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Rebecca PalmerSenior Staff Writer

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Updated 6/24/24

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Is DIRECTV worth the cost?

If you want great regional sports coverage, loads of entertainment and an HD DVR to record it all, the PREMIUM package of DIRECTV is worth its hefty price tag. But if you have a limited budget, only want a few channels, or don’t care much about sports and live TV, DIRECTV probably isn’t for you. A required two-year contract can also sour the deal.

We love all the 4K options for your favorite games and a sweet collection of movie channels, including HBO Max, SHOWTIME, EPIX, and STARZ for your first three months, even with lower-tier packages. Just don’t forget to call and cancel these add-ons, or you could be stuck with a much bigger bill than you expected.

Before digging too deep...

Make sure DIRECTV is available in your area.

Featured plans and prices

Get the best value by speaking directly with a sales rep at 1-877-638-2235 or checking your address at

DIRECTV's website.

Check address

Cheapest

DIRECTV MAS LATINO

$48.99/mo

Order now

Channels
120+

Value

DIRECTV CHOICE

$69.99/mo

Order now

Channels
200+

Premium

DIRECTV LO MAXIMO

$134.99/mo

Order now

Channels
350+

Disclaimer: Availability and pricing are subject to location. Conditions apply. For offer details, view disclaimers

Want to bundle TV with other services?

DIRECTV is a standalone satellite service. That means it doesn’t require (or include) an internet connection, and it’s available virtually anywhere you can mount a satellite receiver. The satellite service is separate from DIRECTV Stream, which requires fast internet and works like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or Philo.

Because DIRECTV is under the AT&T umbrella, AT&T fiber internet customers may receive discounts when they bundle with DIRECTV satellite service. Internet and TV deals are also available through the internet provider CenturyLink, but the savings are nothing to write home about.

Savings tip: Services often come highly discounted when you buy them together. Be sure to check

DIRECTV's bundling options.

View plans

Premium channels and add-ons

HBO Max: $14.99/mo. after promotion
Cinemax: $10.99/mo. after promotion
SHOWTIME: $10.99/mo. after promotion
STARZ: $10.99/mo. after promotion
MGM+: $5.99/mo. after promotion
Fox Nation: $5.99/mo. after trial
AMC+: $7.99/mo.
20+ international add-on packages: $10–$37.99 each, per month

Available add-ons vary based on your location and TV package. Visit

DIRECTV's website

or call 1-877-638-2235 for more details.

Switching to DIRECTV?

If you’re serious about your regional sports and don’t mind paying premium prices for premium TV, it makes a lot of sense to switch to DIRECTV. You’ll need to sign a two-year commitment, deal with big price jumps in year two, and have a satellite receiver on your roof. But you’ll benefit from an exceptional channel lineup and unparalleled live sports in 4K. Luckily, you won’t be charged transfer fees, your first HD DVR is included, and the setup fee is just $19.95.

If you’re switching to DIRECTV from DISH, you may be eligible for a $300 prepaid Visa card plus an extra $10 off for the first 12 months. You’ll miss out on the DISH Price Guarantee and your DVR will be a little less capable than the Hopper 3 DVR system, but the extra channels and phenomenal sports access may be worth it. If you’re switching from cable or a streaming service, you could be eligible for a $200 card.

Savings tip: DIRECTV often has

sign-up promotions

for first-time customers. Call 1-877-638-2235 to ask a rep about current deals and discounts.

Check deals

Canceling DIRECTV services?

DIRECTV is notoriously difficult to cancel. You’ll have to call customer service and work your way through an automated phone tree to talk to a live human. You’ll need to insist on canceling and turn down multiple offers to either decrease your bill or upgrade your service. If you cancel before the end of your initial two-year contract, you’ll be charged up to $20 for each remaining month. Unfortunately, there’s virtually no way to get that fee waived.

Once you successfully cancel, DIRECTV will send you a box to pack up and return your receivers and power cables. You can keep your satellite dish, but DIRECTV won’t help you take it down.

Locked into a contract? Call DIRECTV at 1-877-638-2235 and speak to a rep about available options.

Costs to consider:

Installation cost: $19.95
DVR fee: Up to $15/mo.
Regional sports fee: Up to $13.99/mo.
Additional equipment fees: $7/mo. for each additional receiver
Broadcast fee: Up to $12.99/mo.
Contract length: Two years
Cancelation fee: Up to $20 per month remaining on contract

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