When it comes to choosing between different entertainment services, it can be tricky to navigate through all the options.

DIRECTV and Starz both offer television content, but in very different ways. DIRECTV is known for its extensive live TV offerings, while Starz is a premium subscription service centered around movies and original series. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and the choice depends largely on your viewing preferences and budget.

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two services to help you make an informed decision.

DIRECTV Overview

DIRECTV has been a staple in the satellite TV industry for many years, offering a wide range of entertainment options for users across the United States. It provides cable-style service with a focus on live television, including news, sports, entertainment, and movies.

Over time, DIRECTV has shifted to include streaming options as well, offering both satellite-based and internet-based plans.

For viewers who enjoy a broad range of channels, including local TV stations, international content, and regional sports networks, DIRECTV provides a comprehensive package.

It caters to households that want a traditional television experience, complete with a full range of live content and an array of premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz (which you can subscribe to as add-ons).

Starz Overview

In contrast, Starz is a premium cable and streaming service that primarily focuses on movies, TV shows, and exclusive content. Unlike DIRECTV, which offers hundreds of channels, Starz offers a more targeted selection of content with a focus on high-quality films, original series, and select blockbuster releases.

Originally available only as a cable channel, Starz has adapted to the modern streaming era by offering a standalone app that allows users to watch its content on-demand. This makes it more flexible and convenient for users who prefer to access content on various devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile phones.

Features Comparison

1. Content Offerings

DIRECTV:

DIRECTV provides access to a massive range of content. You can access hundreds of live TV channels, ranging from local broadcast channels, national networks, and specialized sports channels to international content. For sports lovers, it’s one of the best options, as DIRECTV has exclusive access to regional sports networks (RSNs), which provide coverage of local sports teams across a variety of leagues.

In addition to sports, DIRECTV offers a variety of entertainment options, including news, kids’ programming, movies, documentaries, and music channels. One of the standout features of DIRECTV is its ability to offer large bundles of channels, which appeals to families with diverse tastes.

Starz:

On the other hand, Starz focuses heavily on films and original series. It’s a go-to service for people who love watching movies, with a catalog that includes some of the biggest blockbuster films as well as critically acclaimed original programming. Popular series like Outlander, Power, and The Girlfriend Experience have been highlights for many subscribers.

While Starz does offer a decent selection of movies across genres like drama, action, and comedy, its catalog is not as vast as those of other premium networks like HBO or Netflix. Starz also produces a limited number of original series compared to its competitors, so it may not be the best choice for viewers who want an expansive variety of programming.

2. Streaming & Device Support

DIRECTV:

DIRECTV provides two main options for streaming. The first is the traditional satellite service, which requires installation of a satellite dish and receiver. This option offers a full TV experience, but it can be limited by geographical restrictions. The second option is DIRECTV STREAM, a newer streaming service that allows you to watch TV channels via the internet.

This option does not require a satellite dish and is more flexible, enabling users to stream content on various devices, including smart TVs, mobile phones, and computers. DIRECTV STREAM works on popular streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast.

However, some users have expressed frustration with its interface, which can feel clunky compared to other streaming platforms. In terms of compatibility, DIRECTV has broad device support, but users may experience limitations depending on the plan or equipment.

Starz:

Starz, being a purely streaming service, is available on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire Stick.

The Starz app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing for easy access to content anytime, anywhere. One of the best features of Starz is its simplicity and ease of use.

The interface is clean and user-friendly, which makes navigation a breeze. However, there have been occasional complaints from users regarding the app’s performance on certain devices, with slow load times and buffering issues being common concerns.

3. Flexibility and Contracts

DIRECTV:

DIRECTV offers both satellite and streaming packages, with different pricing tiers based on the number of channels and features you need.

One of the main drawbacks of DIRECTV is the long-term contracts that come with the satellite service. Typically, users are locked into a 24-month commitment, which can lead to hefty early termination fees if you choose to cancel your service before the contract expires.

While DIRECTV STREAM does offer a more flexible month-to-month plan, satellite users will find themselves tied to a contract with escalating monthly fees after the first year. Additionally, DIRECTV tends to have a lot of extra fees for equipment rental, regional sports, and premium channels.

Starz:

In stark contrast, Starz operates on a month-to-month basis, giving subscribers the flexibility to cancel at any time without being locked into a long-term contract. This flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of Starz, especially for those who want to try out the service without any commitment.

If you find yourself bored with the selection, you can cancel immediately, making it a risk-free option. Starz also offers free trials for new users, which can be a great way to explore the service and its offerings before committing to a subscription.

