by Henry St. Pierre
AT&T is a telecommunications juggernaut. The conglomerate runs internet, TV and wireless services for millions of customers. They also own both AT&T TV and DIRECTV, two different TV services. So why would one company own two different TV services?
Table of Contents
- Overview of AT&T TV and DIRECTV
- How to Choose Between AT&T TV and DIRECTV
- AT&T TV and DIRECTV Plans and Prices
- Is AT&T TV or DIRECTV Better?
- FAQ
Summary
AT&T TV (launched in 2016) is a completely internet-based TV provider. Together, AT&T operates both satellite (DIRECTV) and internet (AT&T TV) TV service. Each service has their own respective prices, packages and bundles, but both are owned by AT&T.
Brief Overview of AT&T TV and DIRECTV
Telecommunications companies can be a bit convoluted. Between TV services, ISP-owned TV services, streaming services and an endless amount of bundles, it can get confusing to be a customer. Recent years have seen plenty of mergers, re-brandings and headaches. We’re going to dive into what the differences are between AT&T TV, DIRECTV and any other branding related to AT&T TV services.
DIRECTV has long been the number one* satellite TV service in the country, and AT&T wanted to expand in the TV service industry. A logical way to expand their TV customer count would be by purchasing DIRECTV.
In 2015, AT&T purchased DIRECTV for $67.1 billion and absorbed its 20 million DIRECTV subscribers into AT&T.
*Based on U.S. satellite subscriber data as of 1Q 2020
image from www.directv.com
How to Choose Between AT&T TV and DIRECTV
Now that the initial confusion dust has settled, let’s see what each TV service does best. AT&T TV isn’t available to DIRECTV customers so choosing between the two AT&T-owned TV services is necessary.
AT&T TV
AT&T TV is best for streaming or recording your favorite shows.
You can watch live local and national TV*, use your own compatible device to watch (or use AT&T TV’s own streaming device) and also access over 7,000 apps** through Google Play. AT&T TV also comes with 20 hours of Cloud DVR included but for $10/mo. more you can get unlimited storage. This is perfect for recording your favorite channels and streaming anywhere, though be aware recordings delete after 90 days.
Pros
- Cloud DVR
- Can purchase regardless of internet provider
- Available everywhere
- Super easy setup
- Google Assistant*** and Google Play
Cons
- Dependent on fast internet
- Can get expensive
- Regional sports fees can be up to $8.49/mo.
*Local Channels: Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view.
**Requires purchase of AT&T TV streaming device. Separate subscription/login required for HBO Max, Netflix and other third party apps
*Google login required. Google, Google Chromecast, Android, Google Play, and Android TV are trademarks of Google LLC.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is best for sports fans.
NFL Sunday Ticket, MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice and MLS Direct Kick are all available with DIRECTV, not to mention ESPN, FS1 and more being included. If you’re a diehard sports fan or just like watching a game now and then, DIRECTV’s incredible sports lineup should have you covered.
DIRECTV’s higher-end packages are great for TV lovers as well, but sports is where DIRECTV thrives.
Pros
- Most live sports in 4K HDR*
- 185 channels**
- Thousands of on demand titles
- #1 Satellite TV service in U.S.
- Free Genie HD DVR
Cons
- Satellite TV can be affected by weather
- Prices rise in second year of contract
- Regional sports fees can be up to $10/mo.
*Limited 4K HDR programming available. CHOICE Pkg or higher required for most 4K HDR live sports. 4K compatible equipment, minimum programming, 4K account authorization and professional installation required. If 4K TV does not support HDR, content will be viewable in standard 4K. Other conditions apply.
**185 channels is for DIRECTV PREMIER via Satellite Pkg
What Are AT&T TV's Prices?
