Spectrum vs. DISH

Spectrum TV® offers cable TV, internet, and home phone service to various regions in the US. DISH covers 99% of the US with satellite TV service, although you’ll have to go to a different provider if you want to add an internet plan. Each provider has its individual charms, which we’ll explain in this article. But for now, if you want a quick and easy recommendation:

If TV is your top priority and you’re not interested in bundling, DISH is a great pick. If you just want a stellar channel lineup—and the freedom to leave whenever you want—go with Spectrum.

Spectrum vs. DISH pros and cons

Jump to:

• Deals and promotions
• Compare Spectrum vs. DISH head-to-head
• Plans and pricing
• Specs and features

Compare Spectrum and DISH head-to-head

Data effective as of post date. Not all offers available in all areas.
* for 12 mos. See full disclaimer for details.
** All offers require 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay.

Spectrum TV^® has fewer channels than many other providers, but still includes nearly all of the most popular channels, and they’re all in HD for no extra cost. And, even better, Spectrum also offers high-speed internet and home phone service, has no contracts. And, if you’re switching providers, Spectrum will pay up to $500 to get you out of your contract when you bundle with its Internet plans. Unfortunately, Spectrum’s service area is limited, and its DVR options are confusing.

DISH has far wider availability (you can get it almost anywhere), more channels, and the powerful Hopper 3 DVR. But the packages are more expensive, with fewer included premiums than Spectrum, and you’ll have to sign a two-year contract. Fortunately, DISH guarantees your price won’t change for three years, and it’s ultimately a solid value.

Spectrum and DISH deals and promotions

Both Spectrum and DISH offer plenty of deals for new customers. Check out our Spectrum deals and DISH deals pages for the latest deals, or head over to our monthly updated TV deals page for the best deals from all TV providers.

Packages and pricing

Spectrum packages and pricing

Data effective as of publish date. Availability varies by location. See full disclaimer.

Spectrum’s prices are a bit lower than DISH’s, although it comes with a lower channel count. But there’s no contract to sign, and therefore no early termination fee to worry about if you decide to jump ship.

If you’re worried about the slim look of Spectrum’s TV Select Signature plan, don’t worry—you can bulk that baby up with à la carte premium channels and entertainment or sports packages at a reasonable price. We like the customizability this option offers.

DISH packages and pricing

Data effective as of post date. Not all offers available in all areas.
* Flex Pack and America’s Everything Pack are for existing customers only.
** All offers require 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay.

DISH offers packages at very reasonable prices. Even the top-tier package, America’s Top 250™, costs you only $119.99/mo. and gets you 290+ channels.

As for the best deal, we like America’s Top 200™, which offers 240+ channels for $109.99/mo.. It strikes the best balance between affordability and channel count.

DISH does better than Spectrum in the channel selection department, with over 290 to choose from. There aren’t any major channels missing from the DISH channel lineup either, which is great. DISH also offers plenty of premium channels and packages to choose from, including HBO Max™ and Paramount+ Essential®. For the most part, we’d say you get your money’s worth with DISH.

Equipment

Heads up here—Spectrum’s DVR is really bare-bones. It might get the job done if you’re a light user, but anyone who watches more than a few hours of TV a week is probably going to get frustrated with it.

Fortunately, you can bring your own DVR to use with Spectrum service. We recommend the TiVo DVR, but there are others out there. Check out our list of the best DVRs on the market for some ideas.

Mobile Viewing Apps

Mobile apps are an important part of the TV experience these days, and DISH really takes that to heart. While both apps get the job done, and Spectrum’s offering includes a handy remote-control feature, the DISH mobile app provides a nicer experience for the user. (Just look at the difference in ratings!) The interface is clean and the essential features are all there. If mobile viewing is important to you, you may want to give DISH a good look.

Is Spectrum or DISH more worth it?

Choose Spectrum for the affordable packages with free premium channels and HD, the freedom of no-contract plans, and bundles with TV, internet, and home phone service.

Choose DISH for wide availability, affordable TV-only packages with a three-year price guarantee, and a great DVR.

Disclaimer

*Spectrum cable TV: Price and surcharges subject to change. Streaming apps included in qualifying Spectrum TV plans for residential customers only. TV equipment may be required, charges apply. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Spectrum streaming TV: Price subject to change. Spectrum Internet required. Channel availability based on level of service and not all channels available in all markets or locations. Additional equipment may be required to access PEG channels. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. 

Spectrum vs. DISH FAQ

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Our TV experts routinely research and test TV providers like Spectrum and DISH, logging hunders of hours along the way. We compare each service based on plans, pricing, equipment, features, and functionality, then pass our findings on to our readers to help inform their search for TV service. For more on how we do things, see our How We Rank page.