DirecTV Now has been generating a lot of buzz, and people are beginning to get interested as the company promises to revolutionalize how you watch TV. Now, the million-dollar question is, what is DirecTV Now? Is it any different from DirecTV? Well, stay with us as we explore how DirecTV Now and DirecTV stack up.

To put things simply, DirecTV Now is a video streaming platform that delivers crisp Live TV channels, while DirecTV is a satellite-based TV subscription service. And you know what, Telcom giant AT&T owns both of these providers.

DirecTV Now

DirecTV Now is the dream of every cord-cutter who is fed up with cable TV services and looking for a unique TV experience worth the hype. The exciting thing about DirecTV Now is that it is prepped to deliver traditional cable experience without users agreeing to any form of contract.

As one of the most established live TV streaming services, DirecTV has so much waiting for customers to explore. From excellent channel lineup to robust channel count to massive on-demand library and more, DirecTV Now is poised to give other live TV streaming platforms a run for their money.

For avid TV watchers looking to cut the cord and downsize from full cable subscriptions, AT&T’s live streaming services, DirecTV Now, will make a perfect pick. Plus, you get to enjoy unlimited access to most of the top channels and other exciting perks.

And if you’re all hyped about premium channel selections, rest assured that DirecTV Now has you covered. The cool thing with DirecTV Now’s premium channel selections is that their premium channels are reasonably priced than any other streaming service out there.

Giving the company’s recent effort to rebrand its live TV streaming service, DirecTV Now has now changed its packages from 4 to 6, in a bid to have it more closely aligned with DirecTV packages.

With DirecTV Now, customers enjoy a free cloud-based DVR, regardless of their preferred plan and at no extra cost. And in terms of availability, DirecTV Now is available everywhere in the US, and that’s because it is an online-based streaming service and only requires a good internet connection to stream.

Pros and cons

There a lot of things we have come to love about DirecTV Now and not so cool things we think the company can improve on. Here, check out some pros and cons of DirecTV.

Pros

DirecTV Now is way cheaper than cable and satellite TV

No need to install fancy equipment

No need to agree to a contract

Cons

Limited channel selection

Poor DVR performance

Limited local channels

DirecTV

DirecTV has built a solid reputation in the TV landscape, little wonder why they are now a huge favorite in the TV space. With DirecTV, you’re in for the ultimate TV experience as they roll out nearly every channel you can ever imagine. From movies to sports to comedy to lifestyle programs to kids based content and more, DirecTV ensures you never miss out on those content you love.

And if you’re an NFL fan, DirecTV will blow your mind with their impressive sports selections. As a matter of fact, DirecTV has the exclusive right to NFL Sunday Ticket. Meaning you can now keep up with every live NFL game from your favorite teams.

When it comes to channel selections, DirecTV is way in the league of its own as they roll out tons of impressive channels that will keep you entertained all day long. With DirecTV, you’ll enjoy access to over 330 channels, depending on which of their packages you opt for.

With the likes of DirecTV Now, you’ve limited options in terms of channel selections. While DirecTV Now offers customers a variety of channel packages, they don’t level up with DirecTV in terms of channel count. So if you’re hyped about channel selections, you’re better off doing business with DirecTV.

Where DirecTV seems to be lacking is the company’s contract policy. In an industry where customers are becoming fed up with contract policy, it’s still surprising to see DirecTV chart this territory. With DirecTV, customers must agree to a 2-year contract policy before they get hooked to their services. For people who can’t deal with the hassles of contracts, now is a great time to give DirecTV Now a try, as they offer their services without forcing customers to agree to any form of contract.

On a good note, DirecTV is doing pretty solid with its DVR. Without a doubt, the company’s flagship Genie DVR is one of the best DVR you’ll ever come across in the TV space. Its impressive storage capacity means you can store and record more of your favorite shows.

Pros and cons

Like we mentioned earlier, DirecTV has a lot of great stuff going for them. But like many other TV service providers out there, DirecTV has a couple of letdowns you should keep in mind. Keep reading as we explore some pros and cons of DirecTV.

Pros

Massive channel count and brilliant sports offerings

Nationwide coverage

Spectacular packages to explore

Cons

Offers customers a two-year contract policy

Imminent second-year price increase

Signals can be interrupted by poor weather conditions.

