Satellite TV vs. Cable TV Comparision Chart

Below we have provided a comparison chart that lists the differences between satellite and cable television. Each of these services has its own advantages and disadvantages. In general you get mostly the same programming with each, however there are some subtle differences that could make all the difference depending on your viewing habits. Do you want more HD channels? Is sports programming the most important thing to you? Or are you looking for simple and basic TV that doesn't require any cable box, receiver, DVR, satellite dish or any other equipment? These are all important things to consider when making a decision. Still, for some it won't make much of difference at all. It is in your best interest to look into all options carefully before making a decision. Especially if you decide to go with satellite, since it generally requires a contract.

The process of choosing a television service provider can be quite difficult and confusing and our chart should make things just a bit easier for you. Of course, going with a paid service is not a must, and you could always settle for free over-the-air TV with a digital TV converter box or a newer TV with a built in digital tuner..

*This chart has been updated as of February 2014. All Information Contained Within This Chart Is Deemed Reliable But Not Guaranteed Due To The Ever Changing Nature Of The Television Industry. We will however make every effort to update this chart whenever changes occur.

	Satellite TV	Cable TV
Total Number Of Subscribers	Over 30 million subscribers	40 million subscribers
Signal Technology	100% digital	Analog and digital
Equipment Needed	Satellite dish and receiver	Analog - none, digital - cable box
Start up Costs	All equipment and installation free with a 2 year contact	Free or small activation fee
Contract Options	Contract almost always required - Includes discounted prices for the first year of service	Generally month-to-month with discounted prices for the first 6-12 months
Number of HD Channels	200 full-time HDTV channels	Up to 200 HD channels but generally less than Satellite
Programming Packages	Prices starting at $20 for as little as 55 channels and ranging all the way up to over 285 channels for $92.99 per month (Reg. $129.99)	Prices starting at $30 for as little as 15-20 channels and ranging all the way up to over $100 for 200+ channels.
Pricing Comparison	Lower intro packages and lower on a per channel basis. Higher overall bill if you go with the premium or several add on packages.	Generally more expensive on a per channel basis.
Average Price For 100 Channel Package	$30	$50
Movie Packages	HBO The Works, STARZ Super Pack, Showtime Unlimited, Cinemax	HBO The Works, STARZ, Showtime, Cinemax
Sports Packages	Clear leader in sports program offerings with Sunday NFL Ticket, MLB Extra Innings, NCAA Mega March Madness, NBA League Pass, NHL Center Ice, ESPN Full Court and MLS Direct Kick.	Wide range of various local, regional, and national sports packages. More limited than satellite offerings
Local Channels	Included for free with all packages	Included for free with all packages
Geographical Availability	Available anywhere nationwide via satellite signals	Only available where wiring and infrastructure is already set up
Customer Service Availability	Outsourced. 24 hours per day via email, chat, or phone. 7 days a week. (phone hours limited)	Walk In Stores. 24 hours per day via email, chat, or phone. 7 days a week. (phone hours limited)
Customer Service Rating	Fairly high but limited without the ability to walk into a store meet directly with customer service reps	Rated higher than satellite due to storefronts that provide the ability to meet directly with service reps
Equipment Warranty	Usually 12 months	6-12 months
Special Discounts	Extremely aggressive discounts in the first year for all two year contracts with regular prices for the second year	Often offers an introductory special for 6-12 months then regular price for the rest of the time you have service
Online Streaming Options	Streaming of some live and previously aired programs	Very limited streaming options
DVR Options	Standard and Premium DVR services offered for an additional fee	Standard and Premium DVR services offered for an additional fee
Online Streaming Options	Stream most shows the day after they air along with thousands of on demand programming options.	Thousands of live and on demand options
Cost For Additional Receivers/Digital Box	$5-$7 per month	$5-$10 per month