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DISH Network Review
With all of the TV providers available today, and it can be tough to make a choice. One option with wide availability is DISH. As a satellite TV service provider, DISH is available in some remote and rural locales that other providers don’t typically serve.
Learning who DISH TV is for, some key considerations, what other people say about DISH, and how DISH compares to other TV providers can help you select a plan that meets your needs. We’ve compiled all of this information to help guide your decision.
- Who is DISH Network for?
- Key considerations
- What others say about DISH Network
- How does DISH Network compare to other providers?
Who is DISH Network for?
DISH Network TV is a popular choice for movie and TV lovers who want lots of channels. The service also includes a digital video recorder (DVR) that can save hundreds of hours of programming, so you can watch what you want to when you want to.
If you sign up for DISH, you should know that a 24-month contract is required for new subscribers. Prices stay fixed during this time, but you may need to pay a termination fee if you want to cancel early. Installation is free, and you can get free movie rentals and upgrades if you’re an active military member, veteran, health care professional, or teacher. People over 55 years old get free service visits and identity theft protection.
DISH offers three TV packages, and prices range from $69.99 to $104.99/month. The number of channels starts at 190, and each plan offers a wide variety of choices. Every package includes local channels and you can customize each plan with a number of premium channels.
Key considerations
Knowing the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about DISH Network can help you pick a plan that suits you.
What TV packages are available?
The America’s Top 120 package includes 190 channels and costs $69.99/month. It has ESPN, the Disney Channel, CMT, E!, and over 28,000 on-demand titles. The America’s Top 200 package offers over 200 channels, including MLB Network, NBA Network, Hallmark, and Sundance, for $94.99/month. With America’s Top 250, you’ll also get Turner Classic Movies, Encore, STARZ channels, The Movie Channel, Smithsonian, Nicktoons, Bloomberg, Great American Country, and many more for $104.99/month.
What channels can customers add?
You can add a variety channels to any package. Options include HBO Max, Cinemax, Epix, a Latino bonus pack, and more.
How reliable is DISH?
DISH Network is satellite TV, so it’s very reliable. While service interruptions can happen in bad weather, they’re rare. Satellite TV service also works well in rural or remote areas that cable TV providers typically can’t reach.
Does DISH offer streaming?
With DISH Anywhere, viewers can stream thousands of hours of content, including everything saved on their DVRs, to their devices whenever and wherever they have internet access. The DISH Hopper receiver and DVR can record up to 2,000 hours.
What other features does DISH offer?
With DISH TV service, subscribers also receive a remote finder and multi-view feature that lets you watch up to four shows at once in high definition. You’ll get parental controls and the ability to use wireless or Bluetooth speakers or headphones. What’s more, you can add a voice-activated remote that works with Google Assistant or DISH Outdoors, along with a portable satellite TV antenna that lets you watch TV from anywhere.
Are there any discounts if I bundle with internet service?
If you also get your internet service from DISH, you may be able to get a discount. Prices vary depending on your location and the packages you choose.
What others say about DISH Network
In the 2021 U.S. Residential Television Service Provider Satisfaction Study, J.D. Power & Associates gave DISH a customer satisfaction score of 751 on a scale of 1,000, the highest rating in the United States on average. “Residential Television Service” includes satellite, streaming, cable, and every other form of television service.
According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, DISH Network received a satisfaction rating of 66 out of 100, which placed it third among subscription TV providers.
A review in PCMag had high praise for Dish Network’s latest Hopper 3 DVR. It offers 16 individual tuners and lets viewers watch four high-definition (HD) channels at once.
How does DISH Network compare to other providers?
DISH offers a wide variety of channels. The company is an excellent value, but it’s not always the least expensive option and you may find shorter contracts or no contracts with cable providers like Xfinity or streaming services. DIRECTV is DISH’s biggest satellite competitor, and in an apples-to-apples comparison DISH offers more channels for lower prices.
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our TV service page. Prices as of 5/5/22.
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Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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