We’ve previously compared Fios & Directv to many other services but, what happens when we bring the biggest trump cards of AT&T and Verizon face to face? Let’s find out in this comprehensive Directv vs Fios comparison. We have compared both TV & Internet services to give you a clear idea.
The comprehensive Directv vs Fios comparison
Just to give you a context, AT&T’s Fios is an all optic-fiber network that mainly provides TV & Internet services. On the other hand, Directv is a satellite-based TV service provider. So, why there is Internet in this comparison? Well, you’ll understand when you’ll get to the Internet section.
Directv vs Fios TV
As mentioned earlier, Directv is a satellite-based TV service so, they’ll fix those Dish Antennas at your roof, that will catch the signals for you and transfer to the DVR. For Fios, a Fiber-optic cable carrying signals directly plugs into the DVR. Sattelite signals can suffer from bad weather & something like fiber optic cables can suffer from wire damage sometimes. So, both the services have their up & downsides in-terms of their platforms.
Let’s talk packages now. Directv has a total of 6 packages as of now & they start at $35/month (for the first year). That gives you 155+ channels & you need to get a 2-year contract ($81 for the second year, can change). The most popular package is their Choice package which costs $45/month ($110/month for the second year). Finally, their Premier plan which is the most expensive one from Directv costs $110/month ($189.99/month for the second year).
Talking about Fios, they have a variety of plans divided into three groups. These divisions are known as Custom, Traditional & Spanish. About pricing, Custom plans start at $64.99/month, Traditional plans start at $74.99/month & the Spanish plans start at $49.99/month. There is also a Fios Local TV pack which gives like 15+ channels & that one also costs a lot less.
Directv vs Fios Picture Quality
We have seen that many of you have so many concerns about the picture quality. The picture quality isn’t drastically different in any of these services. Maybe Fios has a slight edge in the regular SD section but, for HD it is more of the same story. So, you don’t need to worry about the picture quality that much.
Directv vs Fios Internet
Directv doesn’t have their own Internet services but, as they’re owned by AT&T, you can get $10 off on your monthly Internet bill if you’re an AT&T customer. We’re not sure exactly which plans have this offer but, you can check in your local area for that.
Fios, on the other hand, has a handful of Internet plans. Check them out in the table below,
| Better Browsing | 100 Mbps | $39.99/month |
| Better Streaming | 300 Mbps | $59.99/month |
| Better Everywhere | 940 Mbps | $79.99/month |
So, if you want dedicated Internet services, you better go with Fios instead of Directv. Fios also has bundle plans starting at $79.99/month that gives you their Gigabit Internet + basic TV for a trial & phone services all at once.
So, who should you be choosing then?
The biggest decision making element here will be availability. Directv is available almost everywhere in the US but, the availability of Fios is limited to several states only. So, first, check if both the services are available or not. If Fios is not available, you don’t have a choice then.
Now just for TV, you have to check if you’re okay with that kind of second-year pricing of Directv. If yes then that’s the better option. Otherwise, Fios will be completely fine. For the Internet though, go for Fios if it is available. It will be way better in that segment for your money.
