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
1,245 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
James Conder
I really enjoyed having DirectTV, biggest issue I had was after the 2 years were up the price almost tripled and they were willing to do NOTHING to help us get an affordable customer package. With all the streaming TV that is out now I Think they would benefit to lower prices a little and offer more custom packages for people who don't watch 100s of channels but are more centered on sports and local TV
Toni Baker
For service ever nobody wants come and help you with anything they delete all of our TV shows never have direct again
amy rex
Doesn't carry the local sports stations and is extremely expensive. Customer service is just so so.
Pasimata
They overcharged us and customer service was terrible. Every time we called they said they would take care of it and never did.
Keri Wilson
I have been with DirecTV for over 15 years. I do love the service they provide but feel they should reward loyal customers more than they do.
AGenes
Will never give them my money again. They lie to get you into a contract. They always drop certain channels.
Jami Lucas
We were constantly disappointed with the service we received and were never treated fairly.
Amanda
I’ve had a great experience with DirectTV because of the great deal I received. Also, I appreciate the app and options to watch recordings and a variety of shows.
Eddie Rios
DirecTV satellite services are super. I have loved that this service is kept in front of the industry in regards to programming and content. Movie streaming is easy, and special channel packages are reasonably priced. They make satellite services worth it! And don't let me get started on what's available for sports. Just first rate overall!
A’lea Richardson
Great TV provider. It holds up very well during bad weather. Customer service is always so helpful whenever I call.
Angelina Hamilton
In really like the channel packages that are available. They have all the channels I watch. Picture is great and I have no complaints.
Roman Christiansen
Really great television provider! No glitches and everything works smoothly! I would definitely recommend DIRECTV!
Lisa
There is almost nothing I like about DirecTV. I have been staying at motels for the past few months where this service is ubiquitous. It works fine as long as there is no rain. Even a sprinkle will disrupt the signal. Currently I am sitting in front of a signal loss screen. Beyond having no signal every time it rains, the channel availability SUCKS. Unless you like an endless lineup of shopping channels and other channels which have nothing of value, the cost for this service, to actually get channels you would enjoy watching, is well more than cable tv. I will never be a satellite customer and I'm glad I had the opportunity to see what it was like before having to make a commitment. Unfortunately, I could not give this zero stars.
Darbles32
Thanks to direct tv I hardly ever watch commercials because of their awesome recording
chris Francom
I wasn’t a big fan of the high prices and that they try to increase the pricing after you’ve fulfilled their contract term.
Brandi Eox
When I first started with DIRECTV I was very happy with them as the years went by I became very displeased with the constant removing of channels for instance our local channel 5 was out for almost an entire year so about six months ago I moved over to dish network and I am so impressed with their services sorry
J. Whelan
I really liked my DirecTV, but unfortunately the cost of keeping it was just too much. I had been a user for about 8 years and switched from Dish to Direct. The price had become out of range for the convenience of use. We had to cut the cable, save money, and now use streaming services for free or a third of the price of Direct. Sorry Direct wish you could do more in customer retention department.
Justin McMurtrey
Direct TV is a solid choice for satellite. They reasonable packages. They are somewhat limited in some of our local sports packages on the West Coast.
Cam McClellan
I had to switch from DIRECTV because they kept raising the prices in their customer service has not been good.
Karen Hartnack
I have had direct TV for twenty three year I have a great package with several channels for a great price
Malissia Shumway
I was a customer of Direct TV for 15 years. Never had any problems. I disconnected my service Oct. 2018 to travel for my job. I sent all equipment back in the box they supplied. Dec. 27, 2019 I get alert from Experian that Direct TV put me in collections for 472.00 for non returned equipment. Long story short... Direct TV found the equipment Jan. 5th 2020. Direct TV still has not reported this to the credit bureau's. My credit score has drop 22 points related to this incident....
Matthew Hall
Directv is a wonderful company that is reliant and provides great services. With the option to record shows and what seems like endless options of channels to watch from. Not only is Directv a great service, it's affordable and worth the money.
Asia Bui
I love having directtv because it had all of the channels I personallym wanted to watch on it! Plus i loved how customizable you could make it plus it was very affordable
Chase Reed
DIRECTV is great for shows and movies, it even let's you rent or buy movies that just were released from the movie theater.
SkylarPickens
Direct TV is awesome! They have a great costumer service that will help you with any problem!
Jesse Rice
It has a lot of channels but it can also be expensive at times but for the most part it’s good
Jasmine King
Overall, not a very good experience. For the short period of time I had it, DirectTV caused nothing but inconvenience and was very difficult to work with.
Donna Gaddy
Went to direct tv from dish due to price but eventually they raised the price to more than double. Only use streaming d service now.