DirecTV Now vs. DirecTV: Installation process and bundled services

DirecTV Now and DirecTV offer fantastic options when it comes to installation. But guess what, we have come to love DirecTV Now for their hassle-free setup process. With DirecTV Now, there is no need for fancy equipment or experienced technicians as you can have everything up and running within a few minutes. And because DirecTV is an online-based streaming service, you only need a reliable internet connection to start streaming.

On the flip side, DirecTV being a satellite-based TV service, requires the installation of equipment. Meaning you’ll need the services of a professional to have everything nicely put in place. And guess what, DirecTV doesn’t charge anything extra, so it’s a win-win situation.

The only issue we have with DirecTV in terms of installation is that DirecTV is prone to weather interruptions. Meaning you may sometimes experience poor weather conditions that can affect your signal quality. Plus, you may reside in an apartment where the landlord has a policy against installing equipment.

Put these few glitches aside, and DirecTV will wow you to a remarkable TV experience.

Bundled services

When it comes to bundled services, DirecTV Now offers some really unique proposition you want to check out. Besides the company’s impressive packages, DirecTV Now lets you bundle premium channels and add-ons to boost your TV experience. And that’s not all; you can also bundle reliable internet connection from AT&T. The only issue here is that DirecTV’s Now bundling, instead of unlocking amazing discounts, drives your bills through the roof, and we are sure you wouldn’t like that.

On the other hand, DirecTV offers some top of the chain bundle deals. And unlike DirecTV Now, DirecTV lets you bundle its superior TV service along with a high-speed internet connection from AT&T at a discounted price.

If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to save big on your monthly TV subscription, now is the perfect time to give DirecTV a try. With DirecTV, you get the opportunity to save $30 per month if you decide to bundle, and we are sure you don’t want to pass on that.

DirecTV vs. DirecTV Now: channel comparison

Both DirecTV Now and DirecTV are packed with brilliant channel selections that will keep you glued to your screen all day long. From top channels to premium channel selections and local offerings, these two powerful providers offer customers access to some of the best TV channels and programmings in the TV world.

Where DirecTV outperforms DirecTV Now is in the company’s massive channel selections. With DirecTV, you have access to more than enough channels than you can actually watch. Thanks to DirecTV, users have access to more than 330 channels.

What we have come to love about DirecTV’s Now channel lineup is that you’ll still pretty much find the variety of channels you want even with their basic package. Whether you’re a sports fan, a movie lover, a lifestyle program enthusiast, or someone who likes keeping up with the latest trends, rest assured that DirecTV Now has you covered, and you’ll never have to miss out on your favorite shows.

For avid sports lovers, DirecTV offers some impressive sports selections you’ll love. And guess what, DirecTV currently owns the exclusive right for NFL Sunday Ticket. This means you can now keep up with every live NFL game from your favorite teams.

With top channels like ABC Family, Animal Planet, Cartoon Network, Fox News, Hallmark, Food Channel, ESPN, and more featured on DirecTV channel lineup, keeping up with your favorite TV programs has never been easier.

In terms of channel count, DirecTV Now is playing second fiddle as they simply do not match up to the massive channel selections offered by DirecTV. And regardless of which of their packages you want, you’ll get access to between 40-125 channels, which is staggeringly poor if you compare it to the over 330 channels offered by DirecTV.

That said, DirecTV Now still features a lot of “A” list channels, along with some brilliant premium channel selections you’ll love.

Premium channel offerings

One of the big upsides of doing business with DirecTV Now is that it offers some of the finest premium channels out there. As a matter of fact, DirecTV is the only online video streaming platform that lets you explore all your favorite premium channels in one place. With other live TV streaming platforms, you may be missing a couple.

From Cinemax to Epix to HBO to Showtime to Starz and more, DirecTV Now features the very best of premium channels in the TV landscape.

Surprisingly, DirecTV is also big on premium channel selections, so you’ll not be missing out on your favorite TV shows or movies when you decide to make DirecTV your preferred TV provider. With DirecTV, you’ll get exclusive access to top premium channels like Cinemax, Showtime, Epix, HBO, and Starz.

The good thing with DirecTV’s premium channel selections is that you get to enjoy free access to premium channel selections for the first three months. And you know what, this isn’t a deal you’ll get with the likes of DirecTV Now.

