DISH is a satellite television provider in the United States. DISH sells channel packages delivered by a dish on your roof or wall, a Hopper DVR to record and stream them, and add-ons such as premium movie channels, sports tiers and international programming including DISH Latino.
Signing up well with DISH comes down to three things: picking a package that carries the channels you actually watch, understanding the contract you are agreeing to, and knowing which fees sit outside the headline price.
Picking a DISH package
DISH packages are tiered by channel count. The entry package covers the main entertainment and news channels; the higher tiers add more sports, film and specialist channels. The numbers in DISH package names roughly track how many channels are included.
Start with a list of the five to ten channels your household actually watches, then open the DISH channel lineup for each tier and find the cheapest one that carries all of them. Most households overbuy by one tier because a single channel sits higher up.
Regional sports networks are the usual sticking point. Check whether your local team's network is carried by DISH in your area before signing, since availability can change with carriage disputes.
The Hopper and extra rooms
The Hopper is the DISH whole-home DVR. It records several channels at once, stores many hours of programming and serves smaller receivers in other rooms. The Joey receivers connect back to the Hopper, so each extra TV needs a Joey rather than a second full DVR.
DISH usually charges a monthly equipment fee for the Hopper and each Joey. Count your TVs honestly; a Joey on a spare-room set that is rarely used still adds a monthly charge for the life of the contract.
The DISH Anywhere app lets you watch live and recorded programming on phones and tablets. It is included with a Hopper, which is a reason to prefer one if you watch away from home.
Contracts and the price guarantee
DISH has typically offered its best prices with a two-year agreement and a price guarantee that locks the package price for that period. Read what the guarantee covers: it usually applies to the base package, not to equipment fees, add-ons or taxes.
Leaving before the agreement ends generally triggers an early termination fee that reduces month by month. If you may move or cancel within two years, ask DISH about the current terms and weigh a no-contract option if one is offered in your area.
Note the date the promotional period ends. When it does, DISH bills at the then-current rate, and a quick call before that date is often the best moment to negotiate.
Fees to check before signing
Beyond the package price, a DISH bill can include equipment fees for each receiver, a regional sports fee in some markets, taxes and any premium channels added during the promotion. Ask DISH for the full monthly figure including all of these.
Standard professional installation has usually been included with a new DISH account. Extra work, such as a difficult mounting position or additional wiring, may cost more. A clear line of sight to the southern sky is needed, so renters should check with their landlord before booking.
Satellite or streaming
DISH is best where broadband is slow or unreliable, since satellite needs no internet connection for live channels. Rural households are the classic DISH customer for that reason.
If you already have fast broadband, compare DISH with a streaming TV service before committing. Streaming services usually have no contract and no installation, though they depend on your connection during big games. Weather can briefly interrupt a DISH signal in heavy rain or snow, so neither option is perfect.
Price the two over two full years, including DISH equipment fees, rather than comparing the first month.
Where the DISH savings are
The $50 code is the simplest DISH saving: a fixed credit on a new account. On a lower package it can be worth more than a percentage, so compare it with the 10% code over the first few months of bills.
The 10% code suits a larger package with add-ons, where a percentage of a higher monthly bill adds up faster. Check whether it applies to the whole bill or only the package price, as DISH promotions often exclude equipment fees and taxes.
The three-months-free offer typically relates to a premium add-on or service period rather than the whole bill. Read the terms, and set a reminder to cancel the add-on before it starts charging if you do not want to keep it.
DISH offers are generally for new customers and do not stack with each other. Pick one, and ask whether any current DISH switching promotion beats it for your address.
Common questions
Does DISH require a contract?
The best DISH prices usually come with a two-year agreement. Ask about current no-contract options before signing.
How many Joeys do I need with DISH?
One for each additional TV you want DISH on. Each adds a monthly fee, so skip rarely used sets.
Can I get my local sports on DISH?
It depends on your area. Check the DISH lineup for your zip code before signing.
Do DISH codes work for existing customers?
Most are for new accounts. Existing DISH customers do better calling to negotiate near the end of a promotion.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| $10 off | Promo code | View at Dish → |
| 24 Months Free | Promo code | View at Dish → |
| 12% off | Promo code | View at Dish → |
| Free 12 Monthly | Promo code | View at Dish → |
