The answer hinges on whether you're considering cost or value. DIRECTV's basic plan is priced at $64.99 per month, offering between 75 to 165 channels. The number of channels varies based on whether you choose to stream online (75 channels) or opt for the satellite dish option. On the other hand, DISH's plans begin at $79.99/month, but they guarantee this price for three years. Both providers impose additional fees for equipment rental, optional premium channel packages, and other transactional charges. Your choice might be influenced by the specific channels you're after and whether they're part of the standard package or come with extra costs. While DISH mandates a satellite dish connection, DIRECTV offers flexibility: you can either use a satellite dish or stream content online. It appears that DISH is primarily competing against traditional cable services, whereas DIRECTV is branching out to rival streaming TV services like YouTube TV.