Looking to elevate your TV experience beyond the basics? Moving from WOW TV to DIRECTV means unlocking a significantly broader channel selection. DirecTV offers a comprehensive lineup that spans national sports networks like ESPN and NFL Network, premium movie channels such as HBO® and SHOWTIME®, and unmatched access to international content and children's programming.
WOW TV, while reliable for local and regional broadcasting, lacks the breadth of specialty options that cater to diverse tastes. DIRECTV fills that gap with an entertainment portfolio that’s built to satisfy everything from daily news consumption to binge-worthy drama series.
What’s your viewing style—sports fanatic, global news follower, or someone who wants it all? With DIRECTV, the choice is no longer limited.
DIRECTV structures its offerings through four main packages, each designed to align with different viewer preferences and budget levels. Here’s a breakdown of their base monthly pricing without promotional discounts:
WOW TV simplifies its television services into two primary tiers: Basic and Expanded. Pricing for these tiers varies by region but typically remains under the $60/month range for most markets. For instance, the Basic plan often starts near $30/month, whereas the Expanded package ranges from $50 to $70/month depending on local channel availability.
DIRECTV frequently introduces 12-month promotional pricing, which can lower the monthly cost by $20–$30 depending on the selected tier. For example, under promotional rates:
These promotional prices usually revert to the standard rate starting in the second year of service. WOW TV also offers discounts for bundling TV and internet but typically does not apply multi-year promotional pricing structures.
DIRECTV delivers significantly more channels and premium add-ons, especially in higher-tier packages, which aligns with households demanding extensive programming variety. On the other hand, WOW TV appeals to price-sensitive users seeking basic cable service with local networks and cable staples, but fewer niche or high-end channel options.
DIRECTV includes professional installation with its satellite service at no extra charge. A certified technician will visit your home to mount the satellite dish, run required cables, and activate the receiver. This process typically takes between two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the layout and the number of TVs being connected.
If you prefer not to install a satellite dish, DIRECTV STREAM operates over the internet and offers a self-guided setup without the need for physical installation. Simply plug in the streaming device (or access the app on your preferred platform), log in with your credentials, and begin watching.
WOW TV, being a cable-based service, generally doesn’t require as complex a setup. In many cases, customers receive a self-installation kit containing the coaxial cables, receiver, and setup instructions. This method gives some flexibility with timing, though contactless setups can present technical challenges for less tech-savvy users.
In other instances—especially for first-time customers—a technician may be scheduled for a visit. Unlike DIRECTV, some WOW installations might carry a one-time activation fee depending on the region and whether new wiring is required.
DIRECTV includes installation as part of your service commitment—there’s no added fee for standard installs. However, non-standard setups, such as requiring roof access or long cable runs, may prompt added costs. For DIRECTV STREAM, there are no installation charges whatsoever.
Wow TV may charge activation or technician fees based on your existing infrastructure. In some regions, these can range from $10 to $50 depending on the extent of the installation effort needed.
DIRECTV requires a 24-month agreement for its satellite service, locking customers into a two-year commitment. This contract structure applies to most promotions and packages, excluding their streaming-only option, DIRECTV STREAM, which runs on a month-to-month basis without long-term obligations.
The two-year agreement includes a standard pricing structure: promotional pricing in year one, followed by a higher regular rate beginning in year two. For example, the ENTERTAINMENT package often starts at a lower introductory rate, then increases by around $35 per month in the second year. When compared to month-to-month providers, this pricing model benefits long-term planners looking for stability but requires awareness of long-term costs.
Many WOW TV packages operate without long-term contracts. Customers can typically cancel service at any time without facing a financial penalty, depending on their promotional terms. This flexibility appeals to subscribers who prefer minimal commitment or frequently move between services.
DIRECTV enforces early termination fees (ETFs) for customers who cancel before their contract ends. As of 2024, the fee stands at $20 per month remaining on the agreement. So, canceling with 10 months left would incur a $200 charge. This fee is prorated and deducted per remaining month. DIRECTV states these fees clearly during service activation.
In contrast, WOW TV’s no-contract structure generally eliminates ETFs entirely. In cases where a promotional discount required a short-term agreement, the company may charge a final bill adjustment but not a formal ETF. The absence of long-term penalties allows more easy cancellations for temporary users.
Want to avoid surprises? Review the fine print in offer breakdowns for both providers before committing. Contracts, especially multi-year ones, define how flexible your service will be — and how expensive it could become if you change providers too soon.
The Genie HD DVR from DIRECTV delivers a level of performance that WOW TV’s DVR system does not approach. Genie allows users to record up to five shows at once—a significant leap over the two-stream recording limit typically offered by WOW’s DVR boxes. With 200+ hours of HD storage capacity, DIRECTV covers the demands of households with diverse viewing preferences. Whether managing a backlog of recorded movies or catching all episodes of a TV season, the Genie won’t run out of room for your content.
DIRECTV’s hardware ecosystem connects seamlessly with additional receivers like Genie Minis, supporting whole-home viewing without cluttering each room with full DVR units. One central DVR can serve multiple TVs, eliminating redundant equipment and keeping storage consolidated.
