When it comes to choosing a TV service, the decision often boils down to the type of content you watch, how you watch it, and the overall value you’re getting. Two major players in the entertainment space are DirecTV and Paramount+—both offering unique services but catering to different kinds of viewers.

DirecTV, traditionally known for satellite TV, has evolved into the streaming world with DirecTV Stream, which aims to bring the experience of traditional live TV to the streaming age.

It offers an expansive channel lineup, including national networks, regional sports, and local TV stations, making it an ideal option for those who want to replicate their cable TV experience but in a more flexible, internet-based format.

However, it comes with a higher price tag, particularly for premium plans, and has some customer service complaints.

On the other hand, Paramount+ is a streaming service designed for those who enjoy on-demand content, original series, and movies, but also want some live TV features. Owned by Paramount Global, it provides a mix of content from networks like CBS, Showtime, and Nickelodeon, along with exclusive originals and select live sports broadcasts.

It offers a more affordable pricing model, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who don’t need a full live TV experience.

In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at how DirecTV and Paramount+ stack up against each other in terms of features, pricing, customer support, and overall value. Let’s dive into the details to see which service might be the better fit for your needs.

DirecTV

DirecTV is a long-established satellite TV provider that has evolved into offering streaming services as well. Originally, DirecTV was known for providing satellite television, but with the rise of internet streaming, the company shifted its focus to offer live TV streaming services (called DirecTV Stream) for customers who prefer to cut the cable cord but still want access to traditional live television, including news, sports, and local channels.

DirecTV Stream offers a range of plans that provide a variety of live TV channels, from major networks like NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX to popular sports channels and regional networks. This makes it a solid choice for people who want a comprehensive television experience with all the channels they’re used to, plus added flexibility with streaming.

Paramount+

Paramount+, on the other hand, is a streaming service owned by ViacomCBS (now just Paramount Global) that provides both on-demand content and a limited offering of live TV, including sports and some live network programming.

The service is centered around on-demand movies, television shows, and exclusive content that spans a wide range of genres, from drama to reality TV, and has a solid portfolio of original shows, such as “Star Trek: Picard” and “The Good Fight.”

Paramount+ also offers live streams of CBS channels, including news and sports events, such as the NFL and the PGA Tour. It’s more of a direct-to-consumer streaming platform with some live content, but its primary focus remains on on-demand viewing, making it different from DirecTV’s live TV-centric offering.

Features Comparison

1. Channel Lineup

DirecTV:

One of the biggest advantages of DirecTV is its extensive channel lineup. As a live TV service, DirecTV Stream provides access to over 100 channels depending on your plan. These channels include major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX, as well as cable networks such as ESPN, HGTV, CNN, and more.

If you subscribe to higher-tier plans, you’ll also gain access to more specialized channels, including sports networks like NFL Network and NBA TV, which are especially appealing to sports enthusiasts.

If you are looking for a service that provides a complete live TV experience similar to traditional cable TV, DirecTV is a solid choice. It caters to users who want a diverse range of content, including news, sports, local channels, and entertainment. It’s a good option for households that enjoy live TV but want the added benefit of streaming flexibility.

Paramount+:

While Paramount+ does offer some live TV options, such as live streaming of CBS broadcasts and sports events like the NFL and the PGA Tour, it is primarily an on-demand streaming service.

Paramount+ is home to an extensive library of on-demand content, which includes shows and movies from the CBS catalog, along with exclusive originals like “Star Trek: Picard” and “The Good Fight.” Additionally, Paramount+ has a growing portfolio of movies from Paramount Pictures, which gives it an edge in movie streaming.

However, when it comes to channel selection, Paramount+ is limited compared to DirecTV. You’ll get access to CBS, but you won’t find the broader selection of channels offered by DirecTV. The content offering is more focused on CBS and the Paramount Network, making it a great service for fans of their original content but less ideal for someone who wants a traditional TV lineup with lots of variety.

2. On-Demand Content and Originals

DirecTV:

Though DirecTV provides access to a lot of live television, it’s not primarily known for its on-demand content. It does have an on-demand section, but it’s not as robust as some other streaming services. Some programs and movies are available for on-demand viewing, but the service’s main focus is on live television.

This means that if you’re someone who enjoys binge-watching shows or watching movies on your own schedule, DirecTV may not be your best choice. For that, you might want to look at other streaming platforms that cater specifically to on-demand content.

Paramount+:

This is where Paramount+ shines. It offers a vast on-demand library that includes classic shows, films, and exclusive content from CBS, Showtime, Nickelodeon, MTV, and the Paramount Network. Whether you enjoy drama, reality TV, or documentaries, you’ll find a wide selection of content available at your fingertips.

Paramount+ also creates exclusive original programming, making it a solid choice for anyone who enjoys fresh, original content. If you’re a fan of the “Star Trek” franchise or enjoy original dramas like “The Good Fight” or “The Stand,” Paramount+ has you covered.

Additionally, the platform offers movies from the Paramount Pictures library, which adds significant value for movie lovers.

3. Sports and Live TV

DirecTV:

For sports fans, DirecTV offers one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services available. Whether you’re interested in national broadcasts or regional sports, DirecTV has you covered.

You can watch live games from leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. Additionally, the service includes access to sports networks such as ESPN, FS1, and the NFL Network, among others.

DirecTV is an excellent option if you want to watch sports events live and in real time. It also provides a variety of sports channels, so you won’t miss out on your favorite teams or sports events. If you subscribe to a higher-tier plan, you can also access premium sports content, including NFL Sunday Ticket, which is a huge draw for football fans.

