When it comes to streaming sports content, sports fans have a wealth of options at their fingertips. Among the top contenders in the market today are DirecTV and DAZN, two very different services that cater to sports enthusiasts in unique ways. If you’re trying to decide which one offers better value for your sports-viewing needs, you’re in the right place.

DirecTV is known for its long-standing presence in the TV industry, offering a broad selection of channels through satellite and streaming services. It delivers an extensive lineup that includes live sports events, news, entertainment, and local channels.

This makes it a great option if you’re looking for an all-in-one service that provides more than just sports content. With various packages that include everything from premium sports networks to movies and shows, DirecTV is ideal for those who want a comprehensive TV experience.

On the other hand, DAZN is a newer player focused exclusively on sports streaming. It’s tailored for fans who want access to live sports events, including boxing, MMA, and soccer, with a low-cost subscription model. DAZN offers flexibility, affordability, and ease of use but has a more limited selection compared to traditional TV services.

In this comparison, we’ll explore the features, pricing, and overall value of both services to help you decide whether DirecTV or DAZN is the better choice for your sports entertainment needs.

Overview

DirecTV

DirecTV is one of the largest satellite television providers in the United States. It offers a variety of traditional satellite TV packages and more recent streaming TV options. DirecTV provides a comprehensive service that includes access to over 200 channels, including premium content like sports, movies, and news channels.

DirecTV has been around for decades and is known for its high-quality broadcast and strong customer support, though in recent years, it has faced increasing competition from online streaming platforms.

With the shift in consumer habits towards streaming, DirecTV has evolved to offer DirecTV Stream, which is a digital alternative to its traditional satellite service.

DAZN

DAZN is a subscription-based sports streaming service that focuses on offering live sports content, including boxing, MMA, soccer, and other niche sports. Unlike DirecTV, which provides a broad array of channels covering various types of content, DAZN specializes in sports coverage, providing users access to live events, original sports documentaries, and a library of on-demand content.

DAZN first launched in 2016 and has quickly grown in popularity, especially among sports enthusiasts. It is available in many countries and offers different pricing models based on region and the type of content available. In the United States, DAZN is mostly known for its coverage of boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA), though it has also made moves to expand its offerings in other sports.

Features Comparison

DirecTV

DirecTV’s main appeal lies in its broad range of channels, which cater to nearly every type of viewer. Whether you’re into sports, movies, documentaries, or reality TV, DirecTV has something for you. Here’s a quick rundown of what DirecTV offers:

• Channel Selection: DirecTV offers more than 300 channels with a variety of entertainment, sports, news, and local channels. With packages ranging from basic to premium, you get access to local networks like NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX, as well as major cable networks, including CNN, ESPN, AMC, and HBO.

• Sports Coverage: For sports fans, DirecTV offers a vast array of channels like ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV, and regional sports networks. If you’re a fan of live events, the service provides access to some of the best coverage, including major events in football, basketball, baseball, and international sports.

• On-Demand Content: In addition to live TV, DirecTV also offers a wide range of on-demand content, including movies, shows, and documentaries. You can also add premium channels like HBO Max, Showtime, and Starz for an additional cost.

• Cloud DVR: DirecTV offers a cloud DVR feature, allowing you to record live shows and movies for later viewing. The amount of storage and the number of devices you can use to watch your recordings vary depending on the package you choose.

• Multiple Devices: DirecTV is compatible with a range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming boxes, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. The service allows you to watch your favorite shows and sports from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

• Customizable Packages: DirecTV allows you to choose a package that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for basic TV access or want to include premium channels and sports packages, there’s an option for everyone.

DAZN

DAZN, on the other hand, is a more specialized service. Instead of offering a broad array of entertainment channels, DAZN is all about sports. Here are the key features of DAZN:

• Sports Coverage: DAZN covers a wide range of sports, with a special focus on boxing, MMA, and soccer. The service offers live and on-demand coverage of major fights, tournaments, and leagues from around the world. For example, DAZN broadcasts big boxing events such as the Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. fight, as well as exclusive contracts with major promotions like Matchroom Boxing.

• Access to Exclusive Events: One of DAZN’s key selling points is its exclusive coverage of major events. Depending on your region, DAZN offers access to top-tier sports content that may not be available elsewhere. The service is constantly adding new events, which keeps its content fresh and exciting for sports fans.

• On-Demand Sports Content: In addition to live events, DAZN has a robust on-demand library of sports content. This includes replays of past fights, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and sports news.

• Cross-Platform Support: DAZN supports a variety of platforms, including smart TVs, mobile apps, and streaming devices. You can watch content on multiple devices, and the service allows for simultaneous streams on different devices (depending on your plan).

• Affordable Sports Streaming: DAZN’s pricing model is straightforward, with a low monthly subscription fee. The service typically costs less than a traditional cable or satellite package, especially when you only want sports coverage. However, certain high-profile events may still require additional pay-per-view payments.

• Global Availability: DAZN is available in multiple countries, including the U.S., the UK, Canada, Germany, and Japan. The service’s pricing and available content may vary by region, but the overall experience is generally consistent across different markets.

Pricing Comparison

Pricing is a major factor when choosing between DirecTV and DAZN. Both services offer competitive rates, but their pricing models are quite different.

DirecTV Pricing

DirecTV’s pricing structure is more complex than DAZN’s, as it offers a range of packages that cater to different needs and preferences. DirecTV offers satellite TV plans as well as DirecTV Stream, which is the company’s streaming service.