Pricing Comparison

DIRECTV

Pricing for DIRECTV can be complex, with multiple packages available depending on your location, choice of channels, and whether you opt for satellite or streaming. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Entertainment Package: Starts at $64.99/month for 160+ channels (with limited sports coverage).
• Choice Package: Starts at $84.99/month and includes 185+ channels with regional sports networks.
• Ultimate Package: Starts at $94.99/month and includes 250+ channels, adding more premium content and extra movie channels.
• Premier Package: Starts at $134.99/month and includes 330+ channels, plus all the premium movie channels like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change after the promotional periods end, and DIRECTV often adds installation, equipment, and regional sports fees on top of these base prices.

Starz

Starz is much more affordable in comparison. A subscription costs around $8.99/month for the standard streaming plan. Starz often runs promotions, such as offering the first three months for a discounted price or a free trial period. For those who want an annual plan, Starz may offer a discount for paying upfront for 12 months at once. Additionally, Starz is available as an add-on through other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video or Hulu, which could be useful for people who already use these services.

Overall, Starz is a very budget-friendly option, especially for viewers who only want access to a specific library of films and series without paying for hundreds of channels.

Customer Support Comparison

DIRECTV

Customer support for DIRECTV is one of the areas where many users have expressed dissatisfaction. With its large customer base and complex service options, DIRECTV faces challenges in providing timely and effective customer support. Users often report long wait times when calling customer service, and there are frequent complaints about billing issues, including hidden fees and price hikes after the initial promotional period ends.

Many customers also report difficulties with installation and equipment issues, especially when it comes to satellite-based services. While DIRECTV offers troubleshooting guides and online chat support, these often don’t resolve deeper technical issues that require human intervention.

Starz

Starz, being a smaller service, doesn’t have as many moving parts as DIRECTV, and as a result, its customer support tends to be more streamlined. The company offers phone and email support for technical issues and billing inquiries, though some users have reported slow response times, especially during peak periods. However, overall, Starz has fewer complex service problems, making it easier to resolve issues without extensive back-and-forth.

Starz also has a well-designed FAQ section on its website that answers many common questions about account management, streaming quality, and device compatibility.

Pros and Cons

DIRECTV

Pros:

• Extensive channel lineup with a large variety of programming.
• Strong sports coverage, including regional and national networks.
• Bundles available with premium channels (e.g., HBO, Showtime).
• Comprehensive customer support and troubleshooting resources.

Cons:

• Expensive, especially with additional fees for equipment and regional sports.
• Long-term contracts required for satellite packages.
• Complex pricing structure with hidden fees.
• Customer support can be slow and frustrating.
• Not ideal for casual viewers who don’t need many channels.

Starz

Pros:

• Affordable, especially for those who primarily want movies and original content.
• No long-term contracts, allowing for flexible month-to-month subscriptions.
• User-friendly app and streaming experience.
• Wide range of films and original series, especially in drama and action.

Cons:

• Limited in scope compared to full TV providers.
• Smaller catalog of movies and shows compared to other premium channels.
• No live TV or sports programming.
• Occasional app performance issues on certain devices.

Conclusion

Choosing between DIRECTV and Starz ultimately depends on your viewing preferences. If you are looking for a broad television experience with live programming, sports, news, and a huge selection of channels, DIRECTV is the clear winner. It is a full-fledged TV provider with both satellite and streaming options, but it comes with a hefty price tag, hidden fees, and complicated contracts.

On the other hand, if you are primarily interested in movies and original series and don’t need live TV or sports, Starz offers a more affordable and flexible solution. While it lacks the breadth of DIRECTV’s offerings, it provides excellent value for film lovers and those who enjoy binge-watching premium content without being tied to a long-term contract.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you need from your TV service: comprehensive live TV and channels (DIRECTV) or a focused selection of films and original programming (Starz). Consider your budget, viewing habits, and how much flexibility you want in your subscription before making a decision.

FAQs

Which service is better for sports lovers?

DIRECTV is better suited for sports enthusiasts as it offers regional sports networks and live game broadcasts.

Can I cancel Starz anytime?

Yes, Starz operates on a month-to-month basis, so you can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty.

Does DIRECTV offer movies and original series like Starz?

Yes, but with DIRECTV, movies and original series are bundled with hundreds of other channels, whereas Starz specializes in movies and original content.

Is Starz worth it for casual viewers?

Yes, especially if you enjoy movies and limited original series. It’s a great option for budget-conscious viewers who don’t need a wide selection of channels.

Does DIRECTV offer streaming options?

Yes, DIRECTV STREAM allows you to access live TV and on-demand content without needing satellite equipment.