Paramount+:

Paramount+ offers live sports, but it’s not as extensive as DirecTV. The service broadcasts live CBS sports events, including NFL games, the NCAA March Madness tournament, and PGA Tour events. However, Paramount+ doesn’t provide the same variety of sports channels as DirecTV does.

If you’re a die-hard sports fan who wants access to every game and every major sports channel, DirecTV is the better option.

That said, Paramount+ does a good job of offering live sports from CBS and a few other events, so if you’re only looking for occasional sports viewing, it could suffice. Additionally, Paramount+ offers a range of documentaries and sports programming from Showtime, which can be appealing for those interested in in-depth sports coverage.

Pricing Comparison

DirecTV:

One of the major downsides of DirecTV is its price. The service operates on a tiered pricing structure, and depending on the package you choose, the price can vary widely. DirecTV Stream offers packages that range from $49.99/month to $124.99/month, depending on how many channels you want and whether you’re looking for additional features like premium channels or extra sports content.

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing structure:

• Entertainment Plan: $49.99/month – 75+ channels, including popular networks like ESPN, TNT, and CNN.
• Choice Plan: $69.99/month – 90+ channels, including regional sports networks and more sports content.
• Ultimate Plan: $94.99/month – 130+ channels, including additional premium sports channels and family-friendly content.
• Premier Plan: $124.99/month – 140+ channels, including all available sports networks, premium channels like HBO Max, and more.

While DirecTV Stream offers an impressive range of channels, the cost can be steep, especially if you want the higher-tier plans.

Paramount+:

Paramount+ offers a much more affordable pricing structure. The service has two main subscription options:

• Essential Plan: $5.99/month – This plan includes on-demand content and live streaming of CBS content, but it has ads.
• Premium Plan: $9.99/month – This plan offers the same content as the Essential plan but without ads, along with access to additional content from Showtime and a few more live sports events.

If you want to save money and don’t mind ads, the Essential plan is an excellent option. If you want an ad-free experience with additional features, the Premium plan is still quite affordable compared to traditional cable or satellite TV packages.

Customer Support Comparison

DirecTV:

Customer service has been a recurring point of criticism for DirecTV. Many users report difficulties with billing issues, service outages, and complicated cancellation processes. Reviews on various websites often highlight frustrations with long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and a lack of resolution for ongoing technical issues.

One common complaint about DirecTV is the confusing nature of its pricing and the frequent changes in monthly rates. Some users have reported being charged extra for equipment, even after cancelling services. While DirecTV’s service quality has improved in some areas, it still has room for improvement when it comes to customer support.

Paramount+:

On the other hand, Paramount+ generally receives more positive reviews for its customer service, although it isn’t without its own set of complaints. Some users have reported issues with app performance and connectivity, which are common among streaming platforms. However, since Paramount+ is a streaming-only service, customer support tends to focus on app-related issues rather than hardware and installation concerns.

Paramount+’s customer service is generally easier to navigate because the service doesn’t require installation or complicated setup. While the company has received some negative reviews related to app glitches, it is still regarded as more user-friendly compared to DirecTV.

Pros and Cons

DirecTV – Pros

• Large selection of live TV channels, including major networks and sports.
• Offers a full cable-replacement experience with live broadcasts.
• Excellent for sports fans, especially those looking for exclusive sports channels.
• Flexible plan options to suit a range of budgets (though higher-tier plans are expensive).
• Offers regional sports and local channels.

DirecTV – Cons

• Higher pricing, especially for premium plans.
• Complex service with issues like technical problems, signal drops, and customer support complaints.
• Requires an internet connection (for streaming plans) and sometimes extra equipment.
• On-demand content is limited compared to streaming services.

Paramount+ – Pros

• Very affordable pricing, especially with the Essential plan.
• Offers a wide range of on-demand content, including popular shows, movies, and original programming.
• Ideal for those who prefer streaming without the need for live TV.
• Good selection of CBS content and live sports, especially NFL games.
• No equipment required, and you can watch on most devices.

Paramount+ – Cons

• Limited live TV offerings compared to traditional TV services.
• The app can experience technical issues like buffering and freezing.
• Doesn’t offer the same extensive sports or news channels as DirecTV.
• Premium content (such as Showtime) requires an additional subscription.

Conclusion

Both DirecTV and Paramount+ offer compelling content, but they serve different types of viewers.

DirecTV is the better option if you’re looking for a live TV service with a broad range of channels, including sports and regional networks. It’s perfect for people who still want the full TV experience with all the familiar networks.

However, if you’re a cord-cutter who doesn’t mind fewer live TV options and wants a more affordable streaming experience, Paramount+ is a fantastic choice. It’s best suited for people who enjoy on-demand content, movies, and exclusive programming with the option to catch some live CBS broadcasts.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your preferences: if you want everything traditional TV has to offer, go with DirecTV. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly, on-demand streaming experience, Paramount+ is the winner.

FAQs

Can Paramount+ replace my cable TV?

Paramount+ can replace cable TV for those who prefer streaming and are okay with fewer live TV channels.

Is DirecTV expensive?

Yes, DirecTV is more expensive than many streaming services, especially if you choose the premium plans.

Does Paramount+ offer sports?

Paramount+ offers some live sports, such as the NFL and PGA Tour, but it is limited compared to DirecTV.

What’s better for sports: DirecTV or Paramount+?

DirecTV is better for live sports, offering more channels and more comprehensive coverage.

Which has more original content: DirecTV or Paramount+?

Paramount+ offers a wider range of exclusive original content, especially in the realm of drama and sci-fi.