In contrast, WOW TV's setup usually requires separate boxes for each room. These units often lack the ability to share recorded content between locations, limiting accessibility and user convenience.
DIRECTV’s Genie system supports voice-enabled remotes that integrate with Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing users to search, record, change channels, and even launch apps using spoken commands. The remotes are ergonomically designed, backlit for nighttime use, and responsive to quick inputs.
WOW TV remotes offer standard navigation but lack native voice-command functionality or smart assistant integration. For tech-savvy households accustomed to fluid cross-device control, this gap becomes noticeable quickly.
With the DIRECTV app, users can access recorded shows, schedule new recordings remotely, and stream live TV or on-demand content directly from their mobile devices. The Genie DVR syncs seamlessly with the app, ensuring on-the-go access to both live and stored programming.
WOW TV's app experience offers basic live TV functionality but provides limited interaction with DVR content. Remote scheduling options are minimal, and the platform struggles with consistency between devices.
The gap in hardware capabilities becomes obvious once usage scales beyond a single viewer. For households managing varied tastes, multiple rooms, and frequent recordings, DIRECTV’s equipment infrastructure delivers the power and flexibility WOW TV cannot match.
DIRECTV consistently earns higher marks in customer satisfaction compared to WOW TV. In the 2023 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), DIRECTV scored 66 out of 100 in the Pay-TV segment. While not industry-leading, this rank placed DIRECTV above providers like Spectrum (62), Cox (60), and WOW! (which received one of the lowest scores—55). These numbers don’t just represent abstract ratings; they translate to everyday experiences: faster assistance, smoother resolutions, and fewer dropped support cases.
One major difference becomes apparent immediately after placing a service call. DIRECTV operates a national 24/7 customer support model with no variation in service level based on geography. Whether someone’s located in Montana or New York, the access point remains consistent—phone, app, or online chat. WOW TV, on the other hand, provides only regional customer service. That means call centers operate during business hours specific to individual markets, and technician availability can vary significantly by ZIP code.
DIRECTV typically establishes technician appointments within 48 to 72 hours, depending on location and urgency. The company also offers real-time ETA tracking via the MyDIRECTV app. Independent audits by JD Power indicate that DIRECTV averages a hold time of under 5 minutes for live representative contact—well below the national average of 12 minutes for the pay-TV industry.
WOW TV, while functional, faces capacity constraints in many of its regional offices. Customer reports on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and Reddit frequently mention delays of up to 5 business days to schedule a technician, especially during peak move-in seasons.
DIRECTV deploys a fully integrated live chat experience on its website and within its mobile app. This system uses AI to handle fast FAQs, but escalates to human agents almost instantly during account-specific queries. Concurrent chat volume capacity allows for multiple open support sessions without crashing the platform.
WOW TV also offers a chat bot feature; however, it lacks the integrated escalation path that allows direct handoff to a human agent. As a result, many users end up abandoning the automated process and calling instead—a step backward in digital service flow efficiency.
DIRECTV STREAM delivers live TV and on-demand entertainment through internet connection alone — no dish, no technician visit, no delay. This setup works across smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Fire Stick, laptops, and tablets. Switching from WOW TV to DIRECTV eliminates hardware dependencies and widens device compatibility.
With DIRECTV STREAM, users can scroll through tens of thousands of on-demand titles across genres — from popular series to recent blockbuster films. New episodes from top networks often appear within 24 hours of airing. WOW TV's on-demand library, by comparison, features limited network programming and fewer movie releases.
The DIRECTV STREAM app supports pause, rewind, and fast-forward on live channels — functionality that isn't consistently available via WOW TV's streaming platform.
DIRECTV integrates Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and more directly into its guide. Users see both live TV and recommended shows from those subscriptions in one interface. This eliminates the need to toggle between multiple apps. WOW TV does not offer this level of third-party content integration.
DIRECTV simply makes it easier to find and watch originals on Max or Netflix without switching remotes, navigating separate apps, or logging into different services. It's a centralized approach that streamlines the viewing experience.
Subscribers using DIRECTV STREAM can also stream simultaneously on multiple devices. This feature supports large households or users who juggle multiple shows across screens, unlike WOW TV’s more restrictive streaming policy.
Fans who live and breathe sports will find DIRECTV’s lineup far more tailored to their needs than WOW TV’s offering. DIRECTV provides exclusive access to NFL Sunday Ticket (available in select areas), which offers every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game. No other provider delivers this level of NFL coverage. On top of that, subscribers can add NBA League Pass, MLB Extra Innings, and NHL Center Ice — offering a nationwide view of their favorite leagues in high definition.
Beyond the league packages, DIRECTV includes a built-in arsenal of national and regional sports networks. Channels like ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports Network, Big Ten Network, and SEC Network come standard in many of its packages. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) vary by ZIP code, but DIRECTV maintains coverage in nearly every major market, ensuring fans can follow their hometown teams.
DIRECTV doesn't just cater to the paint-striped crowd. Movie and drama lovers can subscribe to top-tier entertainment through HBO, Cinemax, SHOWTIME, and STARZ. These are available either à la carte or bundled in promotional packages, especially for first-time customers.
