DIRECTV for Seniors: Review and Pricing
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April 5, 2025
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DIRECTV delivers robust television packages for seniors, with or without a satellite dish. Our team of experts has thoroughly evaluated DIRECTV’s offerings, from channel lineups to contract requirements and hidden fees. While DIRECTV doesn’t offer specific senior discounts, its packages provide considerable value through extensive sports coverage, streaming capabilities, and premium channel access. We’ve analyzed the true costs and benefits with plans starting at $86.99 monthly and increasing after promotional periods.
DIRECTV for Seniors: Takeaways
- As of 2025, DIRECTV does not offer a specific plan or discount for seniors.
- DIRECTV plans start at $86.99 per month, making them a bit more expensive than other providers.
- If you’re looking for TV service from $30 per month, then check out our rundown of Xfinity TV for seniors.
FYI: If you’re looking for affordable streaming and cable TV service, then check out our rundown of this year’s best TV packages for seniors.
DIRECTV’s Pros and Cons
Pros
- No dish required: While DIRECTV is synonymous with satellite dishes, they no longer require users to use this equipment. Subscribers can utilize an existing internet connection to stream DIRECTV.
- Free app for streaming: With the DIRECTV app, you can stream shows and movies on up to five screens, including phones, computers, tablets, and televisions. Additionally, you can download DVR recordings to watch shows when you don’t have an internet connection.
- Wide range of sports channels: DIRECTV provides live sports coverage and access to 65,000-plus on-demand shows, including ESPN and NBC Sports. For no extra charge, you’ll also get access to every live football game with the NFL SUNDAY TICKET.
- Bundled savings: You can save by bundling your DIRECTV service with AT&T Internet. When you bundle, you’ll get three months of HBO Max, access to live sports coverage, and help from a trained expert to set up your Gemini HD DVR to record all your favorite shows and movies.
Cons
- Minimum two-year contract: Every DIRECTV plan requires you to sign a two-year contract, meaning that if you don’t like your service, you’ll be subject to cancellation fees of up to $20 per month for the remainder of your term agreement.
- Hidden fees: DIRECTV has many hidden fees — advanced receiver service fees, regional sports fees, and extra connection fees, to name a few — all of which add to your monthly bill.
- Price increases: DIRECTV prices are guaranteed to increase after the first two years of service.
DIRECTV Packages
| Plan Name | Monthly Price | Number of Channels | Popular Channels |
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| DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT |
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90+ channels |
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| DIRECTV CHOICE |
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125+ channels |
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| DIRECTV ULTIMATE |
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160+ channels |
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Which DIRECTV Plan Is Best for Seniors?
While DIRECTV doesn’t offer a senior discount or a specific plan for seniors, our favorite option would have to be DIRECTV CHOICE, which is just a few dollars more per month than their basic DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT package. Considered a step up from the ENTERTAINMENT package, CHOICE is affordably priced at $89.99 per month with a 24-month term agreement, and over 125 channels.
For those who don’t have time to watch live shows, you can still record your favorite shows using Genie HD DVR at no extra cost. Fans of quality programming and live sports can enjoy everything from regional sports networks to the Big Ten Network, ensuring you won’t miss the big game.
DIRECTV Internet
Currently, DIRECTV doesn’t sell their internet service separately; instead, you can choose from several internet bundle options for both TV and AT&T Internet. Depending on your location, the most affordable internet and TV package (DIRECTV Entertainment with AT&T Internet 50) starts at $129.99 per month and features over 160 channels. With unlimited streaming and browsing features, there are no internet usage caps, and HD DVR is included with your DIRECTV subscription.
There are a total of three internet and TV bundle options to choose from, ranging from $129.99 to $154.99 per month, depending on the availability of service in your area:
- DIRECTV Entertainment PACKAGE + INTERNET (AT&T FIBER, 300 Mbps)
- DIRECTV Choice PACKAGE + INTERNET (AT&T FIBER, 300 Mbps)
- DIRECTV Choice PACKAGE + INTERNET (AT&T FIBER, 1 Gig)
DIRECTV Streaming Plans
If you prefer streaming your favorite live shows and local channels on your tablet, smartphone, or other devices, then I’d recommend DIRECTV’s streaming plans starting at $69.99 per month, plus taxes. These streaming plans differ from satellite packages, as they are more affordable and don’t require a contract. If you decide to purchase a DIRECTV STREAM plan, first-time customers can get $30 for three months for a limited time.
Currently, DIRECTV offers the following streaming plans that let you stream live shows and on-demand content anywhere or when you’re on the go.
- ENTERTAINMENT: This streaming package offers over 90 live channels, including 45,000 on-demand titles, starting at $86.99 per month.
- CHOICE: This streaming package offers over 125 live channels and local channels, including 45,000 on-demand titles starting at $114.99 per month.
- ULTIMATE: This streaming package offers over 160 live channels and local TV stations, including 55,000 on-demand titles starting at $129.99 per month.
DIRECTV Extra Features
DIRECTV offers extra features and add-ons such as DVR, access to NFL SUNDAY TICKET at no additional cost for some satellite TV plans, and additional channels. We’ll detail these below.
NFL SUNDAY TICKET: If you purchase a Choice, Ultimate, or Premier DIRECTV satellite TV package, you’ll get access to NFL SUNDAY TICKET at no extra cost.
