Side-by-side Comparison of DISH’s Top Plans
Last updated on April 25th, 2023 by George Levint
If you’ve decided to go with DISH Network but aren’t quite sure on which package to choose, we’ve created a side-by-side table to help you quickly compare the most important factors. Keep in mind DISH lets you change plans anytime (even days into your new service), so if you end up with a plan that’s not a great fit, simply call ’em up and they’ll update your programming, usually within minutes. They’ll also prorate the charges on your next bill (so you don’t pay for unused programming) and unlike most phone and cable companies, won’t hit you with hidden downgrading fees.
Note: the rates/specs below reflect the current promos, so expect them to change every few months. If you spot a plan that covers all your needs and you’re ready to switch, it’s usually in your best interest to lock it in before the terms change (it’s difficult to predict whether the next special will result in a better overall value for your package of interest).
Promo Price
(for 24 mths)
$29.99 – $95.99 /mo
$79.99 /mo
$99.99 /mo
$109.99 /mo
$164.99 /mo
Regular Price
(after promo expires)
same
same
same
same
same
Total Channels
(minimum)
50 – 115
190+
200+
290+
320+
Local Channels
locals are 1 of 8 add’l packs
add for $12/mo
add for $12/mo
add for $12/mo
add for $12/mo
Free Professional Installation
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Free Hopper upgrade
($5/mo fee)
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Free HD
(for life)
yes
yes
yes
yes
yes
Free Movies
(Showtime & Starz)
3 mths
3 mths
3 mths
3 mths
3 mths
3 mths
3 mths
3 mths
3 mths
3 mths
Our Rating
(value vs. cost)
86/100
92/100
89/100
85/100
82/100
FAQ
If you're not sure during sign-up, go with the lower plan. You can upgrade (or downgrade) at any time during your subscription -- changes usually kick in right away.
In most cases, no. DISH's price-locked plans make figuring out your bill super easy. No price hikes in the second year and that usually carries over for subsequent years.
The bulk of the score comes from a combination of plan price/channels (music channels excluded), value of new channels in that plan and the user feedback we've received over the years for each of DISH's plans.
If you have 2 TVs or less, you'll likely be assigned the Hopper Duo. It's essentially the same DVR with slightly inferior hardware to accommodate for fewer TVs. The regular 2 Tb Hopper is offered to setups of 3 or more TVs.
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