DIRECTV vs Charter Spectrum
DIRECTV is a good satellite provider with introductory prices, best for sports fans. How does it compare to Charter Spectrum? Read our comparison chart below.
DIRECTV is a popular favorite because of its exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket.
While Charter Spectrum is a no-contract, cable TV provider.
Compare DIRECTV with Charter Spectrum, side-by-side. Read on for an in-depth look, including ratings, reviews, pros and cons.
DIRECTV | Charter Spectrum | |
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Compare DIRECTV Packages - | Charter Spectrum Deals | |
Benefits and Features | ||
DVR | Genie HD-DVR can record up to 5 simultaneous recordings. 1 TB storage space for 200 hours of HD or 800 hours of SD recording. Paired with receivers (Mini Genie) to connect up to 8 TV sets, however only 4 active viewings at one time. | Two DVR models, Motorola and Cisco/SA. Motorola can record and store up to 21 HD hours. Cisco/SA with 80 GB hard drive can record and store between 30 and 50 hours. Models with a 160 GB hard drive can store up to 90 hours of SD. Records up to 2 channels simultaneously. One box needed per TV. Connects up to 8 TVs. |
Packages | Select ($49.99/month): 150+ channels. Entertainment ($54.99/month): 155+ channels. Choice ($59.99/month): 185+ channels, NFL Sunday Ticket. Xtra ($69.99/month): 230+ channels, NFL Sunday Ticket. Ultimate ($74.99/month): 245+ channels, NFL Sunday Ticket. Premier ($124.99/month): 325+ channels, NFL Sunday Ticket, DIRECTV Sports Pack. | TV Select ($64.99/month): 125+ channels TV Silver ($84.99/month): 175+ channels, HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Digital Tier 1. TV Gold ($104.99/month): 200+ channels, HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, The Movie Channel, Starz, Starz Encore, Digital Tier 1, Digital Tier 2 |
Cancellation | Early termination fees are $20 for each remaining month left in contract. All equipment is leased and must be returned, unreturned equipment fees apply. | No early termination fees. All equipments must be returned upon termination. Unreturned equipment fees apply. |
Contract | User agreement requires a base TV package of $29.99/month for a 24-month contract minimum. Promotional pricing only applies for first 12 months; regular pricing applies after. | No contract. |
Installation | Standard professional installation included in up to 4 rooms only; additional installations cost extra. | Standard professional installation included for up to 6 rooms. Additional installations cost extra. |
Autopay | $5/month discount for the first 12 months if you sign up for DIRECTV autopay feature. Autopay can be setup with bank account, debit card, or credit card. | Sign up for autopay feature online through TWC's account portal. |
Receiver Fee | Equipment rental fee of $7/month for each receiver on account. | Spectrum Receiver & Remote ($5.99/month), DVR Service for 1 DVR receiver ($12.99/month). Additional DVR receivers up to 4 ($19.99/month). CableCARD ($1/month). Secure Connection per CableCARD ($1/month). |
Regional Sports Fee | Up to $7.29/month may apply (varies depending on location) | No regional sports fee. |
CreditDonkey® Reviews | ||
Sports | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Price | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Selection | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Contract | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Pros & Cons | Pros:
| Pros:
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Bottom Line | Good satellite provider with introductory prices, best for sports fans... | No contract cable TV provider with premium networks... |
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DIRECTV: Pricing information including fees, features and contract length was obtained on December 6, 2017 from published websites and is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. Charter Spectrum: Pricing information including fees, features and contract length was obtained on April 12, 2018 from published websites and is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed. |
Which is Better: DIRECTV or Charter Spectrum?
Still need help deciding which tv is better? Read the in-depth reviews below. You may also be interested in comparing DIRECTV or Sling.
In short: DIRECTV's sports is outstanding. Charter Spectrum's contract is outstanding.