• DirecTV Stream: DirecTV’s streaming service starts at around $69.99 per month for the Entertainment package, which offers 65+ channels, including popular networks like ESPN, CNN, and AMC. The service provides access to live TV and on-demand content with a cloud DVR for recording. There are more expensive packages like Choice, Ultimate, and Premier that offer additional channels, including sports channels, premium content, and more.

• Satellite TV Plans: DirecTV’s traditional satellite TV plans start at $59.99 per month for the Entertainment package, but prices can increase significantly with higher-tier plans. The higher-tier packages offer more channels, including sports networks, HBO, and other premium content.

• Add-Ons: DirecTV also offers a range of add-ons, including premium channels (like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax), sports packages, and regional sports networks. These add-ons can significantly increase your monthly bill.

• Contract Terms: One downside of DirecTV’s pricing is that it often requires long-term contracts (typically 2 years), and there may be early termination fees if you cancel before your contract ends.

DAZN Pricing

DAZN’s pricing is much simpler compared to DirecTV’s. The service offers two main pricing options:

• Monthly Subscription: DAZN’s monthly subscription costs about $24.99 per month. This gives you access to all of DAZN’s content, including live sports events and on-demand replays. However, certain major events may require additional pay-per-view payments.

• Annual Subscription: If you’re looking for a better deal, DAZN also offers an annual subscription that costs $224.99 per year. This works out to about $18.75 per month, which is a significant discount compared to the monthly option.

• Pay-Per-View Events: While DAZN’s subscription gives you access to a wide range of content, certain high-profile events may require an additional pay-per-view purchase. These events can cost anywhere from $60 to $100, depending on the fight or event.

Overall, DAZN’s pricing is considerably cheaper than DirecTV’s, especially if you’re only interested in sports content. However, if you want a wide range of TV channels and entertainment options, DirecTV might be a better option for you, despite its higher cost.

Customer Support Comparison

Customer support is an important consideration when choosing between services. Both DirecTV and DAZN provide customer support, but their reputations and service levels vary.

DirecTV Customer Support

DirecTV has been in business for decades, so it has had time to refine its customer support. However, it has also faced some criticism in recent years.

• Phone and Online Support: DirecTV offers phone support, live chat, and an extensive online knowledge base. Many customers report long wait times when trying to contact support by phone, which can be frustrating.

• Quality of Support: While DirecTV’s customer support staff is generally knowledgeable, some users complain about inconsistent service, including issues with billing, tech support, and installation.

• Billing Issues: DirecTV has received numerous complaints regarding its billing practices, with customers reporting unexpected charges and difficulty canceling services. These issues seem to be more common with traditional satellite TV plans than with DirecTV Stream.

DAZN Customer Support

DAZN’s customer support is generally considered to be efficient, with most inquiries handled via live chat or email. However, like DirecTV, some customers have reported issues with their experience.

• Phone and Online Support: DAZN does not offer phone support, but it provides live chat and email support, which many users find to be helpful. The service has a solid FAQ section and troubleshooting guides for technical issues.

• Quality of Support: DAZN’s customer support is generally well-regarded, but it can vary depending on the region. Some customers have expressed frustration over issues related to streaming quality, content availability, and billing.

• Technical Issues: One common complaint about DAZN is that the streaming quality can sometimes be poor, especially during major events. Some users have reported buffering issues or delays, which can be frustrating, especially during live sports events.

Pros and Cons

DirecTV

Pros:

• Wide variety of channels, including sports, news, entertainment, and local content.
• Offers premium content options like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax.
• Cloud DVR available for most plans.
• Multiple device compatibility, including smart TVs, mobile apps, and streaming boxes.
• Reliable customer support (though some complaints exist).

Cons:

• High pricing, especially for full satellite TV packages.
• Long-term contracts with early termination fees.
• Customer complaints about billing practices and service quality.
• May offer more content than you need if you’re only interested in sports.

DAZN

Pros:

• Affordable pricing, especially if you only want sports content.
• Focused on live sports with a growing library of on-demand content.
• Simple subscription model with an annual discount.
• Supports multiple devices for streaming.
• Generally positive customer reviews.

Cons:

• Limited to sports content, so no entertainment or news channels.
• Pay-per-view fees for major events can add up.
• Streaming quality can be inconsistent at times.
• Not all sports or events are available in all regions.

Conclusion

The choice between DirecTV and DAZN ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a comprehensive TV package with a wide range of channels and content, DirecTV is likely the better choice. It’s ideal for families or people who want everything from sports to entertainment to local news.

However, if you’re a sports enthusiast who primarily wants to watch live events, especially boxing, MMA, and soccer, DAZN is a much more affordable option. It provides access to exclusive sports content at a fraction of the price of traditional TV services like DirecTV.

Both services have their strengths and weaknesses, so your decision should depend on your specific viewing needs, budget, and whether you’re willing to pay more for a broader TV experience or focus on a specialized sports streaming service.

FAQs

Does DirecTV offer a sports-only package?

No, DirecTV provides a broad selection of channels, including sports, entertainment, and news.

Can I cancel DAZN anytime?

Yes, DAZN is a subscription service with no long-term contracts, so you can cancel anytime.

Does DAZN have pay-per-view events?

Yes, some major events require an additional pay-per-view purchase.

Is DirecTV better than DAZN for sports fans?

It depends. DirecTV offers more channels, but DAZN is cheaper and focused on sports.

How does DAZN compare to traditional cable TV?

DAZN is more affordable than traditional cable TV but only offers sports content.