DISH Network Review 2023 | Reviews.org

How much does DISH TV cost?

No second-year price hikes here, so your monthly bill should always stay the same

We can all agree that price hikes are easily in the top five worst things about TV subscriptions.

But with DISH, price hikes aren’t a thing. Phew.

You’ll have the same monthly price throughout your contract (or no contract) with DISH, unlike other satellite providers (*cough* DIRECTV). So you’ll save money in the long run.

How much are DISH TV’s packages?

You can relax knowing that every DISH package comes with its new Hopper Plus DVR, your local networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC), and ESPN, Disney Channel, HGTV, and Food Network. Don’t you feel better knowing you’ll get your First Take, Flip or Flop, and Chopped fix with even the most basic channel package? We feel better.

To find out what truly sets each DISH channel package apart, you’ll want to take a quick look at the full channel lineup, or check out our sneak peek section a little further down.

Does DISH have a contract?

As is the case with most TV providers, you gotta sign up for a contract to get the best deal with DISH.

Signing for a two-year term will save you $10–15 per month, which adds up to $240–$360 over the length of the contract. Big money!

DISH does give you the option to live without a contract so you have the freedom to cancel your service anytime. If you’re not into that long-term commitment, you’ll just have to pay that $10–$15 more month to month.

Does DISH have fees?

Yes, but they’re not too bad.

Compared to DIRECTV and Xfinity TV, DISH doesn’t charge a regional sports fee or a high-priced broadcast fee.

DISH does charge a $12 fee for access to ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, but you can opt out of it if you don’t care for your local channels.

DISH’s installation team will mount your satellite dish and set up your DVR system free of charge for up to six rooms. You can just sit back and let the DISH team do the hard work.

And if you want out of your contract early, we suggest checking out our guide on how to avoid cancellation fees.

How much are DISH’s fees?

Fee

Monthly price

Installation fee

Included

Local channels (optional)$12.00/mo.
Set-top box$5.00–$10.00/mo.
Additional set-top box (Joey)$5.00–$10.00/mo. each

Late payment fee

$10.00

Early termination fee

Prorated per month remaining in contract

*Data effective 02/01/2023.

Is DIRECTV cheaper than DISH?

DISH offers you more bang for your buck because DIRECTV has second-year price hikes (gasp!).

If you were to compare DIRECTV’s CHOICE package and DISH’s America’s Top 120 plan, both have 190–200 channels. DISH charges $79.99/mo. and DIRECTV is about $5 more expensive at $84.99/mo. for the first two years of service.

After your second year of service, DIRECTV’s prices will increase (depending on when you buy the service, so we urge you to read the package details on DIRECTV’s site).

But if you’re a TV fan and want 340+ channels, DIRECTV is the service for you.

Is DIRECTV or DISH better?

Between DISH and DIRECTV, DISH is better for most. DISH has more transparent pricing and flexible contract options, but if college sports is your main priority, DIRECTV’s packages come with ESPN College Extra.