DIRECTV Satellite TV Review

The best part about DIRECTV plans is the introductory price you get your first two years. Sure, your bill does go up (a lot) after 24 months. But it’s worth noting that the initial prices are even lower than DISH’s prices. Not to mention that you’ll never pay more than an average of $0.50 cents per channel, which is fairly average across cable and satellite TV providers.

Our favorite DIRECTV plan is CHOICE because of its affordable pricing and decent selection of popular channels, such as ESPN. If you bundle internet with your TV package, you can get DIRECTV CHOICE for $84.99 per month. CHOICE also comes with three months of premium channels like HBO® included. Not too shabby, eh?

As with any subscription service, there are a few fees to keep an eye out for with DIRECTV.

• Activation fee: $19.95 one-time payment
• Installation fee: None
• Cancellation fee: $20 for each month remaining on your contract (up to $240)

Compared to other TV providers, DIRECTV’s fees are more than reasonable. If you’re a fan of fewer fees (and more football), DIRECTV is a score.

This is where we steer you away from fixed wireless bundles. Unless fixed wireless is your only option, go with DSL or fiber. Why? Because if you’re like most people, you’ll blow through the monthly 215 GB data cap and get slapped with $10 overage fees for every 50 GB you go over the limit. And nobody wants that.

If you’re new to DIRECTV, you’ll sign a two-year contract to get service. But after two years, you’ll need to sign only a one-year contract to keep the entertainment flowing. We wish DIRECTV wouldn’t raise prices so much after the second year, but at least you can save some bucks and get some free premium channels during that startup period.

With more than 330 channels to choose from, the chances of you spending Sunday afternoon with nothing to watch just got slimmer.

Here’s how each DIRECTV package compares when it comes to channels.

Don’t forget about those add-ons. From quirky to sporty, DIRECTV offers some exceptional extras for those who like to pick and choose.

No surprise here: you’ll need a satellite dish and a Genie DVR installed to watch DIRECTV.

Here’s what to expect in terms of installation, payment, and your new DIRECTV equipment.

Aside from a $19.95 activation fee, DIRECTV installation doesn’t cost extra. So unless you want it installed in more than four rooms or need more than four receivers, you won’t have to dig into your pockets for more cash. (Heads up: DIRECTV also charges a $99 fee to set up your wireless Genie Minis.)

It’s worth mentioning that if your installation tech needs to change your telephone line, set up audio/visual equipment, or finish other specialized work, you might be charged a “custom work fee.”

If this happens, the technician should provide you with a Custom Work Rate Sheet that details what work they completed and how much it cost. The technician will collect payment for the specialized work right when they finish—don’t worry, this is to be expected!

1. Once you order your DIRECTV package, you’ll receive an installation appointment notification.
2. Your technician visits within two days of placing your order, and installation will take about five hours.

To make sure your installation goes as smoothly as possible, here are some things you can do before the tech arrives.

1. If you rent, get the Landlord Approval Form signed by your landlord or HOA. This gives DIRECTV permission to install your dish—and helps you avoid any nasty cease-and-desist letters in the future.
2. Make sure your internet or phone service is active.
3. Plan for someone who’s at least 18 years old to be home when the tech comes.
4. Move TVs away from the wall if you want DIRECTV set up there.
5. Clear away anything that might get in the way of your tech climbing onto your roof.

Your DIRECTV payments will start at an introductory price that lasts for 24 months. But remember, you’ll be on a contract for two years, and after the introductory period, you’ll see your bill go up.

Here’s how much you’ll pay each month by channel package.

And what about your DIRECTV equipment fees? Here’s how your leasing options shake out.

• No additional cost for your first Genie DVR
• $99 setup fee for wireless Genie Minis (a single fee for all receivers)
• $49 per receiver for any receivers after your first four
• $7/mo. for additional Genie Minis

Your DIRECTV package comes with a Genie HD DVR—no extra monthly fees required. It’s one of the best out there as far as DVRs go, and it comes with some pretty hefty features. We highly recommend the Genie because it comes included with your package (no $10 per month rental fee—yes, we’re looking at you DISH) and plenty of storage for most folks.

The latest report from the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) gives DIRECTV an above-average score for customer satisfaction.

While we’d like to see DIRECTV move closer to a perfect score, it’s still leaps and bounds beyond the satisfaction scores of other TV providers.

If you need to talk to DIRECTV customer support, give them a call at 1-800-288-2020 on any day of the week from 8:00 a.m. to midnight EST. Or see if you can troubleshoot it yourself with our DIRECTV FAQ.

With a huge lineup of sports channels, 4K options, and first-year prices that are lower than DISH, we think DIRECTV is a match made in heaven for most folks. Just remember that your price will likely increase after two years of your contract. Is that a price worth paying for loads of awesome programming (especially sports) in one convenient spot? We’d say so, but we’ll let you decide.

Our SatelliteInternet.com editorial team bases our analyses on research, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing. We dig deep to get hard-to-find information on internet plans, fees, and upcoming brand developments. We make this information easy for you to find in one place via our in-depth reviews, and we use our satellite internet industry expertise to analyze the options to help you make the most informed decision for your household.