DirecTV vs DirecTV Now: The Differences
For a DirecTV vs DirecTV Now comparison, you should first know that one of the stark differences is that while DirecTV is simply a satellite TV subscription service, DirecTV Now, which has been up and running since 2018, is an online streaming service that provides live TV. So let us discuss the two based on specific aspects:
1. Availability in your Area
Get a subscription to Any of the two after checking its availability in your area. Since DirecTV Now is an online streaming platform, you can get it anywhere, regardless of where you live- be it any remote area or a metropolitan city! However, DirecTV, a satellite service, needs a satellite dish to be accessible. For a satellite dish to be installed, you must be living in a house of your own so that you can make modifications. However, if you live in a flat system or strict house, you will have to consider other options.
2. Plans and Channel Selection
Another factor to consider is the cost- is it budget-friendly, or does it render your wallet empty by the end of the month? If you are thinking of getting a DirecTV Now subscription, you can get 60 channels for $40 per month or get 120 channels at the cost of $70 per month.
However, when it comes to DirecTV subscription, you can quickly get around 145 channels to 300 channels, and the price ranges from $90 per month to $187 per month. So, if you can afford to install a satellite dish and are looking for a cost-effective subscription, you can go for DirecTV! No matter which DirecTV package you go with, it will provide you with the primary channels such as CNN, A&E, Bravo, Lifetime, Cartoon Network, Disney, History, Nickelodeon, Syfy, and the like.
Hardware Required
As mentioned earlier, you will have to install a satellite dish in your house to get a DirecTV subscription. Besides this, you will be required to purchase an HDR DVD box known as the Genie. The company will not charge you extra to install the satellite dish, but you will be asked to pay $7 extra per month as the Genie fees.
Mobiles can come to the Forefront
One of the merits of having a DirecTV satellite subscription is that you can access the content at the click of a button! You can use your mobile device- iOS or Android- to view your favorite channel by downloading the DirecTV app.
It must connect the Genie to the internet. Since AT&T is their parent company, it makes things easier for you if you are an AT&T internet subscriber. You can stream the content on your mobile when you’re outside you. There will be no data cap! However, the data used will be quite a lot on other wireless providers. Nevertheless, DirecTV Now itself is an online streaming service. You can download the app watch the content that you wish to!
Cancellation Fee
One of the demerits of DirecTV is that it demands a cancellation fee should you ever wish to terminate your subscription earlier than the tenure of your package. You will be charged $20 extra per remaining month. On the other hand, DirecTV Now has no contract and thus, does not charge any early termination fees.
How many Packages do the Two Provide?
DirecTV has 6 packages, such as Select (150+ channels for $49.99/month), Entertainment (155+ channels for $54.99/month), Choice (185+ Channels and NFL Sunday Ticket for $59.99/month), Xtra (230+ channels and NFL Sunday Ticket for $69.99/month), Ultimate (245+ channels and NFL Sunday Ticket for $74.99/month), and Premiere (325+ channels and NFL Sunday Ticket for $124.99/month).
DirecTV Now provides 4 packages: Live a Little (60+ channels for $35/month), Just Right (80+ channels for $50/month), Go Big (100+ channels for $60/month), and Gotta Have It (120+ channels for $70/month).
Conclusion
After looking at the two service providers and the packages they offer, it is evident that DirecTV satellite subscription has the upper hand here since it offers more at a lower price! However, if you have certain restrictions in installing a satellite at your house, you can go with DirecTV Now since you need no additional hardware!
What are the primary channels that come with any DirecTV package?
Some primary channels are CNN, A&E, Bravo, Lifetime, Cartoon Network, Disney, History, Nickelodeon, Syfy, and many more.
Can I get an NFL Sunday Ticket with all DirecTV packages?
No, you can only get an NFL Sunday Ticket with Choice, Xtra, Ultimate, and Premiere packages.
Does DirecTV charge an early termination fee?
Yes, you will be charged $20 extra for early termination for each remaining month.