Voice Remote: DIRECTV offers a smart voice remote that features voice control with Google Assistant and access to your DVR library. The remote also lets you access apps and doesn’t require additional remotes.
DVR: Currently, DIRECTV is offering unlimited Cloud DVR storage (valued at $10) for new DIRECTV Stream customers.
DIRECTV Stream App: DIRECTV offers a free DIRECTV Stream app for download. After signing up for a DIRECTV Stream plan, you can start watching your favorite live shows and movies on compatible devices. Some examples of compatible devices include iPads, iPhones, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast.
First TV connection included: When you purchase a DIRECTV plan, the first TV connection and one free Gemini HD DVR will be included. Additional TV connections start at $7 per month each.
Add-on channels option: If you want to stick with your current satellite TV plan but want more channels, you can easily add more channels to your plan during online checkout. Some of the channels include HBO Max or NBA League Pass Premium for $30 per month during the season.
Spanish-language shows: DIRECTV offers both English and Spanish-language programming options for customers starting at $69.99 per month with over 120 channels. You can also add specific Spanish-language channels to your existing DIRECTV plans, such as DIRECTV Deportes for $4.99 per month or Mexico Plus for $7.99 per month.
DIRECTV Contracts and Fees
If you purchase a DIRECTV plan, I’d recommend going over all of the fine print to make sure you understand any additional fees or costs you may incur. DIRECTV offers 24-month programming commitments for their services. Additionally, you may incur early termination fees if you cancel your service early, as detailed below.
Extra Fees
Here’s the breakdown on extra fees from DIRECTV (pricing depends on location and satellite or specific TV plan):
- Early termination fee: up to $20 for each month left in your plan.
- Regional Sports fee: Network availability and costs vary by service area, but they typically start at $11.99 per month.
- Damaged equipment fee: If your DIRECTV equipment is damaged, you may incur this fee.
- Non-return equipment fee: If DIRECTV doesn’t receive your equipment within 21 days, you may incur this fee.
- Activation fees: You may incur activation fees for select DIRECTV satellite TV plans. The cost is $19.95 for activation.
- Professional installation: a $99 one-time installation fee.
- TV connections: While the first TV connection is included, if you want to connect more TVs, they are $7 per month each which you can add on to your existing plan.
- Add-on premium, sports, international channels: Additional fees vary from $4.99 per month to as high as $65.99 per month for NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX for six months for the DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT satellite TV plan.
If you were to purchase the DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT Satellite TV package for $74.99 per month for 12 months with a 24-month agreement, you would need to pay $19.95 in activation fees. Additionally, the policies for equipment non-return and additional fees may apply. If you decide to cancel the plan before it ends, you may need to pay an ETF of $20 per month for each month remaining on your agreement. Since the $74.99 per month is a discounted rate, after 12 months, you will be billed the standard rate of $107 per month during the second year of your agreement.
However, for the first 12 months, we think this is still a great deal as you can get three months of HBO Max, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and EPIX for free, along with access to over 160 live TV channels and 45,000 on-demand titles. Included in this plan is the first TV connection for free, and the option of adding more TV connections at $7 per month if needed for additional TVs. If you were to add on the MLB Extra Innings channel for $23.33 per month for six months, that would bring your DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT package up to $98.32 per month. This is still a great deal for the number of channels you’re getting.
Pro Tip: For more internet discounts, check out my article, Senior Discounts on the Internet.
DIRECTV Compared to Other Television Providers
While DIRECTV is one of the best satellite providers, there are also alternatives to consider like Xfinity, which offers a contract-free entertainment experience for older adults. If you’re not big on sports or don’t mind skipping out on more premium channels, Cox starts at just $53 per month and still features over 75-plus channels. Additionally, Cox offers plenty of bundles for the internet, cable television, and a Homelife smart device kit for an extra layer of security on top of quality entertainment and internet services.
| Provider | Price | Features | Contracts |
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| DIRECTV
Entertainment |
Starts at $86.99 per month |
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2-year contract |
| Xfinity Limited Basic/Choice TV | Starts at $30.00 per month |
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None required |
| Cox Contour TV Starter | Starts at $53 per month |
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1-year contract |
Bottom Line
Overall, DIRECTV is a great option for older adults who want an alternative to cable and more channels to watch. Their customer service has always been prompt and courteous, addressing each of our issues in a timely manner.
The only downside of DIRECTV is the cost. Even its most affordable package is more expensive than those of Xfinity and Cox. That said, these providers won’t offer as many channels (including premium ones) for a similar cost.
DIRECTV for Seniors Frequently Asked Questions
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Does DIRECTV give senior discounts?
No, DIRECTV doesn’t currently offer senior discounts, but you can visit their website to check for ongoing promotions and deals.
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Does DIRECTV have a loyalty discount?
DIRECTV is top-ranked for customer satisfaction. If you’ve been a loyal customer for many years, there might be some incentives that you can inquire about by calling customer service.
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Is there a discount for having DIRECTV and AT&T?
Yes, you may be able to qualify for a discount if you have both DIRECTV and AT&T. Talk to your service provider to inquire about discounts or promotions. In our experience, you can get up to a $15 discount on DIRECTV if you have an AT&T Unlimited Plus Enhanced Plan.
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What is the cheapest package on DIRECTV?
Currently, the cheapest package is the Entertainment package, which starts at $69.99 per month for 12 months with a 24-month agreement. This package includes 160-plus channels and features Gemini HD DVR and three months of premium entertainment.