The Best Satellite TV Providers in March 2023 – MoneySavingPro

By Rob Webber – Last updated on January 14th, 2023

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For many consumers, finding the best satellite TV is based around finding the right fit.

Price and customer service can go a long way to helping you identify the best overall value for money.

If you’re looking to switch from cable TV, there are many perks that make satellite television worth it. We’ve reviewed the top two satellite TV providers to help make your decision easy.

DIRECTV and Dish are the only 2 major satellite TV providers in the US. Both have different perks that make them appealing.

Here are the satellite TV side-by-side comparison reviews to give you an overview on each.

Best satellite TV provider

Dish TV

Call to order now:

(888) 474-3462

Call to order now:

(888) 474-3462

Download

Channels

190-290

Calls

Monthly Price

$70-105

14 User Reviews

Pros

• Transparent pricing

• Strong sports offerings

• Whole-home DVR

• Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa

Cons

• No HBO

• No NFL Sunday Ticket

Dish offers TV service with plans starting at $70.

Plans

Dish TV Plans

Package

Internet

TV

Phone

Price

America’s Top 120

190 Channels

$69.99

America’s Top 120 Plus

190 Channels

$84.99

America’s Top 200

240 Channels

$94.99

America’s Top 250

290 Channels

$104.99

Dish is well known for its good deals and great prices. If you’re looking to save money Dish is the provider for you.

Here’s what else they have to offer:

• Price – Dish allows you to keep the same price the whole time you’re with them.

• No Hidden Fees – Don’t worry about extra fees being added to your bill each month.

• Equipment – Dish’s Hopper 3 Smart DVR can record 16 shows all at once.

• Add-On Packages – Dish Network is revolutionizing the way you watch TV by offering its Flex Pack option. How this works is you receive 50 channels (History, USA, TBS) then you choose from groupings such as sports, news or kids networks. It’s important to note there are no local sports or news offerings included in the basic package.

• Bundles – Dish also works with multiple Internet service providers to help you receive high-speed Internet service.

Surely there’s something wrong with this provider right?

• Customer Service – Dish’s customer service leaves much to be desired.

Satellite TV runner up

DIRECTV TV

Call to order now:

(888) 474-3302

Call to order now:

(888) 474-3302

Download

Channels

165-340

Calls

Monthly Price

$65-140

34 User Reviews

Pros

• Available virtually everywhere

• Plenty of HD channels

• NFL Sunday Ticket available

Cons

• Contract required

• Confusing pricing and extra fees

DIRECTV offers TV service with plans starting at $65.

Plans

DIRECTV TV Plans

Package

Internet

TV

Phone

Price

Entertainment

165 Channels

$64.99

Choice

200 Channels

$69.99

Ultimate

270 Channels

$89.99

Premier

340 Channels

$139.99

DIRECTV is a major satellite TV provider with lots to offer:

• Availability – Since AT&T bought DIRECTV they’re not the largest satellite TV provider. Now you can get amazing channel packages including some of the best sports packages.

• Overall Package – Plans through DIRECTV include the equipment, including the Genie DVR so you can record shows.
• Options – NFL Sunday ticket includes over 50 sports channels.
• Customer Service – DIRECTV has some of the best customer services in the industry.

• Add-On Packages – DIRECTV has you covered with packages that range from family friendly to sports.

• Bundles – DIRECTV partnered with AT&T U-verse (as an Internet service provider) to offer satellite TV and AT&T Internet in one package.

So what’s the catch? There are some cons to this provider:

• Installation – Your satellite dish will need professional installation.

• Hidden Fees – Keep a close eye on hidden fees and price rises.

Comparing satellite TV companies

With only 2 companies to choose from, it makes it simple to compare and decide on the best one.

Here are some of the things you should consider:

• Package Offering – Look at the add-ons they offer such as sports packages, live TV streaming and on-demand options to find the provider that aligns most with your viewing habits. As an FYI, we also provide information on the various package offerings brought to you by Dish and DIRECTV.

• Add-Ons – Depending on the satellite service, you can select among one of the various set-top boxes offered.

• Pricing – It’s important first to consider your needs from a viewing standpoint then see which providers offer the best price. Often, if you find a better price with a competitor you can negotiate with the provider to lower its rate.

• Contracts – One thing you’ll want to be mindful of is that both providers that made our list do require service contracts when you want to sign up for satellite TV service. This means if you decide to cancel before the two-year term, you’ll pay an early termination charge.

• Bundling – Another important consideration is bundling services. Of 85 percent of people who have an Internet connection, cable and/or phone with the same provider, 50 percent would do it again with the same company.

• Reliability – Because satellite dishes need an unobstructed view of the southern sky – for instance, the southern sky must not be obstructed by a wall of trees or massive buildings and skyscrapers – to receive clear reception, it’s important you have an adequate satellite signal strength or else this might not be the best option for you.

• Location – The location also factors into your service options. If you live in a remote area, it’s important first to research the satellite services in your area and see if they offer all the TV channels you want before choosing to do service.

Satellite TV FAQs

How many satellite TV providers are there?

There are currently three options for satellite TV providers, DISH, DirecTV, and Orby TV.

What’s the cheapest satellite TV provider?

Orby TV provides cheaper packages, but high start-up costs. The more popular options are DirecTV and DISH.

Is satellite TV cheaper than cable?

Cable providers have more low-cost packages available, but satellite TV often provides more channels for the price.

What satellite TV providers in my area?

Satellite TV has good coverage, which is what makes it good for rural areas. You can check what satellite tv provider is available in your area with our ZIP code checker.

Recap

While there are only two providers available nationwide for satellite TV service, both offer enticing benefits.

Before choosing one, it’s important you factor in price, availability, customer service reliability, and package offerings, as these considerations will steer you in the right direction.

As we discussed earlier, Internet service is a great complement to your new TV service. For more information, you can check out our buyers guide to the best Internet providers.

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Rob Webber

Rob has 15+ years experience in the US and UK running price comparison sites for cell phone plans, smartphone deals, TV, and internet. He loves thinking outside of the box to build tools that empower consumers to make more informed decisions.