for antennae
Richard Baker
as long time custome treated very poorly...actually filed to go to arbitration over billing...settled out of court
Miller
Love the selection of channels directv has. I think they need to make another package where you can select up to 20 channels excluding premium channels for a lower price.
Judy Feldmeier
The cost is high and we get so many infomercials as channels. Also when we try to record the recordings sometimes come out distorted.
Linda Bonogofski
I was a customer for about 15 years and I never had any trouble. They have great customer service. Over that period of time I used the customer service many times. I would highly recommend Directv to anyone who is contemplating using satellite services. I unfortunately cannot afford satellite at this time. I paid for my equipment as I plan to renew my account when I am in a better financial position.
Ww Ss
I felt like my bill was jerked around here and there . Prices of the bill would be higher one month or so and then it would just go back down after me calling in and arguing. Prices on the packages they offer that are available are expensive after the “promotion” is over. Customer service doesn’t really handle customers very well very Argumental
Martin Le Bouef
They give you a great start up price than they hike it up till you find a better rate and are suprized when you discontinued there service plus their services go in and out with the weather here in the south it rains here nearly every day in the spring summer and fall you lose about 4hrs of service every month
Amanda Malega
It was good until AT&T took over. Once they did the service got worse and the customer service went down hill.
Allie Bennett
Great service never had an issue with our service. We just werent using it as much as thought we would since my kids are obsessed with YOUTUBE.
S Nemmer
I pay $$$ monthly and there is nothing in my package to watch. I don't understand why I pay for Latina channels and home shopping networks when they don't apply to my lifestyle or choices. Why can't I select from a menu of channels what I am willing to pay for and would like to have? Additionally, I do appreciate the bundle savings now with the merger with AT&T cellular and my high speed internet. It just feels like I could get all the bank for my buck if I had better channel options within my budget. I realize I can upgrade my viewing package for a "nominal fee ", but I still have channels I would never access but must pay for.
Patrick
Too expensive. They really need a better purchase plan. One where you can choose what to pay for.
John Mueller
Good service when it's working well. HAve run into too many idiosyncrasies in the past 3 years with them to be able to review them very positively. Has gotten a little better this year.
Nena McFarland
Customer service is great with technical issues. Been with them for four years and they offer NFL Sunday free of charge these past two years. However, not flexible with other programming.
Emily Hernandez
They charge way too much for simple television services ! Difficult returning equipment & getting a tech to service my area when needed. Every time it rained the service was not working :(
Vantresa Scott
It is too costly for the service. DIRECTV continues to have issues when bad weather is present, and that is annoying. I will not continue with the service past the next couple of months. Paying over $70 is too much. I pay over $120 dollars and that does not include all the best channels. I can pay much less for their competitor anc get more.
Richard Crouse
Was one of the best companies out there but the ATT bought them and they got expensive and had trouble with people in customer service. Bottom line is they went from the best to one of the worst.
Kyla
We used directv before, it was alright but sometimes their signal isn’t working much.
Bob Benzing
I can receive all the best sports channels and have very few problems with the dish. They sell a good product and always willing to help!
Ruben Delgado
They have great channel choices and picture quality is very good, but sometimes when we have a storm we lose the picture.
Brian Green
Cost too high, service poor, frequent loss of signal. The programming options didn't suit my family at all.
Amanda Walker
I like the selection and variety of channels you are offered. I dislike the disturbance during bad weather.
DARLENE KERESTER
I have no complaint with direct tv so far it been pretty good. I wish it was little bit cheaper but what are you going to do
LN0113
I love the service but the prices are unmanageable and only continue to increase. They show no benefit for being a loyal customer. We love Season Ticket for football and I wish that they would offer this without having a full directv package as we would definitely do that.
PJWILEY
I loved Directv until they started charging more and showing less. I love the setup of the programming and the ease of finding something to watch.
The Halls
We had DirectTV for some years before moving on to Verizon FIOS. We were actually really happy with the service, but when when Verizon moved into our neighborhood the cost of combining internet and TV was just so much better. DirectTV provided neat services like DVR, Pause, Start, Stop live TV and being able to view TV on your Android or Apple mobile device. We took advantage of being able to schedule DVR and watch shows from a mobile device. Surprisingly the service/TV connection held up really well during rain or cloudy days.
James Hazelton
When I Terminated my account, they deny me access to the account. What I didn’t know was there was still a balance. I found out when a collector called. Bad business
McMorgan Thomptos
I have been a customer of DIRECTV for over 10 years. They are fair and reliable.
Tanya A
Great selection and good equipment, but the service is very expensive and the customer service is terrible! They kept charging me for service after I canceled and for equipment I returned.
Dianna Carter
We had DirecTV for over 3 years. Good company. The customer service dept. and the sales dept. are customer friendly and ready to serve their customers to make your experience with DirecTv one that you will tell others about.
Sandra Shepard
I liked direct tv. When I had the subscription excellent service. The cost became unaffordable for me..
chmills1cm
Cost too much for basic tv. But they work with you on bundled specials. I'm not quite a tv person
Michelle Arduengo-Sandino
When my bill started to get higher and higher they were able to look at my bill and find ways to reduce fees without reducing programing.
Edward Obediah
Used for 4 years now, no problems good service had to argue about the bill a couple of times