Sport offerings

DirecTV and DirecTV Now aren’t letting the competition go home with the victory medal as both TV providers feature spectacular sports channels you’ll love. And for sports lovers who never want to miss a game, fight or race from their favorite teams, both providers have you covered.

With DirecTV Now, you can finally keep up with your favorite sporting events. From soccer to basketball to golf to tennis and more, DirecTV Now rolls out exciting blends of premium sports channels. Some of the brilliant sports channels on DirecTV Now include ESPN, Big Ten Network, NBC Sports Network, SEC, Olympic Sports Channel, and more.

Although DirecTV also features impeccable sports channels like DirecTV Now, where DirecTV outperforms DirecTV Now, is that they are the only TV provider that offers access to the famous NFL Sunday Ticket. And for NFL sports fans, this is a big deal, especially for those who want to keep up with every live game from their favorite NFL teams.

DirecTV vs. DirecTV Now: Pricing

Choosing a TV provider comes with a lot of consideration. From the cost of TV service to the cost of equipment and DVR, there is so much to compare when deciding which of these providers is right for you. The good thing is that both providers are pretty upfront with pricing, so you’ll at least know what you’re paying for. Let’s take you through the cost of TV service charged by both providers.

The cost of TV service

DirecTV Now is quite transparent with its pricing. Little wonder why they have become a huge favorite among live TV lovers. With DirecTV Now, you know exactly what you’re paying for and what you stand to enjoy. And depending on which of their brilliant packages tickle your fancy, DirecTV Now charges users between $50 to $135 per month.

Read on as we take you through some of their superb packages and pricing.

DirecTV Now packages and pricing

PLUS Package: May not be the best package you’ll come across in the TV landscape, but it sure delivers access to some of the top TV channels out there. With DirecTV Now Plus package, you get to explore 40+ channels at $50 per month.

May not be the best package you’ll come across in the TV landscape, but it sure delivers access to some of the top TV channels out there. With DirecTV Now Plus package, you get to explore 40+ channels at $50 per month. MAX Package: The max package from DirecTV Now has a lot of great things going for it. With this superb package, you can finally stay up to date with your favorite TV shows. With over 50 channels offered by this package, we doubt you’ll ever run out of programs to watch. Plus, it is reasonably priced and cost only $70 per month.

The max package from DirecTV Now has a lot of great things going for it. With this superb package, you can finally stay up to date with your favorite TV shows. With over 50 channels offered by this package, we doubt you’ll ever run out of programs to watch. Plus, it is reasonably priced and cost only $70 per month. Entertainment Package: Stay entertained every other day, with this brilliant package from DirecTV Now. Featuring over 65 channels, you and your loved one are in for some lovely experience with this excellent package. And guess what, it is affordable and costs only $93 per month.

Stay entertained every other day, with this brilliant package from DirecTV Now. Featuring over 65 channels, you and your loved one are in for some lovely experience with this excellent package. And guess what, it is affordable and costs only $93 per month. Choice Package: Do you want access to more channels and unlimited entertainment? Then now is the perfect time to explore this excellent package from DirecTV Now. With over 85 channels waiting for you, nothing is standing between you and your favorite programs. This package is moderately priced and costs $110 per month.

Do you want access to more channels and unlimited entertainment? Then now is the perfect time to explore this excellent package from DirecTV Now. With over 85 channels waiting for you, nothing is standing between you and your favorite programs. This package is moderately priced and costs $110 per month. Xtra Package: Enjoy the ultimate TV experience when you opt for this fantastic package. Featuring over 105 channels and priced at $124 per month, this package has everything you want from your TV subscription.

Enjoy the ultimate TV experience when you opt for this fantastic package. Featuring over 105 channels and priced at $124 per month, this package has everything you want from your TV subscription. Ultimate Package: Call it the best plan from DirecTV Now, and you’ll not be wrong. Although it is a bit pricey, it delivers value for money spent. With this package, you’ll enjoy unlimited access to over 125 channels at $135 per month.

DirecTV also does a great job with pricing. And we love the fact that they are pretty straightforward with what to expect. With DirecTV, you’ll pay around $59.99 to $134.99, depending on which of their packages meets your TV needs. Here, check out all their excellent packages and pricing.

