How does DIRECTV STREAM compare to Verizon Fios TV?
Choosing a TV service provider these days is about so much more than picking the best price. There are many things to consider, like the number of channels, access to local or regional sports, options for on-demand shows and movies, digital video recorder (DVR) availability, contract terms, and more.
If you’re considering DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV service, you’re likely curious about how their plans compare. Although DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV have similar prices, their plan options are very different. What’s more, DIRECT STREAM is available anywhere you have a high-speed internet connection, while Verizon Fios TV has a very limited footprint.
Interested in learning more? We’ve pulled all the details you need, including packages, streaming service options, and reviews from industry leaders, together in one place to help you decide which service is best for you.
- Who DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV are for
- Key considerations
- What others say about DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV
- How do DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV plans compare?
Who DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV are for
DIRECTV STREAM is a combination of live TV options and on-demand titles available through a high-speed internet connection. And since the service streams through an internet connection, you can access it through any type of modem instead of a cable or satellite connection.
DIRECTV STREAM offers four different live tv and on-demand packages ranging from $69.99 to $149.99/month and live tv channel choices ranging between 65 and 140+. Each package also includes as many as 65,000 on-demand shows and movies so viewers get the best of both worlds.
Sports lovers will enjoy the fact that three of four of the DIRECTV STREAM packages include local sports channels. Movie fans will be happy to know they will receive at least three months of free Showtime, EPIX, Starz, and Cinemax with DIRECTV STREAM service.
Verizon Fios TV is a fiber tv option with a service footprint limited to eight states — New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia — as well as the District of Columbia.
Though Verizon Fios TV only offers three packages which range from $65 to $105/month, the number of channels in each package is at least double the number offered by comparable packages from DIRECTV STREAM. Verizon Fios TV even allows a “test drive” option which gives you access to all of their channels for the first 60 days. Then, the company will recommend the best package based on your viewing habits.
Local sports lovers will be able to find what they’re looking for with the More Fios and The Most Fios packages since they include regional sports channels and many (if not all) of the most popular sports network channels. TV and movie lovers can access their favorites through the Verizon Fios app, too.
Key considerations
What else do you need to know about these two TV providers? Understanding installation fees, equipment fees, and DVR options can give you essential insights into how DIRECTV STREAM compares with Verizon Fios.
Installation fees
Both DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV allow you to self-install so that you can avoid paying installation fees.
Equipment Rental fees
DIRECTV STREAM charges rental fees of $7/month per device. Verizon Fios TV provides the first set-top box with your plan and charges $15/month for each additional set-top box.
DVR Capabilities
DIRECTV STREAM includes up to 20 hours of DVR storage standard with each plan, or you can choose to upgrade to unlimited capabilities for an additional $10/month. Verizon Fios TV’s base package does not include a DVR option, but the two top tier plans include up to 50 hours of DVR storage. If you need more storage, you can upgrade to 100 hours of DVR storage for an additional $8/month or 200 hours for $18/month.
What others say about DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV
DIRECTV STREAM
U.S. News & World Review ranks DIRECTV #6 on its best live TV streaming service ratings and #5 in the Best Sports Streaming Services of 2022 list mostly due to the high cost of the service compared to other providers. However, the publication also points out that most DIRECTV STREAM packages provide a good selection of local and regional sports channels.
CNET agrees that sports enthusiasts will appreciate DIRECTV STREAM, touting it as an excellent option for basketball and hockey fans.
Verizon Fios TV
Due to Verizon Fios TV’s limited footprint, it hasn’t yet landed on the radar of many national reviewers. However, the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI) mentioned Verizon Fios service when discussing the big strides being made in the market by subscription TV services. In the latest ASCI ratings, Verizon Fios TV ranked second behind AT&T’s U-Verse, a service which has since been replaced by DIRECTV STREAM.
How do DIRECTV STREAM and Verizon Fios TV plans compare?
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*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our TV service page. Prices as of 3/10/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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