You get a better value when you switch from cable to DISH.
| COMPARE | 240+ CHANNEL TV PACKAGE | HD DVR | HD SERVICE | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $79.99/mo | FREE Hopper Smart DVR Upgrade | HD FREE FOR LIFE | $79.99/mo | |
 | $84.99/mo | $16.95/mo | $26.95/mo | $128.89/mo | Compare |
 | $89.99/mo | $11.25/mo (per DVR) | $12.90/mo (per DVR) | $114.23/mo | Compare |
Cable and DISH satellite TV are two of the most popular ways to watch television. When you compare DISH vs. cable TV you will notice some very obvious differences. Cable companies have been slow to adapt to the wants and needs of the customer whether its a lack of package options, constant rate hikes, or sub-par technology. Satellite TV, notably DISH Network, has continued to innovate by introducing smart remotes, DISH Anywhere, a DVR with 2,000 hours of recording capability, skinny bundles called Flex Pack, and more. We will break down and take an in depth look into these differences.
Cable and DISH satellite TV two different ways to watch popular television channels like HBO, Comedy Central, and ESPN. Both deliver television programming but that is where the similarities end. They have different pricing, technology, and availability but similar channel selection. Here is a comparison of services generally provided by cable and satellite companies.
Who wins in the battle of DISH vs CABLE? You do when you choose DISH.
| PROVIDER | DISH Network | Cable TV (Comcast, Spectrum, Sudden Link, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Satellite television delivers programming via communications satellites and is received by an outdoor antenna, usually a parabolic reflector called a satellite dish. | Cable television delivers television programs to subscribers via radio frequency signals transmitted through coaxial cables or light pulses through fiber-optic cables. |
| Equipment | Hopper3 DVR, Joey, Wally | Cable box and remote |
| Installation | Guaranteed 75-minute time frame | Visit from technician to install the junction box into your home |
| Availability | Anywhere in the US with view of Southern sky | Only in areas close to network providers (usually unavailable in remote or rural areas) |
| Contract | Generally 2 or 2 years | Month to month |
| Bundled Services | TV, Phone, and Internet bundles available | Readily available |
| Cost | Plans starting at $39.99 | Around $65 per month for non-HD, or $70 for HD |
DISH is a better value than cable television.
Cable companies do not guarantee your price but DISH has a 2-year price lock guarantee. For the same amount of money, cable generally has provides fewer channel options than satellite. Most cable providers allow you to pay month-to-month compared to DISH which requires a 2-year contract. However, both services allow you to bundle Internet and home phone.
Cable TV relies on a network of underground fiber optic cables. DISH relies on a satellite dish in the Earth’s orbit transmitting to a dish mounted on your home. With our comparison below, you can start to see the difference between cable and satellite TV providers, and how those differences will determine the price you pay. The main differences to compare are installation, cost, channel selection, availability, and reliability, and technology.
DISH consistently outranks cable and other pay-TV providers in customer service. DISH has surpassed cable in customer satisfaction 12 years in a row, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index. And as one of the few providers with live 24/7 support, DISH is always on-hand to answer questions or make a quick programming change.
Cable TV and satellite TV installations are very different. Cable is easy to install but can be time consuming. Installation times for cable can range dramatically because cable companies pick a wide time frame to show up for the appointment.
DISH has same or next installation in most cases and they guarantee a 75-minute time frame. Additionally, through the new DISH My Tech app, you can view your installers location and track their progress.
Cable providers generally have fewer package options than satellite. DISH carries local channels, regional sports networks, premium movie channels, music stations, and more. Cable companies do not allow you to customize your channel lineup but DISH does with the Flex Pack. DISH also offers more HD channels and more International programming than any other provider.
DISH Anywhere iPad AppDISH bundle packages give you the web at speeds up to 15mbps – faster than DSL and available in more places than cable.
With DISH you can watch movies, stream video, listen to music, send emails, and connect with family and friends quicker than ever. And with several plans to choose from, you can stay connected without breaking the bank.
Stop waiting for webpages to load or dealing with stuttering YouTube videos. A better online experience is waiting – get a DISH Network Internet bundle and start saving today!
With both satellite and cable TV service providers, you will usually have to pay a monthly fee for the DVR even though the DVR itself is included at no extra cost. Cable DVRs are not as good as DISH’s Hopper3.
This superior DVR can store up to 2,000 hours of your favorite programming; skip commercials; has Netflix and Sling TV integration; Bluetooth capability; 4K ready; and smart remotes. DISH Anywhere also allows you to watch on the go on devices such as smart phones and tablets.
When you compare cable television providers vs. DISH Network, cable loses. Satellite TV gives you more bang for your buck. You get more channels for the same price and you get to customize your programming more than cable. Cable cannot compete with the Hopper3 DVR technology. Cable service does not compare to DISH’s sports packages and channel lineups. Cable is not available everywhere and is more expensive. The picture and audio quality are sub-par compared to satellite.If you’re looking for the best value in entertainment, you’ve come to the right place. In a DISH vs cable comparison, DISH prevails in every category: price, features, technology and customer satisfaction.