Mrs.LadyTee
They were good as long as we were under contract. After the contract ended, the prices increased and all "promotional" discounts were null and void. The loyalty was gone once the contract ended.
Andrea
Cancelled our service after contract time was up. Finally cut the cord on satellite tv. Our price kept going up, and we didn’t watch half of the channels. It’s nice not having to worry about bad weather interruptions also!
Lane Bradshaw
Prices could be better but they have a lot of channels. I wish I had the CW but I still enjoy them.
eunj
One of the only Fortune 500 corporations you'll see be in the "under $100" donations for a restored vintage theatre. Writing about the customer service would be redundant.
Mickey Mangum
I am currently a customer. The service itself it fine but since it's under the ATT umbrella the customer service is atrocious as you might expect. The bill is reasonable and I like that I can bundle it with my cell phone and internet.
Carlyle
Had DirectTV for 5 years. I found that YouTubeTV was less than half the cost per month so I switched to it however there were lots of problems discontinuing DierctTV service. The worst was that they billed me an extra month beyond my disconnect time. Billing was paired with Century Link for the network services. When they charged me an extra month I called both and each said I had to talk to the other thus neither would address the over billing of over $100. Customer service agents also gave conflicting information and were hard to understand as they did not speak English well. I have switched to YouTubeTV $50 per month which charges less than half DirectTV for equivalent channels plus they have a tremendously better user interface.
DAVID HADAWAY
Recently left DIRECTV. The monthly cost kept going up amd we were not happy with with the programming. Just not worth it.
John F. Schrader
While the service when working is OK, the maintenance support costs are not. When they send a technician to check a problem, it costs $99.00. If they find out that it is their equipment that broke, they still charge you $99.00, The warranty is only for 90 days. This means their equipment could break four times a year, and they could charge you $396 over and above your regular monthly fees every year. Nice rip-off scheme. I give you cheap equipment that continually breaks, and I make you pay for what is my fault.
Sarah Marfo
My family has been with direct tv for over 7 years. We have a box in every room and it has loads of channels for your every interest. It is great after they fixed that rain interruption problem.
Barbara Brady
Don't move, they will start a new contract on you, even though you still have the same account #. I had them over 1 year (2 yr contract) now they're charging me for 23 months, $460.00. I terminated because of the horrible customer service, (when you have to talk with 3-4 different people each time you call & repeat all the information/request.) Constant problems with my internet
Cheryl Dawley
Directv lost all credibility when AT&T bought them out. I had been a customer since 1992. I moved them to 5 residences and 3 states. However, when they told me that my bill would be nearly $175 per month plus a move fee of $250 I said no. This is not my first rodeo with complaining but we have always been able to resolve the problems amicably. This time was different. I had terminated my DirecTV to get a local cable services. No problem. DirecTV sent me several requests to reconnect. After a year of cable, I said yes. They told me that there would be a 2 year contract. I said no because I was building a home in a different state. That home would be in a heavily wooded rural area and it was doubtful I could get service. They responded that if that was the case, no problem with canceling. Guess what? I have been fighting them for 4 months. I filed 'an appeal' but nothing has been communicated. Today, I was told that I would have to dispute it on credit record. I have written to the California office to appeal again. I will also be researching a class action law suit. They are not living up to their end of the contract and their 'reps' make anything up to get that sale. I will also file a BBB complaint.
Ruth E Bickford
I can't express enough how difficult and painful it has been to deal with DirectTV/AT&T for cable services. Initially they offered a two year contract at one price without warning us that it would go up by almost 100% the 2nd year!! Then, after enduring the 2nd year we subscribed to a 3rd year, at a fixed price, with NO contract promised over and over and when it came time to stop the service, they said we DID have a contract. This was finally corrected by a supervisor who acknowledged we were right but not until after we had spent over an hour resolving this issue. Customer service is abysmal and you want to give up out of frustration. Then, after they promised the service was discontinued, they still made an automatic recurring charge to our credit card for a month we did not even use!! This is a polite and abbreviated summary of 3 years of shear frustration, over 6 hours total over the years correcting charges and dealing with the never ending pass-along customer service system, and we could never recommend DirectTV or AT&T for cable or any other services.
