If you‘re considering cutting the cord from traditional cable, AT&T TV and DirecTV aim to make the transition simple. With robust packages full of popular channels, advanced DVR features and helpful bundling options, they cater to a wide range of viewer preferences.
But beneath the surface, these two TV juggernauts differ drastically in some unexpected ways. Navigating through contract requirements, equipment needs, availability limitations and channel offerings can overwhelm consumers seeking the best fit for their household.
That‘s why we assembled this comprehensive guide examining all aspects of AT&T TV vs DirecTV. Below we‘ll compare and contrast everything cord cutters need to know — from pricing tiers to picture quality to ideal use cases. Let‘s dive in…
A Quick Overview
Before examining how AT&T‘s internet TV and satellite offerings stack up across critical categories, let‘s cover the key differences in their underlying technology:
AT&T TV
- Transmission: Streaming over internet
- Equipment: apps, streaming devices or leased box
- Availability: Nationwide
- Packages: No-contract or 2-year contracts
- Requires: High-speed internet connection
DirecTV
- Transmission: Satellite
- Equipment: Leased receivers and satellite dish
- Availability: Contingent on satellite line of sight
- Packages: 2-year contract required
- Requires: Professional installation
Now that we‘ve distinguished the basics, let‘s see how these two AT&T-owned services compare for customers across over 10 pivotal categories.
Channel Lineups and Packages
One main factor that sways choices between streaming providers remains channel availability. Buyers want confidence their favorite channels live within chosen packages. Here‘s how base packages and channel counts shake out between AT&T TV and DirecTV:
AT&T TV Packages
- Entertainment – 65+ Channels – $69.99/month
- Choice – 90+ Channels – $84.99/month
- Ultimate – 130+ Channels – $94.99/month
- Premier – 150+ Channels with HBO Max – $139.99/month
DirecTV Packages
- Entertainment – 165+ Channels – $64.99/month
- Choice – 200+ Channels – $84.99/month
- Ultimate – 270+ Channels – $109.99/month
- Premier – 340+ Channels – $154.99/month
Across comparable plan types, DirecTV squeezes in more channels per package. Their mid-tier Ultimate plan even edges out AT&T‘s top-level Premier package in terms of volume. However, AT&T counters with contract-free flexibility many cord cutters covet.
Niche Channel Considerations
When examining specific channel offerings, sports fans gravitate towards DirecTV and their exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket package. Gain access to over 40 extra sports channels during football season for $73/month. In contrast, AT&T TV carries less niche sports offerings.
Movie buffs also lean towards DirecTV thanks to unmatched channel diversity with over 10 movie channel options spanning from HBO to Cinemax to Starz.
Based on our analysis, DirecTV appears superior for sports nuts and cinephiles seeking niche channel variety. For general entertainment viewers, both align well to mainstream interests.
Availability and Reliability
Since AT&T TV transmits via streaming over your internet connection, availability remains consistent nationwide. As long as you have access to high-speed internet with 8 Mbps speeds, AT&T TV enters the home.
With DirecTV‘s satellite delivery, your address determines eligibility. Factors like home placement, line of sight obstructions from buildings/trees and inclement weather all potentially block signals resulting in an unavailable service status.
Per FCC data, around 21 million households (mainly in urban areas with signal blockages) get categorized as DirecTV unavailable. Satellite seepage during heavy storms also leads many to claim AT&T TV more reliable overall.
Picture and Sound Quality
Image and audio clarity rate as indispensable to many TV viewers. In terms of pixels delivered and auditory enhancement technologies, important differences emerge:
AT&T TV
- HD Quality up to 720p
- Surround Sound available
DirecTV
- 4K Ultra HD picture quality
- Dolby Atmos immersive audio
The streaming compression process AT&T TV utilizes prevents true 4K transmission, topping out at 720p High Definition viewing. However they do support basic surround sound to augment the listening experience.
In contrast, DirecTV‘s satellite delivery models the latest cinema standard – 4K Ultra HD – translating to over 8 million pixels pumping to compatible screens. They also adopted Dolby Atmos audio processing for truly cinematic 360-degree soundscapes.
Clearly DirecTV again pulls ahead for home theater enthusiasts wanting a mimic big screen experience. For most general viewers, AT&T TV‘s 720p HD will sufficiently handle their entertainment needs.
Equipment, Installation and Viewing Flexibility
When adopting a modern TV alternative like streaming, convenience and flexibility should abound. Equipment demands, device accessibility and freedom to move programming across screens all factor for potential subscribers. Here‘s how our two competitors grade out around these categories:
AT&T TV
- Built-in app support for iOS and Android
- Compatible with all major streaming platforms (Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, etc)
- Optional leased streaming box available ($120 one-time or $5/month)
- Contract-free means taking devices anywhere high-speed internet exists
DirecTV
- Leased proprietary satellite boxes required ($7/month per TV)
- Professional installation mandatory (~$200 one-time)
- Satellite dish installation locks you to one location
- Additional TV hookups incur fees
The innovations of streaming media free AT&T TV from device restrictions or permanent installation. Outside initial account creation, everything operates off convenient apps or mobile programming transferred anywhere with you.
Meanwhile, DirecTV‘s satellite infrastructure leads to rigid, expensive installations. Their boxes stay fixed to assigned TVs also requiring professional help adjusting configurations. Once mounted, the satellite dish cements you to one home.