DirecTV packages and pricing

Select package: This basic plan from DirecTV delivers more channels than you’ll get with the best plan offered by DirecTV Now. Featuring over 155 channels for only $59.99 per month, you’re in for a thrilling experience.

This basic plan from DirecTV delivers more channels than you’ll get with the best plan offered by DirecTV Now. Featuring over 155 channels for only $59.99 per month, you’re in for a thrilling experience. Entertainment package: Are you a sucker for entertainment? Then say no more as this package has all the entertainment you’re looking for and more. Starting at $64.99 per month, this package will unravel access to over 160 channels.

Are you a sucker for entertainment? Then say no more as this package has all the entertainment you’re looking for and more. Starting at $64.99 per month, this package will unravel access to over 160 channels. Choice Package: Uniquely designed to deliver a thrilling experience, this package will usher you to a world of mind-blowing entertainment. With more than 185 channels available on this package for $69.99, we bet you’ll be impressed.

Uniquely designed to deliver a thrilling experience, this package will usher you to a world of mind-blowing entertainment. With more than 185 channels available on this package for $69.99, we bet you’ll be impressed. Xtra Package: While this package looks a lot similar to the one offered by DirecTV Now, you can expect to watch more channels. With price pegged at $79.99 per month, this package grants access to 235 top channels.

While this package looks a lot similar to the one offered by DirecTV Now, you can expect to watch more channels. With price pegged at $79.99 per month, this package grants access to 235 top channels. Ultimate Package: Tired of exploring boring packages with limited channels offerings? Well, we think the ultimate package from DirecTV will make a nice fit. With this package, you’ll get unlimited access to over 250 top channels at $84.99 per month.

Tired of exploring boring packages with limited channels offerings? Well, we think the ultimate package from DirecTV will make a nice fit. With this package, you’ll get unlimited access to over 250 top channels at $84.99 per month. Premier Package: For movie buffs, sports lovers, and lifestyle enthusiasts, the Premiere package from DirecTV will not fail to impress you. With more than 330 channels up for watching, we doubt you’ll ever have a boring day. And although it is a tad pricey and cost $134.99 per month, you’ll get everything you want from your TV subscription.

Cost of equipment and DVR

Being an online streaming service, DirecTV does not require the installation of fancy equipment. You only need a reliable internet connection and a compatible device to be able to stream DirecTV Now. Thankfully, DirecTV is compatible with a range of devices, including Android and iOS devices, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Firesticks, game consoles, and more.

On the flip side, DirecTV requires installing fancy equipment like dish, DVR, and TV receivers. With DirecTV, you don’t need to pay anything for their main TV receiver. However, if you want to add extra receivers, that will cost you an extra $7 per month for each receiver.

And when it comes to DVR, DirecTV Now plays second fiddle to DirecTV. With DirecTV Now, you only get a cloud-based DVR that offers only 20 hours of storage. On the other hand, the Genie DVR from DirecTV offers much more. With the Genie, you can record up to five shows simultaneously while accessing 200 hours of storage.

Contract and cancellations

Are you tired of dealing with the hassles that come with contracts? Then now is a superb time to give DirecTV Now a try as they offer their services without forcing customers to agree to any forms of contracts.

With DirecTV, things are quite different as customers must plug into the company’s two-year contract policy before they can access their services. The not so cool thing about this is that you’ll be charged extra fees if you decide to cut short your contract with them.

Frequently asked questions

How reliable is DirecTV Now?

DirecTV Now is pretty reliable, especially considering that it is an online streaming service and only requires a decent internet connection to allow for seamless streaming.

Does DirecTV Now offer contracts?

Thanks to DirecTV Now no-contract policy, you can enjoy their services without entering any form of contract.

Is DirecTV readily available?

Being a satellite-based TV provider, DirecTV is available nationwide.

Which has more channels, DirecTV Now or DirecTV?

With over 330 top channels, DirecTV is way ahead of DirecTV Now in terms of channel count.

In a nutshell

Although DirecTV Now may not be perfect, they feature a majority of channels most people want, plus, their packages are reasonably priced. That said, DirecTV offers a more robust TV service, together with a superior DVR performance, massive channel selections, exceptional bundle deals, and more that will impress you.