Sue` Stackhouse
I signed up in June 2019 for AT&T internet and Direct TV and was told my bill would be 73.08 for the duration of the two year contract. This was in a chat. (I kept a copy).I was also told this was for two TVs. The Technician came out and connected one TV saying his work order was for one. When I contacted the office and questioned them concerning I was told it would be much more (over $100.00). But after talking with a supervisor I was given a discount and told the bill would be $52.60/mth. All good. I then received a bill for $141.00 saying I signed up for something else and it said that was my monthly bill. I again had a chat and was told that bill was wrong, my monthly charge was 57.99 and if I received a different amount ignore it. My receiver received water damage and was replaced. At first they sent out a modem, another chat. I am now being told that it is an advanced receiver (who knew?) and my bill has gone up by $15.00 a month so I can receive all these wonderful new whatevers. I was not told nor did I agree. They told me it is in my service agreement (I did not receive a service agreement) BUT they won't change it. I said okay send me the previous type of receiver and I will return this one. The answer, unfortunately we can not do that. If you have any other options DO NOT use this service! Billing is a nightmare and you never know what the bill will be! And you will spend a lot of time on a chat or the phone!
Toni
They do not prorate you for when you want to discontinue services. They stole from me. They make it ridiculously difficult to cancel services, had me on the phone an hour and a half only to connect me with a super rude manager who could do nothing to help. I've been customer for over 15 years and this is how they treat me.
Mathew Reams
Let me start this with the fact that myself and my family have been DirecTV customers for over 20 years, but once they merged with AT&T, everything has not only gone down hill, but fallen off a cliff. I just want to try and help to save others from the severe headaches and financial burdens associated with DirecTV services. I Signed up for a 2-year contract. I moved service when i moved residences. The salesman and technician lied to my face saying that my contract was still set to expire after the initial 2 years. However on the next billing statement, i was informed that i had opted into a new 1 year contract by moving my service. I am now being forced to pay $200 early termination fee since i would like to cancel my service due to an unwarranted $60 a month increase for the same services. DirecTV/AT&T are completely dishonest and trick you into locking in contracts lined with hundreds of dollars of fees hidden within tiny print of pages and pages of documentation. Go elsewhere with your TV services and avoid the worst headaches and hours of wasted time with useless customer service when they overcharge you and automatically opt you into premium priced services without your true consent. What they are doing is borderline criminal. Avoid at all costs.
Joanne Harrington
Not worth the high monthly cost and aggravation of not being able to resolve problems by calling the 800 number. Direct TV has a monopoly on this area and they take full advantage of it.
Casey Carr
Worst customer service team. I was switching to DirecTv to save money on internet and phone. I choose the Choice Bundle for $99.00. I was also told by sales person that I could get an App for my three other TV's at no charge and this would be part of order. Tech showed up and advises me they don't have an App like that. Finally service is in and I notice I don't have all the channels. I call DirecTv and I am told I did not order Choice and to upgrade would cost me $135.00 month. I was lied to and this is deceptive business practices! Totally disappointed!!!
David
I have been with Directv a long time well before ATT purchased them. When ATT did the purchase at that time I thought this is good getting a good deal and a free premium channel due to having top line wireless service with ATT. But now that ATT has made a full transition of Directv. Here are the disadvantages of ATT & Directv. 1. Customer service sucks to say the least. When you call you will be speaking to someone in another country that has no clue and they do not take no for answer they only want to sell you services and or equipment instead of what you actually want. They even hang up on you!!! 2. Directv. accounts use to be able to manage the services and programs you wanted to watch or cancel online. NOT ANYLONGER!! You have to call to cancel and yes you talk with someone from another country that you can barely understand and yes they to want cancel because of some stupid excuse!!! I pay for the service I should have control of what I want to watch, specially since I am not under a contract. I ordered a new iPad with no chip but with ATT wireless service called to get a chip for the ATT service and a number. Yes same customer service and country. They could not send me a chip but yes they could sell me a new iPad under a contract. Finally after telling this person for the 5 time I have a new iPad all that is needed is a att chip for wireless service they hung-up on me. Ended up going to local store.. They to have the same an similar issues with said customer service. Have been with att wireless for many years about 18 or 20 now and I am ready to cash them and directv in for something different. Which I am sure there will be something about the next company that want be of the best but. The conglomerates of corporations are no longer for the customers the serve they are only out for them selves and and the share holders.
Jerry
Never again will I subscribe to this deceitful company. 48 hrs of service I call to cancel and I get charged a $264 penalty!!!!
Jonah
Loyal customer for years. When I moved the last bill got lost in the move. Totally my fault. 40 minutes on the phone and it was squared away. 2 weeks later I receive a collection notice. 47 more minutes on the phone and rep tells me to call collection agency and pay again. Poor service and a total scam. I paid my 163.50 per month. They had the equipment back a month previous to their last bill.
Kylie Howes
Direct TV is a decent satellite TV service that offers some good features like DVR recording and a variety of channels, but it's kind of outdated in the age of video streaming. The price isn't super cheap, and you still have to deal with frequent commercials, so I would personally recommend trying a streaming service instead of Direct TV.
BJ Tenney
I never had any technical issues with Directtv, and loved their service, but I did feel like they were a little overpriced.