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Best satellite TV providers of 2025

By Lara Vukelich  |  Last updated Jan 3, 2025 10:11 AM ET
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Most TV viewers have made the switch from traditional cable to live TV streaming services over the last decade. But that doesn’t mean everyone needs to switch to livestreaming. Satellite TV has specific benefits that can’t be replicated if you use the internet to access your favorite shows. 

Because they receive their signal from satellites orbiting the Earth, satellite TV providers are able to cover 100 percent of the country. Rural customers and people with unreliable internet are likely to experience much better service with satellite TV. City dwellers may also love the generous channel lineups offered by this type of TV service. Since Orby TV shut down in 2021, there are two satellite TV choices: DISH and DIRECTV. 

How we chose the best satellite providers

We compared DISH and DIRECTV based on the number of channels they offer, starting price, DVR storage and fees. Since both streaming platforms have a similar price structure and free satellite installation, we focused on the user experience for different types of customers based on channel offerings. 

We also looked at content add-ons available from satellite TV providers, which can range from sports channel packs to Netflix and premium networks like Max. Finally, we considered the quality of channels and features.

Top satellite TV providers

  • Best for number of channels: DISH
  • Best for local sports: DIRECTV

Best for number of channels: DISH

Dish logo
  • Pricing begins at $84.99/mo
  • 190+ channels
  • No contract required
Sign up here
  • Channels:190+
  • Price: $84.99+
  • DVR: Yes, Up to 2000 hours

About DISH

DISH has three channel plans available, each with a two-year price guarantee and on-demand titles. The base plan is called America’s Top 120 and has at least 190 channels (some customers may get even more based on their zip code). The other packages, America’s Top 200 and America’s Top 250, increase your live channel count. At the top tier of service, you can unlock almost 300 channels. That’s why DISH is our choice for getting a lot of channels. You even get 17 movie channels in the America’s Top 250 plan.

In addition to the huge channel list, DISH also gives customers a minimum of 28,000 video-on-demand titles, with even more at the higher packages. Popular channels include ESPN, CNN, Bravo, and Disney Channel. At the mid-tier of service, you also get NBA TV, NFL Network and NHL Network. While all customers get local channels by default, you can save $12 per month by removing them from your lineup.

When it comes to notable features, DISH offers free satellite installation, free smart DVR (with some models), a two-year price guarantee and whole-home coverage with a single DVR. For sports fans, the America’s Top 200 plan and above are your best options. You can also add a Multi-Sport Pack extra to get more channels, including Pac-12 Network and Big Ten Network. The Hopper 3 DVR with DISH lets you record up to 2000 hours of shows, movies, and live events. You can also use it to record up to 16 titles at the same time. The original Hopper offers 2 TB of storage space.

Best for local sports: DIRECTV 

DIRECTV logo
  • Pricing begins at $89.99/mo
  • 165+ channels
  • Contract required
Sign up here
  • Channels: 90+
  • Price: $89.99+
  • DVR: Yes, Up to unlimited

About DIRECTV

While DISH is great for sheer channel volume, DIRECTV has really dialed into what die-hard sports fans are after. The satellite TV provider has a ton of regional sports networks (RSNs) in their channel rosters, including Bally Sports Networks and Marquee Sports Network. Meanwhile, DISH no longer has Bally Sports channels. This makes DIRECTV our clear leader for local sports. You also have four packages to choose from with DIRECTV. The Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier packages have between 90+ to 185+ channels. You’ll need the Choice package or above to get RSNs. 

The Choice, Ultimate, and Premier plans are the best for sports fans because they don’t only feature RSNs, but also NFL Network, MLB Network, SEC Network, NBA TV, and Big Ten Network. All plans get ESPN and Fox Sports 1. An additional Sports Pack delivers NFL Redzone, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, Fox Sports 2, and more. Customers who are signed up for the Premier plan get the channels offered in the pack as a part of their regular lineup. In addition to sports content, DIRECTV plans have a variety of entertainment and news networks ranging from Bravo to MSNBC.

Some of DIRECTV’s other features include a 72-hour look-back window for select recently aired shows, 4K resolution, and unlimited streams at home. You can also add Netflix and other streaming apps to your DIRECTV Gemini DVR device so you don’t have to leave the DIRECTV experience to use those apps. 

FAQ

Who is the best satellite TV provider?

DIRECTV is best for people who want local sports, as they carry Bally Sports networks. DISH has more overall channels and lets you add Netflix to your account.

What is the least expensive satellite TV service?

DIRECTV has a plan that starts at $89.99 and it includes required fees. This is on par with the base DISH plan which costs $84.99.

What is the best TV service for the money?

The DISH plan offers hundreds of channels for under $100, which is a good rate for such a large channel roster. The satellite service is also available in every corner of the country. 

Lara Vukelich is a freelance writer based in San Diego, California. She has written for sites including Huffington Post, Expedia, Travelocity and CNET.