Now that we’ve explained the differences between AT&T TV and DIRECTV and went over some quick pros and cons, we can begin to examine plans.
| Package Name | Starting Price* | Number of Channels | Top Channels | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Internet | $69.99/mo. + taxes | 90+ | ESPN, TNT, Nick, HGTV | N/A |
| DIRECTV CHOICE™ via Internet | $74.99/mo. + taxes | 125+ | ESPN U, Cooking Channel, Game Show Network, Comedy TV | 1 year HBO Max™ |
| DIRECTV ULTIMATE via Internet | $104.99/mo. + taxes | 160+ | STARZ Encore, NHL Network, Destination America, Lifetime Movie Network | 1 year HBO Max™ |
| DIRECTV STREAM PREMIER | $149.99/mo. + taxes | 140+ | HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, STARZ | HBO Max™ |
*24 mo. agreement and prices rise in the second year. All packages excluding ENTERTAINMENT also have regional sports fees up to $8.49/mo.$19.95 activation, Early Termination Fees ($15/mo. for TV) for each month remaining on agmt., equipment non-return & add’l fees apply. Price incl. AT&T TV pkg. 1 AT&T TV device incl. for well-qualified customers; otherwise $120. New residential customers only, excluding DIRECTV and U-verse® TV customers. Restr’s apply.
What are DIRECTV's Prices?
Let’s take a look at DIRECTV’s plans.
| Package Name | Starting Price* | Channel Count | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT via Satellite | $69.99/mo. + taxes | 90+ | N/A |
| DIRECTV CHOICE™ via Satellite | $74.99/mo. + taxes | 125+ | 1 year HBO Max™, NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass |
| DIRECTV ULTIMATE via Satellite | $104.99/mo. + taxes | 160+ | 1 year HBO Max™, NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass |
| DIRECTV PREMIER via Satellite | $149.99/mo. + taxes | 185+ | HBO Max™, NFL Sunday Ticket, NBA League Pass |
*All 12 mo. contracts have a 24 mo. agreement and prices rise in the second year. All packages excluding ENTERTAINMENT also have regional sports fees up to $9.99/mo.
$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20 PER MONTH FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGREEMENT, EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN, AND ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY. Price includes monthly service and equipment fees for 1 HD DVR and is after $5 per month AutoPay and paperless bill discount for 12 months. New approved residential customers only (equipment lease required). Credit card required (except MA & PA). Restrictions apply.
Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com. HBO Max also includes HBO channels and HBO On Demand on DIRECTV. Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T sign-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions; see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subject to change. Upon cancellation of HBO subscription or cancellation of your eligible video service, you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per AT&T account holder. May not be stackable with other offers, credits, or discounts. Includes usage only in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To learn more, visit att.com/hbomax. HBO Max™ and related service marks are the property of Warner Media Direct, LLC.
Is AT&T TV or DIRECTV Better?
AT&T TV and DIRECTV are both great options for speculative TV customers. Which one is better for you depends wholly on your preferences and specific needs.
AT&T TV’s easy installation (plugging in their device) is super easy but the service is dependent on fast internet speeds. It’s also compatible with many streaming devices including Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple and iOS, Google, Roku and Samsung.
If you’re big into streaming and want lots of cloud storage, AT&T TV is perfect for you.
DIRECTV uses satellites so installation is, of course, more complex. Satellite antennae are also prone to the elements and not every homeowner is allowed to have a satellite dish on their roof. But DIRECTV’s plethora of sports channels, and industry-leading 4K picture quality, make DIRECTV a must for any sports lover.
If you’re a sports fan and want to keep up with action from every league, there is truly no better TV provider than DIRECTV.
Frequently asked questions
Does AT&T TV Have contracts?
No annual contracts are required with AT&T TV.
What happened to AT&TV Now?
AT&T TV Now merged with AT&T TV and is no longer available to new customers.
What happened to AT&T U-verse?
To focus their efforts on AT&T TV, AT&T has decided to stop accepting new customers for U-verse. Any existing customers won't have their service affected until their contracts expire, though AT&T is offering plenty of incentives for U-verse customers to switch over to AT&T TV.
Do I need AT&T internet for AT&T TV?
No. Any high-speed internet service provider can be used with AT&T TV.
Does DIRECTV have a basic package?
DIRECTV's basic package is its ENTERTAINMENT package.
What's the difference between AT&T TV and DIRECTV?
Although both services are owned by AT&T, DIRECTV used to be its own company and was bought by AT&T in 2015. DIRECTV still uses satellites to provide TV service while AT&T TV is an internet-provided TV service.
Does AT&T own DIRECTV?
Yes, AT&T bought DIRECTV in 2015. AT&T operates both AT&T TV and DIRECTV.
