- 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
User Reviews
Star Rating
1,245 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Marion Lang
I started with Directv in 1995. They were great and the price was good. Now in 2020 they say I don’t have a clear view of the satellite and the price is way to high. I had no service for a month before they sent someone to check out the system. I was very sad they had become a not so good satellite tv provider.
Alex Danielson
Directv is great because you can get all the channels you need plus lots of options for recording, even though I never used that option much!
mark mccoy
Crappie service and crappie techs BEWARE
Tricia W.
Great quality! Might be a little more expensive than some television options available, but having reliable, high quality television at all times reduces so much stress
Scott Kobel
The satellite Services are like others and I would never recommend, but they have a streaming service which is really good!!
Norma Grove
We have enjoy what Direct offers. It has a strong signal and during storms (typical of the Midwest) we still have service. We like the ease of using it and we are on a monthly plan that doesn’t raise in price for a year which helps with budgeting. We find their representatives in customer service to be helpful and friendly, willing to meet us where we are with our needs. Good value for the service provided .
Prince
The shows and stations are great but there are too expensive you always loose signal when the sky is overcast
Sonny Evans
Horrible it seemed like prices changed every month and service was worst then I expected
mms
BEWARE if you want to cancel your DirectTV service. You will NOT receive a prorated credit or refund for any portion of Service cancelled. If you cancel your service two days into your billing cycle, like I did, you will receive NOTHING back. I lost out on $100 because of their SCAM to take your money. Their website says nothing about this!! The information is in the fine print of their agreement. Instead of being upfront and honest about policy changes like this they make it difficult by only including it in the fine print. I was a DirectTV customer for years and I am so very glad that I left such a DISHONEST, UNCARING company that is willing to SCAM you out of your hard earned money!! I hope others will follow suit and leave because they don't deserve your loyalty. However, be sure to plan your exit if not you'll be screwed over just like me.
Patty Terry
Very good customer service but I hope to find a cheaper way to watch my programs.
Mabel
I've had Direct TV for several years. Customer Service is always helpful and friendly. Whenever I've had problems, they are always quick to respond.
Kathleen D Huber
If it weren’t for the NFL Sunday Ticket I wouldn’t have this. I don’t think I’ve paid the same monthly amount since I started and you get zero notifications of any changes. Customer service isn’t very good. I had to actually call to cancel the NBA Package, even after the games stopped when the coronavirus halted those games. No notification and no refund for the months I paid when games stopped.
Tommy Willis
I've had Direct TV for about 6 months now and the price is affordable and customer service are awesome! If I can't get a live agent, I will leave a message and they will call me in an appropriate time manner.
Berenice Ramos
Awesome service I live in the rural suburb and never have problem with the service
Brandi Wilhoit
WOW.. Well what fo I have ro say about direct tv.... Their fees are ridiculous, customer service is highly rude and the signal never connects.
Sam Sealey
I have had Direct TV for almost 15 years now and have had good service. They are easy to work with when moving (have had to move multiple times) and are responsive when you have issues. I also love the sports options.
Debbie Ziegle
Have this service both in California an West Virginia. In WV we have thunder storms and lose service every so often, but other than that are very happy with service and products.
Razel Levine
Had DirectTV for years and found the service acceptable and reliable. Even when we lived remotely and had an occasional problem, it wouldn't be very long before help arrived. That was appreciated.
INGRID LAPPOST
Reps are nice and willing to assist. Doesn’t matter if your calling about your bill or some type of outage they will get your issues resolved!
noahemm
I love how im able to log into the apps on my phone and other tvs in the house. I think for satellite tv they are the better ones
Sherry
Fair company. I didn’t like being in a contract and felt that was a major setback. I don’t watch TV in the summer but was stuck with a monthly bill
Traci Cowan
We have had a decent experience with Directv. Their technicians are probably the better part of their company. They will jack up your fees. Since they merged with ATT, their products have been worse with such a hard and long wait to speak to anyone about your service.
Diane Adams
Terrible service. Didn’t work more than it did. I had to call them almost daily and they still couldn’t get it right.
Andy Vandros
After 17 years we decided to leave them, customer service is bad, pricing is going through the roof. ATT ownership made it worst. Cannot get customer support, hidden fees and surprise fees are normal. STAY AWAY.
Kevin Adams
DirectTV is one of the most robust TV satellite on my list and dish channels are not normally as reliable as cable channels. It has many added bonuses with a lot lower type of plans compared to FIOS and Xfinity.
Veridiana Orozco
Good variety of channels for the price value. Additional perks if you are a att cell subscriber
Craig Carter
very poor service and customer care is terrible, can't understand what they are saying.
M ark Goldman
It’s ok, rain makes the signal weak. Bette than Dish. I really don’t watch much tv
Lucy Salinas
Had direct Tv got what I thought was a good deal and prices kept going up and the satellite doesn’t work if it rained.
BJ Gall
Most of the time it works really great. The only time I have trouble is if the weather is bad.
joseph szymanski
need to come out yearly to realine the satilite dish, which they have not and we are getting more channels pixcelating
Kristi Vinson
We found that DIRECTV met all of our expectations when we had them as our service provider. They were responsive & we enjoyed the variety of channels offered. Our gated community changed service providers & DIRECTV was no longer an option; otherwise, based on our experience w/ DIRECTV we would have not changed service providers.
Patti Miller
I have Direct TV. The bill increased after the promtion ended as I was told before it was installed. Love the package with Starz. Polite customer service. Most problems solved over the phone.
Will A
DIRECTV provided excellent customer service during my time with them. We live on an open plat of land that has a ton of wind which made the coverage spotting using DIRECTV. The techs came out multiple times and were able to fix it each time. It became too much of a hassle for us and DIRECTV allowed us to cancel our contract based on the spotty coverage. Would recommend them to others.
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.