WOW TV struggles to compete when it comes to breadth and depth of programming. While customers do get access to a few national sports networks and some regional coverage, the absence of packages like NFL Sunday Ticket or NBA League Pass limits options. Depending on the market, RSNs may be unavailable entirely, and premium movie networks require add-ons that are not deeply integrated into entry-tier plans.
If the answer is yes, DIRECTV offers a package ecosystem that's clearly built for viewers who prioritize quality, variety, and access — particularly in the realm of live sports and exclusive entertainment.
Pairing DIRECTV with AT&T Internet delivers a streamlined experience for homes that demand speed, consistency, and the ability to multitask across devices. AT&T Fiber offers speeds up to 5 Gbps in select areas, ideal for 4K streaming, online gaming, and multiple connected users. Unlike traditional DSL or cable connections, fiber-optic technology reduces latency and boosts upload speeds significantly—up to 880 Mbps with the Internet 1000 plan.
Bundles with DIRECTV include unified billing, simplified service management, and access to the myAT&T app. This integration makes tracking usage or changing plans almost frictionless. For households already using AT&T for wireless service, combining DIRECTV adds eligibility for extra discounts and unlimited data features.
While WOW does offer bundling options with its TV service, the internet performance is less predictable. In optimal coverage zones, cable internet speeds can reach up to 1 Gbps. However, service quality varies by location, and some regions still rely on legacy infrastructure. Upload speeds often cap around 50 Mbps, which may affect cloud backups or real-time video conferencing.
Data usage policies also differ. WOW includes a data cap—typically 1.5 TB per month—across many plans. Exceeding this limit triggers overage charges, unlike AT&T Fiber, which offers unlimited data on its higher-tier plans.
Think about your online habits. Streaming multiple 4K videos? Video-calling during work hours? Hosting a household filled with gamers and remote workers? The AT&T Internet + DIRECTV package meets high-demand scenarios with headroom to spare. WOW can suffice for casual users or smaller homes, but spikes in usage may push it to its limits.
The moment you power on DIRECTV, the interface responds instantly—no lag, no guessing. The on-screen guide presents channels with high-resolution graphics, real-time thumbnails, and customizable filters. You can sort by genre, hour, or even content popularity. Search functionality goes beyond basic queries; inputting just a few letters brings up accurate content matches, whether you're looking for live sports or a documentary aired days ago.
In contrast, WOW TV's interface shows its age. Users often report slower response times between remote inputs and on-screen reactions. Navigating through menus can feel clunky, with delays when opening guides or jumping between apps. For those accustomed to smartphone-speed performance, this type of lag disrupts the experience.
DIRECTV remotes feature voice command integration via Google Assistant. Holding down a dedicated button allows instant search by keyword, actor, or show title. Say “Find college football games this weekend” or “Record This Is Us,” and the system executes the action immediately. Buttons are backlit for low-light environments, laid out with thoughtful ergonomics suited to one-handed use.
WOW TV remotes serve their core purpose—channel selection, volume, basic DVR. However, the lack of voice input, fewer shortcut keys, and traditional button layout reflect dated technology. Adjusting DVR settings or switching inputs may require multiple steps with minimal visual guidance.
DIRECTV’s user experience was built to support users across all levels of tech familiarity. Seniors benefit from text magnification and color contrast options. Children can navigate kid-friendly dashboards curated by age-appropriate content filters. For tech-averse users, instructional prompts appear throughout menus to guide setup and usage—eliminating confusion from the start.
WOW TV does not currently offer this same level of adaptive support. Its menus maintain one-size-fits-all formatting, and accessibility tools such as screen readers or spoken menu options tend to be limited or hidden deep within settings menus.
If you’ve ever spent five minutes scrolling aimlessly to find a show, that friction disappears with DIRECTV. The UI doesn't just look modern—it works smarter. And for households with multiple users, the system adapts quickly, learning preferences to make ongoing suggestions feel personalized and relevant.
The decision to switch TV provider shouldn't be based on one feature alone—it depends on how well the service delivers across content variety, sports access, streaming compatibility, and internet bundling. DIRECTV outpaces WOW TV in several of these high-value areas, offering broader entertainment options tailored for modern households.
Families who crave a broader mix of family channels, educational content, and parental control features will notice the upgrade immediately. Sports fanatics—especially NFL followers—gain access to programming unavailable on WOW TV. And streamers who value seamless access to content across screens find DIRECTV’s supported devices and features well-aligned with their habits.
If you're among the many current subscribers considering a switch from WOW TV, now’s the time to compare DIRECTV DEALS. Promotions change frequently, and there are often incentives like free premium channels, reduced equipment fees, or gift card bonuses for new customers.
Looking for the best WOW TV alternatives? Weigh the content breadth, tech features, and bundling offers from DIRECTV. Use this moment to rethink how you watch, stream, and connect at home. Every household has different media priorities—DIRECTV just fits more of them into one solution.
Ready to upgrade your TV and internet experience? Check out DIRECTV’s latest offers and find the right bundle for your home today!
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