If you want to combine your services, Xfinity is the way to go. The services are reasonably priced, and internet speeds are generally higher in the majority of the coverage area. The standalone TV sets, on the other hand, aren't as good.
See our in-depth Xfinity analysis for more details.
For sports fans or people who live in rural areas, DIRECTV is ideal. You can get a signal almost anywhere thanks to satellite technology, so you're not constrained by shoddy infrastructure. You'll also have access to fantastic sports programming, such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET.
Pros:
Great bundle options
Optional contract
Con:
Higher cost per channel
Pros:
Nationwide availability
Excellent value
Cons:
2-year contract required
Xfinity deals
Select bundles include Netflix and premium channels
DIRECTV deals
Available for all new customers only.
Free access to HBO Max when you subscribe to HBO® through DIRECTV.
One season of NFL SUNDAY TICKET included at no extra cost with CHOICE and above
CINEMAX®, EPIX, HBO, SHOWTIME®, and STARZ® included at no extra cost for three months
Xfinity prices and plans
Basic
$20.00 / mo
10+ Channels
$2.00 per channel
Extra
$49.99/mo.
140+ Channels
$0.36 per channel
Preferred Plus
$59.99
220+ Channels
$0.27 Channels
Although the bundles themselves are fairly priced, the cost per channel is not. Since Xfinity has never sold a large number of channels, to begin with, the per-channel expense of some of the higher-priced plans stands out. Preferred Plus is the only exception, which is why we suggest it.
One unique feature of Xfinity's plans is that users can choose between a month-to-month or a one-year deal.
Your monthly cost would be reduced if you sign a year-long contract. We believe this is the best option for most people because it is just a year-long, compared to two years for DIRECTV.
Entertainment
$64.99/mo
160+ channels
$0.41/channel
Choice
$69.99/mo
185+ Channels
$0.38
Ultimate
$84.99
250+ Channels
Premier
$134.99/mo
330+ Channels
$0.41
DIRECTV services are vastly different from those offered by Xfinity. They begin at a lower cost, and since this is satellite, there is no difference in availability or price regardless of location. You'll get the same options at the same price if you're on the East Coast, West Coast, or anywhere in the south. Satellite TV's near-universal availability is unquestionably its best feature.
All DIRECTV packages provide great value in terms of price per channel, with prices ranging from $0.23 to $0.25. Except for DIRECTV PREMIER, which includes premium channels such as HBO®, so we can overlook it. All of this contrasts sharply with Xfinity, which charges significantly more per channel. DIRECTV ULTIMATE is our favorite DIRECTV kit.
Xfinity X1
Equipment Price: $10 per month
Simultaneous Recordings: 6
Storage: 500 GB
Recording Capacity: Up to 150 hours of HD Video
DIRECTV Genie
Equipment Price: Included with service
Simultaneous Recordings: 5
Storage: 1 TB
Recording Capacity: Up to 200 hours of HD video
Both the X1 and the Genie are solid DVRs with decent user interfaces, as well as average storage and simultaneous recording capacities. The DIRECTV Genie, on the other hand, gets our vote for two reasons: its lower price and more room.
Both boxes are inexpensive, but the X1's $10 subscription payment is difficult to justify when the Genie is included in the already low DIRECTV package rates.
Simultaneous recordings
The Xfinity X1 system can record six things at once, while the DIRECTV Genie can only record five. That makes a significant difference. When planning your recordings for the week, the lower this number is, the more likely you are to run into conflicts.
With some DVRs (such as DISH's Hopper® 3) capable of up to 16 simultaneous recordings, we consider six to be the bare minimum for a good viewing experience. Although five is a close call, it's past time for DIRECTV to up its game in this region.
Storage
This one is simple: the X1 has 500 GB of storage, while the Genie has 1 TB. That's double the storage, which means double the material.
You'll also have less difficult choices to make on what to remove. Do you save your beloved season of Game of Thrones or do you get rid of it to make room for the football games you won't be able to watch?
Recording capacity
Because of the additional capacity, the DIRECTV Genie can store 200 hours of HD content, compared to 150 hours on the X1.
That's eight days of nonstop watching for the Genie, but just four days for the X1. You'll want to go with DIRECTV if you're planning the ultimate binge-watching week.
Xfinity
Pros
Optional contract
Wide availability
Reliable service
Great bundling options
Cons
Different pricing between markets
Higher price per channel
Fewer package choices
DirecTV
Pros
Nationwide availability
Better pricing
Wide range of package choices
Exclusive sports programming
Cons
2-year contract required
Price increase halfway through the contract
Possible weather interference
Internet access is almost a must in today's world. And, happily, if you want both internet and TV, bundling them from the same provider typically saves you money.
For wireless internet, TV, and phone service, Xfinity provides a variety of Double Play and Triple Play packages. With 220+ channels and 150 Mbps internet speed, we recommend the X1 Preferred Double Play.
AT&T, DIRECTV's parent company, offers internet bundles to DIRECTV customers. Depending on your place, you can get DIRECTV + Internet or DIRECTV + Fiber.
The AT&T fiber service comes highly recommended. The upload speeds are the same as the download speeds, and the packages are fast, with download speeds up to 1 Gig.
DIRECTV + Internet 1000, which includes your option of a TV package and 1 Gig internet, is our favorite bundle.
DIRECTV has improved sports programming, more channels, lower prices, and is available in all 50 states. However, a two-year contract is needed, and prices increase after the first year.
When it comes to bundling services, Xfinity is the perfect option—its X1 Preferred Double Play package provides great value for both TV and the internet. If you choose it over DIRECTV, you should expect higher per-channel rates and fewer package options overall.
Have you worked with any of these companies before? Please leave a comment and tell us all about it.
Cox is the third-largest cable provider in the nation. The company offers download speed up to 300 Mbps, the business offers Contour TV with over 220 channels and discount for low-income families.
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