DirecTV Vs. Comcast Prices

Those looking at Comcast TV services can choose from one of three available plans. The first is Digital Starter. This package costs $65 per month. Subscribers get more than 80 digital channels, 45 music channels, local channels, on-screen guide and access to Comcast's On Demand service. Digital Preferred is Comcast's second and final digital cable package, charged at $83 per month. This plan includes more than 100 digital channels. It also includes all other features of the Starter package. Comcast also offers a Basic Cable package for $16. This plan provides local and basic programming only.

You may also be considering DirecTV, Verizon's satellite TV provider. In order to qualify for the prices listed, you must agree to two years of service. DirecTV provides service through one of four packages. Get more than 210 channels through its Choice Xtra plan at $38 per month. Choice Xtra + DVR includes a DVR unit with all the features of Choice Xtra at $45. More than 225 channels, with more than 50 in HD, are available with the Choice Ultimate + HD + DVR plan charged at $65. Get all of Ultimate's channels plus all premium move channels with the Premier package at $86.

In terms of price taken by itself, Comcast offers the cheapest option. Its Basic Plan costs $16 per month, less than half of DirecTV's cheapest option at $38. Taking channels into account, DirecTV offers cheaper overall service. You can get more than 210 channels for $38, versus 125 channels with Digital Starter if you add together both cable and music content. With DirecTV you get more than 85 additional channels for $27 less than Comcast's Digital Starter package.

In terms of channels and content available per dollar, then DirecTV wins this contest. This is without taking into account Comcast's On Demand service. If you want that service and like the content offered, then the premium you pay for that content may be worth it to you. Both services are also available in bundles, so if you want telephone or Internet service as well, you should compare those bundles to see which offers a better deal.