Compare DISH's Satellite TV Packages

Current customers only:
Discontinued plans:

DISH TV carries over 200 channels in crystal clear HD, with about 50 being part-time HD. So, all told, they end up coming in at just about the same number of full-time channels as DIRECTV. Their high def quality is top notch: 1080p, the same you'll get with Blu-Ray and other high resolution technologies. For the last 6 months or so, DISH has been offering HD free for life with nearly every package (including your local channels). It typically costs $10/mo for HD, so it's a deal you definitely want to take full advantage of.

Discontinued plans:

If you'd rather avoid a 2-year contract (which all the plans above require) or don't want to share your personal info for a soft-pull credit check during sign-up, you may want to consider Flex TV. It's DISH's pre-paid option for folks that want a bit more contract and account flexibility. Basically, you purchase your own DISH equipment (receiver + the actual dish for your roof) and pre-pay for the service at the beginning of each month. Of course, the immediate downside is the ~$300 in up-front costs for the equipment, but for some, the extra privacy and flexibility Flex TV affords is well worth it. You can also buy used/refurbished equipment but you'll run a bit of a risk if it breaks down outside a warranty, Either way, once hooked up, plan options and on demand access are identical to the non Flex TV subscriptions.

Local Channels - as long as you're in or close to a metropolitan city (nearly 99% of all residents), DISH will have no problem transmitting every regional channel to you: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, etc. Local channels come free of charge with every package.

Add-on Channel Packs - for anywhere from $4 to $12, you can add specialty add-on packs to your current plan. Each add-on pack is themed to a particular brand of taste and most are quite a good value. We'll be adding each of them here as we profile them: Outdoor Pack

Sports Programming - when it comes to the specialty sports packages (NFL Sunday Ticket, NASCAR HOTPASS, etc), DISH comes in at a close second to DIRECTV. For starters, check out their multi-sport package. If you don't need 24-hour coverage or have to catch every game, DISH has more than enough sports coverage by default. Click here to check out our comparison with DIRECTV.

Adult Programming - as with just about any major TV provider, DISH gives you access to all the top adult channels, both subscription and pay-per-view. Most of the channels are broadcast in 1080p and available 24/7. DISH doesn't print the titles or programming channels in your bill (just the channel number), so they do offer a bit of privacy in that regard.

Premium Movies - who doesn't like a thriller or well-made flick? For new customers, they get free access to some of the top movie channels (HBO, Showtime, etc). Thereafter, it's about $13-16 per month for each movie pack (HBO comes in at the top of the heap at $16/mo and $13/mo each for Cinemax, Showtime and STARZ). If you purchase multiple packages, you tend to get a discounted rate so make sure you inquire.