How does Suddenlink TV compare to DISH?
Depending on your location, you may only have a handful of TV providers to choose from. But, if you’re considering Suddenlink TV or DISH, you’ve come to the right place.
Suddenlink is a high-speed internet service provider (ISP) that offers TV packages as an add-on to its internet offerings. DISH is one of the most popular TV service providers due to its excellent selection of programming and top rated customer support.
If you’re undecided on which provider to choose for your TV services, this article compares both based on various factors, including pricing, packages, and professional reviews.
- Who Suddenlink TV and DISH are for
- Key considerations
- What others say about Suddenlink TV and DISH
- How do Suddenlink TV and DISH plans compare?
Who Suddenlink TV and DISH are for
Suddenlink
Suddenlink TV is currently available in 17 states and over 1,500 cities in the Western and Southern US, with strong coverage in suburban and rural areas. To purchase Suddenlink TV services, you must also subscribe to one of the company’s internet packages.
Suddenlink TV costs as little as $30/month on top of an internet subscription (starting at $39.99/month for 300Mbps). There are three packages to choose from, including Suddenlink Core (200+ channels), Suddenlink Select (290+ channels), and Suddenlink Premier (340+ channels). You can also add Premium Channels such as HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, and more.
DISH
DISH is perfect for people who want to get the most bang for their buck from their satellite TV provider. It has excellent programs at fair prices and is available nationwide.
DISH offers four extensive TV packages at reasonable prices. America’s Top 120 ($69.99/month) is the perfect starter pack for the family with 190 channels, including Disney Channel, ESPN, E!, and others. Sports lovers will enjoy the America’s Top 120 Plus package ($84.99/month) with 190+ channels, including the Big Ten Network and SEC Network.
America’s Top 200 package ($94.99/month) offers the best bang for your buck. With 200 channels to choose from, there’s something for sports fanatics (NBA Network, MLB Network, etc.) and casual viewers (Disney XD, Hallmark, etc.). Finally, America’s Top 250 ($104.99/month) adds even more with premium channels like STARZ, The Channel, Bloomberg, and others.
Key considerations
When selecting a TV service provider, pricing and the number of channels are always important factors to consider. However, you need to be aware of additional fees and extra capabilities to make the right choice for your home.
Installation fees
Suddenlink TV offers two types of installation. The standard installation ($99) includes one outlet and up to two set-top boxes for one customer device. The premium install ($149) includes one outlet and three or more set-top boxes for all available customer devices. DISH, on the other hand, offers free installation. The company’s technicians will install your satellite dish and DVR system at no cost to you.
Equipment rental fees
Suddenlink TV offers a variety of equipment and extras, each of which has its own monthly fee. The equipment with the lowest price is a cable card ($2.50/month), while the highest is the Altice One device ($20/month).
DISH’s equipment fees depend on the DVR service and receiver you opt for. However, the cost of each piece of equipment ranges from $7 to $17/month.
DVR capabilities
Suddenlink’s Cloud DVR Plus enables subscribers to record up to 15 shows while streaming simultaneously. Its DVR service is part of the Altice One, Suddenlink’s entertainment box, including live TV, 4K Ultra HD streaming, and more.
DISH offers the Hopper Duo Smart DVR, which can record up to 125 hours of shows in HD. To get the most out of your DISH TV plan, you can get the Hopper 3 Smart HD DVR. Users can record up to 16 shows and store 2,000 hours worth of saved shows.
Early termination fees
Suddenlink TV charges an early termination fee of up to $200 or more if you cancel or downgrade your subscription. It also charges for all outstanding fees you haven’t paid before terminating your current contract.
DISH also has an early termination fee for the remaining balance of your two-year commitment that costs $20/month.
Prices after 12 months
Suddenlink TV raises its prices after the first 12 months of your subscription. On the other hand, DISH offers a two-year price commitment for all its packages.
What others say about Suddenlink TV and DISH
Suddenlink TV
U.S. News & World Report ranked Suddenlink #1 on its listing of the most affordable internet service providers and highlighted the company’s TV bundling options. The publication also noted opportunities to select a cloud DVR or TiVo to get more value out of your Suddenlink TV package.
In the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index, Suddenlink received a score of 56 out of 100 for customer satisfaction, which is comparable to Optimum, Mediacom, and Cox.
DISH
The J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Study named DISH #1 in Overall Customer Satisfaction with TV Service for the fourth straight year.
In the American Customer Satisfaction Index, DISH received a 66 out of 100 satisfaction benchmark score. It places fifth among all subscription TV service providers.
How do Suddenlink TV and DISH 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 5/24/22.
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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