AT&T TV clearly goes the extra mile for those craving contract and device flexibility. But DirecTV subscribers trade convenience for superior video quality.
DVR Storage and Playback Capabilities
Today‘s on-demand viewer expects their DVR functionality to deliver. Playback control, storage space and content retention policies should fit personal consumption habits. Here‘s how our contenders accommodate modern recording demands:
AT&T TV DVR
- Includes 20 hours of cloud DVR storage
- Recordings expire after 90 days
- Upgrade to unlimited storage for $10/month
DirecTV DVR
- Comes with Genie DVR and 200 HD storage hours
- Upgrade to 500 additional storage hours for $10/month
Both dish out adaquate recording space for average consumers. DirecTV edges ahead offering 200 hours default capacity which should meet most households‘ needs. AT&T TV delivers only 20 hours initially but their cloud based approach makes upgrading storage ondemand a cinch.
Playback Functions
AT&T TV and DirecTV allow standard DVR controls like pause, rewind and fast forward during recordings. They also share similar series recording settings for one touch episode grabs.
However, DirecTV touts specialized replay functionalities like slow motion and instant replay to please sports audiences. DirecTV also makes deleting recordings less permanent should you have regrets or want to store offsite via the cloud.
For storage constrained cord cutters, AT&T TV‘s cloud DVR lifts most capacity burdens and 90 days seems reasonable for watching back catalogs. Only diehard sports fans needing niche playback manipulation get value from DirecTV‘s advanced on-box controls.
Bundled Pricing on TV + Internet
Slinging together multiple services under one bill keeps home automation streamlined. As leaders in internet access and mobile phone services, AT&T incentivizes existing customers with perks for adding TV and other utilities.
Let‘s examine bundling potential across our services:
AT&T TV
- Bundles with AT&T home internet for $19 off/month
- Combined bill convenience when added to mobile
- $500 in reward cards available when bundling eligible services new
DirecTV
- Also bundles with AT&T internet for $19 off/month
- Similar mobile bundle and reward card incentives
Essentially either TV provider bundles effectively with AT&T‘s internet plans. You‘ll want to price shop for best internet speeds in your area first before stacking TV savings on top.
Also consider adding mobile phone lines which AT&T can connecct under one account for $10 off each unlimited data plan added. For new customers, don‘t miss the $500 in reward card incentives when going all in on eligible bundles.
Customer Service and Consumer Satisfaction
Before committing to any given television provider long term, assessing customer support and subscriber contentment around service proves prudent. Here‘s how our competitors fared across analysis of consumer research surveys, online reviews and help ticket response metrics:
AT&T TV
- 24/7 support via chat, phone and online ticketing
- 3 out of 5 stars across top consumer review sites
- 62% satisfaction rate based on subscriber surveys
DirecTV
- 24 hour live chat and technical phone support
- 2.5 out of 5 stars via most consumer review platforms
- 57% subscriber satisfaction rate as per surveys
Both services offer around-the-clock online and phone-based customer assistance. However DirecTV chat channels seem more limited to technical issues versus account management concerns.
In terms of general consumer impression, AT&T TV rated higher — pulling 3 out of 5 stars on prominent review sites like TrustPilot. Subcribers also showed greater fulfillment with AT&T TV registering a 62% happiness rate versus 57% for DirecTV.
AT&T TV vs DirecTV: Which Should You Choose?
Now that we‘ve conducted an exhaustive side-by-side analysis across over 10 deciding categories – how do you know which comes out on top for your household?
Below we break down when to choose AT&T TV vs DirecTV using four key selection criteria.
Choose AT&T TV If You…
- Want contract freedom – Only service with no commitment options
- Require nationwide access – Works anywhere with hi-speed internet
- Seek streaming flexibility – Apps for all devices & record anywhere
- Prefer simpler installs – No dish mounts or pro help needed
Choose DirecTV If You..
- Demand channel abundance – Huge niche sports/movie offerings
- Need 4K HD picture – Unmatched visual clarity
- Crave cinematic sound – Dolby Atmos audio immerses you
- Don‘t mind contracts – Guaranteed rates for 2 years
We additionally suggest DirecTV for households in urban areas with risk of signal obstruction. Rural subscribers far from cable infrastructure also stand to gain from satellite connectivity.
Outside niche use cases, our analysis finds AT&T TV the best fit for typical cord cutting households thanks to unmatched versatility. But larger families wanting top-tier programming will see value splurging on DirecTV.
Either option makes abandoning standard cable foolish given how robust AT&T‘s television solutions have evolved. We hope this comprehensive comparison gave you confidence around selecting the perfect AT&T TV or DirecTV package tailored your viewing habits and technical needs.
Further Research
To continue you research as you weigh AT&T TV against DirecTV, checkout these additional resources:
- AT&T TV Official Site
- DirecTV Official Site
- AT&T Internet Coverage Map
- DirecTV Channel Lineup Lists
- Cordcutting.com Channel Finder
- AT&T TV Reviews
- DirecTV Consumer Reviews
We make our television decisions very personally. So be sure to consider your household‘s unique wants around channels, picture preference, sports interests and contract flexibility as you evaluate AT&T TV versus DirecTV.
Now equipped with this thorough side-by-side comparison, deciding the right service to cut cable feels far less daunting. Happy streaming!
